tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50299312557443029712024-02-19T11:42:03.617-05:00SM EditorialJoin me as I chronicle my days as a city girl turned small town mountain dweller. Find everything from home and styling DIY's to recipes I attempt. Walk with me in my life of faith and how I learn to live on a meager budget.Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-41786669293412417472014-05-27T09:53:00.002-04:002014-05-27T09:53:55.443-04:00Stuck in a Rut as an At-home MomThis is is a bit of an impromptu blog post. There are no fancy pictures for it, nor will there be any post etiquette, which I often try to portray in my blog posts. It is as raw as it will get here. The fact is I have been feeling inadequate in society. I decided to sit and blog about it because surely I'm not the only mother with these same feelings. And if there is one thing I know about this community is that there is always encouragement to be found. Not just for me, but for those dealing as well. <div>
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For ten years I have been an at-home mom. I know nothing else. Well, my littlest one is going into school next fall, and then what? </div>
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I know the bible says<i> in the world, not of the world</i> (Romans 12:2), but that is easier said than done, is it not? I am a single mother of three, with this mounting to pressure to achieve certain family goals. I keep wondering, What's next for me? Where do I go from here? There is this "need," this pressure to move out of my apartment and into a larger place. I can't purchase a home because I have no job, no means of regular income. No lender in their right mind would give me a loan for $150,000 with no income. But the price to rent is so high, I immediately feel discouraged. </div>
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Begin job search ...</div>
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Qualifications ... Don't have three years experience ... No, I don't know Excel and ... whatever the heck that program is ... Sorry, degree required. Because we all know twenty-one year old's are freaking brilliant! ... Can't work those hours with kids ... $8.50/hour?</div>
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Basically, I am qualified to work part-time in a drive-thru for minimum wage. Bring on the $1400/mo rental payment!</div>
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I feel so unaccomplished, and, in truth, useless. I'm unskilled, uneducated, and responsible for three little babes. I have been considering going back to school next fall, but then I can't move. My children still have to be my number one priority, which, for me, immediately excludes working and going to school. It's this viscous cycle I can't seem to make heads or tails of.</div>
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<i>In the world, not of the world</i>, but how do you function in the world when there are nothing but road blocks? Don't worry, I know the answer to that. It's called FAITH. But some days it's so hard to follow blindly, especially when there are voices all around telling you the contrary.</div>
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Yesterday as I sat browsing through job listings, feeling quite frankly like a worthless moron, I was told, "It's all about who you know." Bazinga! Of course! Because the new girl in town who spends her time at home taking care of her four-year-old has so many connections! How did I not think of that sooner?</div>
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I can't ask you to forgive my sarcasm, because the fact is I am a really sarcastic person. I'd be asking that all day. What can I say? I love a good pun!</div>
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So there it is, this rut. This little trap in the woods that has snared my foot and won't let go until I solve its riddle. I'm terrible at riddles!</div>
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So much love from me to you!</div>
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Steph</div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-5828493047071033772014-04-08T10:56:00.000-04:002014-04-08T10:56:55.794-04:00Weekend Happenings: Linville Falls, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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THIS! </div>
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This right here is why I have come to love living in NC the past year. Logan had some family come in from out of town, and they asked to see some waterfalls. I had not been to Linville Falls yet, so we all loaded up in my tank of a vehicle, and headed out of town Saturday to hike some mountains. Views like this are a dime a dozen here, and never cease to take my breath away! </div>
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The humor in this sign made me laugh. I love that someone out there appreciates good sarcasm as much as me. {Look closely} </div>
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<img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAQ0PdevfolFThPzosCNkY4vjw1I2bpUPPzAj-zQvKfwbaQDz54-K-krznwuikYAC1II3Zn9pEvVJEZxH4uzS988EDTT8YB0tcZlTkmK2LBGoORaWIt2kckiBJIehPlWK7C56Zp6C0-Q/s1600/photo10.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Lana is fearless. It was all I could to keep her off the ledges, and not heading the advice of the sign above. I truly had no desire to watch my child fall. Thankfully, Livvy is a little more pragmatic where heights are concerened, so she had her big sissy hold onto her.</div>
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As I said, fearless! All she wanted was to stand on the ledges and shout from the rooftops. So Logan held her tight and let her do just that!</div>
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Yep, these are my dorks. Two peas in a pod. </div>
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I really want to go back and edit this photo. It's a perfect capture of him.</div>
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Is it silly to say the dirt here is gorgeous? There is so much mica in the ground, all the dirt shimmers like gold dust. I wish I had captured it better. But we did collect all kinds of pretty rocks and stones. </div>
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He's such a dweeb, but I'll keep him! He does make me laugh!</div>
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We didn't make it down to the gorge. I think that's a trip that'll have to be reserved for a day when we don't have three small children in tow. I can't wait to go fishing down there.</div>
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XO,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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There it is, that gut-wrenching moment when he checks his phone, not once, not twice, but three times, and then lingers on it, completely uninterested in the dolled-up girl sitting across the table from him. I watched this happen recently when I out to dinner with Logan. We sat, enjoying each other and a glass of wine, when he discreetly pointed over my shoulder and said, "I feel bad for that girl over there. He's not even paying attention to her." A quick glance revealed a young man on his cell phone, while the girl he was dining with poked at her food with her fork, not eating. That man sat on his phone through their entire meal. Ahead of me, the same instance with another couple, but with both of them playing on their phones the entire time. Logan said to me, <i>"Why bother taking her out if you're not going to enjoy her company?"</i> When we go out, we make the best of it! I don't have the luxury of a babysitter just lying around, awaiting my beck and call.</center>
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I thought on this, and realized Logan made a fine point. But not simply <i>why bother?</i>, but more importantly, <i>why be so unkind?</i> Why make it so blatantly obvious you are not interested as to leave a girl sitting in silence, feeling self-conscious? I decided it was time to get back to basics, and go over some rules for date night. Whether you're on a first date or your twentieth, these rules will make your time and money worthwhile, as well as improve your relationship.</center>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Leave The Electronics Behind</span></center>
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We are in quite the electronic age. We depend on our phones and tablets daily, whether it be a reminder to remove the casserole from the oven or for managing your own business. This is entirely understandable. But when on a date, turn them to vibrate and don't answer unless it is absolutely important. Be willing to sacrifice an hour or so of your time, otherwise the date is wasted.</center>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Show Some Manners</span></center>
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There is nothing more unattractive than a date without basic manners. Place your napkin in your lap, don't eat like a glutton, and don't drink yourself into a giggly mess. Honestly, ladies, don't do this, especially on a first date. Showing you can hold your liquor in public is hardly attractive. Don't swear every other word. Be kind to your server. Express your pleases and thank yous. If your order is incorrect in anyway, be kind in your approach to the staff. Unless you're at an art gallery, or something akin to this, don't let your eyes wander around the aimlessly. Focus your attention on your guest. Ask him/her questions, more so if it's a first date, and make an effort to connect and get to know each other. This, after all, is the point of a date.</center>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">What To Order On A Dinner Date</span></center>
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This can easily leave you wondering, certainly not wanting to appear rude for salivating over that succulent picture of lobster displayed before you. I have the benefit that Logan will come right out and tell me how much he has budgeted for a meal. Depending, he'll tell me "Let's try to keep it around $10-$15 a plate" or "If you want the lobster, go ahead." No problem! Lobster it is! But not all dates are quite this forthright. I personally wouldn't be so forthright as to ask what your spending limit is, because this can put the payer of the bill in an awkward position. If they have not come out and told you to order whatever you like, then a good rule of thumb is to ask what they are having. If they say they're having a burger, you know to order something a little less expensive. If they are going for steak and potatoes, consider it the median price range. If they want the whole shebang, steak and lobster and cocktails, go ahead and indulge along with him/her. But be sure to keep those cocktails to a minimum.</center>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Who Pays The Bill</span></center>
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This can often be an awkward moment of contention on a date. Whether you're at dinner, headed to a movie, or going somewhere else, you never want to be caught by surprise. My rule of thumb has always been whoever asked should pay. If he has asked, but left it a little unclear, don't hesitate to be upfront about it. "Should I plan to purchase my own ticket?" This is discreet and inoffensive. If the lady has asked, but come time to pay the bill, he offers, let him. He is trying to be gentlemanly, and refusing to let him will only be a shot at his pride. Simply say thank you.</center>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">The End Date</span></center>
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What happens at this point is purely between you and your date. But just a little advice, if this is a first date that has not gone as well as you would have hoped, continue to be kind. Walk the lady to her door, thank her for her company, and say goodnight. That's it. If it went great, great! But have a little respect for one another. If they want to invite you inside, they will. If they don't, don't invite yourself. That is about as unattractive as proving you can hold her liquor, only to learn you cannot. Again, thank her for her company and, if you want, ask if you can see her again. If you're on your twentieth date and the babysitter is waiting, head on in and enjoy the fact that the house is quiet and you didn't have to put the kids to bed!</center>
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XO,</center>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Steph</i></b></span></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aeioux/39908474/">Image courtesy of Stef Lewandowski</a></span></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Editing by NewlyMynted</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic design by NewlyMynted</span></center>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-29983060930692438742014-03-26T08:12:00.000-04:002014-03-26T08:12:41.422-04:00Life lately in photos {and giveaway winner}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgj2wJlE2zcbUqJ4DLy-PjDYaV5EzMF_H8mvvPuUDknBFRZlRZxnU6lxWdckMlx8b8fqVHlhFs3Idrl3jBAIKpJ9CyCGR6UtGbmXA5JOtYjE-gzTl-WRTSq5ALaF41G2sdZSCQwn6XKQ/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgj2wJlE2zcbUqJ4DLy-PjDYaV5EzMF_H8mvvPuUDknBFRZlRZxnU6lxWdckMlx8b8fqVHlhFs3Idrl3jBAIKpJ9CyCGR6UtGbmXA5JOtYjE-gzTl-WRTSq5ALaF41G2sdZSCQwn6XKQ/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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As I keep busy these days, I have also been keeping a close eye on the mailman. He brings the good stuff, like all the <a href="https://www.hautelook.com/">Hautelook </a>purchases I make. Seriously one of my sites, and the one online store I shop from the most frequently.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvREJaZLxMVCQG80MdhDTVPFeknMUY3raneVfazcmuFXKx2KGtRtKZyjKddpBTyWqXV2wKNqG57MgTHofE-6HRdh16pw5mWkE_k8TXCB3KHfnu8PrjKM_JC2wnkXv3c8fuGWOqamSINoM/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvREJaZLxMVCQG80MdhDTVPFeknMUY3raneVfazcmuFXKx2KGtRtKZyjKddpBTyWqXV2wKNqG57MgTHofE-6HRdh16pw5mWkE_k8TXCB3KHfnu8PrjKM_JC2wnkXv3c8fuGWOqamSINoM/s1600/photo3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started the participation in <a href="http://manouvellemode.com/2014/03/19/join-next-7x7-remix/">Ma Nouvelle Mode's 7x7 challenge</a>, and as I attempted to get pics of outfit one, my girls insisted they needed to be included.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHm-vdtf7_fIPxgYclF7QQwg-XTpJhV9C9HekO5UQQ6WJxbs90BGsVeevNQJYQUS7NNcs94oH2QevyVVJcEMQSXKLw8cZhMwLSi0HH1qO8Q_EplV54Nr2suIb2ya2P4CxjuoxJvrH3Qg/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHm-vdtf7_fIPxgYclF7QQwg-XTpJhV9C9HekO5UQQ6WJxbs90BGsVeevNQJYQUS7NNcs94oH2QevyVVJcEMQSXKLw8cZhMwLSi0HH1qO8Q_EplV54Nr2suIb2ya2P4CxjuoxJvrH3Qg/s1600/photo4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In case you wondered what was in that drawstring bag, these amazing earrings. Can I just say that finding a solid pair of 2" gold hoops at a reasonable price was not an easy task. But, of course, Hautelook came to my rescue after a few months of searching.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ7HqmWmW7f0kCz7kyiwhON_45UJdySJS_pJQE_P9FmDjSNqxqArw-SoGD1WDlFrmi1xDPCff-MDB473DmZnoE94_wPeMF82yHqnqRITAQRi37cjKh2H9yBv03sTgAhoqOpyjeJRkuWI/s1600/photo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ7HqmWmW7f0kCz7kyiwhON_45UJdySJS_pJQE_P9FmDjSNqxqArw-SoGD1WDlFrmi1xDPCff-MDB473DmZnoE94_wPeMF82yHqnqRITAQRi37cjKh2H9yBv03sTgAhoqOpyjeJRkuWI/s1600/photo5.jpg" height="640" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></div>
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I now have this monstrocity in my living room. I don't why, I hate recliners. I think they're ugly, a major eyesore in any room. But I love this guy, and it made him quite happy. At least it's a color I can handle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26Kz8jv1SHRUjDiOE1a6t_2rPqfIqNNymT2Yg53iY4rwNLqzeyA06tAe7gfWv2WCrctq5dn7zIl-inUgdrgG-O7vPGwVwMgBdwIaiOL_7_rGx0jEuF1sXCmZbvhPLez2nL0XrYCuEYrg/s1600/photo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26Kz8jv1SHRUjDiOE1a6t_2rPqfIqNNymT2Yg53iY4rwNLqzeyA06tAe7gfWv2WCrctq5dn7zIl-inUgdrgG-O7vPGwVwMgBdwIaiOL_7_rGx0jEuF1sXCmZbvhPLez2nL0XrYCuEYrg/s1600/photo6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sunday was also Logan's best friends birthday, and Logan asked I could make Scott a birthday cake. The request for strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting. I took a little creative freedom with this request and went to Pinterest. I fell in love with <a href="http://sugarywinzy.com/fresh-strawberry-cake/">this fresh strawberry cake</a>, and the recipe was delightful. Logan's friend was actually surprised I pureed the strawberries for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJccajhHwJyfLjWGp40vEB2OTiZWeYl0yrNh45sHdARajNSedjarytzWTCpR4yLsGS7RfQqYKZ6X5FH3e2owf0jbC33QmwOPt2W0YMZHMEPl9Fjtt54-qVItUUuwZnkksKZykWLgnseXw/s1600/photo7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJccajhHwJyfLjWGp40vEB2OTiZWeYl0yrNh45sHdARajNSedjarytzWTCpR4yLsGS7RfQqYKZ6X5FH3e2owf0jbC33QmwOPt2W0YMZHMEPl9Fjtt54-qVItUUuwZnkksKZykWLgnseXw/s1600/photo7.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Since it was a party of sorts, this girl dressed up like a princess!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz4w6Cpfe-M0eIyrl-XqC8xW40MFB0-waviL7HZ4rXJsbuoEoyaSgxWMRGTEbS26BZ0wJR3Ka2m6G_XmHOKqUnNzqU-jfrDBZn9BjgFondgEVLjScx-WAaQI0LhoTBBEq801hFd00eWI/s1600/photo8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz4w6Cpfe-M0eIyrl-XqC8xW40MFB0-waviL7HZ4rXJsbuoEoyaSgxWMRGTEbS26BZ0wJR3Ka2m6G_XmHOKqUnNzqU-jfrDBZn9BjgFondgEVLjScx-WAaQI0LhoTBBEq801hFd00eWI/s1600/photo8.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We took to the grill since it was still relatively nice outside. Don't ask about today. There is nothing but snow outside and school has been cancelled two days in a row. </div>
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This guy! He's kind of awesome, "what?" face and all!</center>
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<b>The winner of the Hardin Studios Giveaway is Laura K. Thanks to all who entered. </b></center>
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XO,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-72104413067595556752014-03-21T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-26T08:21:20.508-04:00Giveaway | Hardin Studios<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
GIVEAWAY CLOSED: WINNER IS LAURA K.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oavneNTV1kPJLpHEhg75zrq3QFYm7ZzJDChMHlN21CoMeg0RM9zRXhz93EVIJlwdIXr7I1DH1V6ZjC0XGM-vtvVmjuUVhaYOlpsKMlyLLuqSZrE8YNGqCD_3ZQrkK4zXw6uPieandA0/s1600/hardin_studios_giveaway_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oavneNTV1kPJLpHEhg75zrq3QFYm7ZzJDChMHlN21CoMeg0RM9zRXhz93EVIJlwdIXr7I1DH1V6ZjC0XGM-vtvVmjuUVhaYOlpsKMlyLLuqSZrE8YNGqCD_3ZQrkK4zXw6uPieandA0/s1600/hardin_studios_giveaway_newlymynted.png" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HardinStudios?section_id=15034648&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2">Hardin Studios</a> opened in January and is based in Charlotte, NC. Caroline Hardin, the shop's owner and artist behind the work, provides prints, printables and custom illustrative work. Her art's unique flavor stems from her unusual style as a left-handed person frustrated with traditional calligraphy methods and materials. Caroline focuses on providing quotes and phrases that are not widely known and used so that the reader gets a breath of fresh air and inspiration. </span></center>
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The above print is a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183385768/newly-mynted-special-edition-edgar-allen"><b>NewlyMynted Special Edition</b></a>, featuring my favorite quote from an Edgar Allen Poe poem, Annabel Lee: </center>
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<i>But we loved with a love that was more than love</i></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUErrzm01RMUD8-89axJG1hUc_htA3To92n3WRihC7pqGKIFDw5A27-JHp4SFB6m_j8bKMNf7sCZ_0SltfkVSdsEroL47aesgMrISf9A_07pAxIpXlcDh9srQr12Ek9cs7AKymCus92Y/s1600/poe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUErrzm01RMUD8-89axJG1hUc_htA3To92n3WRihC7pqGKIFDw5A27-JHp4SFB6m_j8bKMNf7sCZ_0SltfkVSdsEroL47aesgMrISf9A_07pAxIpXlcDh9srQr12Ek9cs7AKymCus92Y/s1600/poe.png" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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Some more of her artistry ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvyaCOfWiJ9CY7K2Z_r9myaj9vA6D7UwwtbWOd9hC5Q286zYSo4FZjjZC17S80-SMrkfyHpS4l7ipY71ZKKy_ZFzTsP7vSYAvN4GRVTqot7yKl76VDEHjpVFUli1XdH3EgP5vPYoCR8g/s1600/hairprod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvyaCOfWiJ9CY7K2Z_r9myaj9vA6D7UwwtbWOd9hC5Q286zYSo4FZjjZC17S80-SMrkfyHpS4l7ipY71ZKKy_ZFzTsP7vSYAvN4GRVTqot7yKl76VDEHjpVFUli1XdH3EgP5vPYoCR8g/s1600/hairprod.jpg" height="640" width="528" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRb_1UdOeHQ8Y4hKM-jSUV5A6-UOzO5a0GJ6xLxP8M7wIj5KSM-xhwbxzJA6MkMWzR33DZLvrqeMAguZyKtWmfzRMzZlqzPDuSC4Np84YyMns3DF02fLA90hGU0PbKPPNvxpIlbOB-Eo/s1600/pablo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRb_1UdOeHQ8Y4hKM-jSUV5A6-UOzO5a0GJ6xLxP8M7wIj5KSM-xhwbxzJA6MkMWzR33DZLvrqeMAguZyKtWmfzRMzZlqzPDuSC4Np84YyMns3DF02fLA90hGU0PbKPPNvxpIlbOB-Eo/s1600/pablo.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjGlbnoy8IknOPsG_kGdvjPna1Bq61HI53opGcYIkCMkm_PuCFfphhbMvMlUJGGqmJllAH149uiSsrc7Pl8MVOlwpjXgJpCrjBN1OI7lknEmqV5oT0-j3OPOkv-URR4vH7RNMFnUs-Uw/s1600/psalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjGlbnoy8IknOPsG_kGdvjPna1Bq61HI53opGcYIkCMkm_PuCFfphhbMvMlUJGGqmJllAH149uiSsrc7Pl8MVOlwpjXgJpCrjBN1OI7lknEmqV5oT0-j3OPOkv-URR4vH7RNMFnUs-Uw/s1600/psalm.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Today she is offering one of my readers a print of your choice from her shop. She creates the most delightful prints, from inspiring scripture to musical quotes. And you get to choose which one you want displayed in your home!</center>
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<b>To Enter:</b></center>
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Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/etsyhardinstudios?ref=hl&bookmark_t=page">Hardin Studios on Facebook</a>. Come back and leave a comment letting me know what print from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HardinStudios?section_id=15034648&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2">her shop</a> you would select. </center>
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For an extra entry, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Be sure to leave a link to your share post in the comments.</center>
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This giveaway will run through <b>March 25th</b>.</center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Exclusions: </span></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prize excludes custom orders</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Limited to residents of the United States</span></center>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-7026910060454064332014-03-20T07:46:00.001-04:002014-03-20T07:46:35.077-04:00Vintage Advertisements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIdehmRi2bA26hL14mnVaDK70J0NcfcHFJErCi8tI_DHMIMuNB4uD_liCSL8Ezv2qpaEXqyZzDiySyXpvGL2Bs18lbvXgQfskzEWl7yEPps7zm_A9CGgB-0alejXmqlreSDg6l8pSvm0/s1600/2416809253_c99a6ba83b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIdehmRi2bA26hL14mnVaDK70J0NcfcHFJErCi8tI_DHMIMuNB4uD_liCSL8Ezv2qpaEXqyZzDiySyXpvGL2Bs18lbvXgQfskzEWl7yEPps7zm_A9CGgB-0alejXmqlreSDg6l8pSvm0/s1600/2416809253_c99a6ba83b_o.jpg" height="640" width="398" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxTx27Aud193Dwb29e0UmbCfDv7tSygcxdc9zLOu5nMmmXQrDP6y7rKZU_SbegrV-t8y3-lAhx726ePATeNCkpnR5YDAipCYotdV3LK2-X9Gn0JYdRDDHNBpOSPG4sTV239KwVevFM-E/s1600/2417630954_210b551be6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxTx27Aud193Dwb29e0UmbCfDv7tSygcxdc9zLOu5nMmmXQrDP6y7rKZU_SbegrV-t8y3-lAhx726ePATeNCkpnR5YDAipCYotdV3LK2-X9Gn0JYdRDDHNBpOSPG4sTV239KwVevFM-E/s1600/2417630954_210b551be6_o.jpg" height="640" width="408" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHk__zcGdDMkB3ByeJNGaSvnIdXGB_5fm2bSBcMrKy3j6MzN-heekuhzDnR9_Yr1uWaJQrSWriEwq_XDf_jNtrVKOxafhHeqPdXytgBH7NG0trUtb-XzyljnQItroCfgeke2z0Z1JwF8/s1600/2417691082_a02f835d11_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHk__zcGdDMkB3ByeJNGaSvnIdXGB_5fm2bSBcMrKy3j6MzN-heekuhzDnR9_Yr1uWaJQrSWriEwq_XDf_jNtrVKOxafhHeqPdXytgBH7NG0trUtb-XzyljnQItroCfgeke2z0Z1JwF8/s1600/2417691082_a02f835d11_o.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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I stumbled upon these darling vintage ads yesterday and just had to share. As a small busted gal, that bra ad literally had me laughing out loud. NO PADS! Every small chested girls dream come true. Seriously. I get so irritated with that. It is hard enough to find my size, and when I do, all the bras have inch thick insulation in them.</center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All images FREE and courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrysti/">ArtByChrysti</a></span></center>
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Enjoy lovelies! I've got a busy morning ahead of me.</center>
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XO,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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P.S. Don't forget to check out Ace & Ivy's boutique. They've got <a href="http://aceandivy.com/collections/frontpage/products/flawless-foundation-blender-daily-deal">beauty blenders</a> for $3.39 right now! I LOVE my beauty blender. So stock up on some.</center>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567401&u=911888&m=51724&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/51724/392x72Banner2.jpg" /></a></center>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-26128004352641601882014-03-17T07:00:00.000-04:002014-03-23T11:09:05.705-04:00How to Get Summer Ready Skin + Exfoliating Scrub Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVZOfXgMKvdw5tVL7hYtlHvRxUtETSHe-6jQ7BpLjXL40T45G1e9OazgejlPmuIzNjeA5vUqNpX43maCtiifm7POVqBjuF_lH88D0W7pjqXrAW5Pc-M1jlIZoIKq_KfGxKXBrE7jsZvc/s1600/diy_exfoliation_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVZOfXgMKvdw5tVL7hYtlHvRxUtETSHe-6jQ7BpLjXL40T45G1e9OazgejlPmuIzNjeA5vUqNpX43maCtiifm7POVqBjuF_lH88D0W7pjqXrAW5Pc-M1jlIZoIKq_KfGxKXBrE7jsZvc/s1600/diy_exfoliation_newlymynted.png" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
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Summer is approaching! Did you hear me right? Summer is almost here! Never you mind these intermittent days of snow. We shall merely pretend they don't exist. I can feel the sun right on the cusp of warming my skin each and every day. </div>
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Now that I'm finally in a place where I can get my health under control, and set some goals for myself, I'm adding to the list my super soft skin. Once upon a time I had the softest, shimmeriest (<i>is that a word?</i>) skin. It was perfectly tanned, had a slight glimmer, and I never had to wear foundation. <i>Oh how I miss this!</i> So I've stocked up on the essentials I once used for my own daily DIY exfoliation treatments, and would love to invite you lovelies to have this same delectable skin. It's so easy, too. Just a few all-natural ingredients from the supermarket.</div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>WHAT YOU NEED</b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loofah</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pumice stone</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Body wash/cleanser</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DIY Exfoliating scrub</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Moisturizing lotion (low alcohol content)</span></li>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: black;">GET DOWN TO WORK</b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use your loofah or a dry cloth to remove any dead skin cells and to open up your pores, before you get in the shower.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Starting from the feet and moving up, toward your heart, begin scrubbing your body with your cleanser. By going upward in a </span>circular<span style="font-family: inherit;"> motion, you will increase your body's circulation. Be gentle on sensitive areas such as your face and bikini line. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use your pumice stone to remove any dry or cracked calluses on your feet.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Give your body a good once-over with your homemade exfoliating salt scrub. I'll include my quick and easy recipe at the end of the this post. Rinse well.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you're out of the shower, towel dry, leaving your skin somewhat damp. Apply a moisturizer all over your freshly exfoliated skin. Give the lotion a minute to dry and really soak into your skin before getting dressed. You don't want your </span>garments<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>absorbing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> most of the moisture. My favorite moisturizing lotion is <a href="http://www.eucerinus.com/products/all-eucerin-products.html">Eucerin </a>healing cream. But whatever you're using, be sure one of the first few ingredients is not alcohol. Many scented or otherwise inexpensive lotions contain a lot of alcohol, which dries out your skin. Once my tan has started to set, I love to use<a href="http://www.jergens.com/products/natural-glow/default.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand&gclid=CIWJiObfl70CFYZAMgodCC8AKA"> </a></span><a href="http://www.jergens.com/products/natural-glow/default.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand&gclid=CIWJiObfl70CFYZAMgodCC8AKA"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jergens </span>Natural<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Glow</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to slowly build upon it.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTE</b>: Don't exfoliate on freshly waxed or shaved skin, or on skin that is sunburned or has any open wounds. This can be very painful and will most likely burn. Believe me, learned that the hard way!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: black;">DIY SALT SCRUB RECIPE </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup almond oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup course sea salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">10-12 drops of vanilla scented oil (or preference)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mason jar or other container with lid</span></li>
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Mix all ingredients into your chosen container. You can use more and fewer drops of your scented oil, depending on how strong you prefer your scent to be. Each time you use your homemade salt scrub, shake or mix it well first.</div>
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Thanks for reading!</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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Sharing with:</center>
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<a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/03/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-11.html">Craft-O-Maniac</a> || <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/16/sunday-best-link-party-5.html">The Girl Creative</a> || <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/">C.R.A.F.T.</a> || <a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/2014/03/17/recipe-easy-shepherds-pie-funday-monday-link/">Still Being Molly</a> || <a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/">New Nostalgia</a> || <a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/">Ladybug Blessings</a> || <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/03/take-look-tuesday_992.html">Sugar Bee Crafts</a> || <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/handmade-projects-add-yours-3-17/">Tip Junkie</a> || <a href="http://www.733blog.com/2014/03/sugar-spice-12.html">Seven Thirty Three</a> || <a href="http://www.sewmuchado.com/2014/03/we-did-it-wednesday-196.html">Sew Much Ado</a> || <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/03/whatever-goes-wednesday-214.html">Someday Crafts</a> || <a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2014/03/show-me-what-ya-got-157.html">Not Just a Housewife</a> || <a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/2014/03/pretty-wednesday-linky-party-no-28/">Free Pretty Things For You</a> || <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic On A Shoestring Budget</a> || <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday_20.html">The Shabby Nest</a> || <a href="http://blog.peekaboopatternshop.com/2014/03/friday-favs-party-150.html">Peek-a-boo</a> ||<a href="http://www.thehappygal.com/tiful-link-party-12/"> Be-You-Tiful Party</a> ||<a href="http://www.glitterglueandpaint.com/throwback-thursday-24/"> Glitter Glue & Paint</a> || <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/community/march-22-sharefest/">The Sits Girls</a> || <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2014/03/weekend-wrap-up-party-4.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FOivM+%28Tatertots+and+Jello%29">Tatertots & Jello</a> ||</center>
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<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" title="The 36th Avenue"><img alt="The 36th Avenue" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjKTFU6Yvb3aTLvg4QzU36ZpjU3tr2nBMdFkcdt5mvabLw0-ad1jv7K9s3jsJ05isthVIqTrFYNhYtfQsPo3V4EhCa_IOHChC0STN6uJXKqbTwBveUQEd-nVsFP3axGiKBDGRPAz7h8EO/s1600/TPB+Button+150.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-3242224103399653762014-03-14T08:48:00.001-04:002014-03-14T08:48:33.745-04:00How to Catch a Leprechaun | DIY Craft Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfrqdzHKJOXprLeHpbJ5Vrrp15XtW_MTkCvz8iHDasnaL8N5u5_qA51Y5I91IIJe839bEgrRXNeH14bKIm8c5jxyrBdWqPla6vKtwu7NK_qVaKFqS__nKhjgqZou4TJwSYkgYZQgoh7k/s1600/leprechaun_trap_diys_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfrqdzHKJOXprLeHpbJ5Vrrp15XtW_MTkCvz8iHDasnaL8N5u5_qA51Y5I91IIJe839bEgrRXNeH14bKIm8c5jxyrBdWqPla6vKtwu7NK_qVaKFqS__nKhjgqZou4TJwSYkgYZQgoh7k/s1600/leprechaun_trap_diys_newlymynted.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Monday is St. Patrick's Day and my kids are both excited and frightened. Excited because they get to wear green to school Monday, excited about the prospect of their being gold and rainbows, but nervous of the possibility of a sneaky little leprechaun playing his tricks in their classrooms. So I rounded up the many ways we could catch one of these tricksy little green guys,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yqOPppZBSX97eKv2CNEjtj5kJgkshwveHuzQiS8bNVKOdCKoR21R89T1ylAPat9Jpcp-tCO7pnBNHGl7J9_cGUyxWjlyJJiQvNLjIV9vmso5jVXBucw123uyZt_AsKSqRRalH7ky0PI/s1600/leprechaun-trap-craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yqOPppZBSX97eKv2CNEjtj5kJgkshwveHuzQiS8bNVKOdCKoR21R89T1ylAPat9Jpcp-tCO7pnBNHGl7J9_cGUyxWjlyJJiQvNLjIV9vmso5jVXBucw123uyZt_AsKSqRRalH7ky0PI/s1600/leprechaun-trap-craft.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lure him in with rainbows with <a href="http://www.theclassroomcreative.com/2013/03/leprechaun-trap-craft-for-kids/">The Classroom Creative's trap</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapjR2hcZj93U_C6Go63ARqfwf1DTvhzOgCxKECPLSYnA5_bWMOKjCxtbqQAqWj6FJvPqHKA8pgJhfHJdP2vptjyCd0oT_8ZOOwnf1ru17MBs9vo_TDdI7nzs5RWCMkSWpcLdtOmxmmXo/s1600/Leprechaun-Trap-Cake-Recipe-By-Photo_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapjR2hcZj93U_C6Go63ARqfwf1DTvhzOgCxKECPLSYnA5_bWMOKjCxtbqQAqWj6FJvPqHKA8pgJhfHJdP2vptjyCd0oT_8ZOOwnf1ru17MBs9vo_TDdI7nzs5RWCMkSWpcLdtOmxmmXo/s1600/Leprechaun-Trap-Cake-Recipe-By-Photo_cropped.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.recipebyphoto.com/leprechaun-trap-cake/">Recipe by Photo</a> gives a step-by-step photo tutorial to trap him in a little cake cage. Gold, the perfect trap cover and irresistible to Leprechaun's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8Qg6RxtZ80aNXeoFU8YfCsa25OTW8G3Kni_es0D3rnYpZFipBYX86st0K41OmJRAn1mAfkQwBpzdtIyED2Qi1Vzq_vkCij3UmplVvxHcKmXMDHl-Gu7ksvrkRaVXC4jXRICW-NMLaUY/s1600/LeprechaunTrap005-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8Qg6RxtZ80aNXeoFU8YfCsa25OTW8G3Kni_es0D3rnYpZFipBYX86st0K41OmJRAn1mAfkQwBpzdtIyED2Qi1Vzq_vkCij3UmplVvxHcKmXMDHl-Gu7ksvrkRaVXC4jXRICW-NMLaUY/s1600/LeprechaunTrap005-1.jpg" height="640" width="528" /></a></div>
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Make him work for that gold with <a href="http://snoodledoodles.blogspot.com/2010/02/leprechaun-trap.html">Snoodle Doodle</a>, then BAM, straight into a too-tall trap!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQiB4poRpd4CSzWRKV8dgw8Q6JoLBRyOPCIi93PNnceulFglFmaVa-DPBECDsOD9wk3UW98f3A29s0oJOloPSUsTERDZMqZvLLK1XQjpdAGlS9CkkTcm4HlkA3DZmRzqEtZ3jmkcR878/s1600/leprechauntrap15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQiB4poRpd4CSzWRKV8dgw8Q6JoLBRyOPCIi93PNnceulFglFmaVa-DPBECDsOD9wk3UW98f3A29s0oJOloPSUsTERDZMqZvLLK1XQjpdAGlS9CkkTcm4HlkA3DZmRzqEtZ3jmkcR878/s1600/leprechauntrap15.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even Leprechaun's get tired from all those pranks. <a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2012/03/interactive-leprechaun-trap.html">Modern Parents Messy Kids</a> tricked him with a little vacant hotel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzILitnnAhtOseXdXZijapTaa-U1bUKm_WTDgf5Vkj-T4p5aNTRnrIxstBR4v5dJR7B2gA1lvtQNC2IAH4RH2kqimfOyVr_GDRwS_-tTJRpTM_2IhJax-B6KTHt0MMUo7A9vG3fCQ9Ds/s1600/st_pats_day_mischief_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzILitnnAhtOseXdXZijapTaa-U1bUKm_WTDgf5Vkj-T4p5aNTRnrIxstBR4v5dJR7B2gA1lvtQNC2IAH4RH2kqimfOyVr_GDRwS_-tTJRpTM_2IhJax-B6KTHt0MMUo7A9vG3fCQ9Ds/s1600/st_pats_day_mischief_a.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Call me the mean mom, but I'm willing to take <a href="http://www.differentiatedkindergarten.com/2012/03/how-to-make-leprechaun-feet-becuase-you.html">A Differentiated Kindergarten's</a> idea and let my kids think a leprechaun snuck into our house and played his hijinx on us. And stopped to use the bathroom along the way. Too bad he is too rude to even bother flushing.</center>
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Have a fun St. Patty's Weekend,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-37114939569883150192014-03-13T11:40:00.000-04:002014-03-13T11:40:06.759-04:00Refashion Inspiration | Katy Perry & The Puckered Rosette Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9UE96t6kgDr3EdtpSZDW8mDG0EkJmtJQsXfPd9TXWjhhI_De4QOcwHz7zNti5IL1hCWFKGfJNLy6pEK9Bid56qUBI2Ar1arlR0chrCvn23e64NX5otUMm3KwhzDUqfN715P9uqsy7qw/s1600/32223.2.zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9UE96t6kgDr3EdtpSZDW8mDG0EkJmtJQsXfPd9TXWjhhI_De4QOcwHz7zNti5IL1hCWFKGfJNLy6pEK9Bid56qUBI2Ar1arlR0chrCvn23e64NX5otUMm3KwhzDUqfN715P9uqsy7qw/s1600/32223.2.zoom.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Image via <a href="http://www.nastygal.com/clothes-dresses-going-out/nasty-gal-flash-and-burn-dress">Nasty Gal</a></div>
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Last month for Valentine's Day, Logan took me to Winston-Salem to go shopping at H&M. He knows how much I love that store, and he pretty much gave me free reign of it. It was delightful! I picked out a strapless black mini dress similar to the one above. H&M does not have the one I purchased on their website. I was so excited and have been waiting for it to warm up so I could pull this beautiful dress on. So imagine my angered surprise earlier this week when I found my brand new, tags-still-in-tact dress in the dogs crate. </div>
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<b>Yes, he had pulled it into his crate and <i>chewed it up</i>.</b></div>
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I was infuriated, yelling, sad, crying. I had tossed my old LBD out because it was, well, old. I was so excited to have a new one. One that fit my little body perfectly. Not a single loose piece of fabric anywhere. There wasn't a need to alter anything. It was <i>the </i>perfect<i> </i>LBD for me. I threw the dress across the room and swore the dog into non-existence. </div>
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What I love about Logan is that when I throw a tantrum like that, he never tells me things like, "You're overreacting," or "it's just a dress." I am well aware that it's just a dress. But it is rare to find a gorgeous dress (or pants for that matter) that fit me so well and will still be flattering to my very straight figure. He kindly put Splash in his crate and went into the kitchen and made me something to eat. He even washed the dishes while he was in there. Later he said simply, "I know you, you'll find a way to fix it."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAsY8I3-J32JyPfyuhNLoKymghOVMghNnIIw7DEA8bzy8hAVhYpibRwisP89tyWeroAQI5W6FOCAy9HjON7VKOc_9j0tQLa7DRc5-lIkzygtkWlBe4Y0zjFuO4743RCboTsK_wycJ03c/s1600/design_inspiration2_katy_perry_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAsY8I3-J32JyPfyuhNLoKymghOVMghNnIIw7DEA8bzy8hAVhYpibRwisP89tyWeroAQI5W6FOCAy9HjON7VKOc_9j0tQLa7DRc5-lIkzygtkWlBe4Y0zjFuO4743RCboTsK_wycJ03c/s1600/design_inspiration2_katy_perry_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Then on Monday I went to the ER to get my shoulder looked at, and I flipped through their stack of outdated magazines, intentionally surpassing all the gossip. I always go straight for the lifestyle and home magazines. I decided to snag an issue of <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity-lifestyle/celebrities/katy-perry-interview-january-cover">Marie Claire</a> back from January. Inside was an interview with Katy Perry, and I was stunned by this puckered rosette top and bottom she wore. Is that not insanely sensational?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw8MHUQLadUMyvgC_CxVKS8G85sc1IH_RbhgCFDltuK1e4CPl7srtwG75T7QPR4MJNPd8X0I0-DtdChfwFup9rWMcJKb49D9zyffzDYTnbAbC4V1kERY6jQsfSqd9T2POsygfvVbNEzU/s1600/design_inspiration_katy_perry_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw8MHUQLadUMyvgC_CxVKS8G85sc1IH_RbhgCFDltuK1e4CPl7srtwG75T7QPR4MJNPd8X0I0-DtdChfwFup9rWMcJKb49D9zyffzDYTnbAbC4V1kERY6jQsfSqd9T2POsygfvVbNEzU/s1600/design_inspiration_katy_perry_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
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As the article broke down the "how to achieve her look" I feasted my eyes on this dress featured from Saks Fifth Avenue. Now, the article says "Price Available Upon Request," which immediately tells me I couldn't afford it in my wildest dreams. But ... I can make my own! In fact, I now have a ruined dress that needs a little revamping! Oh, wait, I also have a Sizzix Big Shot that can cut fabric flowers out for me. This is looking more and more amazing by the second!</center>
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I guess the moral of this story is, it's hard to see the silver lining in the face of devastation, even if it is over just a dress. But it's encouraging when there are those that have faith in you and your talents. Logan was stoked when I leaned over and showed him the article and the refashion that had inspired me right then.</center>
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I ordered a die on Amazon the other day and am waiting for it to arrive. Once I do, this LBD is about to turn into a LBMPD -- Little Black Metallic Puckered Dress!</center>
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Happy Creative Inspiration,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-87276065226556013132014-03-10T08:12:00.001-04:002014-03-10T08:12:36.801-04:00Your Favorite Pins<center style="text-align: justify;">
Remember when I said my kids were <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2014/02/kids-always-sick.html">dropping like flies</a>? Yeah ... apparently that applies for the whole family, myself included. So please forgive me if I am slow to get posts up. It seems I have injured my shoulder, as in can't-drive, can't-put-on-my-own-coat-on or tie-my-own-shoes kind of injured. Right now, as I type this, I am lowering my wrists and leaning to the right, in a sad little attempt to keep some of the weight and strain on my right shoulder to a minimum. Let's just be thankful you can't see me, okay?! I have posts and projects lined up, plus an upcoming giveaway, just be patient as I work on getting them done. I have to move a little slow and limit my activity in this position. I'm thinking I will be back in the doc's office before long. Eek!</center>
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For now, I thought I would share your most loved pins. If you're not following me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newlymynted/">Pinterest</a>, come on over and do so. Also, catch me on <a href="https://twitter.com/NewlyMynted">Twitter </a>where I can one-handedly update regularly thanks to our good friend, iPhone.</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM457_d_uegrM8KgXfmIdfCLh4e7LgdSHSKwU7oSH0OD_TZ_enVrPeTzEyVBngNfF1iSkgNInk35C7aV8caVCHXfcORzoie_CPcbgTh252qCj3l_46n1I_ixaJn6dkL_vJBJgd6UHHyeM/s1600/free+photoshop+actions_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM457_d_uegrM8KgXfmIdfCLh4e7LgdSHSKwU7oSH0OD_TZ_enVrPeTzEyVBngNfF1iSkgNInk35C7aV8caVCHXfcORzoie_CPcbgTh252qCj3l_46n1I_ixaJn6dkL_vJBJgd6UHHyeM/s1600/free+photoshop+actions_newlymynted.jpg" height="638" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182818066096678694/">Our very own list of FREE Photoshop Actions</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182818066096777569/">My Wow-worthy Southern Style Bacon Mustard Greens</a></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIf3Z06mj3n_qjUngv2VZDo4tE-WeXifUixaNIvRPXU79vgoGiBohs7wGQlav-lAQMVLEFGn_V9Hu4dNvYHgFTDfHjIjI7jOR0g3ipe4hbjTApMCEMdqliiRUmqzaLjSYpGtTtYq5m60/s1600/8951a626d9d1dd3f289c2ecfce653ff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIf3Z06mj3n_qjUngv2VZDo4tE-WeXifUixaNIvRPXU79vgoGiBohs7wGQlav-lAQMVLEFGn_V9Hu4dNvYHgFTDfHjIjI7jOR0g3ipe4hbjTApMCEMdqliiRUmqzaLjSYpGtTtYq5m60/s1600/8951a626d9d1dd3f289c2ecfce653ff2.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182818066096383548/">Our 1st Thessalonians Printable </a>-- I am so glad this is loved!</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmgYpaNNSObm0HQYYLYJq-Xv5tbgb_n01PzJN7Rx6qeO5kg9gYbd_jaPOjpGmAj5KjNhA-UV7Vc1hmjcYr8jZHJekPwi0AxIfWwD1duKORd_t7wHvnXVkTHILzrydqWQIJ9xHFeR1bKI/s1600/2a5460b181961d38cb5ef95ac385a8d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmgYpaNNSObm0HQYYLYJq-Xv5tbgb_n01PzJN7Rx6qeO5kg9gYbd_jaPOjpGmAj5KjNhA-UV7Vc1hmjcYr8jZHJekPwi0AxIfWwD1duKORd_t7wHvnXVkTHILzrydqWQIJ9xHFeR1bKI/s1600/2a5460b181961d38cb5ef95ac385a8d0.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182818066096683919/">Our crash course on getting the mildew out of your towels</a> -- Glad I'm not alone, so thank you!</center>
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I am so grateful for all this love you show me. Pin on!</center>
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XO,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567401&u=911888&m=51724&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/51724/392x72Banner2.jpg" /></a></center>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-57798904018058012662014-02-28T08:59:00.000-05:002014-02-28T08:59:39.507-05:00Life Lately: Dropping Like Flies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjh9y-vzFoJvRqWq4d_GWrZHxNwzd4PO-hq_swxwP2CLLNsoPXix4ghWssUkksxk8mmhFV0jUjzsWuARO42ZPBBgjBBwkkQcufsUrCZj-8bz0ZWjqQeddvmsFI80hD3v9T4gsWl9yQxo/s1600/IMG_7726B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjh9y-vzFoJvRqWq4d_GWrZHxNwzd4PO-hq_swxwP2CLLNsoPXix4ghWssUkksxk8mmhFV0jUjzsWuARO42ZPBBgjBBwkkQcufsUrCZj-8bz0ZWjqQeddvmsFI80hD3v9T4gsWl9yQxo/s1600/IMG_7726B.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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That pretty much sums up my kids this week. I have been to urgent care twice and to our primary's' once. Later today, we're off to the specialist. I guess when it rains it pours. Last Friday my son mentioned he wasn't feeling too hot. By Sunday I was exhausted from sleepless nights and constant crying. Off to urgent care we went. Turns out he had dime size ulcers in his mouth that had become infected. That infection spread into his ears, causing quite a bit of pain in my little guy. Thank goodness for drug stores that are open on Sunday's, because illnesses operate 7 days a week, you know.</center>
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Fast forward to Wednesday: Liam <i>finally </i>made it back to school. Here I thought to myself, <i>Great, I get things done and get possibly get to the mechanic</i>. Ho, ho, ho! This is when someone noticed my daughter grabbing herself. After a brief conversation with her, I was on the phone with my primary doctor. (We'll keep that visit private.) Off to the drug store!</center>
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On to Thursday: I noticed my oldest daughter's ear was yucky and full of gunk. Oh dear! It was obvious she had an allergic reaction to the earrings she was wearing and there was an infection. I took them out, soaked her ear lobe in peroxide (mostly to loosen the gunk so I could remove the stud), and wiped it down with a dab of antibiotic ointment. <i>Huh</i>, I thought, <i>that's strange. Where is the earring back?</i> I looked, pondered, then realized one small piece of information. <i>When I put her earrings in, I specifically put the metal backing on, then put on a plastic back so the earring wouldn't dig into the back of her ear at bedtime.</i> I looked. <i>Here's the plastic backing, but where is the metal back?</i> Eyes wide, I touched her lobe, noticing how swollen it was. I could certainly feel a knot in it, but was it just infection? Off to urgent care we went! Sure enough, the doc took an xray and came back, saying, "It's in there." That earrings' back lodged itself into her ear lobe! Oh my word! </center>
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So today we're off to the specialist to see about getting that earring back cut out of there. I have yet to see the mechanic. Thanks for indulging in my week with me. Tomorrow I will finally get a day off. So stay tuned as I prepare to share the awesomeness that will be tomorrow with you. For now, have a great Friday and safe weekend.</center>
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Toodles!</center>
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Steph</center>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567401&u=911888&m=51724&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/51724/392x72Banner2.jpg" /></a></center>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-63656652759926787622014-02-26T07:52:00.000-05:002014-02-26T07:52:43.482-05:00The Best Way to Love Your Body<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMila0vFszq-SSZ4gRLNruz45r3pz-SLUcZPH7I4V0CZi0z1TJWJrrApU6MOMcBUDXz6MTZeoLFqHS4Im3Z1ZIiJB1nRejUXwWfKCzMhp0qluA3n-saJrLhhvZe7lu25x-M11UK4HTaGQ/s1600/love_your_body_image_quote_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMila0vFszq-SSZ4gRLNruz45r3pz-SLUcZPH7I4V0CZi0z1TJWJrrApU6MOMcBUDXz6MTZeoLFqHS4Im3Z1ZIiJB1nRejUXwWfKCzMhp0qluA3n-saJrLhhvZe7lu25x-M11UK4HTaGQ/s1600/love_your_body_image_quote_newlymynted.png" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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For some time I have been suffering health issues. Minor things, but things I knew were not the norm for me and I thought could use some attention, so I sought medical treatment. I left the doctor feeling more discouraged than I did when I walked in the door.</center>
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Have you ever faced the struggle of having to justify yourself to someone? Not just once, but over and over, until all you begin to feel is sheer exhaustion? That is how I felt when I left. </center>
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Most of my life I have been criticized for my size. I am an exceptionally small person and doctors grill me on this. The ironic fact is, I never suffer from body image until <i>others </i>point out the negative things about my body. I don't, on a general basis, look at myself in the mirror and feel disgusted by what I see. Do I like being my size? Not really. Pants are a joke to shop for! I get tired of having to convince doctors there's nothing wrong with me, it's hereditary <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16.1200008392334px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">—</span></span> here wanna see a picture of my parents and my brothers?</center>
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I dwelled on this for some time. I prayed, asking the Lord to allow me to not be offended, but to take my doctors advice with a grain of salt. I was challenged a couple days ago when a woman in the drug store made a snide remark about my size, but then quickly backtracked and apologized. Never have I had anyone apologize.</center>
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More prayer. </center>
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And then God showed me the verse above, reminding me that my body is not my own, it has been bought with a price, and that it is not for me to worry about who my body impresses as long as it glorify's the Lord. I need not worry about measuring up to any statistics or standards, because they are nothing more than an average for the population. <b>My God is not average and does create "average" things.</b> He does not create people to be average, either, as we are created in His image, the ultimate Holy of Holies! In that, my body was made perfect. It is simply my duty to maintain the health and integrity of it during my temporary stay in this little shell.</center>
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So that, sweet friends, is my Fitness Plan<span style="font-size: large;">: To Love my Body As Unto the Lord</span>. There is no greater way!</center>
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XO,</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></center>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567401&u=911888&m=51724&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/51724/392x72Banner2.jpg" /></a></center>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-28223786277210265132014-02-24T07:37:00.001-05:002014-02-24T07:41:59.971-05:00Free Photo Collages to Spruce up Your Blog Posts<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzbe_TqRCgLVDQES90ALSuYaBFRX81bEVxcw_laW2_zDH01uvox4_jh4_p2or72y2Q-mDQIS13zzyPmHMshgN6upG8GjpZOYPLGHKdA8K5BwyaRNRLCEW-fiERMTpOWAc2S7SleFSBlA/s1600/exceptional_blogging_photo_templates_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzbe_TqRCgLVDQES90ALSuYaBFRX81bEVxcw_laW2_zDH01uvox4_jh4_p2or72y2Q-mDQIS13zzyPmHMshgN6upG8GjpZOYPLGHKdA8K5BwyaRNRLCEW-fiERMTpOWAc2S7SleFSBlA/s1600/exceptional_blogging_photo_templates_newlymynted.png" height="740" width="370" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12.896000862121582px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> Images/Template © <a href="http://www.ewcouture.com/">EW Couture</a></span></span></div>
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For those of you who didn't catch my guest post on <a href="http://becreativemommy.blogspot.co.uk/">Be Creative Mommy</a>, we talked a little about our Exceptional Blogging series. In our last post about building an <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2014/01/you-are-five-steps-from-exceptional-blog.html">Exceptional Blog</a>, we talked about the importance of eye-catching photos. One way to do this is by creating collages or story boards. It's your blog, so tell us your story! Collages are not only appealing to the eye, but they help break down some of the "clutter" an over abundance of photos can create in a single post. Sometimes you get lucky, and of those 76 photos you took, a good 20 came out stunning. Of course you want to show off as much of your hard work as possible. Why wouldn't you? You invested your time and effort into capturing great photos. Show off as many of them as possible with photo templates.</div>
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I did some of the hard work for you and rounded up 85 <b>FREE </b>blog boards for you to begin telling your stories in various eclectic ways. Each of the attached links are PSD (Photoshop) files. If you read through our original post on Exceptional Blogging, you'll see we talked about investing in your blog and investing in Photoshop. It's not daunting, I promise! You can even follow along with me on the blog and read up on our Photoshop tutorials. I would be happy to share a tutorial, showing you how to do use these. All it takes is the knowledge of layers and clipping masks.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.polishedpicture.com/blog-templates/free-blog-templates-set-1/">Polished Picture Web Boards</a> || </span><a href="http://www.gingerpixel.com/review/storyboard-templates/" style="background-color: white;">Ginger Pixel Storyboard Templates</a> || <a href="http://www.elizabethhalford.com/editing/free-actions-presets/free-blogit-boards-from-mcp-pse-too-blogging-templates/">Elizabeth Halford Blogit Board</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/information-central/first-class-freebies/">Paint the Moon Vintage Frames</a> || </span><a href="http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2011/12/watermarking-storyboards-free-photoshop-actions/">Paint the Moon Storyboard</a> || <a href="http://kimladesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-freebie-free-collageblog-board.html">Kimla Designs & Photography Blog Board Template</a> || </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/flydesignflyoksana/app_352757751422557">Fly Design Fly Blog Board</a> || <a href="http://blog.bettyreddesign.com/free-moodboard-templates/">Betty Red Design Mood Boards</a> || <a href="http://www.ewcouture.com/news-musings/2013/3/20/a-five-10x20-free-storyboards-collection.html">EW Couture Storyboards</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.puglypixel.net/amusements/freebie-blog-photo-templates-with-fabric-labels" style="background-color: white;">Pugly Pixel Photo Layouts</a> || <a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/2013/01/free-photo-collage-templates-from.html">Simple As That Collage Templates</a> || <a href="http://paisleepress.com/2012/01/project-life-title-page-year-in-review-photo-templates/" style="background-color: white;">Paislee Press Project Life Photo Templates</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.simplescrapper.com/free-downloads/" style="background-color: white;">Simple Scrapper Photo Templates</a> || <a href="http://blog.persnicketyprints.com/the-6x6-print/" style="background-color: white;">Persnickety Prints Project Life Photo Templates</a> || <a href="http://halinav.com/treasury/2011/08/photoshop-templates-maybemej-photography/" style="background-color: white;">Maybemej Photography Tags and Photo Templates</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://maybemej.blogspot.se/2012/07/maybemej-free-blogtemplate-old-frames.html">Maybemej Blog Templates</a> || </span><a href="http://halinav.com/treasury/2012/02/free-photo-book-templates-maybemej-photography/" style="background-color: white;">Maybemej Photo Book Template</a> || <a href="http://sillygrrl.com/2013/02/18/nerd-party-photo-collage-templates/" style="background-color: white;">Silly Grrl Designs Photo Collages</a></div>
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<a href="http://the-lilypad.com/store/4x6-Photo-Templates-Vol.-2.html" style="background-color: white;">Paislee Press Project Life Photo Templates</a> || <a href="http://www.kaylaaimee.com/2012/06/free-digital-scrapbooking-template/" style="background-color: white;">Kayla Aimee Digital Scrapbooking Photo Template</a></div>
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XO,<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b><br />
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Sharing with:</div>
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<a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/">Still Being Molly</a></div>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-55114178811152039832014-02-18T07:51:00.001-05:002014-02-18T07:57:38.096-05:00The Hunt for the Perfect Cobalt Blue Handbag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQtOhbkmBp946xdjUDKZdBhtigjwXgrHBjPtR0-r4XU7TIkFZsnJJUU-J9i_Umk4epLdcsX-EN3jiF9rYM_8_qgvokpNgWZIOHFfQMr8pLAi2uyXHLRu6huNVTBcmH3cYWF2lNWKmEWU/s1600/IMG_7449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQtOhbkmBp946xdjUDKZdBhtigjwXgrHBjPtR0-r4XU7TIkFZsnJJUU-J9i_Umk4epLdcsX-EN3jiF9rYM_8_qgvokpNgWZIOHFfQMr8pLAi2uyXHLRu6huNVTBcmH3cYWF2lNWKmEWU/s1600/IMG_7449.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Let's take a walk through downtown Boone while we talk about the hunt for the perfect cobalt blue handbag. I don't know if you dears remember me talking about my <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2013/08/color-crush-cobalt.html">crush on cobalt</a>, and my longing desire to find a cobalt blue handbag. I am happy to report that after a year-and-a-half of searching for that perfect, reasonably priced handbag, this beauty above fell into my lap. And quite by accident.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDW8TGC3-_KILljmiX4cQBtMoK-QENKztVHNHwY6vPl5ez6ROP9sbMZ41cyIKR22j8DrY3z3NaiN6-r939XqoBw6kJqYED0EUP0W0sxxDH806mBRjToYf7m-xKXmP_VSCVMLVsFP4lLD0/s1600/IMG_7445+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDW8TGC3-_KILljmiX4cQBtMoK-QENKztVHNHwY6vPl5ez6ROP9sbMZ41cyIKR22j8DrY3z3NaiN6-r939XqoBw6kJqYED0EUP0W0sxxDH806mBRjToYf7m-xKXmP_VSCVMLVsFP4lLD0/s1600/IMG_7445+-+Version+2.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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I had found <i>the </i>perfect bag. It was remarkable. And on Hautelook for only $35 from $149. When I saw it on the daily deals list, my jaw dropped. A perfect shade of blue, lazer cut. It was stunning. The item was marked "ON HOLD" in someone's cart, but "on hold" doesn't mean "sold out." So I hit my refresh button every second, over and over, just waiting for said person to let go of my little precious. And low and behold, it became mine! Check out never felt so good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiIqXK1r87Ej8hdlfTZhnwt_JsSzBL5q1ZbcnifXkeKDE34yGmDudP1m5SIHVHiKrJ1qctzYjGSTZE6uPcQx_lwOk4y5doKdBYk9VAm0GAPm3eBqCFuVvACAVnma9vMnNmzJb7tJ8e_Y/s1600/IMG_7452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiIqXK1r87Ej8hdlfTZhnwt_JsSzBL5q1ZbcnifXkeKDE34yGmDudP1m5SIHVHiKrJ1qctzYjGSTZE6uPcQx_lwOk4y5doKdBYk9VAm0GAPm3eBqCFuVvACAVnma9vMnNmzJb7tJ8e_Y/s1600/IMG_7452.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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I waited and waited for UPS to drop the box off at my door. I'm talking seeing his truck and running frantically down the street after him like a dog on a chase. After hunting down something to pry the box open with, I pulled back the flaps to reveal a stunning ... turquoise handbag.</div>
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Yes, <i>turquoise</i>.</div>
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Surely you can imagine my sadness. After over a year of searching, I had been let down. (The way Hautelook works is they only get, say, one of something, so once it's sold, that it's. There are no exchanges for the "correct" or a duplicate item.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YEzL5NK-jGF6XP4h6SSRNALXLbPTwWqU835sv-APGBFyGX78WziqvOQbwp0cQylHF7KhXFxJklfcv8hJA5FIWU8Iogfh8dMFoftDFb8WFZH6EDzacVboGHj6YrUsZUSiz8A8T1nxyE8/s1600/IMG_7463+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YEzL5NK-jGF6XP4h6SSRNALXLbPTwWqU835sv-APGBFyGX78WziqvOQbwp0cQylHF7KhXFxJklfcv8hJA5FIWU8Iogfh8dMFoftDFb8WFZH6EDzacVboGHj6YrUsZUSiz8A8T1nxyE8/s1600/IMG_7463+-+Version+2.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Days after I got my refund from Hautelook (amazing customer service, by the way), I was out with my honey, getting him a haircut. He says to me, "Why don't we go into TJ MAXX? Maybe they'll have a handbag you like." Little Miss Mopey here, however, replied, "I doubt it. I was there the other day." And I went home.</div>
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The next day I thought, <i>I guess it couldn't hurt. I need to look for gifts for the kids anyway</i>. So off to TJ MAXX I went.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NcCq_jUzjgV5TBUXb7WQuJWZcEPfAaiQcafv7u4rgZV1mNsKlPLnoq8fsd-PghqELiUY8MhOv0wqMCffNgV4rnYPEmorypxuuM1lSBPOS86Lf-e7LwsEAX_MFkSi2_jKSrlauFzJm2E/s1600/IMG_7470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NcCq_jUzjgV5TBUXb7WQuJWZcEPfAaiQcafv7u4rgZV1mNsKlPLnoq8fsd-PghqELiUY8MhOv0wqMCffNgV4rnYPEmorypxuuM1lSBPOS86Lf-e7LwsEAX_MFkSi2_jKSrlauFzJm2E/s1600/IMG_7470.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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And there it was, this perfect leather cobalt blue handbag, just the size I wanted, and for only $35. I should have known their merchandise changes on a nearly daily basis. They were just waiting for me to get my refund from Hautelook before they put this beauty out on the floor. Silly me, I should have known better. And what better way to pair it than with an all natural outfit, just for that one extra special pop of blue color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC10i5Bm4MJvOrF4X1jGg_8KDonWhTwd8-oDUMSXd60cxwyqrHswtyJ8YIwcMXQidcwPPVOV3nTqE0MgxOyIq1awRkcQlgA2uZQdNRgkPU5SZ4QBMXdVJQKkwcLWq8LU9006FCcx8qG8/s1600/IMG_7489+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC10i5Bm4MJvOrF4X1jGg_8KDonWhTwd8-oDUMSXd60cxwyqrHswtyJ8YIwcMXQidcwPPVOV3nTqE0MgxOyIq1awRkcQlgA2uZQdNRgkPU5SZ4QBMXdVJQKkwcLWq8LU9006FCcx8qG8/s1600/IMG_7489+-+Version+2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma6OyNtYFm_bzuV2bliDUj37Ehb3pawdcSBwoXmJXV9NakNMux0WMBO_n7w8ety9_ElfAgfs0U6V9W-oyBhuxwRFGGZPnJQomrH8YmiCfh07v-id4MZbuk9eJHSUuPw-Wzev7henjAOw/s1600/IMG_7534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma6OyNtYFm_bzuV2bliDUj37Ehb3pawdcSBwoXmJXV9NakNMux0WMBO_n7w8ety9_ElfAgfs0U6V9W-oyBhuxwRFGGZPnJQomrH8YmiCfh07v-id4MZbuk9eJHSUuPw-Wzev7henjAOw/s1600/IMG_7534.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh-ZVWivCythPY7_UzFbT3cXhEP7Pa-eGTd9sgrBuu7qGeMnBWSkhvYcseqHNakJhWg3EWO6XjA5x-aFNe4dMDZfeIZjX20dGyh-OtHzulNuNVhdoXBdDOUETKxwSKPXMmqpKf5TD9Xc/s1600/IMG_7473+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh-ZVWivCythPY7_UzFbT3cXhEP7Pa-eGTd9sgrBuu7qGeMnBWSkhvYcseqHNakJhWg3EWO6XjA5x-aFNe4dMDZfeIZjX20dGyh-OtHzulNuNVhdoXBdDOUETKxwSKPXMmqpKf5TD9Xc/s1600/IMG_7473+-+Version+2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The lesson to be learned here? When all else fails, TJ Maxx will come to the rescue! They're like super heroes. Btw, this was one of my favorite spots in downtown Boone. I mean, if you're going to graffiti a wall, make it memorable. Then make it doubly memorable by gluing pieces of glass to the wall in the shapes of eyes. Honestly, it was so random, my photographer and I couldn't stop laughing.</center>
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Handbag: <a href="http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp">TJ Maxx</a> || Sweater: Thrifted || Vest: Thrifted || Watch: Thrifted || Bracelet: <a href="https://www.groopdealz.com/">GroopDealz</a> || Boots: <a href="http://www.payless.com/store/">Payless</a>?</center>
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Photography by <a href="http://www.heatherthackerphotography.com/">Heather Thacker Photography</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567401&u=911888&m=51724&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/51724/392x72Banner2.jpg" /></a></center>
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Sharing with:</center>
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<a href="http://www.walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com/2014/02/trend-spin-linkup-week-36-red-andor-pink.html" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;">Walking in Memphis in High Heels</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> || </span><a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;">The Pleated Poppy</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> || </span><a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/2014/02/10/trifabb-meetup-recap-funday-monday-link/" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;">Still Being Molly</a></center>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-49519130863317635482014-02-11T09:49:00.000-05:002014-02-12T07:41:26.761-05:00Style Guide: Valentine's Night Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklgU_gwcHA82EMCGSXu7wfqOU3wPEqsjIChFb2QrAVXSVljQx07Uryh6hTdwNPksmEWVqznKA4HX8xGDqdYVUsEEQJTabkORCgRAshvFPuv7PXO7-zBowu-n7i_1i_BhEN2aVjx2OLXM/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_4_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklgU_gwcHA82EMCGSXu7wfqOU3wPEqsjIChFb2QrAVXSVljQx07Uryh6hTdwNPksmEWVqznKA4HX8xGDqdYVUsEEQJTabkORCgRAshvFPuv7PXO7-zBowu-n7i_1i_BhEN2aVjx2OLXM/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_4_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Blouse: Thrifted || Sequin skirt:<a href="http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp"> TJ Maxx</a> || Shoes: <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/events/all">Hautelook</a> || Bow: <a href="http://whippycake.com/">Whippy Cake</a> || Gold Clutch: Thrifted || Chain Link Bracelet: <a href="https://www.groopdealz.com/">GroopDealz</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Images courtesy of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12.896000862121582px; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.heatherthackerphotography.com/">Heather Thacker Photography</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">V</span>alentine's Day is in just four days and many ladies are browsing around to get that perfect look. It's not everyday us mom's get a legitimate excuse to go all out with our wardrobe's. But if you're anything like me, you'll find any excuse to wear gold sequins! This mom is also not made of money, unfortunately, so I've got your tips on finding that perfect Valentine's date night outfit on a budget.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy9MBWWyLRhsM3CSuJnab7UJ_xvXkE8XCPTnB38oguYOc0nc3Yu4JJrYUP8BxlnsQVDQWlEU0OU3SM-X4RL4-I8zOlU5M8Qm9VCOxduY5Mf58ESB8r3TjOJQuuZDMnPn5tO0JbSEvtsU/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_1_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy9MBWWyLRhsM3CSuJnab7UJ_xvXkE8XCPTnB38oguYOc0nc3Yu4JJrYUP8BxlnsQVDQWlEU0OU3SM-X4RL4-I8zOlU5M8Qm9VCOxduY5Mf58ESB8r3TjOJQuuZDMnPn5tO0JbSEvtsU/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_1_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #c3edce;">Tip #1:</span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Be Thrift Happy</span></span></span></div>
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I picked up this designer blouse at Goodwill for a happy $3.75. It still had the tags and additional button attached! The vintage gold clutch was also picked up from Goodwill for $1. I almost always buy my clothes from thrift shops. I can get quality brands like, <a href="http://j.crew/">J.Crew</a>, <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/">Ann Taylor,</a> and <a href="http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/">New York & Company</a> for a fraction of the retail price. I <i><b>never </b></i>pay retail price for anything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdzzHSxRigj_cYazFPkWkXlyDhQbOhcSlSjKN4F-6QYdWv8xVvmL68E-_jJnnbKM2NJxq5WWDqlZuHWJz_dOqGcSEQ1U_aTOjsnEYtKKFCtbFCr3I-hin9P3zSoee60rmwKH3O8EwSF0/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_2_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdzzHSxRigj_cYazFPkWkXlyDhQbOhcSlSjKN4F-6QYdWv8xVvmL68E-_jJnnbKM2NJxq5WWDqlZuHWJz_dOqGcSEQ1U_aTOjsnEYtKKFCtbFCr3I-hin9P3zSoee60rmwKH3O8EwSF0/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_2_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3erc8mDhtWho-bblj_A25v2D32CrjGsRMm7ZVAokDltAzsjoYz576oWNy6x7ePz7OEG-zAcP01NhFBaNqsJlwiptxezRzBIkBsbxop3NPo3SfsdlJF5My6FV7q7m0nfRODraO6RzuM34/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_3_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3erc8mDhtWho-bblj_A25v2D32CrjGsRMm7ZVAokDltAzsjoYz576oWNy6x7ePz7OEG-zAcP01NhFBaNqsJlwiptxezRzBIkBsbxop3NPo3SfsdlJF5My6FV7q7m0nfRODraO6RzuM34/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_3_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #c3edce;">Tip #2:</span><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Repurpose Accessories</span></span></div>
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This bow bracelet isn't a bracelet at all. In fact it is a hair accessory from one of my favorite designers, Whippy Cake. It is the most expensive item I am wearing, costing $20. Yes, I will spend that much on just one hair accessory, because the quality is that good. So be selective; <b>inexpensive doesn't always mean quality</b>. And in this instance, I got more bang for my buck, because when I don't want anything in my hair, I can strap it to my wrist!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yltFlBWR56EfXVfJamu-TVd0vxjL2_xYnf0cdzfuIlyiGhKBh-wjOux6rsv-C7ULXEnDbR6b6RKAzLsyO_NuM-2AO6ZvgoInSPluIwkSdir8BQAAl4tzjMsy8wxYwTjIfMMvFeV_t88/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_6_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yltFlBWR56EfXVfJamu-TVd0vxjL2_xYnf0cdzfuIlyiGhKBh-wjOux6rsv-C7ULXEnDbR6b6RKAzLsyO_NuM-2AO6ZvgoInSPluIwkSdir8BQAAl4tzjMsy8wxYwTjIfMMvFeV_t88/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_6_newlymynted.png" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWcTfcGR5Ju-bVybKsQ0NMjeXZtxiRHdehFhv4jhrZRA5PriUJiOCfXosJMpiin5PTuUSOT_8hGt5WfWs9jdIvs0JTzB1VRHeOOzBjNEZKVtMo9h_4Ry29DCetZVwPvgzebvswLK69Kc/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_5_newlymynted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWcTfcGR5Ju-bVybKsQ0NMjeXZtxiRHdehFhv4jhrZRA5PriUJiOCfXosJMpiin5PTuUSOT_8hGt5WfWs9jdIvs0JTzB1VRHeOOzBjNEZKVtMo9h_4Ry29DCetZVwPvgzebvswLK69Kc/s1600/gold_sequin_skirt_5_newlymynted.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #c3edce;">Tip #3:</span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Hook Up with Discount Retailers</span></span></span><br />
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For my meager budget, I feed my fetish's through discount retailers and boutiques, like TJ Maxx, <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/events/all">Hautelook</a>, <a href="https://www.groopdealz.com/">GroopDealz</a>, and <a href="http://aceandivy.com/">Ace & Ivy</a>. I flipped to find that gold sequin skirt at TJ Maxx for only $14.99. My fuschia stiletto's were a steal on <b>Hautelook </b>for $14 and the chain link bracelet was a <i>freebie </i>on <b>GroopDealz</b> (just pay shipping). Be sure to subscribe to your favorites so you get their latest updates straight to your inbox, then you're always ready for a fabulous steal. </div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/NewlyMynted/get_the_look_zpsaa4a06a0.jpg" height="383" id="Image-Maps-Com-image-maps-2014-02-11-080141" usemap="#image-maps-2014-02-11-080141" width="640" />
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<a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Tops/entity/pc/0/c/0/sc/3047/256193.uts">Blouse </a>|| <a href="http://www.fashionunion.com/mini-skirts/adrienne-gold-sequin-wrap-over-skirt/invt/wskm0291god?awc=5514_1392120028_eeec31f33897dd1f27ac51d0bea78806&utm_source=Affiliate_Window&utm_medium=Affiliate_Marketing&utm_campaign=Affiliate_Window_Sale">Skirt </a>|| <a href="http://us.riverisland.com/women/jewellery/bracelets/Gold-tone-bow-clamp-bracelet-650383?mid=38432&cur=GBP&cmpid=af_Linkshare_UK_Hy3bqNL2jtQ&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-tiVzQ.kWDWN3jmj4BDKuqQ">Bracelet </a>|| <a href="http://www.heels.com/womens-shoes/too-spicy-fuchsia-and-gold.html?utm_source=cj&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2205077&cj_linkd=10511749&cj_webid=2687457&cj_sid=a684f00074484b62bd3497c9c7984a03&cj_affid=2205077&cj_affname=Polyvore">Heels</a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All images are </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">© </span></span><a href="http://www.heatherthackerphotography.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;">Heather Thacker Photography</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"> and may not be distributed without consent and/or proper sourcing.</span><br />
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What are your favorite ways to style on a dime?<br />
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Happy shopping!<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b><br />
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<b>Sharing with the lovely:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com/2014/02/trend-spin-linkup-week-36-red-andor-pink.html">Walking in Memphis in High Heels</a> || <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/">The Pleated Poppy</a> || <a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/2014/02/10/trifabb-meetup-recap-funday-monday-link/">Still Being Molly</a></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-26279258150041718712014-02-10T11:15:00.000-05:002014-02-10T11:15:38.130-05:00Amazing Weekend Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been quite sick for several days. Toady is my first day out of bed. I certainly wasn't going to leave you cringing, biting away at those pretty fingernails, wondering if there would be a blog post. While I have a couple of drafts going, I thought this morning I would take it easy on myself, yet make it exciting for you. Today I have a collection of some of my favorite finds from my time on bed rest. We have style inspiration and decor inspiration for you to feast your hungry eyes on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tpKHBGZlX4B5XMur8UUbFOb0Sv59Xq07oeOetgpNR1T8go3327SBTErpiy6WyAzApaCbDka6M6oRgK5_m9cidTA8LLSprTmhRmWQBIjV5J4iS7iql2GTmhLrsLjnBJDs3aAhbp9VWIQ/s1600/style_love_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tpKHBGZlX4B5XMur8UUbFOb0Sv59Xq07oeOetgpNR1T8go3327SBTErpiy6WyAzApaCbDka6M6oRgK5_m9cidTA8LLSprTmhRmWQBIjV5J4iS7iql2GTmhLrsLjnBJDs3aAhbp9VWIQ/s1600/style_love_collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Learn how to tuft and reupholster a sofa over at </span><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/2014/01/how-to-reupholster-a-sofa.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Classy Clutter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Honest to goodness, her living room made my heart swoon! I want a gray lounge chair in my living space, so this was just the right inspiration I needed for a future DIY project.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuNFWBQE7OcRgyJkV0kyDlwdaJzvYARrpwQ9Q4FxqWY4EMEkaJEp4_wAqYzD3c_1O05VnyLJwXq2SOV3plndHDs3k4AncOOFz76jOLqgumLG3-HDLJ4kDYA_CDGAG7uFITDeB4RpGs5k/s1600/How-to-reupholster-and-tuft-a-thrift-store-sofa.jpg-685x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuNFWBQE7OcRgyJkV0kyDlwdaJzvYARrpwQ9Q4FxqWY4EMEkaJEp4_wAqYzD3c_1O05VnyLJwXq2SOV3plndHDs3k4AncOOFz76jOLqgumLG3-HDLJ4kDYA_CDGAG7uFITDeB4RpGs5k/s1600/How-to-reupholster-and-tuft-a-thrift-store-sofa.jpg-685x1024.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. With summer almost in reach, many of us are working on getting ourselves bikini ready. Yesterday I nearly gasped at this scalloped one piece from </span><a href="http://www.nastygal.com/clothes-swimwear/nasty-gal-martine-swimsuit/" style="font-family: inherit;">Nasty Gal</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I also love this suit because it gives the right amount of coverage for my self-</span>consciousness<span style="font-family: inherit;">. I do not like to flash my stretch marks and this one covers that area exactly while still allowing me to feel great in my skin.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ2TBxofn9vTNn3A-IoYup4uz_LkV6-T5y0LsDhH6H1J58x8v6lkCFb9XbjQNh2hRFNA2uznyMYkRar6SjBTs6OXlLwRIkAQ-WojtLYZgjIQITIJHRA_oWY5cby9S5z7BUihjV448D1A/s1600/37379.1.zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ2TBxofn9vTNn3A-IoYup4uz_LkV6-T5y0LsDhH6H1J58x8v6lkCFb9XbjQNh2hRFNA2uznyMYkRar6SjBTs6OXlLwRIkAQ-WojtLYZgjIQITIJHRA_oWY5cby9S5z7BUihjV448D1A/s1600/37379.1.zoom.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Last week I stumbled upon the sister duo </span><a href="http://jeansandateacup.blogspot.com/2014/01/date-night.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Jeans and Teacup</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> after Jessica linked up to </span><a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2014/02/funday-monday-link-party.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Funday Monday</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, which I co-hosted. I was instantly impressed by their blog, so I stayed awhile and browsed around. I was so glad I did, because I found this amazing emerald skirt Jessica flaunted. What a statement!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHICgB22znP6-5-PDjjEUr9Zg8I1IAKBNh-91WETDnYUdq6IMHfHEMizgMoOa2L1oJxRN2I2oceFhqrN_389ZJ26xmOFTJWOQSDktCgas9osITRUDdBMv_sQ5Av69abiHYNn3pGfMD8o/s1600/12201957023_484cc49d1e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHICgB22znP6-5-PDjjEUr9Zg8I1IAKBNh-91WETDnYUdq6IMHfHEMizgMoOa2L1oJxRN2I2oceFhqrN_389ZJ26xmOFTJWOQSDktCgas9osITRUDdBMv_sQ5Av69abiHYNn3pGfMD8o/s1600/12201957023_484cc49d1e_o.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. I honestly could not say what it is about this </span><a href="http://m.anthropologie.com/mobile/catalog/productdetail.jsp?cm_mmc=CJ-_-Affiliates-_-rewardStyle-_-11292623&navAction=jump&id=28987139" style="font-family: inherit;">rancher hat from Anthropologie</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that makes me happy, but it just does. I love hats!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDGkpeNtlFJgpBAPid_I7vZmt7LIuIptO5v2jp28CnWiH6n_j0n5UtzksXguMdiAGbyWsn7dDgDD_Y7LPHdjsUcljl0aC33sd3PfgW1jon27Sg_qcJ21AS0Lun7hFYsexnSUNrteXkYk/s1600/28987139_020_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDGkpeNtlFJgpBAPid_I7vZmt7LIuIptO5v2jp28CnWiH6n_j0n5UtzksXguMdiAGbyWsn7dDgDD_Y7LPHdjsUcljl0aC33sd3PfgW1jon27Sg_qcJ21AS0Lun7hFYsexnSUNrteXkYk/s1600/28987139_020_b.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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5. One of my favorite magazines is <a href="http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/">Better Home & Gardens</a>. I am always browsing through a mag or on their site, looking for new inspiration. And they never disappoint, like this decorative <a href="http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/craft/how-to/h/-/14780946/how-to-make-a-decorative-mirror/">floral mirrors </a>made from egg cartons. I think I will be saving the next few dozen eggs I buy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_meIQQEeRlZcQKSdoENZQJU8spG2SiZcJYEyFOrgqdj9eIRXOkIqsC857e44L-3h1xRvylFt80QD1m6wPydEACetNgwxD6NEG78Yco2kbx1U4RVa2h4tcRUOO3dmv6iX8yVKfT0JixQs/s1600/egg_craft_mirror_184idop-184idot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_meIQQEeRlZcQKSdoENZQJU8spG2SiZcJYEyFOrgqdj9eIRXOkIqsC857e44L-3h1xRvylFt80QD1m6wPydEACetNgwxD6NEG78Yco2kbx1U4RVa2h4tcRUOO3dmv6iX8yVKfT0JixQs/s1600/egg_craft_mirror_184idop-184idot.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />6. Have you ladies heard of <a href="http://aceandivy.com/">Ace & Ivy</a>? They are an up-and-coming discount beauty boutique, and just this morning I saw these darling <a href="http://aceandivy.com/collections/frontpage/products/retro-floral-square-sunglasses-daily-deal">floral wayfarer sunglasses</a> posted up for only $6.99! How cheap is that? I already snatched myself a pair, so head over and get yours too. They are only available at this price for a brief period of time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG762ckAhdElxtucPUb_k_v43WchFF2NqN36WAJrczKhQVBL3FU9HkT4OBebn5Vlck39OBotOO90SWr2RtH4AoowOnkhhpWNCmipBwoUjuJj63AhklIMeCyMGernYzjM2O2eI3wclr7wY/s1600/wayfarer_glasses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG762ckAhdElxtucPUb_k_v43WchFF2NqN36WAJrczKhQVBL3FU9HkT4OBebn5Vlck39OBotOO90SWr2RtH4AoowOnkhhpWNCmipBwoUjuJj63AhklIMeCyMGernYzjM2O2eI3wclr7wY/s1600/wayfarer_glasses.png" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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What goodies inspired you this weekend?</div>
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XO,</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Steph</i></b></span></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-29499565422246328952014-02-06T09:35:00.001-05:002014-02-06T09:35:18.197-05:00How to Keep Your Kitchen Clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaqS-i2zbbLRQYNPhMOUE75cK0EkCMaaZ5rjXmyTLQnbdWhhdJNLz14HuoWpWL58jhy_q_CoIVD1ah1yEy1AerN8E_zHXPh-4Yz1xHtRj8whX7pNsTYC61OAdEoolZASw3QVFBAT6e2I/s1600/how_to_keep_your_kitchen_clean_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaqS-i2zbbLRQYNPhMOUE75cK0EkCMaaZ5rjXmyTLQnbdWhhdJNLz14HuoWpWL58jhy_q_CoIVD1ah1yEy1AerN8E_zHXPh-4Yz1xHtRj8whX7pNsTYC61OAdEoolZASw3QVFBAT6e2I/s1600/how_to_keep_your_kitchen_clean_newlymynted.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #c3edce;">1. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Start With A Clean Kitchen</span></span></div>
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Starting with a clean kitchen makes your time in the kitchen much more enjoyable. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find a pot only to discover it's sitting in the sink. Or trying to cut vegetables with a cluttered counter. Have the kids quickly pick up any messes in the kitchen when they arrive home from school. My youngest, four years old, loves to wash the dishes. She feels important when she does.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large;">2. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Speedy Clean List</span></div>
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Have a speedy clean list, making it your goal to never spend more than 20 minutes cleaning your kitchen. In that 20 minutes you should be able to wash the dishes, wipe the counters and stove (drip pans included), and sweep the floor. Twenty minutes a day doing this will go a long way in maintaining the integrity and joy of your kitchen.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Never Go To Bed With Dirty Dishes</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This is our best secret.</i> One of the biggest ways to make a kitchen look dirty is by having a sink full of dirty dishes. It also takes a lot of stress off the next day knowing you don't have dishes awaiting you. You can easily fill the coffee pot with water, because you don't have to shove a bunch of dishes around. Odors don't develop overnight from leftover food and you spend less time, within 20 minutes, in the kitchen later because you're not spending all your time scrubbing stuck on food. <i>Why is this my best </i><i>secret?</i> you wonder. Because I have one great tip for you on this: RINSE AND LOAD. Recite that like a mantra in your home. Say it to your kids until they are sick of hearing it: RINSE AND LOAD. It literally takes less than one minute to rinse a plate and place it in the dishwasher. Take this free printable I created, hang it over the sink or somewhere else in your kitchen. But make sure your kids, and yourselves, consistently remember to RINSE AND LOAD.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lHHSqbT-NVUNlFxVjF1q5rPc_f8RgePufkzrNpZLj-lGgXg4qD9s0p4_J8Nn9C5Dp66LU9m04KZ7nQnbGcr8U6yu4b35d_r93DbLkOJIcdPpnRb1USTTtU7zS8AJl2-XyvimKEh8FO0/s1600/rinse_and_load_8x10printable_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lHHSqbT-NVUNlFxVjF1q5rPc_f8RgePufkzrNpZLj-lGgXg4qD9s0p4_J8Nn9C5Dp66LU9m04KZ7nQnbGcr8U6yu4b35d_r93DbLkOJIcdPpnRb1USTTtU7zS8AJl2-XyvimKEh8FO0/s1600/rinse_and_load_8x10printable_newlymynted.png" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">|| <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/mj3l4a1vwcvp7fm/rinse_and_load_8x10printable_newlymynted.png">DOWNLOAD </a>||</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Graphic courtesy of <a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/">The Graphics Fairy</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large;">4. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Clean While You Cook</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is something my mom taught me when I was learning how to cook. Instead of throwing a skillet into the sink when you're done using it, give it a quick rinse first. Instead of using three different spoons for stirring each pot, rinse one off and reuse it. If you spill on the stove while cooking, wipe it up with a paper towel right away, instead of letting the egg or sauce dry. This is something that drastically increases your clean time later. We want to do anything that might help keep our kitchen time down to 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; text-align: start;">5. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Clean Your Fridge Twice a Month</span></div>
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Refrigerators are one of the biggest breeders of germs in your home. Food gets shoved to the back and grows mold. You lose more plastic storage containers than you can shake a stick at. Clean your fridge twice a month (or when you go grocery shopping). This will get the smells and rotten food out, free up any storage containers you can use, and give you a better idea of what is truly available when you are ready to go grocery shopping.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large;">6. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Use Non-slip Rug Pads</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my biggest pet peeves is when bottles get tipped over in my fridge and in my cabinets. This clutters up the space, liquids leak out, and generally becomes a huge mess. To prevent this from happening, use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Natural-Rubber-Non-Slip-Indoor/dp/B003UV73PQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1391693066&sr=1-3&keywords=rug+mat">non-slip rug pads</a> on your flat surfaces. Your glass bottles will no longer slip around in your fridge. You can spray paint them, too, to a little pop of color to the inside of your </span>refrigerator<span style="font-family: inherit;"> door!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; text-align: start;">7. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Use Designated Containers for Kids</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know about your kids, but the first thing mine do when they get home from school is raid the kitchen. They make messes without even realizing it, and eat half the house before dinner is even served. To maintain their clutter, have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/InterDesign-Refrigerator-Freezer-Storage-6-Inch/dp/B00A17UK0C/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1391695844&sr=1-7&keywords=fridge+storage">designated bins</a> for them. Use some vinyl to adhere their names to a plastic container, and fill them with what they may have that day. This will keep your food budget under control and teach your kids limitations. If they have leftovers from their sack lunches, they can put them in their own bins. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; text-align: start;">8. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Make Use Of Storage Racks</span></div>
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These days you can buy storage racks for just about anything, from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_72_0?rh=n%3A1055398%2Ck%3Aspice+rack+organizer%2Cp_72%3A1248915011&keywords=spice+rack+organizer&ie=UTF8&qid=1391696002&rnid=1248913011">spices</a> to<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_16?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=pots+and+pans+storage+racks&sprefix=pots+and+pans+st%2Cgarden%2C185&rh=n%3A1055398%2Ck%3Apots+and+pans+storage+racks"> pots and pans</a>. Fully invest in these. Some may be pricey, but they make organizing your cabinets so much easier, which in turn makes your time in the kitchen less painstaking.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; text-align: start;">9. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Store Bagged Items Properly</span></div>
In continuing with your cabinet organization, invest in storage containers for your bagged items, such as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-5-Piece-Good-Grips-Containers/dp/B00D78X2V6/ref=sr_1_11?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1391696293&sr=1-11&keywords=cereal+storage+containers">cereal, beans, or rice</a>. All those bags do is create clutter. In my home, they tend to get stacked on top of one another, and I never know if I have a bag of rice or a bag of black beans available. Oftentimes I wind up buying rice when I already had a bag there. I just didn't see it!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; text-align: start;">10. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Deep Clean Once A Month</span></div>
My final tip is to deep clean your kitchen once a month. And by deep clean, I mean the whole thing, top to bottom. Scrub the floorboards, beneath the cabinets, inside and outside of the cabinets, on top of the fridge, inside the oven, and so forth. Keeping up on these necessary chores helps keep your kitchen sparkling all year long!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Image <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12.896000862121582px; text-align: left;">© <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chalonuk/6207329924/sizes/l/">Chalon Handmade</a> || Graphic Design by NewlyMynted</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;">Happy Cleaning!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></span></div>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-24873089092723232082014-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-04T00:00:03.626-05:00DIY Burlap Coasters by Put a Bird on It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjbkIRGo6aMLLFE3FYOSsC2LRbDwd70B6I5TArlMocpXOk0fz0cQyYaVRP000ZczbyRT1q50IE5deSJr5Sp99id-rPLwJCW6EY3ox1ajWWH5Zhz-N3U9KM6wtN-iZYHvHUi_L4H3WE6c/s1600/putabirdonit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjbkIRGo6aMLLFE3FYOSsC2LRbDwd70B6I5TArlMocpXOk0fz0cQyYaVRP000ZczbyRT1q50IE5deSJr5Sp99id-rPLwJCW6EY3ox1ajWWH5Zhz-N3U9KM6wtN-iZYHvHUi_L4H3WE6c/s1600/putabirdonit.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></div>
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Hello there! I'm <a href="http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Daniela from Put A Bird On It</a>. I'm super happy to be guest posting here at NewlyMynted. Stephanie has the best style, am I right? Her <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2013/11/gatsby-inspired-gold-foil-printable.html">Great Gatsby printables</a> are to die for - I'm so obsessed. At Put A Bird On It, I am all about simple & inexpensive crafts and DIY projects. I also love giving my readers free stuff and try to have lots of giveaways! I hope you'll stop by and say HI. :)</div>
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Today, it is my pleasure to be sharing with you a FUN and easy tutorial for making your own burlap coasters! I seriously swoon over anything and everything burlap. In fact, I have a Pinterest board dedicated to this lovely fabric, which you can find <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/elabeaniebaby/more-burlap-please/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I was at Michaels with my husband and 1-year old daughter, Ava, when I found their burlap section {of course!}. They had these small burlap squares and my mind immediately went to COASTERS. I've been wanting to DIY some coasters, but have only ever seen the tile ones, which aren't bad, but not exactly what I've been looking for. These burlap ones are more my style, and I was so excited to snag them and get started. The only other things I needed were a few tubes of acrylic paint and a couple of foam brushes {so cheap, right?}. I'm a visual learner, so here is the tutorial in pictures. Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YZ5Us0oOj7AkGln3ZIEQyfXmkKC26dtQHERIqEI1KilXg937CHPfanpVxYyetpOsGWeQXD5Jn_sWjutqNclcZZAF0TKQdWX0YUaIMfktRKoDEI5Lu18CKM2XB6blfjlqgfiIN7juOTk/s1600/coasters7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YZ5Us0oOj7AkGln3ZIEQyfXmkKC26dtQHERIqEI1KilXg937CHPfanpVxYyetpOsGWeQXD5Jn_sWjutqNclcZZAF0TKQdWX0YUaIMfktRKoDEI5Lu18CKM2XB6blfjlqgfiIN7juOTk/s1600/coasters7.jpg" height="419" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Supplies</b></span></div>
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Burlap squares</div>
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acrylic paint in color(s) of choice</div>
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foam brushes/pouncers/q-tips</div>
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acrylic sealer {not pictured}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmccYPkcHg4jhjD2-KvGnELnrCAqyBE9Yi1VhHSmo-OUXu8-cFdH0OPAyPWI8cIPYD5X2H6kJrUbUOkbKLmNjqDZ6k3dXsS4e7JhhxDLwoIH2HpumwOvG9-pzhcfO_BWbTiZd6-HIEM88/s1600/coasters1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmccYPkcHg4jhjD2-KvGnELnrCAqyBE9Yi1VhHSmo-OUXu8-cFdH0OPAyPWI8cIPYD5X2H6kJrUbUOkbKLmNjqDZ6k3dXsS4e7JhhxDLwoIH2HpumwOvG9-pzhcfO_BWbTiZd6-HIEM88/s1600/coasters1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have foam pouncers I usually use for my polka dots, but I wanted to show you how you can use a simple household item to make polka dots: a Q-TIP. This cheap trick works for painting polka dots on your nails, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrDok4o_ZXWDkBfNzCJmOCGtp_4u1jUqscM5WS6c-cns57JH3BWBjdtLhO9eO88i4JovTR_SXVRwR6SPKYQj9G1-EyAfXpevgyFhnPOBunbRKGa541unfTlnIzWGBzYJ-zdh9-fduco8/s1600/coasters2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrDok4o_ZXWDkBfNzCJmOCGtp_4u1jUqscM5WS6c-cns57JH3BWBjdtLhO9eO88i4JovTR_SXVRwR6SPKYQj9G1-EyAfXpevgyFhnPOBunbRKGa541unfTlnIzWGBzYJ-zdh9-fduco8/s1600/coasters2.jpg" height="491" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted to experiment with designs & colors, so I made a glittery gold, gray, white & pink "aztec" coaster. I used a small foam brush for the triangles, a q-tip for the polka dots, and broke a q-tip in half and used the non-cotton end to draw the arrows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1NjCOsI5ug6HkH7rOIRnhWFS3D7mcKHN2NS4RaQ8C_6EWfGnBKtZYYzhDvAlW8s8SZclYaVWeNpODydgrwwKSyP4GEzIa-LXwMvAScqbttFJGPQgrbWABHfad1xQYY_ZqA2ZaxKB97k/s1600/coasters3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1NjCOsI5ug6HkH7rOIRnhWFS3D7mcKHN2NS4RaQ8C_6EWfGnBKtZYYzhDvAlW8s8SZclYaVWeNpODydgrwwKSyP4GEzIa-LXwMvAScqbttFJGPQgrbWABHfad1xQYY_ZqA2ZaxKB97k/s1600/coasters3.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Your last step is to spray your coasters with an acrylic sealer. This will ensure that your coasters are waterproof. I tried one without sealing it first and my <a href="http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-make-dirty-diet-coke-mormon-style.html" target="_blank">dirty diet coke</a> sweated all over the coaster. Not good! Don't forget this step!</div>
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{intrigued by my Dirty Diet Coke? don't get too excited - there's no alcohol here! my version is sooooo yum you will become addicted like me. <a href="http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-make-dirty-diet-coke-mormon-style.html" target="_blank">get the recipe HERE!</a>}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdhWjNvzBt1QmHCDEOBLKRm8xEgKIanZkM829Ry7L2Bt6mRfB_dcEUJCOQP-A4hiPNCatx-R2Rx0M1dfdiXwQetd58qugxJVswyIhdFs-kov2w0OD3Mw1aprrpodRTzIoWFqDEcpHgVM/s1600/coasters6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdhWjNvzBt1QmHCDEOBLKRm8xEgKIanZkM829Ry7L2Bt6mRfB_dcEUJCOQP-A4hiPNCatx-R2Rx0M1dfdiXwQetd58qugxJVswyIhdFs-kov2w0OD3Mw1aprrpodRTzIoWFqDEcpHgVM/s1600/coasters6.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite coaster: the gold heart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHHRgEKvDmIfNA70i1_4qMTG-MJOGwrQLJoVTxY7G8wraJbLZDuTcv3r3-Fe1p11oi05CKZT_t8Cg8oFsRF-WM75qLLTo0wQk4-g-8tSc9RK-nw1sabM24f9EFbfhHwH-rfH4xef5G6I/s1600/coasters4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHHRgEKvDmIfNA70i1_4qMTG-MJOGwrQLJoVTxY7G8wraJbLZDuTcv3r3-Fe1p11oi05CKZT_t8Cg8oFsRF-WM75qLLTo0wQk4-g-8tSc9RK-nw1sabM24f9EFbfhHwH-rfH4xef5G6I/s1600/coasters4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks to Stephanie for having me. I had a blast sharing my easy coaster tutorial with you guys. I hope you are inspired to make an awesome coaster -- maybe even put a bird on it. :)</div>
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xo</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY7iVxHOL6ODkJQ-onPJiACTbyyoazAj7DsOPkqcDGmpwhsdJ8BAtwzjjjYPQGwElOixgRcxLX3xC8_AQTQDJOBYIg1Css6Hc5qyAdqyv76AejMjt3HodmO611MdCCDf2FGUhqogTf2Q/s1600/blogger-image-122843688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY7iVxHOL6ODkJQ-onPJiACTbyyoazAj7DsOPkqcDGmpwhsdJ8BAtwzjjjYPQGwElOixgRcxLX3xC8_AQTQDJOBYIg1Css6Hc5qyAdqyv76AejMjt3HodmO611MdCCDf2FGUhqogTf2Q/s1600/blogger-image-122843688.jpg" height="124" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BLOG</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iputabirdonit" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/putabirdonitblog" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/elabeaniebaby/" target="_blank">PINTEREST</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/iputabirdonit88" target="_blank">TWITTER</a></div>
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Show Daniela some link love. And head over over to her blog where I am sharing a last minute DIY gift for him this Valentines day.</div>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-10152464006082858412014-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T00:00:10.687-05:00#FundayMonday Link Party CO-HOST<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I am thrilled to be Co-Hosting Funday Monday with Molly of <a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/">Still Being Molly</a> and Carly of <a href="http://lipglossandcrayons.com/">Lipgloss and Crayons</a>. These are a couple of my fave blogs, so it's quite an honor to be selected as a co-host this week. And, thank you, ladies for featuring my post on <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2014/01/you-are-five-steps-from-exceptional-blog.html">Exceptional Blogging</a>. An honor and a privilege!<br />
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Over the weekend I met up with Heather Thacker Photography for a fun photo shoot through Downtown Boone. We had such a great time! Here's a little sneak preview:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjSEiXaE-wqhLw8ohNv6Eajhixz9KP25Lj_eDJIgQ8T0YVXDfJMpchRwVJLLj3ieUYfXG85Kz2TaVhoB8UkIZP_4Uf9ssqhOoFw0JHCx7rOEbV7Wzdgepr_S2sLqEzh3BMo6eBGgldQc/s1600/1781933_1392383687690741_1747058108_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjSEiXaE-wqhLw8ohNv6Eajhixz9KP25Lj_eDJIgQ8T0YVXDfJMpchRwVJLLj3ieUYfXG85Kz2TaVhoB8UkIZP_4Uf9ssqhOoFw0JHCx7rOEbV7Wzdgepr_S2sLqEzh3BMo6eBGgldQc/s1600/1781933_1392383687690741_1747058108_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 12.896000862121582px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">© <a href="http://www.heatherthackerphotography.com/">Heather Thacker Photography</a></span></span></span></div>
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<img alt="funday-monday-button-300x288" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7820" src="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/funday-monday-button-300x288.jpg" height="288" width="300" /> </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to Funday Monday! Here are a few of our favorites posts from last week’s link-up:</span><img alt="funday-monday-feb-3_2238" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9841" src="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/funday-monday-feb-3_2238.jpg" height="640" width="483" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/2014/01/geometric-patterned-cardigan-layers.html" target="_blank">Layers & Distressed Denim</a> || <a href="http://hhandtw.blogspot.com/2014/01/best-diy-beauty-of-2013.html" target="_blank">Best Beauty DIY of 2013</a> || <a href="http://bybmg.blogspot.com/2014/01/robot-cake.html" target="_blank">Robot Cake</a> || <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2014/01/you-are-five-steps-from-exceptional-blog.html" target="_blank">Five Steps to an Exceptional Blog</a></div>
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<b>The Rules for #FundayMonday Link-Ups:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Follow your hosts Molly @ <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2954026/still-being-molly" target="_blank">still being [molly]</a> & Carly @ <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3884052" target="_blank">Lipgloss & Crayons</a>! And, be sure to follow and check out this week’s guest hosts: <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/wnjblog" target="_blank">Whitney @ Whitney 'Nic' James </a>and <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie @ Newly Mynted</a>.
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Grab a button and / or post a link back here in your BLOG POST (<i>NOT your blog’s main page) </i>so your readers know what all the #fundaymonday-ness is about.</b> We love you guys linking up and we do go through and read all your posts… so if you do not give credit, we will have to remove your link. <i>That’s no fun, right?</i> Right. So be nice and share a link! Pretty please?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Link your blog post up using the linky tool below! </b>It can be ANYTHING! An outfit post, a giveaway, a story, a recipe, whatever. Why? Cause it’s #fundaymonday!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Visit a blog or four that you’ve never been to before and leave a #fundaymonday comment</b> – you never know, you might “meet” someone new that you will lurve!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Have fun! Cause it’s Monday!</b></li>
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<em style="font-weight: normal;">Want to cohost #FundayMonday? We are currently accepting weekly cohosts! Please email us at mollystillman@gmail.com for more info!</em></h2>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-386078311588837572014-01-27T09:51:00.000-05:002014-01-28T10:32:50.019-05:00You are Five Steps From an Exceptional Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You've started a blog and now you're wondering how to bring it to its fullest potential. Let's start by being completely honest with ourselves, we care what people think. And you should! You <i>want </i>people to <i>want </i>to read your blog. You want people to return to your blog time and again. It brings a blogger great joy to receive comments on a blog post. After all, we work so hard on them. But what makes a reader want to comment on them? Or, better yet, what makes a reader want to return to your blog at all?</span></div>
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Welcome to <b>Exceptional Blogging</b>!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #c3edce;">1.</span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Invest</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you begin your blog, you need to be prepared to invest in it. Even if you don't intend to monetize your blog and make money off of it, you still need to put money <i>into </i>it. This starts with your URL. I recommend purchasing a URL through <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/deals2/?gclid=CO_y0aTrnLwCFacDOgodHXIAsQ&isc=gofd2001ah&ef_id=soRO2Y2nq04AAMyS:20140126215929:s">GoDaddy</a>. It's very inexpensive and their customer support is phenomenal! The reason I say get a URL isn't because it's "more professional," but because it makes it easier for me to find you. There are <b>a lot</b> of blogs out there, on both Blogger and Wordpress platforms. Don't make me have to wonder which yours is and whether or not you have a blogspot.com or wordpress.com/.org attached to your URL. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next is your blogs layout. Invest in a layout that portrays professionalism. This tells me you care about your blog, you want it pleasing to me, the reader, and it will set you apart from any other ordinary-looking blog. Begin with a brand style in mind, and build from there. If you want a custom design, you need to be prepared to spend at least $300, depending on your blogging platform. For many, this is not feasible when you are just starting out, so invest in a premade <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=premade%20blogger%20template&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&ref=auto1">Blogger </a>or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=premade%20wordpress%20template&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&ref=auto1">Wordpress </a>template. Many are customizable to fit your branding needs.</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Purchase a custom logo!</i> Again, you want to stand out. You want to treat your blog like a business, and businesses need individuality. If you are not a web or graphic designer, don't pretend to be by creating your own mediocre logo. <i>Purchase a custom logo!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Lastly, there is advertising. You have to get your blog name out there. </span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">I once read in a business article, "</span><i style="line-height: 1.428571em;">If you build it, they won't come.</i><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">" Never forget this. The world doesn't know you exist. It's the <i>WORLD WIDE</i> WEB. You are one among millions. You have to tell people you're here, and, no, this isn't necessarily free to do. So paid advertising is almost always a must for any blog with a desire to grow. But choose wisely. If you operate a food blog, it may not do you well to advertise on a blog </span><span style="line-height: 19.9999942779541px;">centered</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"> around web design. If one food blog has 1,000 blog followers who consistently return for daily recipes, odds are those readers might like to check out your recipes too. Perhaps one of those readers, a bread lover, has recently learned they are allergic to gluten, and they don't know where to start because everything has gluten in it, and how can they part with a slice of garlic bread at dinner each night? But low and behold, you posted a recipe for gluten free garlic bread. You just made their day! A web design enthusiast isn't going to care about your gluten free garlic bread. But that one reader not only doesn't feel alone in a gluten-wild society, but now knows where to start, and where to continue to go for more gluten free recipes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; line-height: 22.857135772705078px;">2.</span><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large; line-height: 22.857135772705078px;"><span style="color: white;"> Connect</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Connect with like-minded bloggers by joining communities. Twitter is one of the best communities to join for this. It took me a long time to transition from Facebook to Twitter. I was used to Facebook. But the fact was, it was taking me no where. So I bit the bullet, put the <a href="https://about.twitter.com/download">Twitter app</a> on my phone, and now I have made some phenomenal connections. The next community to join is <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/">The Sits Girls</a>. It is a community specifically for bloggers looking to connect with other bloggers. They talk about the success to blogging is in <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/blogging/create-a-successful-blog-by-building-a-tribe/">building your tribe</a>, <i>connecting with others</i>. Become a SitsGirl, you'll be glad you did. There are many other communities you can join, designed to help you do this, like <a href="http://www.bloggymoms.com/">Bloggy Moms</a>, <a href="http://southernblogsociety.com/">Southern Blog Society</a>, <a href="http://www.thecharlottesocial.com/">The Charlotte Social</a>, and more. Do some research, find communities in your area. Just get connecting!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: large;">3.</span><span style="background-color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"> Useful Content</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Create useful content. Give readers a reason to <i>need </i>to come back to your blog. In doing this, your content needs to be unique. There are many recipes out there, but what is going to make <i>yours </i>memorable when thousands of others have already shared the same thing? There is nothing wrong with sharing your own take on a recipe, just be sure yours stands out in some way. Continue to provide posts with useful content so that I will <i>need </i>to come back and reference said post. Don't make post after post a constant stream of Instagram photos of what you did over the weekend. Tell me to follow you on Instagram, I'll follow and see them then. Keep enticing me, continue giving me reasons to <i>need </i>to come back to you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; line-height: 22.857135772705078px;">4.</span><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large; line-height: 22.857135772705078px;"><span style="color: white;"> Eye Catching Images</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best things I can tell you is to learn Photoshop. This is another investment into your blog. You're serious, you've purchased a DSLR camera, now take it a step further and invest in <a href="http://www.photoshop.com/products">Photoshop</a>. Learn it. Take your dark images and turn them into beacons of beauty readers can admire. You can follow the <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/search/label/Photoshop">Photoshop tutorials</a> here on NewlyMynted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Other ways to get eye-catching photos is to browse the Creative Commons section of Flickr. This is a great resource for share-alike images. Be sure the photo in question has a share-alike attribution. If you find an image on Pinterest or Tumblr that you enjoy, send the owner an email, ask if they mind if you use theirs. Be sure to let them know if you intend to use adaptions. And always source others' images. Not only is it law, it's common courtesy.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use your Photoshop skills to do some minor graphic design to create Pinnable images for your now useful post. The majority of my blog views come from Pinterest, people looking for specific content. The above image is bright, it has a dash of loveliness yet still applies to this post, and it tells people exactly what they're going to find beyond it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #c3edce; font-size: large; line-height: 22.857135772705078px;">5.</span><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large; line-height: 22.857135772705078px;"><span style="color: white;"> Engage</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My final tip on today's <b>Exceptional Blogging</b> series is to engage with your readership. Remember, readers don't just come to you. They come by you putting yourself out there. And they <i>stay </i>by you acknowledging them. Be consistent in replying to comments. Get on your Twitter account and throw out a useful question to begin a conversation. If they retweet you, like their RT. Reply to other users tweets or RT them. Pop into your tribe members blogs and comment on a recent post. Not just a thanks-for-sharing kind of comment, but a genuine make-a-reference-to-a-sentence-in-the-post kind of comment. Sign it, as if you were signing off a letter or an email, and leave a link to your URL. Browse the forums on The Sits Girls site. Whatever you need to do, be consistent in engaging with your community.</span> </div>
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XO,</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/0xdecafbad/3906321372/">SOURCE</a>|| Graphic design by NewlyMynted</span><br />
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Sharing with:<br />
<a href="http://lipglossandcrayons.com/2014/01/perfect-red-lip/">Funday Monday</a></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-28120701622298661902014-01-24T10:42:00.000-05:002014-01-24T10:49:25.559-05:00The Friday Find: Bjorn and Bringly <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rvzmaMwk7-ztp7NMucMuNpwPi3IbbAw6E7VwuaQDYrdyuRRCdXE8Pc7fwqJHJfDM-sL_x0yTx6n5CjTQ7EqVTc-LNUNADBq9NRnDVyagrJXATe-rAvaPwsiP2dCCL_SvwrHSWUiqgAI/s1600/bjornandbringly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rvzmaMwk7-ztp7NMucMuNpwPi3IbbAw6E7VwuaQDYrdyuRRCdXE8Pc7fwqJHJfDM-sL_x0yTx6n5CjTQ7EqVTc-LNUNADBq9NRnDVyagrJXATe-rAvaPwsiP2dCCL_SvwrHSWUiqgAI/s1600/bjornandbringly.png" height="640" width="433" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image(s) <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">© Bjorn and Bringly</span></span></span></div>
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I am starting a new series on the blog, <b>The Friday Find</b>. I love handmade and small businesses. There is just something about a small business owner who goes the extra mile for you. It's not the kind of thing you can find at Walmart or McDonalds, but those amazing business owners don't get nearly as much recognition as they should. So we're going to start giving them shout-outs every Friday, and allowing you to relish and splurge on their goods for the weekend.</div>
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Our very first feature goes to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BjornandBringly">Bjorn and Bringly</a>. I have really been into bracelet crafting lately, and as I browsed beaded friendship bracelets on Pinterest, I came across her Etsy shop. Let me tell you, my heart stopped for a moment when I saw these beaded bracelets. Inspired by the flowers and mountains of the Northwest, Julia puts exquisite detail in her jewelry. She truly makes the outdoors take your breath away with these gems.</div>
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<a href="http://bjornandbringly.com/">Visit Bjorn and Bringly</a> online</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166637233/sale-pink-and-green-rhinestone-beaded">Shop Bjorn and Bringly</a> on Etsy</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BjornandBringly">Bjorn and Bringly on Facebook</a></div>
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If you'd like your small business featured on NewlyMynted send an email to: newlymynted@gmail.com. I would love to shout you out to the world!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Submissions are subject to approval. Entries must coincide with the NewlyMynted brand, offering inspirational and resourceful opportunities for our readers.</span></div>
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Have a blessed weekend!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Steph</i></span></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-19129080871147556312014-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-23T08:00:04.706-05:00DIY Geometric Cork Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSqYn55pcvoJqTh0heQ4pn7a5mCUqJhcNzcwXMuZWIuAbbDJeR1skS-d6tgaQqZPEWq7rIg1VlhmaxdOuwa03J7cEyISybhLgzJKPGIyVdiQHx9R9PCQjW_wmmMKVDJR11S5R07ibXUQ/s1600/cork_board6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSqYn55pcvoJqTh0heQ4pn7a5mCUqJhcNzcwXMuZWIuAbbDJeR1skS-d6tgaQqZPEWq7rIg1VlhmaxdOuwa03J7cEyISybhLgzJKPGIyVdiQHx9R9PCQjW_wmmMKVDJR11S5R07ibXUQ/s1600/cork_board6.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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First I'd like to apologize for the lack of personal posts. Sadly, my rechargeable batteries have gone caput. They will no longer hold a charge. These are the last photos I was able to get out of it. It's very saddening. My camera gets so much love, and now it is feeling so very lonely, sitting there upon my desk all alone, neglected. Single-mom's Budget Syndrome has prevented me from being able to spoil it and buy it new batteries. I've had to put what extra money I have into some health expenses. Hooey is what I say!</div>
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Okay, I'll get to the task at hand now, this lovely diamond painted cork board I hung in my studio. I was inspired by <a href="http://www.thehappyhomeblog.com/2013/04/crafty-decorating-painted-cork-tile.html">this </a>blog post from <a href="http://www.thehappyhomeblog.com/">The Happy Home</a> when I stumbled upon it on Pinterest. Oh, good ol' <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newlymynted/">Pinterest</a>! I had picked up a pack of cork tiles at Big Lots over the summer and they had been sitting here for months. Then Ms. Belinda came to my rescue and was just the right inspiration for me!</div>
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All you'll need are:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quartet-Natural-Tiles-Inches-100T/dp/B004K1AMIU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1390417855&sr=8-3&keywords=cork+board+tiles">Pack of cork tiles</a></div>
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Painters Tape</div>
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Paint</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcZiFJpUdRW1bqUEOMbKCFPqdQBKnWu1bfei3G80sY9YseoQE63fpk8H5gaZYRsvn0hT0RHS5xxcVx8zAvDAiLgpGGw5kkj0Ye8Xjt_CXe-WBAKnxpFf6pdcMz42DEpeUVBK9MdbNuPs/s1600/cork_board1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcZiFJpUdRW1bqUEOMbKCFPqdQBKnWu1bfei3G80sY9YseoQE63fpk8H5gaZYRsvn0hT0RHS5xxcVx8zAvDAiLgpGGw5kkj0Ye8Xjt_CXe-WBAKnxpFf6pdcMz42DEpeUVBK9MdbNuPs/s1600/cork_board1.png" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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Simple enough, tape off your lines. I did a mix of skinny and thick, because both are beautiful and can complement the other lovingly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEuJpCvvAJDlg0474xVfEbxluy7V_dlEBS_u0Q6ZTnfIDFwEggp2BwkQnrofbWXqfNov5xiSI0cfx7wq_o6k8XI_XOPzR9q_2ClcPa7NA04sgJ5eCmRz45jeBBEORD-mfUJYkZ-8M06A/s1600/cork_board2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEuJpCvvAJDlg0474xVfEbxluy7V_dlEBS_u0Q6ZTnfIDFwEggp2BwkQnrofbWXqfNov5xiSI0cfx7wq_o6k8XI_XOPzR9q_2ClcPa7NA04sgJ5eCmRz45jeBBEORD-mfUJYkZ-8M06A/s1600/cork_board2.png" height="630" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make sure all your lines match up. This is also where I would recommend taking an extra piece of tape and labeling each square 1-4. The reason I say that, is I didn't and they got mixed up, then I had to play a puzzle game to get the lines matched up again. Good thing I like puzzles!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j7o5urD7Ie4LNtcM9f8l5H9O0TMjAFaGMI0SjpbpHRTpCO8b-2HfojB8nOEOBQQWUMKAYoIitTBg6iONKNCPvBRgtGfy9GdHqhgmyFnXxCbzHjlFU8ZdoFMBBKu4RTlwg8iS6tlNGMU/s1600/cork_board3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j7o5urD7Ie4LNtcM9f8l5H9O0TMjAFaGMI0SjpbpHRTpCO8b-2HfojB8nOEOBQQWUMKAYoIitTBg6iONKNCPvBRgtGfy9GdHqhgmyFnXxCbzHjlFU8ZdoFMBBKu4RTlwg8iS6tlNGMU/s1600/cork_board3.png" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it is reasons like this I love Folkart. I have mixed metals all throughout my house, so I used Pearl White and Royal Gold.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4OPBJ78NH_ZdiRi8UfoBfAnsH-DPdxdOEteMVVKvMxH6yZ2NjN_qTSH0jgcMiP6fQ4EkvlMhGfdyBDcsj3bLCoAs8s5D27ukdZVUQ9nV0iB0ErYnHCgnUwvjymirTrG0eH-qj0aO9GY/s1600/cork_board8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4OPBJ78NH_ZdiRi8UfoBfAnsH-DPdxdOEteMVVKvMxH6yZ2NjN_qTSH0jgcMiP6fQ4EkvlMhGfdyBDcsj3bLCoAs8s5D27ukdZVUQ9nV0iB0ErYnHCgnUwvjymirTrG0eH-qj0aO9GY/s1600/cork_board8.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yeah, that's a shout out to my girl, Julie at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JulieAnnArt?ref=shop_sugg">Julie Ann Art</a>. Buy her cards. Seriously. People die laughing when they read all the cards I buy for Logan. I already have his Valentine's Day card ready. Her new cardstock is like magic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9mItZeaLnWKqNDlEdhQ7zGKsQA8t1ns3tzZaWJAI_aPxb9WGAdVWUstowlQMohTtHLymhEW8D6ZmLLZfpZiJWJ6nbsQuC9CbV-A5g_35wmQKrquRf2Y1NP5U1XNt67uEnXrwdy8qXmk/s1600/cork_board9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9mItZeaLnWKqNDlEdhQ7zGKsQA8t1ns3tzZaWJAI_aPxb9WGAdVWUstowlQMohTtHLymhEW8D6ZmLLZfpZiJWJ6nbsQuC9CbV-A5g_35wmQKrquRf2Y1NP5U1XNt67uEnXrwdy8qXmk/s1600/cork_board9.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I finished off my little corky space with some tacks I DIY'ed. Those are just scrapbooking embellishments I super glued onto tacks. Now I have fancy tacks to hold up all the junk that would normally get thrown on my cutting table.</div>
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And there ya go. An inexpensive and easy DIY to add a pop of geometric style to your plain white apartment walls. </div>
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Love and that jazz!</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-41631410892043264482014-01-21T09:04:00.000-05:002014-01-21T09:04:40.020-05:00Summer Indulgence | One Piece Swimwear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEBb_vJ1ply0OMdQD3RqsSSfDXAKzu3AXoyyZF68Zl7_Gve6U23GW9SSMwPHZ3_JVX_QFhIJDTTfo9L-7y5ZPOIhm9YkR2GZ3dndaeb8zkGyfMYCWUTHDlnxfwVVTjXiq8v-fCwxxrUU/s1600/summer_swimwear_2014_newlymynted.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEBb_vJ1ply0OMdQD3RqsSSfDXAKzu3AXoyyZF68Zl7_Gve6U23GW9SSMwPHZ3_JVX_QFhIJDTTfo9L-7y5ZPOIhm9YkR2GZ3dndaeb8zkGyfMYCWUTHDlnxfwVVTjXiq8v-fCwxxrUU/s1600/summer_swimwear_2014_newlymynted.png" height="640" width="598" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPYHTOE/ref=s9_simh_gw_p121_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=19TR36TFAKW8XAKG2SGN&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846&tag=polyvore006-20">Floppy hat</a> || <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418154&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446656621&site_refer=AFF001&mid=13816&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-BBwkXictwiTds5EhKOMo.Q&LScreativeid=1&LSlinkid=10&LSoid=304450">Sunglasses</a> || <a href="http://www.yoox.com/us/45190216CQ/item?utm_campaign=affiliazione_us&utm_content=10&utm_medium=affiliazione&utm_source=linkshare_us&tp=11333#cod10=45190216CQ&sizeId=1">Tote </a>|| <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/2013/04/bikinis-and-swimsuits/gallery/1008163">Swimsuit </a>|| <a href="http://www.forevernew.com.au/Jenny-Oversized-Hoop-Earrings.aspx?p60203&cr=085501">Earrings </a>|| <a href="http://www.nastygal.com/shoes_sandals/shacked-chain-sandal?utm_source=commission_junction&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=affiliate&cj_linkd=11085047&cj_webid=2687457&cj_sid=1da2862ded1f4daf979927a6087bfaf4&cj_affid=2205077&cj_affname=Polyvore&utm_content=2205077">Sandals</a></div>
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Just a little summer indulgence to make you swoon while I'm concentrating on my doctor stuff. I'll keep you all posted as I get these tests done. Much love!<br />
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XO,<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph </span></i></b></div>
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Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-43743694615013720502014-01-14T08:38:00.000-05:002014-01-14T08:39:41.272-05:00You Are Loved Inspiration & FREE Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqoI3NTI-zK_r6iV4_B-klWTng4wl6qXRsqhhpISReaEICMYAdCUWKJ3Tx3GiehTPAoE5lBgQ2OyiUMPetT1zYY6W-FJ6N-T4fHvnvmltlleTgwN5U4NgmvGSsDBklLn1_Rrg0ECy8Yo/s1600/Beautiful_printable.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqoI3NTI-zK_r6iV4_B-klWTng4wl6qXRsqhhpISReaEICMYAdCUWKJ3Tx3GiehTPAoE5lBgQ2OyiUMPetT1zYY6W-FJ6N-T4fHvnvmltlleTgwN5U4NgmvGSsDBklLn1_Rrg0ECy8Yo/s640/Beautiful_printable.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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I felt today I needed to take a moment and share a little love. To remind each and every one of you who may be reading this that you are unequivocally <i>loved</i>. If you are new here, welcome. What a blessing it is to have you! If you are a return reader, thank you. Another blessing in disguise!<br />
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Two years ago I thought so little of myself. I remember one day, while <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/2014/01/whats-in-romantic-relationship.html">Logan was waiting patiently for me</a> to come around, I said to my mother, "For whatever reason, this guy is interested in me." I said it numerous times in various ways before my mom finally said, "Will you stop saying that? There are a lot of reasons for anyone to be interested in you." <b>I verbally abused myself</b>, without even realizing it. My <a href="http://www.newlymynted.com/search/label/Divorce">divorce </a>nearly crippled me. I drowned in my depression, allowing it to stifle every breath I dared try to take.<br />
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I know now I am better than that, and I want to you to know you are too! So today, stand up, remind yourself of your beauty, for you are created in God's image, and what is more precious and beautiful than that? You are loved by many. Even if there is one naysayer, <i>they are but one of billions</i>. Don't let them break your spirit. Give them something to admire!<br />
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Feel free to <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/avexg9ojrgdhti9/Beautiful_printable.png">DOWNLOAD</a> the quote above, frame it in your home as a reminder for yourself each morning. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182818066097415429/">Share it on Pinterest</a> or email it to a friend or loved one who may need to hear this reminder today. No matter what the trial plaguing you, remember you are not alone, you are strong and courageous.<br />
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So many hugs and love today!<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b></div>
Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5029931255744302971.post-24718364740161413592014-01-13T08:17:00.000-05:002014-01-13T08:17:30.182-05:00Summer Decor Inspiration | Modern Romance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'll give you one guess where I spent my weekend. I was at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael's</a>. I had stopped in Saturday for some paint for a project I'm going to be doing this week. The signs for 90% off holiday baskets reeled me toward the back of the store. And would you believe what I found when I turned around? They had begun putting out the new Ashland Summer Collection. This years signature accents collection is called <i>Modern Romance</i>. I just <i>had </i>to share it with you, in case you haven't happened upon it yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDO6iutUE7MZ-MIxWRMzjYUSis2r4Jh8CEW0TxvoFyBb3IqOFgx19KrIJNboaI4ZUeVza6-mxU9IP-J9otUFthzPjUim4rYVb9O7x4fzOB1M3b10jUciTVt-RERO-Ie13HP34y0w8Tms/s1600/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDO6iutUE7MZ-MIxWRMzjYUSis2r4Jh8CEW0TxvoFyBb3IqOFgx19KrIJNboaI4ZUeVza6-mxU9IP-J9otUFthzPjUim4rYVb9O7x4fzOB1M3b10jUciTVt-RERO-Ie13HP34y0w8Tms/s640/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent a good while Saturday <i>oohing </i>and <i>ahhing </i>over everything, saying to Logan's mother, who was with me, "I want that, and that, and that ..." as I pointed to each new thing I saw that delighted me. It is simply one of those collections that you can't help but feel serenely happy in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv6EYpEEDLLIca2Uof3ETMz9GmahKD9adY6z-apo1n8EC_8rA4Kq9zSc8QFYHSMSS2-8UajfTfmUtOuHGCh7pO_vbGOW2v6NO4V7R-p4R2TVafwVl6j-8hxlgxCgOaSIVcJRUUEKss2M/s1600/Ashland_collage_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv6EYpEEDLLIca2Uof3ETMz9GmahKD9adY6z-apo1n8EC_8rA4Kq9zSc8QFYHSMSS2-8UajfTfmUtOuHGCh7pO_vbGOW2v6NO4V7R-p4R2TVafwVl6j-8hxlgxCgOaSIVcJRUUEKss2M/s640/Ashland_collage_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I adore those pink apothecary bottles. They had them displayed in the store with pink and white feathers in them. They were darling! I also have those chandelier style candle holders on my wish list.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVzvpjhff_isrhfFqdps6sd9TChPSQpC-Wxd7tQokLC4gliVGVMSEPr5idOIzV2kJFahNiLjIWsHg_Qyb8LbONAze2M6WpatSyg1y9l5boZ62PzxKYn09N0pbcHuKvle7oYiiG8GXA4o/s1600/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVzvpjhff_isrhfFqdps6sd9TChPSQpC-Wxd7tQokLC4gliVGVMSEPr5idOIzV2kJFahNiLjIWsHg_Qyb8LbONAze2M6WpatSyg1y9l5boZ62PzxKYn09N0pbcHuKvle7oYiiG8GXA4o/s640/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7JEvULj8mz_e5polHfgVYHW3bjTO0QUgCeCGz4zbGLOxSE5bxFW0LSg2rp9FJCjaQgRfuKz3umJKItDtmiPQPsRIJTYkZMHOcxvznlw4c4zQKv1IbWm1YwYv6ZfGALtkG_jqwQJxyHg/s1600/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7JEvULj8mz_e5polHfgVYHW3bjTO0QUgCeCGz4zbGLOxSE5bxFW0LSg2rp9FJCjaQgRfuKz3umJKItDtmiPQPsRIJTYkZMHOcxvznlw4c4zQKv1IbWm1YwYv6ZfGALtkG_jqwQJxyHg/s640/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE43JLAJm4iVJ66lF2SgqjN6AuYYzasFMRvoc1lZCdtzvS4imLS3w7AzGvAxrHqvEBXjqnffUm63olM3xU4svU1Ao0pDld0_kAD567_32sX4yE1U83-f4ElxuG1NJjeu5fuJMMeQtmjxQ/s1600/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE43JLAJm4iVJ66lF2SgqjN6AuYYzasFMRvoc1lZCdtzvS4imLS3w7AzGvAxrHqvEBXjqnffUm63olM3xU4svU1Ao0pDld0_kAD567_32sX4yE1U83-f4ElxuG1NJjeu5fuJMMeQtmjxQ/s640/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Way to class up an owl! So chic!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3w9Cy4cOKYHTzlMahAMEfksdum55xyHL5-HLfLdKQm2YP2BJSBvEnZGuhMi5tTnI_zdw7YW4i3kABxOt5pP6qi7E05cud8eeexhVw_NYbz1eivhphTJ012NdKw_SNRrPb9lcvzzHn0c/s1600/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3w9Cy4cOKYHTzlMahAMEfksdum55xyHL5-HLfLdKQm2YP2BJSBvEnZGuhMi5tTnI_zdw7YW4i3kABxOt5pP6qi7E05cud8eeexhVw_NYbz1eivhphTJ012NdKw_SNRrPb9lcvzzHn0c/s640/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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More importantly, however, is I want that pink vase with the rhinestone starburst on the front. I actually picked up a couple pieces of crystal at <a href="http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp">TJ Maxx</a> just before hitting up <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael's</a>, and I think it will go lovely with them.</div>
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Ooh, wait. I just noticed something as I'm gazing at this photo. That planter to the left is a decorative storage box. What a unique way to use it. I'm thinking perhaps some of my storage boxes need some flowers adhered to the lid for an extra <i>pop </i>in my studio.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjhL1tCQbNVo0dpCWcO-fI_7N-pEZ1z0vnrUkpRW1EdF7PgRAtxX3MB7obW20ULyp3j1FmLyZ6onmAL8OgrDR4ba84PdEQTd14WcAIX04Na4Xq6y21fx9Qcci7kP84FApNvor69PxVzw/s1600/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjhL1tCQbNVo0dpCWcO-fI_7N-pEZ1z0vnrUkpRW1EdF7PgRAtxX3MB7obW20ULyp3j1FmLyZ6onmAL8OgrDR4ba84PdEQTd14WcAIX04Na4Xq6y21fx9Qcci7kP84FApNvor69PxVzw/s640/AshlandSignatureCollection_ModernRomance6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After thinking on this set all evening Saturday, I went back Sunday for a piece. I picked up a bouquet bundle to go in a hand painted vase I had previously purchased from <a href="http://www.helloawesomeshop.com/">Hello Awesome.</a> The bouquets are on sale for $4.99 this week. Start your romance collection!</div>
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I hope this inspires and delights you this Monday morn. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All images courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.michaels.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Michael's.com</span></a></div>
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Au revoir!</div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Steph</span></i></b>Stephanie McDonnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333987293305674981noreply@blogger.com0