tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68629161130447164192024-03-18T18:40:56.069-04:00Style... the New BlackStyle is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style. -- John FairchildRenée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.comBlogger1134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-2156269564142329702018-11-28T08:22:00.000-05:002018-11-28T13:54:17.570-05:00I Joined the Bandwagon! Guys, after about a year of hemming and hawing over whether or not to take the plunge, I did it. I became an Instant Pot owner. It arrived on Sunday and I've used it three times already to great success. And what would this lifestyle blog be if I didn't share my experiences with the Instant Pot?!?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ3rx80gbaE/W_1AeeOEsRI/AAAAAAAAQK4/K4-TxFBv6WIzGoGbJcmBzybDRONqpTXoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9289.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ3rx80gbaE/W_1AeeOEsRI/AAAAAAAAQK4/K4-TxFBv6WIzGoGbJcmBzybDRONqpTXoACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9289.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buyer Beware: the 8-quart is MASSIVE. </div>
<br />
Sam knew that I was thinking about getting one and Mr. Smarty Pants got up early on Black Friday and starting hunting the sales online. He found the 8-quart version on Amazon for more than 1/2 off. He ordered it and with Prime shipping, it arrived two days later.<br />
<br />
I admit, I was a bit skeptical. I thought that the Instant Pot was just a glorified slow cooker. And I'm not a huge fan of slow cookers. I only use mine once in a while for very specific dishes. I don't love slow cookers because I'm not a fan of:<br />
<br />
- Dried out meat<br />
- Mushy veggies<br />
- Overcooked pasta and rice<br />
<br />
One of the most delightfully surprising things about the Instant Pot was that the taste and texture of the food you cook is NOTHING like the food cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker. Meat is moist and flavorful, veggies, pasta, etc. is all cooked to perfection. And the FLAVOR!!!!<br />
<br />
Ok, I'll break down the first three things I made in the IP for you.<br />
<br />
First up, was chicken wings. I'd heard these were amazing. I bought a dozen and seasoned them with salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. After seasoning them to my own taste, I pretty much followed <a href="https://www.arealfoodjourney.com/instant-pot-chicken-wings/">this recipe</a>. Even with pre-heating and pressure-release time, PLUS ten or so minutes under the broiler in my oven, this recipe was still significantly faster than cooking the wings in the oven. And there's no oil! They were moderately crispy, not nearly as crispy as I like, but I'm pretty sure the only way to achieve supreme crispiness is to fry the wings and I'm so not going down that road. So, for at-home wings, these were a solid 9/10. I tossed a little Frank's hot sauce on mine for an added kick and Sam and I had a perfect little lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIVzVseAISo/W_1Av2lj9RI/AAAAAAAAQLE/_fZH_cNQ5iUcZUABpIviPQMESfxOsbtvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9292.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIVzVseAISo/W_1Av2lj9RI/AAAAAAAAQLE/_fZH_cNQ5iUcZUABpIviPQMESfxOsbtvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9292.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sam's- no sauce, just seasoning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85qDOm-RUtU/W_1A9zL6jiI/AAAAAAAAQLM/S1-dX4D8vDcMb5oYkvUgoPzLcY5ptZmdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9291.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85qDOm-RUtU/W_1A9zL6jiI/AAAAAAAAQLM/S1-dX4D8vDcMb5oYkvUgoPzLcY5ptZmdwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9291.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mine- gotta have Frank's.</div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I tried this <a href="https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/instant-pot-spaghetti-bolognese/a729c228-82d0-45a3-9b35-b3eb43e5e363?esrc=18018&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=OG_OMP_PB.COM_Instant+Pot_F19_CPC_TD_Keyword&pp=1">Spaghetti Bolognese</a> recipe. Things I found appealing about this recipe:<br />
<br />
- Minimal ingredients list<br />
- Inexpensive<br />
- Simple steps<br />
<br />
This recipe is a SOLID 10/10. The pasta cooks in the combination of the beef broth and the fire roasted tomatoes. The mirepoix prep is the most time-consuming, involved step in the entire recipe. Which is to say a monkey could do it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQDniAkoGsY/W_1A0h6e86I/AAAAAAAAQLI/RHJJBsWtHiE0V0ASvbj9uXTqhWvviA20ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9293.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQDniAkoGsY/W_1A0h6e86I/AAAAAAAAQLI/RHJJBsWtHiE0V0ASvbj9uXTqhWvviA20ACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9293.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This dish made a perfect dinner for us and there was enough leftover for both of us to bring a tupperware to work for lunch the next TWO days. It made a LOT of food. </div>
<br />
Something they don't tell you about the IP: There's a pre-heating phase AND a pressure-release phase. So, when a recipe says "cook for 7 minutes on high pressure," that doesn't mean you're eating in 7 minutes. The IP has to pre-heat and build up the pressure to cook the food. Then there's the very brief cooking time, and then the IP has to release the pressure, which you can do manually in about 5 minutes, or naturally in about 10. So, a 7- minute cook-time recipe actually takes closer to 25-30ish minutes depending on how long it takes to pre-heat/build pressure. The more food in the pot, the longer it takes. Still, taking into account the pre-heating, cooking and pressure releasing times, the depth of flavor this dish achieves is borderline magical. A traditional bolognese would take around 2 hours worth of simmering and still might not be this delicious. And in the process the mirepoix veggies would turn to mush. Another benefit? You don't have to dirty a second pot to boil the pasta.<br />
<br />
Something else they don't tell you about the IP: Almost immediately after you turn on the machine, you begin to smell the enticing aroma of whatever you are cooking. It's pure delight.<br />
<br />
The next day, Sam and I both had to work late-ish, so when I got home, it was basically dinner time. I hadn't planned a meal, but we had some leftover pork chops in the fridge. I pulled out some brown rice and decided to try the IP out and see if I could make perfect brown rice in under 30 minutes. That seems like a miracle, but that's kind of what pressure cookers are made for, right?<br />
<br />
I used a method I found online that was very simple but produced a fully cooked rice with a soft but not mushy texture. It was light and fluffy and took less than half the time it normally does on the stove top.<br />
<br />
The recipe is simple:<br />
1 cup brown rice<br />
1 1/4 cups water<br />
<br />
High pressure setting for 15 minutes, followed by natural pressure release. I seasoned after cooking with salt, pepper and a pat of butter (because butter, duh). It was the perfect side dish for our leftover pork chops. We eat a lot of brown rice, so I'm certain we'll be using the IP to make it from now on. Why wait almost an hour when you don't have to, am I right?<br />
<br />
Friends have been sharing their favorite IP recipes and now that I've had such great success with the first few I've tried, I'm certain I'll be using it on the reg and tasting all their favorite dishes.<br />
<br />
Do you have an Instant Pot? What are your go-to recipes? What do you love/hate about it? Leave a comment and let me know!Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-74046039676027282302018-11-27T07:52:00.001-05:002018-11-27T07:52:14.346-05:00Christmas Shopping: What to Buy for your Adult FriendsRemember being a kid and opening your presents on Christmas morning only to discover a package of socks or underwear? Remember how supremely disappointing that was? Well, if you've ever been an adult in that situation, you may have felt a LOT different. Case in point: Several years ago, my BFF and her husband gave me a pair of knitted wool socks for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsuhzHvbZWo/W_08vvlP5yI/AAAAAAAAQKg/r8jkle0pec00aUdxj6TFhf5723ZrzWjVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9089.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsuhzHvbZWo/W_08vvlP5yI/AAAAAAAAQKg/r8jkle0pec00aUdxj6TFhf5723ZrzWjVwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9089.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was pretty psyched to receive this gift. Why?<br /><br />
1.) I live in New England where it's cold and you ALWAYS need warm socks to wear with your boots.<br />
2.) I live in New England where it's cold and you ALWAYS need warm socks for hanging around the house.<br />
<br />
In other words, come winter time, I could wear these socks pretty much around the clock. Inside, outside, wherever I am, these socks are my go-to. Do I have plenty of other warm, fuzzy socks? Yeah, I suppose I do. But most of them are synthetic. These are WOOL. And that's something to make note of when choosing a pair of socks either for yourself or as a gift. Choose WOOL. Choose a natural fiber because it will not only provide the best warmth and coziness, but it will also allow your feet to breathe. Synthetic materials can be freakishly soft. It's all that refining of the materials that makes it so unnaturally soft. But for every bit of softness, you'll lose out on breath-ability. Which leads to.... sweaty feet.<br />
<br />
Maybe this post is a little TMI, but it's all true and great advice. If you want to give your adult friends a fabulous gift for Christmas, find a pair of high quality WOOL socks. They'll love and appreciate it more than you know.<br />
<br />
Don't mine look cute with my Uggs? Percy thinks so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhYQ35VjBoQ/W_090_8SgKI/AAAAAAAAQKs/YK1oyq5TT2UohU8VfAbfw1DDQTC2P9eOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9090.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhYQ35VjBoQ/W_090_8SgKI/AAAAAAAAQKs/YK1oyq5TT2UohU8VfAbfw1DDQTC2P9eOACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9090.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Christmas shopping everyone! </div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-86833890279975098982018-11-18T13:53:00.000-05:002018-11-18T13:53:12.922-05:00Friendsgiving 2018I believe it is safe to say that Friendsgiving 2018 was a rousing success! At one point, I believe we had more than 30 guests crammed into our little home. But it didn't feel crowded, it just felt... full. :)<br />
<br />
I'll try to keep this post succinct but there are a lot of details to address. Let's start with FOOD. So many guests brought amazing dishes, but since I don't have those recipes, I'll stick to what I prepared.<br />
<br />
First up, the ever popular <a href="https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/15255_Pumpkin_Sausage_Lasagna">Pumpkin Sausage Lasagne</a>. This dish never fails to dazzle, so if you want to really stand out at your next potluck, show up with it. My version takes the Rachel Ray version in the link and doctors it up a bit. The main difference is in the sauce. Her recipe doesn't make nearly enough (in my opinion). I like my lasagne sauce-y, so instead of 3 cups of milk, I use 5 and I add an extra can of pumpkin. This makes more than enough for the pan to be nearly overflowing, so I usually put the baking dish on a baking sheet for any spillage to catch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Hkza9DDKc/W_GkuDeeTWI/AAAAAAAAQHo/LQP-9xnY4fc4Dl604F3_G_ZZrt1s0xz6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9178.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Hkza9DDKc/W_GkuDeeTWI/AAAAAAAAQHo/LQP-9xnY4fc4Dl604F3_G_ZZrt1s0xz6QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9178.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You will need a LARGE pot for the sauce. </div>
<br />
The second major change I make is adding TONS of grated mozzarella. For this party, I think I bought a package of 4 cups shredded mozz. Every layer gets a generous handful or two and the remainder goes on top for a creamy, cheesy topping. Don't be mistaken- the mozzarella does not replace the parmesan in the recipe. It's IN ADDITION. Wear your stretchy pants.<br />
<br />
Hands-down the MOST popular dish at Friendsgiving was the "<a href="http://b1-66ersworld.blogspot.com/2005/11/worlds-best-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe.html">World's Best Mac n' Cheese.</a>" I first tasted this recipe at a Thanksgiving years ago at my BFF's in-laws, although they weren't yet her in-laws at the time. Anyway, it was a life-changing mac n' cheese and I highly recommend you try it. For the party I doubled the recipe and the dish was scraped clean by the end of the night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZGb-7qStAc/W_Gl0q8G65I/AAAAAAAAQH0/dzyxamOysv0UBIKS9EfZInVhnU_-uDhgACLcBGAs/s1600/46394121_10155899716367078_2434338801393336320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZGb-7qStAc/W_Gl0q8G65I/AAAAAAAAQH0/dzyxamOysv0UBIKS9EfZInVhnU_-uDhgACLcBGAs/s640/46394121_10155899716367078_2434338801393336320_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sooooo cheeseyyyyyy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also made a large charcuterie and chip/cracker/dip spread: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFcStAnIsoY/W_GmEHCXs9I/AAAAAAAAQH4/qkolZCuySygtT2jzB7Hq8uPkJnqnoYoewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9203.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFcStAnIsoY/W_GmEHCXs9I/AAAAAAAAQH4/qkolZCuySygtT2jzB7Hq8uPkJnqnoYoewCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9203.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this type of spread because there's something for everyone. I also love how easy it is to mix store-bought with homemade and have an enormous variety of textures and flavors. I did store bought chips, crackers, veggies, fresh and dried fruit, meats and cheeses. The dips were a mix- some store bought, some home made including an all-time favorite black olive and garlic tapenade. SO easy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In a food processor, combine 5-6 cloves fresh garlic with 2 drained cans of black olives and a bit of olive oil. Make it smooth, make it chunky- whatever your preference. Sometimes I add pine nuts if I have them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next were my mom's famous stuffed dates. Also SO easy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Slice medjool dates open "butterfly" style and stuff with cream cheese and either a whole walnut or whole pecan. My mom usually rolls them in sugar, but I opted to drizzle them in honey. Always a hit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also decided last minute to whip up an "everything but the bagel cheese ball. I combined 1 1/2 packages cream cheese with about 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and about 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives. Once incorporated, I rolled it into a ball and coated it with Trader Joe's "Everything but the Bagel" seasoning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a bar of a bunch of different wines, beers, liquors and I made a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/117375134023455292/">Honey Crisp Apple Sangria.</a> Again, I doctored the recipe up a bit for the party. I bought a box of wine, which I thought would be tripling the recipe, but turns out the box had the equivalent of almost 6 bottles of wine, so my proportions were a bit different from the recipe. My version of the recipe was something like this: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 box Franzia red wine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 gallon apple cider</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup orange juice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups brandy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6 chopped Honey Crisp apples</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 large sliced orange</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 large sliced lemon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
juice of one more lemon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12 cinnamon sticks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I skipped the club soda and hoped for the best. This drink tasted like fall. It was perfection. I wish I'd remembered to put out cinnamon sugar for rimming the glasses, but you can't get everything right all the time, right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok, on to the decor! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I kept it simple with basic decorations in the living room where we have yet to hang any artwork (or actually, a new flat-screen TV):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tyrGaipSRY/W_GoopXjDjI/AAAAAAAAQII/grg6Ts1xGeAUPXBSUgsNxNCcyYKef-TSACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9176.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tyrGaipSRY/W_GoopXjDjI/AAAAAAAAQII/grg6Ts1xGeAUPXBSUgsNxNCcyYKef-TSACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9176.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also put candles pretty much everywhere and wrote a quote on the chalkboard sign in our dining room. It was a big hit: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IlNyOZF0Evc/W_Goy1v7n7I/AAAAAAAAQIM/w6VnR5ktGgABNkxfn-Zi76B7zE-2vY-jACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9177.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IlNyOZF0Evc/W_Goy1v7n7I/AAAAAAAAQIM/w6VnR5ktGgABNkxfn-Zi76B7zE-2vY-jACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9177.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Read the fine print. LOL</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also wanted to make sure my guests were taken care of in terms of the more indelicate needs, so I put these in each bathroom: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ab0O-jk3ubk/W_GpBlEWZyI/AAAAAAAAQIU/JckAR-ud3kMVYYyxj4le-vZvy_-liXTyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9204.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ab0O-jk3ubk/W_GpBlEWZyI/AAAAAAAAQIU/JckAR-ud3kMVYYyxj4le-vZvy_-liXTyQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9204.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The sign is a little hard to read. It says, "Friendsgiving Guests, Please help yourself to whatever you need and if you need something you don't see on the tray, just ask Renee or Sam. Just don't ask Percy. He's terrible at anything other than sleeping, eating or being adorable." This was a quick and easy DIY to show our guests we'd thought of their potential needs beyond just food and drink. Most of the items were already in the house. I just bought a bag of Life Saver mints and the eye drops. Other items I put out included tampons, band-aids, hand cream, Advil, nail files, Shout stain removing wipes, a lint roller and some Tums antacids. I'm pretty sure most of the items were used throughout the night, so it was worth the time and effort. The trays and little dishes to hold the various items all came from the dollar store. All told, this project (for both bathrooms) cost less than $10. Of course if you have to buy some more of the items, it could run you a little more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my final DIY projects was to ensure we would have plenty of seating. You may recall my vanity make-over where I upcycled an Ikea Marius stool. Because the stools were so cheap, I had bought 3 additional with plans to eventually do the same or a similar upcycle down the road. Friendsgiving was the perfect excuse to finish the project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GfdBQ7yG_co/W_GqMdah-GI/AAAAAAAAQIk/Jd72w1SBkcgmkcY78WfRv_zOjxLl5DFRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GfdBQ7yG_co/W_GqMdah-GI/AAAAAAAAQIk/Jd72w1SBkcgmkcY78WfRv_zOjxLl5DFRACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9231.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made them all the same as the vanity stool so they can actually function as a set of four. I love that they are stackable so when not in use they don't take up much space. They all got used throughout the night so they were a worthwhile project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, in putting together my outfit for the night, I realized all of my fun party fascinators were lent out and I had no time to get them back. I hopped into my craft room to see what I could find and came up with this little headpiece that ended up being PERFECT. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyoKEheQ89A/W_Grxo1-ajI/AAAAAAAAQI4/jGA9aNJJ5WgNsCxbi-tkDYTkasivKTffgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9219.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyoKEheQ89A/W_Grxo1-ajI/AAAAAAAAQI4/jGA9aNJJ5WgNsCxbi-tkDYTkasivKTffgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9219.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And in a strange twist of fate- the feathers are actually turkey feathers! Gobble gobble! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't get a great photo of the headpiece on me, so here's a picture of it on its own: </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxnZyuuwfK0/W_GsTFDscYI/AAAAAAAAQJM/wf3p-P04z58L4hhjERTPNjqF1knPM4n7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9232.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxnZyuuwfK0/W_GsTFDscYI/AAAAAAAAQJM/wf3p-P04z58L4hhjERTPNjqF1knPM4n7QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9232.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Can you believe I had all these supplies in my craft room? Just waiting for the perfect project. The base is a pre-made piece I bought from a millinery shop in NYC. The feathers, as I mentioned are stripped turkey feathers. I love their iridescence! Finally, I covered up the hot glue holding the feather stems in place with a little black satin ribbon. But how does it stay on my head? Easy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MLKwWkhRxA/W_Gs1y_kLmI/AAAAAAAAQJY/eEr9bpLYo5k6JKKAnf5AlfCZ19w6NHcRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9233.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MLKwWkhRxA/W_Gs1y_kLmI/AAAAAAAAQJY/eEr9bpLYo5k6JKKAnf5AlfCZ19w6NHcRwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9233.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I simply stitched a couple of hair clips to the back. Done. You could also stitch a comb if you prefer. Given how short and fine my hair is, I prefer the clips- they feel a lot more secure on my head. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, here's a lovely montage of some of our guests enjoying themselves: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acUNWBJ9MjY/W_GtMwHDpyI/AAAAAAAAQJo/xC72U4eWvSYjELJuvVbfPkePni3QgTGtgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9209.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acUNWBJ9MjY/W_GtMwHDpyI/AAAAAAAAQJo/xC72U4eWvSYjELJuvVbfPkePni3QgTGtgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9209.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who wore it better? LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjdnUxV--fs/W_GtMriWp2I/AAAAAAAAQJg/riRkuubNkF867bhjShHt5_Jl-eEKx_8MgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9211.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjdnUxV--fs/W_GtMriWp2I/AAAAAAAAQJg/riRkuubNkF867bhjShHt5_Jl-eEKx_8MgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9211.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9KQimlk5Bs/W_GtM1SdXNI/AAAAAAAAQJk/9Ma5x7Z1TgsczQzNdHJmMdPPABjNYagqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9212.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9KQimlk5Bs/W_GtM1SdXNI/AAAAAAAAQJk/9Ma5x7Z1TgsczQzNdHJmMdPPABjNYagqACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9212.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj3II1hqx94/W_GtNaILDnI/AAAAAAAAQJs/hPb-wL-fntI2Io9zblTAi4JnS_u4P8YnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qj3II1hqx94/W_GtNaILDnI/AAAAAAAAQJs/hPb-wL-fntI2Io9zblTAi4JnS_u4P8YnwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9213.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmb1_plKTvI/W_GtN4URXAI/AAAAAAAAQJw/Ovo3JbB3EM4NcgLdeBhsdUlAsc7cZMFqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmb1_plKTvI/W_GtN4URXAI/AAAAAAAAQJw/Ovo3JbB3EM4NcgLdeBhsdUlAsc7cZMFqgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9214.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F9-pLa7Wwc/W_GtN8FVlyI/AAAAAAAAQJ0/LQFiJ_5HoGYPrGnUpcu4VkLK4yIpCPgtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9216.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4F9-pLa7Wwc/W_GtN8FVlyI/AAAAAAAAQJ0/LQFiJ_5HoGYPrGnUpcu4VkLK4yIpCPgtQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9216.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wOcb56d1Qc/W_GtOFjg-aI/AAAAAAAAQJ4/35kJ-4y1JRsitzmb3RDCnClapctn_P2UACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9218.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wOcb56d1Qc/W_GtOFjg-aI/AAAAAAAAQJ4/35kJ-4y1JRsitzmb3RDCnClapctn_P2UACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9218.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxIy8hpcypg/W_GtOY9oa-I/AAAAAAAAQJ8/YuwxjfhpXNE_SN-NK5AoY2uwSavQDZK_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9222.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxIy8hpcypg/W_GtOY9oa-I/AAAAAAAAQJ8/YuwxjfhpXNE_SN-NK5AoY2uwSavQDZK_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9222.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bwFAKB1uGQ/W_GtOrW4gpI/AAAAAAAAQKA/orNyC_DaNzYaWv26EjL8o86VeW_58Rs7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9223.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bwFAKB1uGQ/W_GtOrW4gpI/AAAAAAAAQKA/orNyC_DaNzYaWv26EjL8o86VeW_58Rs7QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9223.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING!!! What should we do differently or better at our next Friendsgiving? Leave a comment! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-45230775332041834762018-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:002018-11-18T12:34:15.572-05:00A DIY of OpportunityYears ago my mom was redecorating her dining room. There was a large wall she didn't know how to fill. I suggested an oversized fork and knife. Like, REALLY oversized. I pictured them being several feet long, maybe even 4 or 5 feet. We've been on the hunt for some ever since.<br />
<br />
About a month ago, I heard about a local production company going out of business. They were basically giving away all sorts of random stuff. I decided to stop by to see what they had. Apparently, they had done a production of "Beauty and the Beast" because I found a pair of oversized silverware. They were just made out of plywood and spray painted silver. Nothing special, but they were free. When I showed them to my mom, she took one look and said, "Not interested."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbCmTRX7XQE/W_GiIEuY6aI/AAAAAAAAQHc/k3UJ9jZho3Uxgrsmln4NnQh9VBVQimASACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9166.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbCmTRX7XQE/W_GiIEuY6aI/AAAAAAAAQHc/k3UJ9jZho3Uxgrsmln4NnQh9VBVQimASACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9166.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her loss. </div>
<br />
<br />
They sat in my garage for the next few weeks while I thought about what, if anything I might do with an oversized set of flatware. (Cue: many jokes from my husband at mealtime.) I finally came up with a plan and it was crazy cheap and easy to execute.<br />
<br />
I started with a bottle of chalk spray paint in black and gave them a couple of coats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF_2OhzHMcw/W-uNype6PAI/AAAAAAAAQHI/cGY3dz6pEXMxjKuOWPiWEkvR1kGu5VZ9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9155.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF_2OhzHMcw/W-uNype6PAI/AAAAAAAAQHI/cGY3dz6pEXMxjKuOWPiWEkvR1kGu5VZ9wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9155.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can kind of see the outline of my next step in the photo. I sketched it out before going for it with the chalk paint pen. I'd chosen a great food-related quote by Julia Child:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"People who love to eat are always the best people."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
True story, am I right? Anyway, the chalk pen made quick, easy work of this project- not including drying time on either the black or white paint, this project took about 15 minutes. SO easy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final product: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6b6XwQ3q4A/W-uOY1IsLBI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/5n5SHpFV_Xk4dGVcx6AjKPDywyRF-yM8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9161.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6b6XwQ3q4A/W-uOY1IsLBI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/5n5SHpFV_Xk4dGVcx6AjKPDywyRF-yM8wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9161.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Super cute, right? I've got the perfect spot for them in our kitchen and can't wait to hang 'em up! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes the best DIY projects are the ones you didn't plan to do, but where the opportunity was too good to resist. Total breakdown of the cost on this one: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wooden Fork & Knife- FREE!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Black chalk spray paint- $4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
White chalk paint pen- $1 for two (on sale from $2.99)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-70125132989199290002018-11-10T08:00:00.000-05:002018-11-10T08:00:07.694-05:00DIY Ladder Towel HolderAll homes have their quirks, I suppose. Our house has a few including the fact that the towel bars in the bathroom are basically as far from the shower/tub as they could possibly be. With two bathrooms, Sam and I have each gravitated towards our own bathroom, and he mentioned the other day that "his" bathroom needs a towel bar much closer to the shower. DUH. I had been researching blanket ladder DIYs on Pinterest and I said, "Hold off on the towel bar. I have a better idea."<br />
<br />
In addition to researching the ladder DIY projects, I'd also been shopping around for one that was already good to go. I mean, why not? But truthfully, even the cheapest second hand ladder was still at least $60 and usually a little more shabby chic and rustic than our esthetic. Given the cost of wood, I decided to go the DIY route.<br />
<br />
Just about every one of the DIYs I found incorporated wooden dowels for the slats. I knew I wanted to use wood that could also double as a shelf, rather than only serve the function of holding a towel. I also noticed that all the "super easy!" and "sooooo simple!" DIYs I found, none of them really addressed the issue of the bottom of the ladder needing to be slightly angled. You'll see what I mean later in the post.<br />
<br />
I got up early on my day off last week and went right to Home Depot. I had read somewhere that they will cut wood for you. As I do not own power tools, or really very many tools at all, this was key to the project. I picked out my wood- 3 pieces of 1X3X8 "Common board." Basic and about $6 per piece. I had two of them trimmed down to 63 inches and another cut into 5 18-inch pieces. I would later learn that my math was off and I would only end up using 4 of those pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hYQMVaDh6UM/W-Mv86usFMI/AAAAAAAAQFU/bS7OWGuTVVwo0wC7h00Xydka8_txddOUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9108.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hYQMVaDh6UM/W-Mv86usFMI/AAAAAAAAQFU/bS7OWGuTVVwo0wC7h00Xydka8_txddOUgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9108.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sign to the right explains their "Lumber Cutting Policy" which is that the first two cuts are free, the rest are 50 cents. But they didn't charge me anything despite needing more than 2 cuts. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm2w1NfKNZM/W-MwOE9swnI/AAAAAAAAQFc/Lxkpv1ukBWsz_yaf0ovcRKpJf6u_XlLSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9109.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm2w1NfKNZM/W-MwOE9swnI/AAAAAAAAQFc/Lxkpv1ukBWsz_yaf0ovcRKpJf6u_XlLSQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9109.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Percy was very patient while the wood was being cut. He also made a friend there who gave him bacon-flavored dog treats. No wonder he loves coming with me to Home Depot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS4nxz2F6i8/W-MwYYyJlpI/AAAAAAAAQFg/2Hyy5e-Za5k1Kn416T0CTReYZCvLt9UywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9110.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS4nxz2F6i8/W-MwYYyJlpI/AAAAAAAAQFg/2Hyy5e-Za5k1Kn416T0CTReYZCvLt9UywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9110.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All my wood cut to size. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also picked up a nice color stain while I was there, bringing the total spent on supplies to just over $20. In addition to that, knowing I would never be happy if the bottoms weren't angled, I picked up a $10 hand saw. An investment in future DIY, in my opinion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I got home, the first thing I did was cut the bottoms of the long pieces. I wanted an angle between 10 and 15 degrees so that when the ladder is leaning against the wall, the bottoms are flush with the floor. I used my hand saw for this and it was surprisingly easy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCnTue2o0Ws/W-MxDjpv4kI/AAAAAAAAQFs/fb7YeSNknD4Q08ketEN6OElaN2Ch5tJugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCnTue2o0Ws/W-MxDjpv4kI/AAAAAAAAQFs/fb7YeSNknD4Q08ketEN6OElaN2Ch5tJugCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9111.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I totally nailed it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMIXkF-Pjxo/W-MxKjUyh3I/AAAAAAAAQFw/NJHMTp8DTo4TZk9UK8wfyzzZaXIexvO-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9116.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMIXkF-Pjxo/W-MxKjUyh3I/AAAAAAAAQFw/NJHMTp8DTo4TZk9UK8wfyzzZaXIexvO-wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9116.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I had the bottoms trimmed, the next step was to sand all my pieces and stain them with the stain I'd bought. This was a quick and easy process. I used the extra pieces of wood as drying racks for the stained wood pieces. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4EPzS93df8/W-MxfkLJ2KI/AAAAAAAAQF8/jwS5RNVzBnsJnuy9kb5Pb4BqDlWmGxcxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9117.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4EPzS93df8/W-MxfkLJ2KI/AAAAAAAAQF8/jwS5RNVzBnsJnuy9kb5Pb4BqDlWmGxcxgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9117.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srdbw1axukw/W-Mxm2cRz9I/AAAAAAAAQGE/YhNQh10gWUUb8f1w4W2k0YDhTUIK90W-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9118.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srdbw1axukw/W-Mxm2cRz9I/AAAAAAAAQGE/YhNQh10gWUUb8f1w4W2k0YDhTUIK90W-gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9118.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IVU_dpvdSI/W-Mxm8_oA1I/AAAAAAAAQGA/BuueBe5USnso4TlBLwCx_k_NaqUBccEqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9119.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IVU_dpvdSI/W-Mxm8_oA1I/AAAAAAAAQGA/BuueBe5USnso4TlBLwCx_k_NaqUBccEqwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9119.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How pretty is that color? I love it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next step was to wait for the stain to dry, so while waiting I cleaned the house and then my building assistant and I decided to watch some HGTV for more inspiration. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z23AOxBVygg/W-Mx6UmV6nI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/tgI7qJKzyHkhwQu2NJUa23b3ZznPddKJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9121.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z23AOxBVygg/W-Mx6UmV6nI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/tgI7qJKzyHkhwQu2NJUa23b3ZznPddKJACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9121.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After chilling out for a few hours, we went back into the garage to assemble the ladder pieces. One of the tutorials I'd found online said that you put the rungs of the ladder about 18 inches from the bottom, then 13 inches apart from there. The tutorial said there would be 5 rungs. I ran out after 4. Math, not my strong suit. Or maybe not THEIR strong suit. Or maybe I just mis-remembered the tutorial. I did read about a dozen of them after all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since the ladder was going to lean against the wall at an angle thanks to my sawing of the bottoms, I wanted to attach the rungs at the same (ish) angle so that they would be able to function as shelves, too. To do this, I measured the distance from both sides of the angled bottom, marked each side of the ladder side, then connected those two points with a line. This would serve as my guide for attaching the rungs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BagHf76BGqk/W-My0kmvQxI/AAAAAAAAQGc/r4IHJqNEI9kQo4x96q2Oqz7v1NlfSroVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9122.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BagHf76BGqk/W-My0kmvQxI/AAAAAAAAQGc/r4IHJqNEI9kQo4x96q2Oqz7v1NlfSroVwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9122.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, I pre-drilled holes in the sides on each of the angled lines I'd drawn. I did this because I was originally planning to use screws to attach the rungs to the sides. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-As3e_tMp6P4/W-MzCBz56AI/AAAAAAAAQGg/JWY0Y9-WLZo5Vhvfq4MJqgPRi6RwU2ubwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9123.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-As3e_tMp6P4/W-MzCBz56AI/AAAAAAAAQGg/JWY0Y9-WLZo5Vhvfq4MJqgPRi6RwU2ubwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9123.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Turns out the screws I had were not the best plan- too big for the wood I'd purchased. Since this ladder is not meant to EVER be climbed and the most weight it will be holding is a towel or two and maybe a candle or small plant, I decided to use some finishing nails instead. It was much easier. And fortunately the pilot holes I'd drilled weren't too big for this change of plans. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39IJiHJ0H0Y/W-MzbXo0YiI/AAAAAAAAQGs/XGAkh9n0-K8tmlNzOr2q9oHrrQlIUN-lwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9124.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-39IJiHJ0H0Y/W-MzbXo0YiI/AAAAAAAAQGs/XGAkh9n0-K8tmlNzOr2q9oHrrQlIUN-lwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9124.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the rungs were nailed in, that was it! Done! I let the stain dry for a full 24 hours before using the ladder. It's perfect for the space and I'm so proud that I made it myself!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DD4WsqzbHLs/W-MzuxG_ZmI/AAAAAAAAQG4/BjkTesLVIwcrPyEmB-jlZahquI18lmVWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9126.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DD4WsqzbHLs/W-MzuxG_ZmI/AAAAAAAAQG4/BjkTesLVIwcrPyEmB-jlZahquI18lmVWACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9126.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyiTwHMTSBk/W-MzumBGPuI/AAAAAAAAQG0/2zJk9bfrl7YQLCXzr332gF1M_8IF4lTFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9127.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyiTwHMTSBk/W-MzumBGPuI/AAAAAAAAQG0/2zJk9bfrl7YQLCXzr332gF1M_8IF4lTFACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9127.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't really get the rungs perfect- they aren't exactly the right angle and they're not all consistent, but the top one is actually perfectly level, and that's the one that I'll probably use as a shelf more than any other, so that's good. Considering my lack of expertise and the appropriate tools, I'm actually thrilled with how this turned out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that is actually it for the house DIYs on the docket. I do plan to re-do the bathrooms entirely at some point, but for now this ladder towel holder is a good start. Let me know what you think I should tackle next! My list is done! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-43069829830070270022018-11-08T15:09:00.000-05:002018-11-08T15:09:02.308-05:00Easy DIY- How to Make a Bow TiePercy, our incredibly adorable terrier mix looks really handsome in a bow tie:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNqwV4E4Upc/W9n2ADQSBmI/AAAAAAAAP_8/AedHlFdb4c0Uln-WGAZcfKkFC3Cv3t_8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8205.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNqwV4E4Upc/W9n2ADQSBmI/AAAAAAAAP_8/AedHlFdb4c0Uln-WGAZcfKkFC3Cv3t_8gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8205.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the seasons have changed in the last few weeks, I wanted a bow tie for him that was a little less summer-y. I found a cute black and red plaid collar, but couldn't find a bow tie to match. So, I decided to make one. It's so simple and easy to do and I actually bothered to document it so I could blog this incredibly simple DIY to share on the blog today. Go me! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started with some leftover red fabric from an old project and cut four rectangles about 2 inches by 3 inches (I didn't measure- that's just a guess) each: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaYRKeKSKPI/W9n3jyFLr2I/AAAAAAAAQAI/n8GV1IUeQfUCSeHExGAV8W5pwKQj53yIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8966.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaYRKeKSKPI/W9n3jyFLr2I/AAAAAAAAQAI/n8GV1IUeQfUCSeHExGAV8W5pwKQj53yIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8966.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, I stitched around the edges, being careful to leave an opening on one side (between the pins):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX6EgKAwpaU/W9n4DPi-TzI/AAAAAAAAQAU/mHUSg95GEYkVPANff_Z3fwz8puQ0rZ-3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8974.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX6EgKAwpaU/W9n4DPi-TzI/AAAAAAAAQAU/mHUSg95GEYkVPANff_Z3fwz8puQ0rZ-3gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8974.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__rEtdfmJ0A/W9n4C_3lb-I/AAAAAAAAQAQ/3chmnVfWf5Y_xTxSxwBrziSJ4t1kxit9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8975.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__rEtdfmJ0A/W9n4C_3lb-I/AAAAAAAAQAQ/3chmnVfWf5Y_xTxSxwBrziSJ4t1kxit9gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8975.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a sewing tip: When it's time to turn the corner, make sure the needle is down through the fabric. Then lift the presser foot up and rotate the fabric. Put the foot back down and continue along the next edge. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97ALkwb1vIM/W9n4hmIg1-I/AAAAAAAAQAk/O3jt3gUFil4uaPpDfrH2sg6eaw-zo7PZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97ALkwb1vIM/W9n4hmIg1-I/AAAAAAAAQAk/O3jt3gUFil4uaPpDfrH2sg6eaw-zo7PZQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8976.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wk4w1NN0EHQ/W9n4hvDpH1I/AAAAAAAAQAo/jojSW-OdP-sTbp58LlQcQ0r8I2EvSlM1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wk4w1NN0EHQ/W9n4hvDpH1I/AAAAAAAAQAo/jojSW-OdP-sTbp58LlQcQ0r8I2EvSlM1ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8977.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hF3nX230aKo/W9n4h-5PD9I/AAAAAAAAQAs/SDQ4OVJhxrgKMaoVJJste9qsx-Jy2GdggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8978.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hF3nX230aKo/W9n4h-5PD9I/AAAAAAAAQAs/SDQ4OVJhxrgKMaoVJJste9qsx-Jy2GdggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8978.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxSyUw8fqXk/W9n4xt2iCDI/AAAAAAAAQBA/w_QlYfnQvfozCO9_EI2n2aJ3TMGiMuDEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8979.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxSyUw8fqXk/W9n4xt2iCDI/AAAAAAAAQBA/w_QlYfnQvfozCO9_EI2n2aJ3TMGiMuDEgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8979.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huVDZJLvgUg/W9n4xo47ibI/AAAAAAAAQA8/6DT3pzhv8A8H_6Oa4jGVEDQyG4iAxA8TgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huVDZJLvgUg/W9n4xo47ibI/AAAAAAAAQA8/6DT3pzhv8A8H_6Oa4jGVEDQyG4iAxA8TgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8980.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pro tip #2: Trim your corners before flipping the fabric around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ_ncXKFxiY/W9n5NQlHAsI/AAAAAAAAQBM/8EZdqMFio_MjXxdhL-_40ni1Rgen30rVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8981.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ_ncXKFxiY/W9n5NQlHAsI/AAAAAAAAQBM/8EZdqMFio_MjXxdhL-_40ni1Rgen30rVACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8981.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Make sure to push the fabric into the corners to make them nice and crisp. Pro tip #3- use the end of a pencil or a chop stick or something: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Iag7ibQ6o/W9n5d97z5nI/AAAAAAAAQBU/g706_79gHcYeOQcb7cqI_YqoFtIWPyJyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8999.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Iag7ibQ6o/W9n5d97z5nI/AAAAAAAAQBU/g706_79gHcYeOQcb7cqI_YqoFtIWPyJyACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8999.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Iron your two finished rectangles, then stitch up the opening. You can hand-stitch or machine stitch, but since the stitches aren't likely to be seen, I just machined them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOZ5AKEyAOM/W9n50acg7OI/AAAAAAAAQBc/8zBEASIu-W4oUp0nIjSR3uYGnvXkW51hgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOZ5AKEyAOM/W9n50acg7OI/AAAAAAAAQBc/8zBEASIu-W4oUp0nIjSR3uYGnvXkW51hgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9002.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next step- lay one piece on top of the other and fold in the middle, accordion style: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ4WaII8zAE/W9n6Bvn3wtI/AAAAAAAAQBk/Nqgk4jQw-Pwg0lUepv7paW2aMkanqWsjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ4WaII8zAE/W9n6Bvn3wtI/AAAAAAAAQBk/Nqgk4jQw-Pwg0lUepv7paW2aMkanqWsjACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9003.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZelrnQKhf8E/W9n6Brm7nlI/AAAAAAAAQBo/qm0rT7YtUjkWD9xPQC9jEu5H1OO0WJbBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9004.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZelrnQKhf8E/W9n6Brm7nlI/AAAAAAAAQBo/qm0rT7YtUjkWD9xPQC9jEu5H1OO0WJbBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9004.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwjN3Zm-n0c/W9n6BDbjn5I/AAAAAAAAQBg/PEHGsNhv2J4Lo3uUVxLrz4beEnC5zlnhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9005.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwjN3Zm-n0c/W9n6BDbjn5I/AAAAAAAAQBg/PEHGsNhv2J4Lo3uUVxLrz4beEnC5zlnhgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9005.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBmGq8ZFFvI/W9n6B97CakI/AAAAAAAAQBs/gWMvOgd60T8Xr4wcfLmFsnZwieok1hfEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBmGq8ZFFvI/W9n6B97CakI/AAAAAAAAQBs/gWMvOgd60T8Xr4wcfLmFsnZwieok1hfEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9006.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8Ui1lMgtR8/W9n6CXGyJaI/AAAAAAAAQBw/fReDDFK_DngN19obCla3yWRjpXYd_POVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8Ui1lMgtR8/W9n6CXGyJaI/AAAAAAAAQBw/fReDDFK_DngN19obCla3yWRjpXYd_POVQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9007.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, stitch the folds in place. Again, you could do this by hand, or by machine. The only trick with using a machine is that at this point, the fabric layers will be very thick, so go slowly or you'll risk breaking the needle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xX6SpMPgFpo/W9n6XdCEeOI/AAAAAAAAQCE/l5ZxDeu3naIDOB-kc0HM8dek1GZTpTnbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xX6SpMPgFpo/W9n6XdCEeOI/AAAAAAAAQCE/l5ZxDeu3naIDOB-kc0HM8dek1GZTpTnbgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9009.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can see I stitched a "Z" pattern, using the same technique with the needle/presser foot as the corners in the beginning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that you're at this point, the next step is to make the band that wraps around the middle of the bow tie. Start by cutting two strips of fabric, about an inch and a half wide and about 3 inches long. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V9bZdzO_Os/W9n6wVtoIJI/AAAAAAAAQCQ/_tXKBZl6odErSDst7-WO7gW5btY-OYr9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9010.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V9bZdzO_Os/W9n6wVtoIJI/AAAAAAAAQCQ/_tXKBZl6odErSDst7-WO7gW5btY-OYr9wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9010.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stitch along the long sides ONLY. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbVeEhglnfs/W9n68IV3YsI/AAAAAAAAQCU/R0E9hq6p7MkFGONYUdV8DRE9vtVX4vmywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbVeEhglnfs/W9n68IV3YsI/AAAAAAAAQCU/R0E9hq6p7MkFGONYUdV8DRE9vtVX4vmywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9011.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, you need to flip this right-side out. To do this can be a little tricky but fortunately I have this AMAZING tool that is made for exactly this purpose. Seriously, one of the best sewing-related purchased I've ever made. I believe it's called a "loop turner" or something like that. It only costs a couple dollars at the fabric store and it is worth every penny. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CW16K2G5nrs/W9n7TA1OVmI/AAAAAAAAQCg/jKL9I__u5eYe0wqW_aVPFj8t0hZSQCSyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CW16K2G5nrs/W9n7TA1OVmI/AAAAAAAAQCg/jKL9I__u5eYe0wqW_aVPFj8t0hZSQCSyQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9012.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tool has a little hook on one end. You just have to thread through the two layers of fabric, catch the end with the hook and then pull the end through to the other end, flipping the fabric right-side out. Piece of cake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsEtAIreUr4/W9n7picVzuI/AAAAAAAAQC0/BwcbtTw1tLI7Z_qizJ-LleQwvrm85m37ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsEtAIreUr4/W9n7picVzuI/AAAAAAAAQC0/BwcbtTw1tLI7Z_qizJ-LleQwvrm85m37ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9013.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5RWVo7Ju0w/W9n7oYzje7I/AAAAAAAAQCs/At8z-ub6yD8RCwtsY7hzhj4uQUjAaSurwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5RWVo7Ju0w/W9n7oYzje7I/AAAAAAAAQCs/At8z-ub6yD8RCwtsY7hzhj4uQUjAaSurwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9014.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXEJuKtH_bI/W9n7psAXxJI/AAAAAAAAQCw/4NjOcKxcf2MXwyIaEL3ZKlAU6V0ibxT4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXEJuKtH_bI/W9n7psAXxJI/AAAAAAAAQCw/4NjOcKxcf2MXwyIaEL3ZKlAU6V0ibxT4wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9015.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KO3uvyaVXGA/W9n7p3gB0VI/AAAAAAAAQC4/Tig_kXWJHT48zuMXLLGkTm-RkyC58IJkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KO3uvyaVXGA/W9n7p3gB0VI/AAAAAAAAQC4/Tig_kXWJHT48zuMXLLGkTm-RkyC58IJkwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AS7om8dSOe8/W9n7qnpIx8I/AAAAAAAAQC8/kCZluh0wk7wmxfStxaIa77l0SdNPnHkugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9017.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AS7om8dSOe8/W9n7qnpIx8I/AAAAAAAAQC8/kCZluh0wk7wmxfStxaIa77l0SdNPnHkugCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9017.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you're done, press the edges. Next, sew a small bit of elastic to one end. It's easier to do this step now, but if you forget you can always hand-stitch it on after the fact. But try not to forget, because like I said, it's easier at this point in the process. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_GASvFDvJs/W9n8JsMwYHI/AAAAAAAAQDU/CQN9gC4GYPEDYGHFS_Ce10UV6GZkmA67wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9019.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_GASvFDvJs/W9n8JsMwYHI/AAAAAAAAQDU/CQN9gC4GYPEDYGHFS_Ce10UV6GZkmA67wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9019.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LImRAX3N6xA/W9n8JObnAoI/AAAAAAAAQDQ/kvwdZpFYn0E7fS-UpTY_-isIMo_HVSi5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LImRAX3N6xA/W9n8JObnAoI/AAAAAAAAQDQ/kvwdZpFYn0E7fS-UpTY_-isIMo_HVSi5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9021.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that you have the elastic stitched, sew one end of the small band to the other, creating a circle. You'll have to do this part by hand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sr9jBk7uhE/W9n8cgl9M4I/AAAAAAAAQDs/LDPoLsJEt9Q3uA_9filIjjJT_QOer-JewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9022.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sr9jBk7uhE/W9n8cgl9M4I/AAAAAAAAQDs/LDPoLsJEt9Q3uA_9filIjjJT_QOer-JewCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9022.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs0rkc_YD88/W9n8cDGX8XI/AAAAAAAAQDo/oLOASC6R95I3tuq-q9V0SZqPexTGJYYSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9023.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs0rkc_YD88/W9n8cDGX8XI/AAAAAAAAQDo/oLOASC6R95I3tuq-q9V0SZqPexTGJYYSgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9023.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13r4CJytFEE/W9n8cDL8g0I/AAAAAAAAQDk/FeC2gGWchA8-phPJUktEBXvdDUrxUWBNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13r4CJytFEE/W9n8cDL8g0I/AAAAAAAAQDk/FeC2gGWchA8-phPJUktEBXvdDUrxUWBNgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9024.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once that's all stitched, it's time to slip the bow through the circle you've created: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBCAGBaTeMQ/W9n8qXGFoeI/AAAAAAAAQD0/vyGQndnERPIMUZfoayauMqf86nrGIIQEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9025.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBCAGBaTeMQ/W9n8qXGFoeI/AAAAAAAAQD0/vyGQndnERPIMUZfoayauMqf86nrGIIQEwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9025.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWOVmyurW5I/W9n8qdzM2CI/AAAAAAAAQDw/B8Wg7YLz88gowuoCtyZqIP-2zNAattzvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9026.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWOVmyurW5I/W9n8qdzM2CI/AAAAAAAAQDw/B8Wg7YLz88gowuoCtyZqIP-2zNAattzvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9026.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can see I still haven't cut the thread from hand stitching the band into a circle just yet. That's because I used it to also stitch the circle to the bow to make sure it won't ever slip out. This step isn't 100% necessary, but it definitely makes it more secure for something that will be getting daily use. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfoXI0yHco0/W9n9DJSHO4I/AAAAAAAAQEI/wOd02nPoBWIPzcdaYQPzwBWui9pjzZelACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9027.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfoXI0yHco0/W9n9DJSHO4I/AAAAAAAAQEI/wOd02nPoBWIPzcdaYQPzwBWui9pjzZelACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9027.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you've sewn the two pieces together, just trim all your threads and slid the bow tie onto the collar! Done! It's such a quick and easy project you could easily crank out half a dozen in an hour or so. Which I might just do with some other fabric I have in the bins: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KsDw7_lwJU/W9n9ZAN1CWI/AAAAAAAAQEY/fVje0w8CrS8NMVtcYFFVDbcOLht_Ul6vACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9029.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KsDw7_lwJU/W9n9ZAN1CWI/AAAAAAAAQEY/fVje0w8CrS8NMVtcYFFVDbcOLht_Ul6vACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9029.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZyWaTLltnE/W9n9Y-UMM4I/AAAAAAAAQEQ/0oUTjORukX0UJ-4ucDaLwmk_nak2QbWIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9030.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZyWaTLltnE/W9n9Y-UMM4I/AAAAAAAAQEQ/0oUTjORukX0UJ-4ucDaLwmk_nak2QbWIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9030.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srP7vvhD5mY/W9n9Y5yuQsI/AAAAAAAAQEU/-wY6LYI9JJsitr7E9Myhi24Rok3vGNvvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9031.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srP7vvhD5mY/W9n9Y5yuQsI/AAAAAAAAQEU/-wY6LYI9JJsitr7E9Myhi24Rok3vGNvvgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9031.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My model was less than cooperative, but you get the idea: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yU3iTA09VtE/W9n9l9qEzJI/AAAAAAAAQEk/3ZzxsHhyV5IQJYxnmlrx_IluNWxri8JbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9032.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yU3iTA09VtE/W9n9l9qEzJI/AAAAAAAAQEk/3ZzxsHhyV5IQJYxnmlrx_IluNWxri8JbgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9032.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMWdSRif8U0/W9n9lpMfWcI/AAAAAAAAQEc/2walb1HfkTYosmOAkMpLw4NzFfWFvOL0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9033.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMWdSRif8U0/W9n9lpMfWcI/AAAAAAAAQEc/2walb1HfkTYosmOAkMpLw4NzFfWFvOL0ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9033.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvN-Wbig8bs/W9n9lhJvBdI/AAAAAAAAQEg/_WpgVRCCkA4QvrWhKeoI-r_ZpQKqB-QggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9034.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvN-Wbig8bs/W9n9lhJvBdI/AAAAAAAAQEg/_WpgVRCCkA4QvrWhKeoI-r_ZpQKqB-QggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9034.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-By_yEBIQA8c/W9n9mYxoB8I/AAAAAAAAQEo/EGRlj1K8I8w4pwXpoRi-nTMMjTtBTGccQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9036.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-By_yEBIQA8c/W9n9mYxoB8I/AAAAAAAAQEo/EGRlj1K8I8w4pwXpoRi-nTMMjTtBTGccQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9036.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9JySBRvrK0/W9n9mw4PzwI/AAAAAAAAQEs/EulIWsAtHlIztySiWJWGtL1YqXYBqkydACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9037.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9JySBRvrK0/W9n9mw4PzwI/AAAAAAAAQEs/EulIWsAtHlIztySiWJWGtL1YqXYBqkydACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9037.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean, it's pretty freaking cute, right? And the nice thing about this project is that if you don't have a sewing machine, it will still be a pretty quick and easy project with just a needle and thread. Let me know what you think!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-35195110621798170492018-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:002018-11-06T08:00:00.133-05:00Photo DIY- Gallery WallsI recently saw something super cute online called a "Time Capsule Gallery Wall." I'm sure you're all familiar with the concept of a gallery wall of photos, but the time capsule takes it a step further and incorporates various objects and sentimental pieces with the photos. I decided to try out the concept in our house and see how it turned out. Another friend said, "It sounds a lot like scrapbooking." She's not wrong. But instead of it all going into a book, it all goes onto your wall.<br />
<br />
The biggest problem I encountered in putting this together was finding the other "stuff" to include. Turns out, I'm not incredibly sentimental and I've saved almost NOTHING from the last few years worth of special events, trips, holidays, etc. I had to get a little creative, but I think it all worked out.<br />
<br />
I started in the basement, going through a lot of the boxes and bins we moved into the house, mostly looking for frames I could use. I found plenty of frames, but I also found something that ended up making the project work out a lot better than I'd anticipated. I found the copy of our wedding vows that Brance, our good friend and officiant had used on the day of our wedding. He'd written notes all over the typed "script" that I had sent him, and seeing his writing all over those pages brought back such great memories. It was a keepsake I didn't even know I possessed and when I found it, it felt like I'd discovered buried treasure.<br />
<br />
I took a quick visit to Goodwill and bought another half dozen or so frames, printed about a million photos at my local CVS and got to work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOiPC3p6RrU/W9nyEydcSaI/AAAAAAAAP_I/3jI17i0X3j8LQwxrdIMt5yX7Q-s6nOWPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8893.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOiPC3p6RrU/W9nyEydcSaI/AAAAAAAAP_I/3jI17i0X3j8LQwxrdIMt5yX7Q-s6nOWPACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8893.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoK96RqY8J4/W9nyG8Ufq2I/AAAAAAAAP_M/5_9KJUd7PXgWQ22vWA18WUU1PTfu8XRXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8895.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoK96RqY8J4/W9nyG8Ufq2I/AAAAAAAAP_M/5_9KJUd7PXgWQ22vWA18WUU1PTfu8XRXwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8895.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to spend quite a bit of time cleaning up most of the frames, but it's amazing how just a little Windex can make a huge difference. After that, I set about picking photos for different frames, and going through the various "stuff." I wanted to represent as much of our lives together as I could, but I had so little from the last 3+ years, I had to get creative. For example, I never saved any of our boarding passes from trips (also, I almost always used electronic ones), so I printed out copies of a couple. I got as creative as I could with what I had to work with. In the end, I had enough for two gallery wall collections. The first was wedding-themed with the vows I'd found as the centerpiece: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjpTQX3E6O8/W9nzAokLHYI/AAAAAAAAP_c/VSWui2AJZOgaL_AFSFPX1iBHAa5ZEp0swCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8898.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SjpTQX3E6O8/W9nzAokLHYI/AAAAAAAAP_c/VSWui2AJZOgaL_AFSFPX1iBHAa5ZEp0swCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8898.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The vows are in the center frame along with two cards we received from loved ones that day and a wrapper from our favors- soap handmade by my mom. I also framed our invitation (top middle) and the cover of the song book from the sing-along at our wedding (bottom left). The rest are photos from our wedding day. I love how it turned out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second gallery wall had a bit of a travel theme to it: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiWDaI9ku8Y/W9nzcwISMjI/AAAAAAAAP_k/oM_naTENKdQ7-1jt57y7c_W9X-WVze2XQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9039.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiWDaI9ku8Y/W9nzcwISMjI/AAAAAAAAP_k/oM_naTENKdQ7-1jt57y7c_W9X-WVze2XQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9039.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The photos are mostly from various trips we've been on together. Other items include the key to our first home we bought together, boarding passes from one of our trips, a stamp in one of our passports from another trip, a birthday card, the menu from Moxy where we had our first date, foreign money from a few of our trips and a seashell I brought home from our honeymoon in St. Maarten. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get that white frame to sit straight, but other than that, I'm really happy with how the whole installation turned out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You're probably wondering "Where's Percy?" Well, I made a little corner just for him in our living room: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3lzv1AFZ20/W9n0dfUa4OI/AAAAAAAAP_w/14jwhRCc5Mk_l7WSJt4otYu32wPeImgnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8919.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3lzv1AFZ20/W9n0dfUa4OI/AAAAAAAAP_w/14jwhRCc5Mk_l7WSJt4otYu32wPeImgnwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8919.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The photo on the left is literally the moment we all met and became a family. I still get emotional looking at it.<br />
<br />
I liked working on this project because it gave me an afternoon to reflect on all the blessings I have in my life and how fortunate I am to be building a life together with Sam (and Percy). I also like the idea of creating more gallery walls like these years from now. Maybe I'll be better about holding on to sentimental things so that I'm not left scrounging for items next time!<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think about this project. Would you do something like this in your own home? What kind of objects would you include? I wish I had more 3-dimensional things to include, but maybe someday I will!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
XOXORenée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-60486998558973465162018-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:002018-11-04T08:00:01.790-05:00Trying Not To Kill My Final TouchesSO many blogs and home decor stylists say that the best way to add finishing touches to a room, as well as a little color and vibrancy, is to have a lot of PLANTS! My only problem is that I tend to have a bit of a black thumb. Keeping plants alive is a total mystery to me. So you can understand why I might not want to spend a fortune on them, right?<br />
<br />
It's not really the plants that are expensive so much as the planters that seem to cost a fortune. I shopped at Home Depot and Walmart expecting some good prices on both plants and cute planters and came up practically empty handed. I wanted to add a lot of plants around the house but the pretty planters were going to break the bank. I decided to try to get creative and went over to Goodwill instead. I found a huge assortment of containers that were suitable as planters and filled up my shopping cart. I then bought an assortment of plants at Walmart and Home Depot that were relatively inexpensive and hopefully low-maintenance.<br />
<br />
The key to using non-planters as planters is to provide drainage, or at least that's what I read on the internet. In addition to the plants, I also picked up a bag of river rocks and some potting soil at Home Depot. All in, I spent about $60 on planters, plants and potting supplies.<br />
<br />
Next, I brought everything home and re-potted all the plants. I started with a handful or two of the river rocks in the bottom of each "planter" then loosened the roots on the plant and potted it with some fresh potting soil. I followed it up with some water and lots of loving words (they say it's good to talk nicely to your plants) and now I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. I'm also planning to do some research into the different plants I bought so I can find out the best way NOT to kill them all.<br />
<br />
I also re-potted two pothos plants that I've actually kept alive for several years now. I wouldn't say they've thrived, but they're not dead, so I'm calling them both a success.<br />
<br />
Most of the plants ended up in the dining room with the larger ones in the living room. Wish me luck as I try to keep these bad Larry's alive and kicking!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHAUcM1xzA/W8zkjYkD-LI/AAAAAAAAP9M/MBvO3TWUysQSFJUWGpfpDtIZxHHB8sZegCLcBGAs/s1600/Plants%2B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHAUcM1xzA/W8zkjYkD-LI/AAAAAAAAP9M/MBvO3TWUysQSFJUWGpfpDtIZxHHB8sZegCLcBGAs/s640/Plants%2B1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lU_SQm6P6bQ/W8zkjqKFovI/AAAAAAAAP9U/BDkdRzlhKGYrtUgbdBCvLABnnOtnQbDmQCLcBGAs/s1600/Plants%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lU_SQm6P6bQ/W8zkjqKFovI/AAAAAAAAP9U/BDkdRzlhKGYrtUgbdBCvLABnnOtnQbDmQCLcBGAs/s640/Plants%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOBLhSSct-s/W8zkkMV4NgI/AAAAAAAAP9Y/1KcN7eRDN3kLcZmg6Q8weOnLw_bRL2hYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Plants%2B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOBLhSSct-s/W8zkkMV4NgI/AAAAAAAAP9Y/1KcN7eRDN3kLcZmg6Q8weOnLw_bRL2hYwCLcBGAs/s640/Plants%2B3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rm9BCpQp_J0/W8zkkQEILAI/AAAAAAAAP9c/fE8Jgo5dEAM6yYAlnGgXeyGLWVrS3H8ugCLcBGAs/s1600/Plants%2B4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rm9BCpQp_J0/W8zkkQEILAI/AAAAAAAAP9c/fE8Jgo5dEAM6yYAlnGgXeyGLWVrS3H8ugCLcBGAs/s640/Plants%2B4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbRhADE1fhE/W8zkjqeGD6I/AAAAAAAAP9Q/-BB0qrQyrCgfvCDccSmHWdxY0MoytxmhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Plants%2B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbRhADE1fhE/W8zkjqeGD6I/AAAAAAAAP9Q/-BB0qrQyrCgfvCDccSmHWdxY0MoytxmhgCLcBGAs/s640/Plants%2B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also found this shelf-thingy at Goodwill. It was a dark, caramel wood color, so I just painted it with some of the leftover pale yellow paint from my dining table project and it gives a little variety to the heigh of the plants on the windowsill. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQl5NMp16U8/W8zkkgStGvI/AAAAAAAAP9g/4yRCE6TLzD0JCcPzoyIYyGEzwW4D6iZAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plants%2B6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQl5NMp16U8/W8zkkgStGvI/AAAAAAAAP9g/4yRCE6TLzD0JCcPzoyIYyGEzwW4D6iZAwCEwYBhgL/s640/Plants%2B6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8O51gq9UDEs/W8zkkxYll1I/AAAAAAAAP9k/aR0woynBeQMmxB9YaZ-la_dhJ9sjmCIJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plants%2B7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8O51gq9UDEs/W8zkkxYll1I/AAAAAAAAP9k/aR0woynBeQMmxB9YaZ-la_dhJ9sjmCIJQCEwYBhgL/s640/Plants%2B7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Fq42vORUg/W8zklJKV66I/AAAAAAAAP9o/85xYQpMPhXExFUij4dUpy1GjCY6wlqLkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plants%2B8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Fq42vORUg/W8zklJKV66I/AAAAAAAAP9o/85xYQpMPhXExFUij4dUpy1GjCY6wlqLkgCEwYBhgL/s640/Plants%2B8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I might try to grow some more pothos plants by taking clippings off this one. Again, WISH ME LUCK!Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-4474837702999114122018-11-02T08:00:00.000-04:002018-11-02T08:00:09.993-04:00Living Room Finishing Touches OR Just An Excuse to Share My Wedding PhotosOur living room has by far been the room with the most put into it with new chairs, throw pillows, up-cycled end tables, and finally art on the walls. Well, one wall, anyway. I don't know what it is about hanging things up on the walls in the new house, but I've been SO nervous to put holes in the walls. It makes no sense. I know I can always spackle and re-paint and it's really no big deal. But something about it has just been hard for me.<br />
<br />
Our long-term plan for the living room is to invest in a much larger, nicer flat-screen TV to mount on the wall behind the piano. That left me the wall behind the sofa to play with for the time being. I have always wanted larger prints from our wedding, but I felt like investing in those pieces when we lived in the apartment was silly. Now that we've bought our own home, I'm gradually working on getting prints of our favorite wedding photos to hang up around the house. The wall behind the sofa was the perfect place to start.<br />
<br />
I happened upon a sale on 11X14 inch canvas prints on Snapfish and I just couldn't resist. They were only $15 each! I know they aren't the highest quality canvases, but guess what? The highest quality canvases come at a high cost. Anyway, there are SO many photos from our wedding that I would love to have blown up and printed and hung all over the house, but that might get a little cray cray. So, I chose a set of three pictures that are meant to be grouped together and ordered them during this amazing sale. I'm completely in love with how it turned out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Tg4vpfK5vo/W8fcONAp3tI/AAAAAAAAP74/DB6_NlaCwwgrllJWi1Knytx6Ig4OtL7QQCLcBGAs/s1600/Canvases%2Band%2Bsign.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Tg4vpfK5vo/W8fcONAp3tI/AAAAAAAAP74/DB6_NlaCwwgrllJWi1Knytx6Ig4OtL7QQCLcBGAs/s640/Canvases%2Band%2Bsign.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The sign below the photos was a wedding gift from Sam's coworker Lindsay and much like printed photos from our wedding, I didn't hang it until we were in our new house. In our old apartment, we kept it out, but never found a great spot for it. I always planned that when we bought our own house, I'd find a nice spot for it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uoCPgaLhz8/W8fc0aGRnwI/AAAAAAAAP8A/ZKqBvBx-x3sCcdk99aX3U-zUZsGT1lHrwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wall%2Bbehind%2Bthe%2Bsofa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2uoCPgaLhz8/W8fc0aGRnwI/AAAAAAAAP8A/ZKqBvBx-x3sCcdk99aX3U-zUZsGT1lHrwCLcBGAs/s640/Wall%2Bbehind%2Bthe%2Bsofa.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't write this blog post without giving credit to our wedding photographer, <a href="https://www.chriskeeleyphotography.com/">Chris Keeley</a>. When I first saw a wedding he photographed, I made a mental note to reach out to him if I ever got engaged. Just two years later, he photographed our wedding. Having Chris as our wedding photographer was so important to me, I actually chose a date partly based on HIS availability. I had three wedding vendors that I was intent on hiring and he was one of them. The other was my make-up artist, Joanne of <a href="https://www.joyabeauty.com/">Joya Beauty </a>and the third was our videographer, <a href="https://www.lmv-productions.com/">LMV Productions</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I definitely want to print more photos from our wedding, but it's really hard to narrow it down! I look at our wedding album often- it's in the drawer in our coffee table- if you ever come visit, ask to see it because it's kind of amazing. I think that photography and videography should be at the top of your list when it comes to wedding planning. After all, photos and video are really all you have to look back on afterwards. One of my favorite traditions for Sam and I is sitting down together on our anniversary and watching bits and pieces of our wedding video and looking through the photos in our wedding album. I love hearing his voice crack during our vows. I love seeing the faces on our guests when they are told it's a wedding, not an engagement party. I love listening to the singing around the piano of all our guests- our closest friends, family and loved ones. If you invest in anything for your wedding, invest in capturing the memories. The food, the flowers, dare I say it- even the dress- are only for that day, but the pictures and video can last forever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, I'll finish up this post with a handful of some of my other favorite wedding photos. Why not, right? It was a beautiful day! And let's be honest- I'll use just about anything as an excuse to show off our wedding photos. I'm a little shameless like that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-by1I2cKuPGg/W8fmsxvKxoI/AAAAAAAAP8M/nLNa0bz8uP81S-yDy8-yJmkOGjsaEyWmgCLcBGAs/s1600/14543871_10153936050822078_1984936734281546854_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-by1I2cKuPGg/W8fmsxvKxoI/AAAAAAAAP8M/nLNa0bz8uP81S-yDy8-yJmkOGjsaEyWmgCLcBGAs/s1600/14543871_10153936050822078_1984936734281546854_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wESTgbvrfG0/W8fmw4_IvnI/AAAAAAAAP8Y/QeEtx4H-gLwYvt3pO-LWRevMltcGWD4XwCLcBGAs/s1600/14543895_10153936051042078_6574817029834773996_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wESTgbvrfG0/W8fmw4_IvnI/AAAAAAAAP8Y/QeEtx4H-gLwYvt3pO-LWRevMltcGWD4XwCLcBGAs/s1600/14543895_10153936051042078_6574817029834773996_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhUs39MqBBo/W8fmxX3PbHI/AAAAAAAAP8g/HF2TnThKgbcm6R2kkXM3hSlRSCAiltEggCLcBGAs/s1600/14590043_10153936056662078_2546548977402098932_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhUs39MqBBo/W8fmxX3PbHI/AAAAAAAAP8g/HF2TnThKgbcm6R2kkXM3hSlRSCAiltEggCLcBGAs/s640/14590043_10153936056662078_2546548977402098932_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtN_s-stszQ/W8fmx2GBa8I/AAAAAAAAP8k/a9XPMWQV-ak0nrmMYTIbkghSlVZ7KZ-7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/14633317_10153936052002078_5150789261861731283_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtN_s-stszQ/W8fmx2GBa8I/AAAAAAAAP8k/a9XPMWQV-ak0nrmMYTIbkghSlVZ7KZ-7ACEwYBhgL/s640/14633317_10153936052002078_5150789261861731283_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2b7LuO50ZrY/W8fmw7SHBpI/AAAAAAAAP88/3OMnEwGM_9Mm7HXbAuJuvyDmtD7n-VGrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/14543850_10153936053677078_1028898637674442182_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2b7LuO50ZrY/W8fmw7SHBpI/AAAAAAAAP88/3OMnEwGM_9Mm7HXbAuJuvyDmtD7n-VGrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/14543850_10153936053677078_1028898637674442182_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJRHJylxFxM/W8fmwkIfZcI/AAAAAAAAP8s/Vd9LQ8RjLZo-03tUueM9PLp_aH39EejigCEwYBhgL/s1600/14566486_10153936062537078_236291094068554744_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJRHJylxFxM/W8fmwkIfZcI/AAAAAAAAP8s/Vd9LQ8RjLZo-03tUueM9PLp_aH39EejigCEwYBhgL/s1600/14566486_10153936062537078_236291094068554744_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7X1v3XdWTQ/W8fmxCDMazI/AAAAAAAAP80/MuqCI7LNiXs0GxmvHhmxzcRN3Mx4LSlGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/14589724_10153936064447078_5310442343040686387_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7X1v3XdWTQ/W8fmxCDMazI/AAAAAAAAP80/MuqCI7LNiXs0GxmvHhmxzcRN3Mx4LSlGQCEwYBhgL/s640/14589724_10153936064447078_5310442343040686387_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And let's just round it out with a photo of the living room once again, but this time featuring the cutest Habashy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhEZ8chdS9I/W8fnY-ZFSqI/AAAAAAAAP9A/DJn-nEGY-A8hRu4gEtLaZ1syXG_9qFKeACLcBGAs/s1600/Wall%2Bbehind%2Bsofa%2Bcanvases.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhEZ8chdS9I/W8fnY-ZFSqI/AAAAAAAAP9A/DJn-nEGY-A8hRu4gEtLaZ1syXG_9qFKeACLcBGAs/s640/Wall%2Bbehind%2Bsofa%2Bcanvases.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a fantastic day, everyone! And thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
XOXO</div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-44163037264826491022018-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:002018-10-31T13:45:55.942-04:00My Cutest Knitting ProjectIt's been pretty chilly around here lately. Fall has most definitely ARRIVED. The Farmer's Almanac says that this winter is going to be brutally cold. Taking Percy for his morning walks is not something I look forward to, TBH. Knowing that the snow will be arriving before we know it, Sam and I have talked about preparing our little Southern boy from Texas for his first winter in New Hampshire.<br />
<br />
Sam is intent on buying him a set of those little booties, not just because of the cold, but because of the salt and sand, which we've heard is really bad for dogs. And since we walk Percy all over the place, not just our own yard or neighborhood, we want to protect his little paws.<br />
<br />
Something else I did for the pup was to knit him a sweater. It was the first time I'd ever attempted knitting anything for a dog and it turned out GREAT! Just look at him!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NfGRWjkHJQ/W8dC6FlQJbI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/FuSSIDPmymgGWxVmtciWVvM9uZLlLi5YgCLcBGAs/s1600/Percy%2BPosing%2Bin%2Bhis%2BSweater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NfGRWjkHJQ/W8dC6FlQJbI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/FuSSIDPmymgGWxVmtciWVvM9uZLlLi5YgCLcBGAs/s640/Percy%2BPosing%2Bin%2Bhis%2BSweater.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YALaNa-t9ps/W8dC7Ad0f2I/AAAAAAAAP7U/F9GzHPQmKvAHdtSgMH61To4ney4CNp0igCLcBGAs/s1600/Percy%2Bin%2Bhis%2BSweater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YALaNa-t9ps/W8dC7Ad0f2I/AAAAAAAAP7U/F9GzHPQmKvAHdtSgMH61To4ney4CNp0igCLcBGAs/s640/Percy%2Bin%2Bhis%2BSweater.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love how his face says it all. Like, "Ma. Come. On." He didn't struggle with me when I put it on him, but he also didn't seem too thrilled about wearing it. And when I took it off, he went nuts. But I think he'll appreciate it when the weather gets a little colder.<br />
<br />
The pattern wasn't too difficult- I found it on Ravelry- it's called "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/four-cable-dog-sweater">Four Cable Dog Sweater.</a>" It was a very easy pattern. I like Ravelry because you can sort by price and type of pattern. I almost always find a pattern that's free. What's also great about that site is that the members post their finished products with ratings for the patterns, so you can see beforehand if it's an easy pattern or what colors it looks good in.<br />
<br />
Because I have SO MUCH yarn stashed in my craft room (YES!!! I have a craft room in the new house!!!), I always try to find a pattern that will work with yarn I already have. I hate buying more yarn or fabric or notions- I'd so much rather use up what's left from previous projects.<br />
<br />
But back to the pattern- like I said, it was pretty easy. You start at the bottom of the sweater and knit up, shaping as you go. Eventually, you join the yarn and knit in the round. The trickiest part for me was picking up the stitches along the bottom opening. But it was only tricky because I hate picking up stitches.<br />
<br />
I'm a sloppy, lazy knitter, who almost always gets really lucky. In the case of this sweater, I didn't measure Percy and I didn't check my gauge. In fact, I NEVER check my gauge. Good knitters are clucking their tongues and wagging their fingers at me right now, but it's true. I have average tension, so most patterns just work out right for me. If anything, my tension can be a little loose, so if I use a smaller-than recommended needle or yarn, things often work out because of that.<br />
<br />
If you don't knit, you're probably lost right now, so let me explain. When you knit something, the weight of the yarn and the size of the needles both have an effect on the end product. Each knitter also has their own unique tension- this is how tight you pull the yarn when knitting. This also has an effect on the end product- if you have really tight tension, the item will be smaller, and if your tension is loose, it will be bigger. So, every pattern will tell you the size yarn and needles you should use. as well as the correct "gauge" or how many stitches should equal a certain number of inches knit. You are supposed to "check your gauge" by knitting a small square to start. If the square is the right size with the yarn and needle recommended in the pattern, you're all good. If the square is too big or small, your tension is effecting the outcome, so you need to make an adjustment to your needle or yarn size. I didn't know this when I first started knitting and I made a pair of mittens that looked like they would fit the Jolly Green Giant. My mistake had been using a yarn that was much thicker than the pattern recommended.<br />
<br />
Just like anything, you learn from your mistakes and knitting is no exception. I've made plenty of mistakes and the best thing you can do when you discover you've messed up is to rip it out and try again. This doesn't always mean starting over completely- you can often rip out to the point where you made the mistake and then continue.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough about knitting- if you have knitting questions, you can leave a comment below and I'll be happy to answer to the best of my knowledge. Just keep in mind I'm as amateur as they come with regard to knitting skill.<br />
<br />
I took some pictures of the sweater without Percy in it because I want to show off the detail- this pattern features four gorgeous cables in the pattern. I love cables. They're not only beautiful, but they make the pattern more interesting to knit. Take a look!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4L6yiC7Ve0/W8dIOPynHuI/AAAAAAAAP7k/ctedh2J5IssAK-VNms-IcQQVfcNbIwh0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Top%2Bof%2BPercy%2527s%2BSweater.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4L6yiC7Ve0/W8dIOPynHuI/AAAAAAAAP7k/ctedh2J5IssAK-VNms-IcQQVfcNbIwh0ACLcBGAs/s640/Top%2Bof%2BPercy%2527s%2BSweater.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just look at those beautiful cables! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt5Fyelwh6s/W8dIX3-sumI/AAAAAAAAP7o/MyWbGZ2aIyISLV3bEFCNGtdX7SagqZpSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bottom%2Bof%2BPercy%2527s%2BSweater.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt5Fyelwh6s/W8dIX3-sumI/AAAAAAAAP7o/MyWbGZ2aIyISLV3bEFCNGtdX7SagqZpSwCLcBGAs/s640/Bottom%2Bof%2BPercy%2527s%2BSweater.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't even STAND the cuteness of those little leg openings. SO totes adorbs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, for those of you who are super impressed with my cable knitting skills, I want to let you know that it is SO FREAKING EASY to cable knit. People think it's hard but it's so so so not difficult AT ALL. In fact, if you know how to knit, you can cable. Cabling is a simple technique of twisting the stitches to create the roped effect. You just need an even number of stitches. I recommend knitting a scarf with a cable down the middle to practice. Here's a great pattern for a cable knit scarf:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Using size 10 needles and a chunky or bulky weight yarn, cast on 44 stitches. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Row 1: K1, P1, K1, P1, P3, K3, P3, K8, P2, K8 P3, K3, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Row 2: P1, K1, P1, K1, K3, P3, K3, P8, K2, P8, K3, P3, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rows 3 & 5: repeat row 1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rows 4 & 6: repeat row 2</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Row 7: Cable row! Ok, so for the cable row, you're just going to knit in the pattern as you have been until you get to the first set of 8 stitches in the middle. When you get to the first set of 8 stitches, you're going to take the first four of those stitches and slide them into your cable needle. Then, drop that cable needle to the back of your work. This is the part that seems so scary! But don't worry- those stitches are going to be FINE! OK, once you've moved the cable needle to the back of your work, you're going to knit the next four stitches. THEN, you pick up the cable needle and knit those four stitches next. You'll see that the 8 stitches are now twisted. Ok, take a deep breath, because you're halfway done the cabling party. P2. Now, you're at the second set of 8 stitches and you're going to do the exact same thing as before with ONE major distinction. Instead of dropping the first 4 stitches onto the cable needle and putting them to the back of your work, you're going to put them to the FRONT of your work. This way, the first cable will twist in one direction and the second cable will twist in the opposite direction. It will look cool. I promise. OK, now that you're done the cables, finish knitting the row in the established pattern. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Row 8: repeat row 2</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok, now all you have to do is continue knitting these same 8 rows over and over and over again until the scarf is as long as you want to make it! When you're done, bind off in the pattern. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy knitting, everyone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
XOXO</div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-17446422742778740042018-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:002018-10-29T08:00:04.705-04:00Introducing: PERCY GRAINGER HABASHY!!!Guys, I can't believe it took this long for me to blog about him, but have you seen our dog?!?!?!?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_sdVbr3d1U/W8SYFnFfr2I/AAAAAAAAP40/-DHTOxuHtKM-aXNt1AAKcUUA5Jov8A7hACLcBGAs/s1600/Percy%2BPortrain%2Bby%2BCasi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_sdVbr3d1U/W8SYFnFfr2I/AAAAAAAAP40/-DHTOxuHtKM-aXNt1AAKcUUA5Jov8A7hACLcBGAs/s640/Percy%2BPortrain%2Bby%2BCasi.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I mean, have you ever seen such a cutie? He is 100% the cutest dog on the planet. Sorry not sorry if you think your dog is the cutest, but you're probably wrong. I mean, your dog might be cute, but he/she is not PERCY cute. Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
Sam and I knew that once we bought a house, we'd finally be able to adopt a dog. As soon as our offer on the house was accepted, I started looking on Pet Finder and local dog rescue sites right away. It is unbelievably difficult to adopt a dog! The application process is intense. They want pictures of your home, your yard, your fence! They may want to schedule a HOME VISIT! They want three references that aren't family. They want to know your entire animal-owning-history. WHY don't you have a dog now? If you had a dog before, WHY don't you have one now? Did you give him up? Did she die? Who is your vet? What's your work schedule? What will you feed him/her? How much exercise will you give them? Will you take them to doggie obedience school? If you have other pets, tell us their entire temperaments, how long you've had them and the likelihood they'll get along with a new dog.<br />
<br />
It's intense. Like, they want more info than the mortgage company did when we were buying the house. Anyway, we were open to a dog on the small side in a breed that suited our lifestyle. We didn't want a dog with so much energy that they'd be miserable at home while we were at work. We also didn't want a total couch potato. I did some research and after reading about all different breeds, I felt that a Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier would be the kind of dog we could give a great home to. A dog that's active and loyal and smart, but can also chill while you watch TV on the couch at night.<br />
<br />
I applied for lots of dogs over the course of a couple of weeks and we were continually rejected. Like, we didn't even get to the point in the process where they ask to see our home or ask follow-up questions to the application. Just flat-out rejected right off the bat. It was starting to get frustrating because it also wasn't clear WHY we were being denied the opportunity to adopt a dog. Was there something about us that the rescues felt was off? Did we not appear to have the potential to be good dog parents?<br />
<br />
Finally, one day I saw a post on Pet Finder for a Border/Cairn Terrier mix named Percy. His story was unique- He was living in Texas where he'd been born, but needed to be adopted to a family up north. Texas needed to be in the rear-view mirror for him. He was about 2 years old, already house trained and he seemed to have a great personality. I wrote the application of my life. I probably spent over an hour trying to answer every question perfectly. When I hit the "submit" button, I was on edge, desperately wanting this dog, but feeling really down-trodden over the myriad of rejections we'd received.<br />
<br />
Within a few hours, I had a reply from the rescue, asking if they could call me and with some follow-up questions! After a successful chat on the phone, they offered to let me Facetime with Percy, which I was more than thrilled to do. I spent about an hour on the phone/Facetime with the rescue being pretty intensely interviewed. I was asked to provide references and told they'd be in touch with their decision. I barely slept that night. I'd already fallen in love.<br />
<br />
The next day, the rescue called to say that they decided to let us have Percy! I cried I was so happy! The next step was to sign the contract (almost as intense as the application), and to work out the details of getting him from Texas to New Hampshire. In the end, the rescue decided to send him up on the "Rescue Road Trips" truck. This organization drives all over the place, picking up pups and driving them to their fur-ever homes, or at least close by. We had to drive about 2 1/2 hours to Lisbon CT nearly a month later to pick up our boy. It was SO worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVZy8Khir8Q/W8SeY8mi12I/AAAAAAAAP6o/uWLnXbl_UFEMbHoD4KADzy5c6AV-RDNYwCLcBGAs/s1600/On%2BOur%2BWay.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVZy8Khir8Q/W8SeY8mi12I/AAAAAAAAP6o/uWLnXbl_UFEMbHoD4KADzy5c6AV-RDNYwCLcBGAs/s640/On%2BOur%2BWay.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkS5RVMKfyA/W8Sb-u1M15I/AAAAAAAAP5E/91m9zbXat2o4QsbVlHlfI8XEW6j5sg-OgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Rescue%2BRoad%2BTrips%2BArrives.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="854" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkS5RVMKfyA/W8Sb-u1M15I/AAAAAAAAP5E/91m9zbXat2o4QsbVlHlfI8XEW6j5sg-OgCEwYBhgL/s640/Rescue%2BRoad%2BTrips%2BArrives.mp4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gGOp4JjNmo/W8ScFeXCo0I/AAAAAAAAP5I/axDScUIZJt44UnMi1gJmk9VnRN_Y6aitgCLcBGAs/s1600/41352625_10155754131597078_4894000974777024512_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gGOp4JjNmo/W8ScFeXCo0I/AAAAAAAAP5I/axDScUIZJt44UnMi1gJmk9VnRN_Y6aitgCLcBGAs/s640/41352625_10155754131597078_4894000974777024512_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We woke up super early on Saturday September 8th and hopped in the car to drive down to Connecticut. There were probably a dozen other families there as well, waiting to pick up their own pups. When the truck pulled into the parking lot, I could barely contain my excitement. Percy was the second dog off the truck:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdiO1-UfNN4/W8SckY65rjI/AAAAAAAAP5U/C8_D1bKOK6o-9txx7rcAKDXlcUt-hzSxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Finally%2BMeeting%2BOur%2BBoy.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdiO1-UfNN4/W8SckY65rjI/AAAAAAAAP5U/C8_D1bKOK6o-9txx7rcAKDXlcUt-hzSxwCEwYBhgL/s640/Finally%2BMeeting%2BOur%2BBoy.mp4" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It took Percy a few weeks to really settle in and start to feel comfortable, but he's definitely part of the family now. I just love him so much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVfmQTZ7gUY/W8Sg0LDM4QI/AAAAAAAAP64/f8iKeaa6hfYE1jIFIF0fGt_2w6Q5IoIIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/So%2BSmart.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVfmQTZ7gUY/W8Sg0LDM4QI/AAAAAAAAP64/f8iKeaa6hfYE1jIFIF0fGt_2w6Q5IoIIQCEwYBhgL/s640/So%2BSmart.mp4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-nlbJHlSw/W8Sda4dyWNI/AAAAAAAAP5s/SGZXxAYAx5ojllJv7ug1o5_Dwbwkqk8IwCLcBGAs/s1600/Won%2527t%2BLet%2Bme%2BWork%2BOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-nlbJHlSw/W8Sda4dyWNI/AAAAAAAAP5s/SGZXxAYAx5ojllJv7ug1o5_Dwbwkqk8IwCLcBGAs/s640/Won%2527t%2BLet%2Bme%2BWork%2BOut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow2IysnykTw/W8SddHPGBlI/AAAAAAAAP5w/9FrynZGRzhAeVUG-TiUW_OdOc5rLU-fKgCLcBGAs/s1600/41378798_10155757096762078_3717070263683121152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow2IysnykTw/W8SddHPGBlI/AAAAAAAAP5w/9FrynZGRzhAeVUG-TiUW_OdOc5rLU-fKgCLcBGAs/s640/41378798_10155757096762078_3717070263683121152_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLpVk54eXtY/W8SdgEn67yI/AAAAAAAAP50/6S5NXFt9LbY6_6NZ1fpZ1BU3_IHLDdfXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Percy%2BPortrain%2Bby%2BCasi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLpVk54eXtY/W8SdgEn67yI/AAAAAAAAP50/6S5NXFt9LbY6_6NZ1fpZ1BU3_IHLDdfXQCLcBGAs/s640/Percy%2BPortrain%2Bby%2BCasi.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLM6iNMR-1s/W8SdkAlOXVI/AAAAAAAAP58/NhpyTbiK0DoGWgWNy2p-xKaTo2fWjGQdACLcBGAs/s1600/Snuggles%2Bwith%2BPapa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLM6iNMR-1s/W8SdkAlOXVI/AAAAAAAAP58/NhpyTbiK0DoGWgWNy2p-xKaTo2fWjGQdACLcBGAs/s640/Snuggles%2Bwith%2BPapa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYmb4in7gFE/W8SeDe4wP_I/AAAAAAAAP6I/L1TcD1mN1YQ4m0qUFdhXy3EjWmZIQw0WwCLcBGAs/s1600/Me%2Band%2BMy%2BBoy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="935" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYmb4in7gFE/W8SeDe4wP_I/AAAAAAAAP6I/L1TcD1mN1YQ4m0qUFdhXy3EjWmZIQw0WwCLcBGAs/s640/Me%2Band%2BMy%2BBoy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSVaEjNKk3g/W8SeEvb0K1I/AAAAAAAAP6M/UJob6f3ZGnAe9pTCUE1vAJlWU1DE5kWcACLcBGAs/s1600/Happy%2BPercy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSVaEjNKk3g/W8SeEvb0K1I/AAAAAAAAP6M/UJob6f3ZGnAe9pTCUE1vAJlWU1DE5kWcACLcBGAs/s640/Happy%2BPercy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1gZ6oGOB9w/W8SeGA-_ojI/AAAAAAAAP6Q/HdJ_ENWffoIrsWC2yusB73MMWG89QHCHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Going%2Bfor%2Ba%2BWalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1gZ6oGOB9w/W8SeGA-_ojI/AAAAAAAAP6Q/HdJ_ENWffoIrsWC2yusB73MMWG89QHCHgCLcBGAs/s640/Going%2Bfor%2Ba%2BWalk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPKBc3OpP6E/W8SeH8eDVKI/AAAAAAAAP6U/LRE07MkxFxUR7D39RLeyQBMwk7h_C-oOgCLcBGAs/s1600/So%2Bphotogenic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPKBc3OpP6E/W8SeH8eDVKI/AAAAAAAAP6U/LRE07MkxFxUR7D39RLeyQBMwk7h_C-oOgCLcBGAs/s640/So%2Bphotogenic.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
He's snuggled next to me right now as I type out this blog post. I'm so happy the rescue decided to take a chance and give Percy to us. I understand now why we were rejected so many time before- because those dogs weren't OUR dog. So, if you're trying to adopt a dog and you're getting rejected and feeling frustrated, don't stress. Just know that those dogs aren't working out for you because they aren't your dog. YOUR dog is still out there, waiting. Maybe he's just not ready to be adopted yet. Just be patient and you'll be rewarded. I mean, just look at us!<br />
<br />
XOXORenée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-60043780865355387992018-10-27T08:00:00.000-04:002018-10-27T08:00:07.202-04:00Finishing the Living Room OR The World's Easiest DIY ProjectA while ago, I blogged about putting together the decor for the living room, using my bright turquoise blue piano as the focal point. I decided to do this by incorporating all different shades of blue and teal along with neutrals like grey and champagne and little pops of other accent colors like yellow and green.<br />
<br />
While planning the room decor, I shopped a lot on Facebook Marketplace and Craig's List. I love finding super cheap furniture and making it over. I saw a set of cane chairs that were so cool, but at the time I was leaning towards a soft color palette (this was prior to Sam admitting he loves the bold color of my piano), and I thought the style of the chairs was perfect, but the colors were a little too bold. I kept looking. I also emailed a friend who is a master of second-hand and thrift-store/estate sale/antique store shopping and asked her to keep an eye out for that style of chairs. A week or so later she found a gorgeous pair of similar cane-back chairs at an estate sale. The pair was selling for just $60. Seemed like a bargain, so I told her to buy them. The were pretty dirty, but otherwise still in great shape, and I figured I'd probably paint and reupholster them anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgIdDLrFAOY/W8Ju_Qcad-I/AAAAAAAAP4c/_HA-ypKuQ84sP9n2fNwz7o6dyOonRiPpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Estate%2BSale%2BChairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgIdDLrFAOY/W8Ju_Qcad-I/AAAAAAAAP4c/_HA-ypKuQ84sP9n2fNwz7o6dyOonRiPpgCLcBGAs/s640/Estate%2BSale%2BChairs.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How cute are they? I figured that if they cleaned up ok, I would leave them in the neutral palette, but if not, I could have them painted and reupholstered. Well, after buying them, that was when Sam dropped the BOMB on me that he wanted me to leave our piano bright blue. It reminded me of the original cane chairs I'd seen a month or so earlier. I decided to see if they were still available because if I left the piano bright blue, the chairs I'd seen online would have actually been PERFECT. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As luck would have it, the chairs were still available and the seller was even willing to drop the price on them. I picked them up the very next day for just $220 for the pair. Yes, a lot more than the $60 estate sale chairs, but their color and print worked so much better with the piano and the other elements in the living room. Also, re-upholsering these chairs myself would be a lot harder than the dining room Parsons chairs, so I'd looked into have a professional do it. I got a quote of about $250 per chair. At $220 for the set, I was already ahead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, when I titled this post "The World's Easiest DIY Project," you can see why! All I had to do was pick them up! And they're so fabulous!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWoz-la9W78/W8JwN1z3j2I/AAAAAAAAP4o/jZQqVch7t4gAuPsHBz-N0SmOrpdXTs-4ACLcBGAs/s1600/Can%2Bchairs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWoz-la9W78/W8JwN1z3j2I/AAAAAAAAP4o/jZQqVch7t4gAuPsHBz-N0SmOrpdXTs-4ACLcBGAs/s640/Can%2Bchairs.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I had the chairs, the living room really started to come together. I finished the room off with a few potted plants and now I'm doing my best not to kill them. I have been known to have a black thumb. Wish me luck! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, the estate sale chairs cleaned up pretty well, so they're hanging out in the corners of my dining room. Not sure if I'll keep them or re-sell them or what. Time will tell, I suppose. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, thanks for reading! It's so fun sharing my journey and I hope you enjoy it, too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
XOXO</div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-17167841898034300402018-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:002018-10-25T08:00:09.613-04:00Updated Vanity- A "Sorry Girls" Inspired DIYRight around the time we were buying our house, I stumbled upon the cutest YouTube channel called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJWlswfVUgyVliZaEFoaBw">The Sorry Girls.</a>" Basically, it's two totes adorbs young Canadian women (get it? "Sorry" girls? Cuz they're Canadian? haha) who do all sorts of DIY and up-cycling projects. They do fashion, home decor, "the look for less," and they do it with personality. What I like most about them is that they make DIY accessible for literally anyone. Even me.<br />
<br />
So, when we moved into the new house and I started creating my new daily routines within the new spaces, I found myself excited to use my vanity again. In the apartment, due to the small amount of space we had, it gradually became a catch-all for junk. I rarely used it to put on my make-up anymore. But the sunlight in the morning in our new bedroom was so glorious that I knew I needed to get back into using it, for the amazing lighting alone. Fortunately, there was a great little space for it, and it looks great in the room. For those of you unfamiliar, here's a photo of the vanity in the old apartment:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpoTRtOYyLo/W8JjX8pGaUI/AAAAAAAAP3o/EYXWu6sfG9IJKEFiWif15IzgQ77IawbNgCLcBGAs/s1600/Vanity%2BBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpoTRtOYyLo/W8JjX8pGaUI/AAAAAAAAP3o/EYXWu6sfG9IJKEFiWif15IzgQ77IawbNgCLcBGAs/s640/Vanity%2BBefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So cute! I bought it at Brimfield one year for about $70, I think. I love how dainty it is, but the dainty quality also means there isn't a lot of storage. Once I put all my makeup on/in it, plus a box of tissues and all my various accoutrements, it becomes cluttered and a lot less functional. So, I started thinking about how I could combat that issue while keeping it dainty and cute. Cue: Sorry Girls Inspo. The YouTube channel often features clever storage ideas and although I didn't copy any of their ideas exactly, I did take inspiration from them in one particular way: I tried to think creatively about the types of pieces that could become cute storage. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started at Walmart and the Dollar Store, because as you know, I'm a total cheapskate. I wanted to keep this project as inexpensive as possible. My goal was to add storage to the side of the vanity for both the things that don't really fit in the drawer (like a box of tissues and my perfume bottles) and the things that I use on the daily, for quick and easy access. I figured little side baskets or buckets would be ideal. I wandered around what felt like every single aisle at Walmart and the Dollar Store before finding the final pieces. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up buying: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 small metal buckets from the "Back to School" aisle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 wooden dowel from the craft aisle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 gold chain from the jewelry section of the craft aisle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 wooden silverware tray from the kitchen organization aisle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 gold curtain rod hooks from the curtain aisle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 gold decorative placemat from the kitchen/home decor aisle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also had a can of gold matte spray paint and a bunch of C-hooks already at home as well as some screws and super glue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started by cutting the wooden dowel down to a length that was the same as the depth of the side of the vanity. I sanded down the cut edge and then spray painted the dowel. The metal buckets were bright yellow, so I spray painted the inside and outside of those next. I also painted the wooden tray and the C-hooks. The chain and curtain rod hooks were both already gold, so that worked out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the paint had dried, I set about installing the storage pieces. On one side of the vanity I screwed the curtain rod hooks and added the dowel with the buckets hanging on it. On the other side, I screwed in two C-hooks. Then I attached the chain to the silverware tray using super glue and some picture-hanging triangle pieces that I already had. I cut the placemat down to fit inside the tray. I did this for two reasons: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1.) It looks really pretty</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2.) It helped add a grippy, non-slip texture to the tray</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the tray was all assembled, I just had to hang it from the C-hooks with the chains I'd attached. I've been using the vanity pretty much every single day since then and I love it. Everything is so accessible, but still looks glam and cute!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fZlYWGQzHw/W8JnMSbS5FI/AAAAAAAAP30/wTTtvVjpwIQ1kU7ZYy1wfAzuE0CrJQ7cgCLcBGAs/s1600/Side%2Bhanding%2Bshelf%2Bon%2Bvanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fZlYWGQzHw/W8JnMSbS5FI/AAAAAAAAP30/wTTtvVjpwIQ1kU7ZYy1wfAzuE0CrJQ7cgCLcBGAs/s640/Side%2Bhanding%2Bshelf%2Bon%2Bvanity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you just LOVE the added texture the placemat gives the tray? I love it! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfd88aqeEZU/W8JnRD-uu5I/AAAAAAAAP34/CpqPbLv0-NwLX6rGLDVUPDABDl0PCk12ACLcBGAs/s1600/Mini%2BBuckets%2Bfor%2Bbrushes%252C%2Betc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfd88aqeEZU/W8JnRD-uu5I/AAAAAAAAP34/CpqPbLv0-NwLX6rGLDVUPDABDl0PCk12ACLcBGAs/s640/Mini%2BBuckets%2Bfor%2Bbrushes%252C%2Betc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These buckets were bright sunshine yellow, but the matte gold paint gave them a touch more sophistication. And they're the perfect size for holding my make-up brushes, tweezers, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mN--taitDlI/W8JnUwKHXoI/AAAAAAAAP38/gj3MjGzpz7cA2t8QvWmYQDhI1HcXDZzxACLcBGAs/s1600/Vanity%2BAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mN--taitDlI/W8JnUwKHXoI/AAAAAAAAP38/gj3MjGzpz7cA2t8QvWmYQDhI1HcXDZzxACLcBGAs/s640/Vanity%2BAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The golds don't all match, but I don't really care all that much because there are enough elements that are different that it all seems to work. I've since moved the tissue box over to the wooden tray and put a clear tray in its place to hold my lipsticks. They are more organized this way. It's so nice to have everything so accessible! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last step in putting together the vanity was replacing the chair. The wooden one in the picture above never worked, so I created a slip cover for it when it was in the old apartment. But the new space for the vanity is a little smaller, so I wanted a stool that could easily tuck under the vanity when not in use. For that, I did the world's easiest DIY, one that I saw on Pinterest time and time again. It's actually a super basic IKEA hack using a $7 stool. Yup. Seven bucks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3TPoM3IwQA/W8JoqHQnxHI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/3__qtoEJBXwCS-WoqMTHT7QUcStYJCJsACLcBGAs/s1600/Ikea%2BStool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3TPoM3IwQA/W8JoqHQnxHI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/3__qtoEJBXwCS-WoqMTHT7QUcStYJCJsACLcBGAs/s640/Ikea%2BStool.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can see the original in the upper right corner. It's a white metal base with a white plastic top. Sturdy and very inexpensive, but not exactly cute. I'd seen TONS of make-overs on Pinterest of this stool, so you can easily look them up, but here's the basic concept: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 1: Spray paint the legs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 2: Cut out a piece of foam the size of the seat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 3: Using fabric glue, attach the foam to the seat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 4: Cover with fabric of your choice, using the fabric spray adhesive to attach to the underside of the seat.**</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step 5: Screw the legs into the seat per the IKEA instructions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made Step 4 slightly more complicated. Many of the versions you'll see of this upcycle involve really textured fabrics like faux fur. So, wrinkles in the fabric, or bunching aren't really problematic since the texture of the fabric hides most of that. But I wanted a velvet seat, which looks better when it's neater. So, for my version of Step 4, I cut out a circle of velvet about a 1/2 inch bigger than the foam. I then cut a strip of velvet about an inch wider than the side of the foam, and long enough to wrap around the entire circle of velvet. I then sewed the strip to the circle, essentially making a custom cover for the seat. It just looks a little neater overall. If you don't mind some pleats or wrinkles in your fabric, you don't have to take this extra step. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing I didn't do, but I might add in the future is some tufted buttons. You can see that the original stool has a bunch of holes in the plastic seat. So theoretically, you could use an upholstery needle to sew tufts into the cushion and add decorative buttons right through those holes. It could be really cute. When I bought the one stool, I figured, "I'm paying a shipping fee for one, so I may as well order a bunch." So, I have three more stools that I'm thinking of doing a similar make-over on for additional seating when we have people over. Since the stools are stackable, I could keep them in a corner and just pull them out as needed for parties and such. I'm thinking of keeping the gold legs, but using different fabrics and textures for the cushions. Let me know what you think- I'd probably keep them in the living room most of the time but they would also work for additional seating around the dining table. Leave a comment if you have an idea for what I could do. I have plenty of velvet to make all of them the same as the vanity or I could shop around for other fabrics, too. I'm undecided. Tell me what to do in the comments! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
XOXO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-7177441855164653472018-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:002018-10-23T08:00:06.990-04:00Crazy Flower ProjectI mentioned in a previous blog post that in decorating our new house, I had decided to embrace the fact that Sam and I love bold color and pattern. Our bedroom was already pretty bright with bold blue, yellow, white and teal bed spread and pillows. But then I saw a project on Pinterest that intrigued me. It was such an inexpensive idea that I thought, "Well, if I do it and Sam or I hate it, it won't have been a lot of money wasted."<br />
<br />
The idea was to create enormous paper dahlias to hang on the wall above our bed. Here's how it turned out:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF6pmTsVLAY/W8FGB6cBMOI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/xdh5tKpqyLQsRbg0AcKJ_Fm3UNBFbpTnQCLcBGAs/s1600/Paper%2BDahlias%2Bover%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF6pmTsVLAY/W8FGB6cBMOI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/xdh5tKpqyLQsRbg0AcKJ_Fm3UNBFbpTnQCLcBGAs/s640/Paper%2BDahlias%2Bover%2Bbed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1noxOC3m8I/W8FGBzHas3I/AAAAAAAAP3c/fugQiSwtbdUkX42KSdJmZArE2d0kt7x8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Paper%2Bdahlias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1noxOC3m8I/W8FGBzHas3I/AAAAAAAAP3c/fugQiSwtbdUkX42KSdJmZArE2d0kt7x8QCLcBGAs/s640/Paper%2Bdahlias.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WHY ARE THESE PHOTOS SO BLURRY?!?!?</div>
<br />
I bought colorful card stock paper at the craft store and did my best. The concept is really simple. You start with a cardboard circle- the bigger the circle, the bigger the flower. I did two 8-inch circles, and three 6- inch circles. The next step is to cut squares of colored paper. You need a LOT of squares. For each flower, I probably used about 60 or so squares. In the beginning (big blue dahlia), I used the same size squares for the entire flower. But as the project went on and I got a little better at making the flowers, I ended up varying the size of the squares. With the pink one, I started with six inch squares on the outside, then used 5 inch squares for most of the flower and 3 and 4 inch squares for the very center. It's definitely the best-looking flower, so if you do this yourself, take my advice and use a range of sizes on the squares.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm sure you could figure this out on your own, but once you have the squares cut, you just glue them into a cone shape and then glue the cone to the cardboard circle. Start on the outside and work your way in. I used Elmer's glue on the first flower and it took FOREVER. The rest of the flowers I used hot glue and it went a LOT faster. I probably used an entire package of glue sticks from start to finish. If you want a more detailed description of how to do this, there are plenty of tutorials on Pinterest. Just search for "Giant Paper Dahlia DIY" and you'll see a bunch. People have done it with vintage music paper or paper torn out of old books, or newsprint. I liked the idea of a colorful display, and I liked the idea of card stock because I thought it would hold up nicely. The leaves I added were just leaves from the craft store. I'm not in love with them. I wish I'd chosen ones that were a little fuller, more lush, but I don't hate them enough to start over. I used Command strips to hang these up. Each flower took about an hour of cutting, rolling and glueing, done mostly while watching TV or listening to a podcast. And as for the ombre color of each flower, that happened mostly because the card stock is sold in packages that have a bunch of shades of the same color- I bought a package of blue/teal, a package of pink and a package of yellow.<br />
<br />
I don't know what my next project will be, but I'm leaning towards doing a bathroom make-over. Not a huge remodel, but I think a coat of paint and some cute accessories could go a long way to make our bathrooms a whole lot cuter.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you posted!<br />
<br />
XOXORenée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-83954005752202045932018-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:002018-10-21T08:00:02.772-04:00The Rest of the Dining RoomHey hey- welcome back! I hope you've been enjoying these posts I've been writing about decorating our new house.<br />
<br />
Last time I wrote about the big project of reupholstering a set of four Parsons dining chairs. What I didn't tell you was the beginning of the story and the dining table idea that necessitated a new set of dining chairs to begin with! You see, when Sam and I upgraded from our little 2-bedroom apartment to a new ranch style single-family home, we ended up with an actual formal dining room. In our old kitchen, I had a cute pedestal table with simple wooden chairs, and that would have worked fine for the new space, but on a random trip to the <a href="https://www.canalstreetantique.com/">Canal Street Antiques Market,</a> I found a piece that would start the ball rolling on creating an entirely new dining set:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RsGCSLUCys/W8D7n8OUGpI/AAAAAAAAP2I/UN0jYYFqbKEHw5LgxO_4t5eJfyphQm18wCLcBGAs/s1600/Tin%2BCeiling%2BTiles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RsGCSLUCys/W8D7n8OUGpI/AAAAAAAAP2I/UN0jYYFqbKEHw5LgxO_4t5eJfyphQm18wCLcBGAs/s640/Tin%2BCeiling%2BTiles.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
P.S. If you've never been to the Canal Street Antiques Market, it's basically a mini-<a href="http://brimfield./">Brimfield.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The minute I saw this decorative wall hanging made with vintage tin ceiling tiles, I knew exactly what I would do with it. I brought it right to my parents house and asked my oh-so-talented stepfather Mike if he could build a table with it. He's great at woodworking and was kind enough to take my vague description of what I wanted and build an incredibly beautiful table for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had pictured the table with a glass top and the tin ceiling tiles set into a frame. I wanted to paint the frame in a pale, buttery yellow with a slightly darker yellow color for the ceiling tiles. The inspiration for the color scheme was actually an enormous hutch that my mom painted for her own dining room: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqhyci5IIkw/W8D9pXAK_JI/AAAAAAAAP2U/efCbgVuUQ7IhEirGqI4nKdKxgFoTrvejQCLcBGAs/s1600/Mom%2527s%2Bhutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqhyci5IIkw/W8D9pXAK_JI/AAAAAAAAP2U/efCbgVuUQ7IhEirGqI4nKdKxgFoTrvejQCLcBGAs/s640/Mom%2527s%2Bhutch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I don't know where SHE came up with that color idea, but I was intent on stealing it for my table. After passing along the general design idea and the tin ceiling tiles to Mike, the next step for me was to find the glass top. Since these are crazy expensive, I started looking on the Facebook marketplace and Craig's List. I finally found one that seemed to be the right size. The seller had listed the entire table and chairs for $60:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCQeCEO377o/W8D_kICHPAI/AAAAAAAAP2g/B54lHzdYdA0pikTlEleFMG_JurogGQj_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Glass%2Btop.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCQeCEO377o/W8D_kICHPAI/AAAAAAAAP2g/B54lHzdYdA0pikTlEleFMG_JurogGQj_QCLcBGAs/s640/Glass%2Btop.PNG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first messaged the seller, she told me that she had an interested buyer already. Bummer, right? Well, fortunately I didn't take "no" for an answer and got creative with my offer. I basically said to her, "Well, if you'd like to double your money, I'd be interested in purchasing the glass top on its own. If your other buyer is ok with purchasing the set minus the glass top, I'll happily pay what you're asking but for just the glass." I could hardly believe it when she agreed! And she even offered to deliver it to my parents house the next day! Amazing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that all the pieces were in place, I just had to wait for Mike to work his woodworking magic. After just a couple of weeks, I was astonished at how beautiful a table he'd made: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szSGE3ykfjI/W8EIjoBN4TI/AAAAAAAAP2w/MBCcoRsJ9vkMH3vaJo29muJB3tsaVZnbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Table%2BBuilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szSGE3ykfjI/W8EIjoBN4TI/AAAAAAAAP2w/MBCcoRsJ9vkMH3vaJo29muJB3tsaVZnbQCLcBGAs/s640/Table%2BBuilt.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom offered to prime it before they dropped it off: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPf6yY_LdIA/W8EIuY2rgNI/AAAAAAAAP20/zTqZ7wC5fZ0OqZcB-6ld-V1l5PDQ0HLTACLcBGAs/s1600/Table%2BPrimed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPf6yY_LdIA/W8EIuY2rgNI/AAAAAAAAP20/zTqZ7wC5fZ0OqZcB-6ld-V1l5PDQ0HLTACLcBGAs/s640/Table%2BPrimed.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once it was delivered, it only took two coats to be completely finished!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UY3BqJAWQ7A/W8EI4hB2lBI/AAAAAAAAP28/OQ5FjxWSVTY20FivCvbmkbZPwlBpmohOgCLcBGAs/s1600/Table%2BPainted.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UY3BqJAWQ7A/W8EI4hB2lBI/AAAAAAAAP28/OQ5FjxWSVTY20FivCvbmkbZPwlBpmohOgCLcBGAs/s640/Table%2BPainted.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was SO HARD for me to wait for the paint to dry before moving it into the dining room. I hate waiting. I'm just not the most patient person. Sam and I went apple picking while we waited for the paint to dry and later that day were able to bring it in from the garage. The glass top fit perfectly on top and finally after nearly 2 months from when I had the original idea, my dining room came together: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTHt5iKoZow/W8EJYxX8cfI/AAAAAAAAP3M/IUHR64ywcOItf-tP-ienp1PgcCdqNXfswCLcBGAs/s1600/Finished%2BDinint%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTHt5iKoZow/W8EJYxX8cfI/AAAAAAAAP3M/IUHR64ywcOItf-tP-ienp1PgcCdqNXfswCLcBGAs/s640/Finished%2BDinint%2BSet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think the key with some DIY projects is knowing your limits. Before buying the tin ceiling tiles, I texted a picture to my parents and asked if they thought my idea was feasible, and more specifically if Mike had the time and was willing to help me with it. I knew my vision was not only out of the realm of my skillset, but I also don't own the tools necessary to do it right. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, to break down the price of the table on my end (my stepfather gifted me the labor and the wood): The decorative tin ceiling piece was $75, the two containers of paint and a couple of painting supplies came to $25 and the glass was $80- I paid the seller an additional $20 for delivery. Add in the cost of the chairs- around $30- and I'm all-in on the dining set for about $200! Now maybe $200 sounds like a lot for a DIY project, but when you consider the end result and how incredibly unique it is, it's a true bargain. I love that my table is truly one-of-a-kind and I love even more that the whole look was a collaboration with my stepfather. He is incredible with this kind of project and I'm so fortunate that he was willing and able to help me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So let me know what you think! I'm pretty psyched (obvi) but it's always nice to hear what other people think! </div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-39231789446138169712018-10-19T12:30:00.000-04:002018-10-19T12:30:02.876-04:00Re-Upholstered Parsons ChairsWhat is it about Parsons chairs that I love so much? I don't really know- often they look a little too formal and stuffy, but when the fabric is just right, they can be SO cute! I love them as a set for a dining room and I also love them for an accent chair in a bedroom or dressing room. Home Goods and Marshalls have really cute ones all the time, but they cost upwards of $75-$150 each.<br />
<br />
Although that price is reasonable for that type of chair, if you know me, you know I'm a total cheap skate and I would never spend that much unless they were absolutely the perfect color and style. Shopping online and in stores, I kept finding ones that were fine, but just not quite right. And if it's not quite right, I'm certainly not willing to pay that much. I started looking around for a second hand pair that I could re-upholster myself. I found a few sets that were ok, but still kind of high- around $50 per chair.<br />
<br />
After looking around myself for a couple of weeks and coming up empty handed, I reached out to my mom and my friend Amy. Those two are second-hand shopping QUEENS. I let them know a few things I was looking for, and among the list was a set of 4 Parsons chairs. I couldn't believe it when literally the VERY NEXT DAY Amy messaged me to say that she was at her local Goodwill and had found 4 matching Parsons chairs for just $1 each. She sent me a picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8d6KFs_P4g/W8DkMxbq7qI/AAAAAAAAP1E/umHPJzHlyBoms22mbTMQwHaE958BYFOwACLcBGAs/s1600/Original%2BParsons%2BChairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8d6KFs_P4g/W8DkMxbq7qI/AAAAAAAAP1E/umHPJzHlyBoms22mbTMQwHaE958BYFOwACLcBGAs/s640/Original%2BParsons%2BChairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
$1 EACH?!??! I of course told her to buy them! She messaged me a minute later- turns out Goodwill had a special discount that day- all furniture was an additional 50% off. So I got my chairs for just $2! When she got them home, she sent me a few more pictures. They were a hideous brown and in terrible shape from the previous owner's cat treating them like scratching post, but I couldn't have cared less!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2eKlvaxSJg/W8DkqYYBOaI/AAAAAAAAP1M/Hbf9iiv-N9YozddnuO_Dm7wQss9Bwev3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Parsons%2BChair%2BBefore%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2eKlvaxSJg/W8DkqYYBOaI/AAAAAAAAP1M/Hbf9iiv-N9YozddnuO_Dm7wQss9Bwev3wCLcBGAs/s640/Parsons%2BChair%2BBefore%2B1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sDA69UEydQ/W8DkrtFatkI/AAAAAAAAP1Q/TMK0OCUJYuwRkiOKfLO-vjs2Slpe196UwCLcBGAs/s1600/Parsons%2BChair%2BBefore%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sDA69UEydQ/W8DkrtFatkI/AAAAAAAAP1Q/TMK0OCUJYuwRkiOKfLO-vjs2Slpe196UwCLcBGAs/s640/Parsons%2BChair%2BBefore%2B2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Off I went to the fabric store where I found a soft yellow print that was PERFECT. It was a buttery-yellow background with French script-style writing in a charcoal grey. LOVE. I'll explain in a future post how I came up with the color idea. It has to do with the dining table that will eventually go with these chairs, but that table deserves a post all its own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aij-elzK_-0/W8Dnil3b3FI/AAAAAAAAP1o/Baetpwd8gGokc56RgTiggq-uL15jtn4mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dining%2BChairs%2BFabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aij-elzK_-0/W8Dnil3b3FI/AAAAAAAAP1o/Baetpwd8gGokc56RgTiggq-uL15jtn4mwCLcBGAs/s640/Dining%2BChairs%2BFabric.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It took me a few weeks to find the time to actually work on this project, and about 11-12 hours total time to complete it. This was a far cry from the 15-minute make-over I gave my living room end tables. And if you don't have at least a basic understanding of sewing, I would recommend leaving it to the professionals. I had read a few tutorials online for how to reupholster this type of chair, but I was a bit nervous at the start, regardless. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I began by taking one chair apart. Mine came apart into 4 pieces- the back of the chair with the two back legs attached, the seat, and the two front legs. Using a seam ripper, I carefully removed the original upholstery. The deconstruction process is actually the hardest part of reupholstery projects. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you attempt this type of project yourself, you'll find that the fabric is stapled onto the furniture, so you need to pull the staples out in order to remove the fabric. You can just cut it off, but since I wanted to use the original fabric as a pattern, I wanted to keep it as intact as possible. So, using a flat-head screwdriver and a pair of pliers, I painstakingly removed EVERY SINGLE STAPLE. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QoLw8cV_2Ps/W8DmiUij6TI/AAAAAAAAP1c/t7og_fBfVzgw8jZj6-ssNE0gjCnc4fPtACLcBGAs/s1600/Staples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QoLw8cV_2Ps/W8DmiUij6TI/AAAAAAAAP1c/t7og_fBfVzgw8jZj6-ssNE0gjCnc4fPtACLcBGAs/s640/Staples.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO MANY STAPLES!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's really hard work- it's time consuming and it takes a little muscle. The method you use is to try to wedge the flat-head screw driver under the staple and wiggle it until the staple starts to come out. Then you take the pliers and after getting a good grip on the staple, you rock the pliers back and forth until the entire staple pops out. Sometimes the staple breaks. That's a bummer. Your hands will hurt. Your body will ache for hours after you're done. It is NOT easy or quick. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you're able to remove the fabric, you can use the pieces as a pattern. Just to be safe, I made a mock-up cover using some scrap fabric I had lying around. The key is not only cutting the pattern out exactly, but also sewing the EXACT same seam allowance. That's probably the trickiest thing, but if you can do it, the fabric will be so smooth and taut and look so much more professional. After making the mock-up cover, I felt confident enough to cut into the real fabric. The pattern pieces were simple enough- the back of the chair was made up of a front, 2 back pieces and two side pieces. The seat was made of two sides and a topper. Easy enough to cut out and stitch together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was able to machine sew almost the entire thing, with the exception of the back of the chair where the two back pieces came together. I hand-stitched that seam after putting the cover onto the chair. Once the fabric pieces were sewn together and put onto the chair pieces, I simply stapled the fabric exactly the same way it had been stapled originally. If you've ever upholstered anything you know how to do this- it's really simple. Start in the center, pulling the fabric really tight and work your way to the edge. It helps to pay attention to how your original chair was put together and just replicate it when you re-do it. After stapling the fabric onto the back and seat, it was a simple matter of putting the chair back together and voila! Done! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't take pictures documenting the process because there are plenty of great tutorials online for how to do this, so why bother when it's already out there for you. PLUS, every set of chairs is different, so meticulously documenting the intricacies of MY set is silly. Anyway, once I had one chair done and dusted, the other three finished relatively quickly by comparison. The first chair had to be meticulously deconstructed, being careful to keep the fabric intact. I also made the mock-up cover and then very slowly and carefully made the real cover. In total, I spent about 6 hours on the first chair alone. But the remaining three probably only took me about 4-6 hours total, which I spread out over several days. And the end result is awesome!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tiiZJXyEBs/W8DpSgi9heI/AAAAAAAAP10/E0acqE8xIdcTq-fVBnjW44YGHB84r2zCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Finished%2BParsons%2BChair%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tiiZJXyEBs/W8DpSgi9heI/AAAAAAAAP10/E0acqE8xIdcTq-fVBnjW44YGHB84r2zCwCLcBGAs/s640/Finished%2BParsons%2BChair%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzjJ_6oxF_s/W8DpTu_MbVI/AAAAAAAAP14/s1XP4eBPt5crNeKxkzLwcqlLkvL5Gq-tQCLcBGAs/s1600/Finishes%2BParsons%2BChair%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzjJ_6oxF_s/W8DpTu_MbVI/AAAAAAAAP14/s1XP4eBPt5crNeKxkzLwcqlLkvL5Gq-tQCLcBGAs/s640/Finishes%2BParsons%2BChair%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recommend attempting a reupholstery project if you have the time and patience to do it right. Paying a professional to do what I did would have cost around $100 per chair, so it was most definitely worth the effort, in my opinion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next time I'll tell you all about the table that these chairs go with- it's even better than the chairs, if you can believe it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have an awesome day and thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
XOXO</div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-81352205741732038632018-10-17T12:30:00.000-04:002018-10-17T12:30:05.574-04:00DIY- Upcycled End TablesWhen starting my DIY projects for the new house, I tackled one of the toughest ones early on- reupholstering some Parsons dining chairs. I'll go over how I did that in a future post, but I bring it up today because I think Sam had his doubts about me and my approach to decorating the house because of those chairs.<br />
<br />
When our offer on the house was accepted, I immediately starting working on decor ideas and in the process ended up buying some pretty ratty-looking furniture with the intent of making it over. At one point in the move-in process, Sam looked at the furniture I'd brought in and said, "Why do you keep bringing trash into our new house?" What Sam didn't know about me yet is that I LOVE the challenge of turning trash into treasure and I love doing it on a dime. And as much as I might try to explain that to him, what he really needed to understand was to SEE.<br />
<br />
That's why I bring up the Parsons chairs. They cost $2 for all four of them. I spent another $30ish on fabric. Then I spent about 10 hours meticulously re-upholstering them. When they were done and I showed them to Sam, he started to understand and I think I may have even impressed him a little.<br />
<br />
So, upon seeing my finished Parsons chairs, he actually agreed to buy me a pair of absolutely stunning gold end tables. At about $150 each, he thought they were crazy expensive. BUT I LOVED THEM and after seeing the Parsons chairs, I think he felt I deserved a treat. But before he whipped out the credit card, I said, "Before we buy these expensive end tables, I want to visit Deja Vu, a hit-or-miss second hand furniture store down in Derry." He seemed confused, but I explained that as much as I loved the expensive tables, I wanted to shop around and just see if I could find something fabulous for a little less.<br />
<br />
So, the next day I made the drive down to Derry and visited Deja Vu. This store is massive and you never know what you're going to find, but usually there'll be at least SOMETHING interesting to take home.<br />
<br />
Anyway, because Deja Vu will often empty out an entire building, they have a LOT of duplicates. For example, when a hotel decides to redecorate, Deja Vu will clear out all the old furniture and re-sell it. So, if you see an end table or a headboard or a set of lamps, you could ask if they have more and the answer will likely be, "Dozens!" Because of their surplus, they've started putting a selection of items outside under a tent and referring to it as the "Free Tent." If it's under the tent, it's free. You can leave a donation for a local charity, and they're just happy to have gotten rid of some inventory.<br />
<br />
So, the day I went to Deja Vu, I saw two matching end tables under the free tent. They weren't pretty. Boring wood color, square-ish, but sturdy and in pretty good condition. I left them there and wandered around the rest of the store for about an hour. When I didn't find anything I liked, I went back outside and the tables were still there under the free tent. I thought, "Eh, what the hell?" and loaded them into the Mini Cooper. They barely fit. On the way home I bought a can of gold spray paint and a roll of faux marble contact paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKssJ8sIM_I/W8DecbCNtpI/AAAAAAAAP0s/UIaFMl0LW6osLP46X3-dVogtAGUxuPjDACLcBGAs/s1600/End%2Btable%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="544" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKssJ8sIM_I/W8DecbCNtpI/AAAAAAAAP0s/UIaFMl0LW6osLP46X3-dVogtAGUxuPjDACLcBGAs/s640/End%2Btable%2Bbefore.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
<br />
About ten minutes worth of spray painting and the tables were already 1,000 times better, but I'd recently seen a YouTube tutorial on using faux marble contact paper to refinish a table top and I wanted to give it a whirl. Since the tables were free, if it came out terrible, I wouldn't even feel bad about tossing them on the curb. The roll of contact paper that I'd bought at Walmart was the right look, and definitely the right price at just $6. However, the tables were about 2 inches too wide. The contact paper wouldn't even cover the top, much less the beveled sides of the top piece.<br />
<br />
So, I went to amazon.com and found a slightly wider contact paper. It was a lot more expensive- $18- but still a bargain if I could make it work.<br />
<br />
With Sam's help, each table took about 10 minutes to cover with the paper. I lined the edge up carefully and then he slowly peeled the back off. Using the edge of a credit card, I made sure the paper went down smoothly without wrinkles. I trimmed the edges with an Exacto knife. The key was to go slowly, trying to make it as smooth as possible. It's almost impossible to avoid the occasional bubble in the paper, but there's an easy fix. Just take a sharp pin or the end of a needle and poke a hole in the bubble. Smooth it down with the edge of the credit card. You can't even see the hole when you're done.<br />
<br />
In the end, these tables turned out fantastic and I seriously couldn't beat the price! Even after buying the spray paint and contact paper, they cost less than $30 for the pair!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-XwpFl1zd8/W8DgeAHA6LI/AAAAAAAAP04/y_v4pYU2LFY280IWz4ytuTcKPhr5oHB6ACLcBGAs/s1600/End%2Btable%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-XwpFl1zd8/W8DgeAHA6LI/AAAAAAAAP04/y_v4pYU2LFY280IWz4ytuTcKPhr5oHB6ACLcBGAs/s640/End%2Btable%2Bafter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Similar tables sell for about $100 each, so I can't help but be happy with these! If you want to attempt a similar project, I recommend finding tables with a very simple, clean edge. If it's curved, it will be very difficult to get the paper to be perfectly smooth. If you have small enough tables, you can find the contact paper at your local Walmart for about $6. If you have a bigger table, you can find the contact paper I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075R8N8NH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Next time I'll tell you all about my Parsons chairs, especially since I teased you so much in the beginning about them! Have an awesome day and thanks for reading!<br />
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-58900335112845873532018-10-15T13:35:00.000-04:002018-10-15T13:35:00.452-04:00Super Soup!The market near where I work always has about half a dozen soups available and they're usually pretty tasty. The other day I saw they had a new one- Spiced Pumpkin Bisque. I got a cup for myself with a mini baguette. I want to be clear- this was no Pumpkin Spice Soup, but Spiced Pumpkin Soup. It was nothing like the sickly sweet flavor of pretty much every single Pumpkin Spice product out there at this time of year. I had glanced at the ingredients while filling up my cup of soup so the next day I decided to try to recreate the soup at home.<br />
<br />
It was most definitely a success. If you want to make it yourself, here's what you'll need:<br />
<br />
32 ounces chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you want to make a vegetarian version) plus a little extra if needed<br />
1 medium yellow onion, chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 large sweet potato peeled and chopped into large chunks<br />
1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)<br />
Sage<br />
Cumin<br />
Cayenne pepper<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
Fresh cilantro and shredded Parmesan for garnish<br />
<br />
Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil. Once they are translucent and fragrant, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the sweet potato and reduce heat to medium, allowing to simmer until the sweet potato is fork tender- about 12 minutes. Next, add the pumpkin puree. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. At this point, you may or may not want to add more broth depending on the thickness of the soup. I added a small can of broth in addition to the original 32 ounces. If you don't have enough broth, you could always add a little water.<br />
<br />
Once the soup is smooth, you can start to season. I have to be honest- I didn't measure any of my spices. I just sort of eye-balled it and hoped for the best. I probably started with about a 1/2 tsp of sage, a tsp of cumin and a 1/2 tsp of cayenne. Plus a dash of salt and about a 1/2 tsp of black pepper. I'd recommend starting there and adjusting the seasoning to your own taste. I wanted a spicy soup, so I ended up adding about another 1/2 tsp of cumin, sage and cayenne. Again, this is an estimate as I did not measure, I just sprinkled the spices right into the soup. What can I say, I live on the edge!<br />
<br />
At this point, you could be done- ladle it into a bowl, garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded Parmesan and enjoy it with a crusty baguette. OR, you could take it to another level and add a half cup of heavy cream. I found this soup to be delicious with or without the cream, but when I added the cream, it not only made it a little more rich (duh) but it added a depth to the overall flavor that really complimented the spices and pumpkin flavor.<br />
<br />
What I like most about this soup is how easy it comes together and how simple and few ingredients you need to make a really delicious dish. It's hearty enough to stand on its own as a meal, but would be lovely accompanied by a fresh green salad, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PeaGZNkzTo/W8Da86IBcLI/AAAAAAAAP0g/IKTBc0PIu1cMy0TQk9AmtCGJpEU_45B1ACLcBGAs/s1600/Spiced%2BPumpkin%2BBIsque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PeaGZNkzTo/W8Da86IBcLI/AAAAAAAAP0g/IKTBc0PIu1cMy0TQk9AmtCGJpEU_45B1ACLcBGAs/s640/Spiced%2BPumpkin%2BBIsque.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bon appetit, friends!<br />
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-73670383690628273292018-10-13T12:30:00.000-04:002018-10-13T12:30:08.681-04:00DIY Advice: Start smallMoving into a new place, whether bought or rented can feel really overwhelming. I'm the kind of person who gets very excited, but I also get very overwhelmed. I want to snap my fingers and have the changes just done! Poof! Abracadabra! Patience really isn't my thing.<br />
<br />
Since our new house is much bigger than our old apartment, I immediately started a Pinterest board and my brain wouldn't shut off for at least three weeks. I had grand plans of adding board & batten wainscoting, painting every wall, (except for the ones I wanted to knock down), installing new flooring, and buying all sorts of new furniture and decor. Except all of those things require lots of time and even more money, neither of which were in great supply at the time.<br />
<br />
So, I decided to start small, and take it one room at a time. When even that felt like too much, I took it one piece of furniture at a time. I had a yard sale before moving to get rid of everything I knew we didn't need or want anymore. I got rid of a lot of clutter and junk and a couple of furniture pieces like a baker's rack, some side/accent tables, book shelves, that kind of thing. We kept almost all of our major furniture pieces and decided to start just by seeing how everything fit in the new space.<br />
<br />
We were really fortunate that most of our old furniture worked perfectly in the new spaces, so I didn't have to make many huge changes. But in a new house, it's just nice to have some new things to make it all feel fresh. The living room was the first space I tackled and I decided to keep it simple with only minor decor pieces that were meant to pull the room together. I still haven't put any paint on the walls, but there's enough color in all the furniture that the beige walls and carpet aren't all that terrible.<br />
<br />
Here's the room when we bought the house:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-md7DFkAXMpE/W8CxZaZ3PGI/AAAAAAAAPzQ/_xz_nrvEdak0H1Z2v_NQIgJwWBfzG_xiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Living%2BRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="563" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-md7DFkAXMpE/W8CxZaZ3PGI/AAAAAAAAPzQ/_xz_nrvEdak0H1Z2v_NQIgJwWBfzG_xiQCLcBGAs/s640/Living%2BRoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This room is easily twice the size of our old living room, which was really exciting at first. But then the thought of filling it appropriately seemed a bit daunting. I mentioned in my last post that I had to re-vamp the color scheme I'd planned upon hearing how much my husband loved the color of my piano:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9q8ktR4SuFc/W8CyBxHhCiI/AAAAAAAAPzY/qapomqKr-pcnuynUc9BN0b5x7jnWW22CwCLcBGAs/s1600/Piano%2Bmovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9q8ktR4SuFc/W8CyBxHhCiI/AAAAAAAAPzY/qapomqKr-pcnuynUc9BN0b5x7jnWW22CwCLcBGAs/s640/Piano%2Bmovers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Side note: When your professional piano movers flake out and no-show, you call your super strong, body-building, weight-lifting friends and they help you out!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I'm so glad that Sam spoke up about his love for the boldly colored piano. I'd planned a soft, pastel, beachy color scheme of pale blush, mint, and champagnes for the entire house. When he spoke up about the piano, I had to re-think that. And I'm so glad it happened that way because here's the thing: Sam and I aren't soft, pastel, beachy color people. We both prefer bold colors in just about every situation. Sam and I both have closets bursting with colorful clothes and shoes and practically devoid of neutrals. Why on earth had I tried to change that? His remark about the piano helped me realize that instead I needed to embrace our love of color. I was concerned it wouldn't look adult-like, or sophisticated. I couldn't have been more wrong and I'm so happy with how it turned out in the end!<br />
<br />
And the best part is that it meant one less painting project since the piano could stay the same bold, beautiful turquoise blue!<br />
<br />
So, with boring beige walls, boring beige floors, and even a boring, beige sofa, I set about pulling the room together with all different shades of turquoise and teal, all inspired by and centered around that blue piano. I figured the key was in the texture and pattern mixture. I've never been afraid to mix pattern and print, and I'm really happy with how it all turned out from the curtains to the throw pillows, to the mix of old and new (to us) pieces. I say "new to us" because I rarely purchase anything brand new when it comes to furniture and decor. This is for two reasons:<br />
<br />
1.) I'm super cheap.<br />
2.) It's so much more FUN to take someone else's cast-offs and breathe new life into them to make them your own and to make them work in your space. Whether it's adding accessories, or an entirely new coat of paint or upholstery, there's a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with this approach versus just pulling out the credit card at the nearby furniture store. Yes, it's hard work at times, but it's SO worth it!<br />
<br />
Anyway... here's the nearly-finished living room- all it's missing is a little more art on the walls (waiting on some canvases of our wedding photos to come in) and possibly a new paint color. Maybe, maybe not. We'll see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfjOJiMEnoI/W8DJdSWMuJI/AAAAAAAAPzk/OvdHKGg7z8whZHM6hEG2EcZnUFCqQY4WwCLcBGAs/s1600/Living%2BRoom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfjOJiMEnoI/W8DJdSWMuJI/AAAAAAAAPzk/OvdHKGg7z8whZHM6hEG2EcZnUFCqQY4WwCLcBGAs/s640/Living%2BRoom.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_fyHF9-M4I/W8DJfe07XzI/AAAAAAAAPzo/10td8Dk5FsMujJ7Jj_0Y0eWGBBZ2CmhZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Living%2BRoom%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_fyHF9-M4I/W8DJfe07XzI/AAAAAAAAPzo/10td8Dk5FsMujJ7Jj_0Y0eWGBBZ2CmhZwCLcBGAs/s640/Living%2BRoom%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W3ekpxo2hk/W8DJmH_SebI/AAAAAAAAPzs/b-c0BwEvFAUBZk2E3BGjK5JE9DoqN8DkACLcBGAs/s1600/Entryway%2Band%2Bpiano.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_W3ekpxo2hk/W8DJmH_SebI/AAAAAAAAPzs/b-c0BwEvFAUBZk2E3BGjK5JE9DoqN8DkACLcBGAs/s640/Entryway%2Band%2Bpiano.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIchn3UtzAk/W8DJn75lScI/AAAAAAAAPzw/rLHRVLnnNUAo2QZ9M5r16zoJFrIRFrz7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Can%2Bchairs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIchn3UtzAk/W8DJn75lScI/AAAAAAAAPzw/rLHRVLnnNUAo2QZ9M5r16zoJFrIRFrz7gCLcBGAs/s640/Can%2Bchairs.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This room is absolutely FULL of re-purposed, up-cycled, second-hand, DIY'd, inexpensive but impactful things and I adore how it all turned out. Let's break it down:<br />
<br />
The piano, coffee table, turquoise table, sofa and lamps all came from the old apartment. The faux marble/gold end tables, grey cane chairs, and most of the throw pillows, plants and accessories are new-ish.<br />
<br />
The wall behind the sofa will be getting some beautiful artwork in the form of large-ish canvas prints from our wedding. Can't wait until they're up! I love love love our wedding photos.<br />
<br />
Anyway, let's start with the first project I did in this room- the pillows. Like I said in the beginning, when a project feels big, just start small. Baby steps. I knew that in order to make bright turquoise feel sophisticated and grown-up, I needed to add some luxe around it. But at the same time, it's not exactly a fancy house, so it needed balance to the textures. I found myself saying, "What Would Tim Woodward Do?" Tim is a friend of mine from high school who has great taste and a flair for decorating and I'm always impressed with what he comes up with. Anyway, Tim would likely have told me to go to the Christmas Tree Store. So that's what I did. It's probably not the first place you would think of- most people might start at Home Goods or Target. But the thing is, The Christmas Tree Store has a surprisingly decent selection of kind of everything, including amazing throw pillows. For around $50, I walked away with SO many in a huge range of texture and color. Once I got home and put them all on the sofa, I realized it was good, but not quite finished. It needed one more color and one more texture.<br />
<br />
That's what I pulled out a sweater that my mom had knit for me over 10 years ago. She was a pretty good knitter and attempted a really complex Irish knit pattern. The cardigan was beautiful, but the wool wasn't the softest so I found that after 10 years I'd almost never worn it. Yet its sentimental value was enough for me to keep it. After checking with my mom to make sure she was ok with it, I took a pair of scissors to the sweater and made myself a pair of throw pillows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx0h3hat2bE/W8DMx19u5II/AAAAAAAAP0I/KXBInN_V27gtPRyZooctuWL_EWpPO6vHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Throw%2Bpillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx0h3hat2bE/W8DMx19u5II/AAAAAAAAP0I/KXBInN_V27gtPRyZooctuWL_EWpPO6vHQCLcBGAs/s640/Throw%2Bpillows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For anyone looking to take on a project like this, it's incredibly simple. I started with an old pair of throw pillows and removed their covers. I measured the insert and then cut the sweater to be slightly larger by about half an inch all around. Since the sweater wasn't big enough to make two pillows front AND back, I used an old fleece pullover for the backs.<br />
<br />
If you're cutting up a knitted garment, it's a good idea to "stay stitch" the edges to avoid the "fabric" fraying and falling apart as you put it together. Stay stitching just means running a stabilizing stitch along the edge. Super easy. After that, you just put the right-sides of the fabric together and using your sewing machine (or hand stitching if you don't have one), you sew up three sides and most of the 4th side. On the 4th side, you just want to leave an opening big enough to stuff in the insert- about 5 or 6 inches at most.<br />
<br />
Once you've sewn the edges, the new cover will be inside out. Flip it right-side out and be careful to push the corners out from the inside. Then you can put the insert back in and using a needle and matching thread, hand stitch the opening you left. Boom. Done! Soooooo easy! I love how these turned out- they add a soft, cozy touch to the room and the texture is fantastic, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnG__aexFrw/W8DPc87_UXI/AAAAAAAAP0U/k2fkLJwYiiU6WYTIvO8g3NWHZq9jHnvOACLcBGAs/s1600/Throw%2Bpillows.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnG__aexFrw/W8DPc87_UXI/AAAAAAAAP0U/k2fkLJwYiiU6WYTIvO8g3NWHZq9jHnvOACLcBGAs/s640/Throw%2Bpillows.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can do this type of project in just about any size using just about any garment you have. I love the idea of using your grandfather's old flannel shirt or the baby blanket your kid no longer uses. Making a small throw pillow out of a something sentimental allows you to actually USE that item so much longer. And if you're the kind of person who likes to purge clutter but also likes a little nostalgia in their life, this is a great way to mix those two tendencies together.<br />
<br />
So, what do you think of my living room? Next time I'll tell you all about the end tables and how crazy EASY and QUICK it was to glam them up. Thanks for reading! Leave a comment letting me know if you think I should paint the walls and if so WHAT COLOR?!?!?!Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-2309800228399499472018-10-12T10:21:00.001-04:002018-10-12T10:21:23.354-04:00For you, Beth!Hey all- it's been a loooooong time since I've blogged. And since it's easier to just go back to this one than to start a whole new one, I'm back at "Style... the New Black." What's my plan? I don't have one- except to share what I feel like sharing. Home decor, fashion, food, whatever feels right in the moment is what I'll write about. I hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
What made me decide to start writing again was when I shared some before and after DIY project photos on Facebook and my friend Beth sarcastically commented something about sharing the link to my lifestyle blog. So, I guess that's where I'll start today- sharing a couple of my DIY projects.<br />
<br />
Sam and I bought a house this summer and I've been working the last couple months to decorate and make it feel like home. Our house was purchased from the original builder and the best way to describe it is to say that the original owner was a builder, not a designer. It's an adorable little ranch house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living, dining, kitchen and a big basement. And aside from the outside which is yellow with blue shutters, the entire house is BEIGE. Beige walls, beige carpet. Beige, beige, beige.<br />
<br />
I'm not ready to start painting all the walls just yet, so instead I've focused on the furniture and art for the walls. But since I do love to paint and since paint can be so impactful, my very first project was to paint the front door.<br />
<br />
Before:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXhIPUMWnqM/W8CrC_HMnKI/AAAAAAAAPyU/RB92k_UC9Cc2Y4fEkTCqgKsPpbrMN9QcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Front%2BExterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="563" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXhIPUMWnqM/W8CrC_HMnKI/AAAAAAAAPyU/RB92k_UC9Cc2Y4fEkTCqgKsPpbrMN9QcgCLcBGAs/s640/Front%2BExterior.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The door was just boring, old white:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZTDiA_nUkc/W8CrKLRTjtI/AAAAAAAAPyY/JZ24C7nzmdwZxEWvjhItcdTGu5pue-2ZACLcBGAs/s1600/Door%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZTDiA_nUkc/W8CrKLRTjtI/AAAAAAAAPyY/JZ24C7nzmdwZxEWvjhItcdTGu5pue-2ZACLcBGAs/s640/Door%2Bbefore.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I didn't prime it because the guys in the paint department at Home Depot said that the paint had a primer in it, so it wasn't necessary. However, they also told me that going from white to the color I chose was going to necessitate probably at least 3 solid coats. And they were right. So what color? I absolutely HAD to have a deep, salmon front door:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oDaq_xcI4w/W8CrbquuxyI/AAAAAAAAPyk/PesMUahC_eQd3Mjc7UfHUuy6c09QsQQigCLcBGAs/s1600/Door%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oDaq_xcI4w/W8CrbquuxyI/AAAAAAAAPyk/PesMUahC_eQd3Mjc7UfHUuy6c09QsQQigCLcBGAs/s640/Door%2Bafter.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ_JfZa4x8k/W8CrdsVBJjI/AAAAAAAAPyo/87LDl-SxvFkuwMtISToZ4d0m3c3pOnA3gCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ_JfZa4x8k/W8CrdsVBJjI/AAAAAAAAPyo/87LDl-SxvFkuwMtISToZ4d0m3c3pOnA3gCLcBGAs/s640/New%2Bdoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How freaking cute? Right? I love a bold front door. My mom recently painted her front door and I think it's also pretty fabulous: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPoGzyIYWwI/W8Cr17JmcTI/AAAAAAAAPy4/XCb73BMFdEAzML27E6u6IcFofQy_Y-qdgCLcBGAs/s1600/42914390_10156686824170489_3699142133886746624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="823" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPoGzyIYWwI/W8Cr17JmcTI/AAAAAAAAPy4/XCb73BMFdEAzML27E6u6IcFofQy_Y-qdgCLcBGAs/s640/42914390_10156686824170489_3699142133886746624_n.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />It's amazing how just a little paint on the front door can really transform the entire facade of your house. Before it was just like any other cute little yellow house. And now it's like we've announced to the neighborhood: The Habashy's are HERE! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first started planning the decor for our house, I had a very soft, pastel color scheme in mind. I thought that beachy, washed out colors would be nice. The living room I pictured with pale blush, mint, and champagnes. As we were planning the move, I said to Sam, "We need to figure out when we can move the piano because I still need to paint it." He was like, "What do you mean?" I explained the new color scheme and how our bright, turquoise blue piano didn't really work with the new color scheme: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0yOCexYuUM/W8CtIJc6WiI/AAAAAAAAPzE/EJRWRsTtNuk76b-INxAulySdyrDtWcX0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Blue%2Bpiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0yOCexYuUM/W8CtIJc6WiI/AAAAAAAAPzE/EJRWRsTtNuk76b-INxAulySdyrDtWcX0ACLcBGAs/s640/Blue%2Bpiano.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His response shocked me! He couldn't believe I wanted to tone down the color (I was thinking a very pale mint) and said with the most pathetic look on his face, "But I LOVE your blue piano!" And since my husband doesn't ask for much when it comes to decorating, I thought that I couldn't possibly deny him the blue piano. So, back to the Pinterest board I went and re-vamped my living room plan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But you'll have to wait to see how that came together. Thanks for reading! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
XOXO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-21410688447830191672015-09-07T22:04:00.000-04:002015-09-07T22:04:39.090-04:00I Can't Stay Away!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A friend of mine owns an incredible store in downtown Portsmouth called "<a href="http://www.puttinontheglitznh.com/">Puttin' on the Glitz</a>." It's adorable and definitely my all-time favorite hat store (second favorite is <a href="http://salmagundiboston.com/">Salmagundi</a> in Jamaica Plain). She carries everything from practical, seasonal hats and accessories to hats you would wear to attend the Kentucky Derby or the Royal Ascot and everything in between. <a href="http://www.louisegreen.com/">Louise Green</a>, <a href="http://kathyjeanne.com/">Kathie Jeanne</a> and <a href="http://www.chachashouse.com/">Cha Cha's House of Ill Repute</a> are a handful of the hat designers you will find at "the Glitz," as it's affectionately referred to by regulars. My own hat collection has grown quite a bit since moving back to NH in 2010 and re-discovering the many gems of downtown Portsmouth including the Glitz. </div>
<br />
Anyway, the owner of Puttin' on the Glitz, Assiah, has become a friend over the years and she recently invited me to join her Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/100-Days-of-Style/983622994995586?fref=ts">100 Days of Style</a>. It started because she and a friend wanted to share the outfits they wore to work each day, but they don't live near each other. So, she started a Facebook group to share photos and then decided to invited other friends to share their work attire as well. Having been on a fashion blogging hiatus for several years now, I was thrilled to join in the fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SmLVY0GZnoc/Ve4sp2WNEgI/AAAAAAAAPU4/2vyEud1fNgo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SmLVY0GZnoc/Ve4sp2WNEgI/AAAAAAAAPU4/2vyEud1fNgo/s640/1.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 on 100 Days of Style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It made me realize how much fun I used to have writing this blog. I tried to hop over to <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/reneetbouchard">Tumblr</a> at one point, but I always seem to want to come back to S...tNB. It's my blog home, I suppose. So even though this post isn't 100% style-related, I'm still posting it here on my style blog. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, in addition to having a lot of fun for way more than 100 days on the 100 Days of Style, I found a renewed interest in putting my day to day outfit together. Coincidentally, about a month after I started contributing to the Facebook page, I started a new diet and exercise routine, so the 100 Days served as an informal documentation of my weight loss. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGADinU9QYQ/Ve4vashulRI/AAAAAAAAPVE/fA-r__I65Wc/s1600/60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGADinU9QYQ/Ve4vashulRI/AAAAAAAAPVE/fA-r__I65Wc/s640/60.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely more than 100 Days Later....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The difference may seem subtle in the above photos, but it's been pretty significant. It all started with some not-so-good blood work that I got from my doctor. Diabetes runs in my family and that paired with some not-so-good diet and exercise habits resulted in some high blood sugar. I'm proud to say I've made some great improvements through diet and exercise alone, but I know this is only the beginning. Something that is years in the making might also be years in the going, right? The side effect of looking great and dropping 3 dress sizes certainly helps the motivation, but at the end of the day, what I'm really looking for is a clean bill of health from my doctor. Time will tell with that one. :)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I always joke around that I suffer from "high self esteem." This is part joke, but part truth. Because even at my heaviest, most unhealthy weight, I would look in the mirror every day and think, "I look great!" And I believed it, too. My friends and family often supported that idea, too. If I hadn't gone to the doctor and been handed that bad news about my blood work, I'd probably still be 40 pounds overweight and happy as a clam. Now that I've dropped about 25 of those excess LBs, I realize that I should have done this a LONG time ago. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't <i>feel</i> bad, so it was very strange to realize I was so unhealthy. However, after changing my daily diet and exercise dramatically, I've realized that even though I didn't feel bad, I also didn't feel as good as I could. And now I'm learning what it's like to feel really <i>great</i>. Like, I-Don't-Even-Mind-Doing-Burpees-Anymore great. I have <b>ALL</b> the strongs now. I'm also figuring out that even if 1,000 people compliment my daily outfit or tell me how fabulous I look, none of that matters to me nearly as much as hearing from my doctor that I'm looking fabulous on the inside. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmCcDL_XT_Q/Ve41-5xgE1I/AAAAAAAAPVY/CLyHRisQHL0/s1600/Photo_2015-09-07_09-08-04_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmCcDL_XT_Q/Ve41-5xgE1I/AAAAAAAAPVY/CLyHRisQHL0/s640/Photo_2015-09-07_09-08-04_PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Day of my Dr. Appt. Right, 3 months later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qupf1wJv0XE/Ve42QxehdJI/AAAAAAAAPVk/tGdyTu1DgU8/s1600/11223834_10153089204192078_4990848384655778520_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qupf1wJv0XE/Ve42QxehdJI/AAAAAAAAPVk/tGdyTu1DgU8/s640/11223834_10153089204192078_4990848384655778520_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: September, 2010, Right: September 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I still suffer from high self esteem and I hope that soon I will be able to say it's my most serious affliction. I'll keep you posted. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for reading!</div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-2021579747757089422014-04-29T07:45:00.001-04:002014-04-29T07:45:44.270-04:00Blue Aprons, White Aprons... Who Cares When It's Delicious! If you're my Facebook or real life friend, you know that I'm soon going to be writing a blog for the <a href="http://whiteapron.com/">White Apron</a>, a catering company based on the seacoast. I met the owner through my boss, the owner of Madeleine's Daughter. He was looking for a blogger for his company, so she recommended me! I can hardly believe I'll be blogging about food soon!<br />
<br />
In preparation for my new role, I decided to write a quick blog post about another "apron" company, the <a href="http://www.blueapron.com/">Blue Apron</a>. My good friend Tim gifted me a week of their service and I'm SO glad I redeemed it immediately!<br />
<br />
The concept of the Blue Apron is simple: Membership includes a box of food once per week, but not just any old food. The box includes all the necessary ingredients to prepare three delectable recipes, developed by their chefs. When you sign up, you're able to specify your food preferences and any allergies you may have. Since I like pretty much anything and have no food allergies, signing up was a simple process. My free week included the following meals:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blueapron.com/recipes/linguine-with-cod-fresh-peas-spring-herbs">Cod over Linguine</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blueapron.com/recipes/chicken-and-mixed-mushroom-forager">Chicken and Mixed Mushroom Forager</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blueapron.com/recipes/5-spice-pork-buns-with-red-cabbage-carrot-thai-basil-salad">5-Spice Pork Buns</a><br />
<br />
I anticipated the Pork Buns being my favorite meal by a long shot, but while it was my favorite of the three, the other two were extremely close seconds.<br />
<br />
Speaking of seconds, I thought it would be a drawback of this service that they will send meals for a minimum of two people. I usually hate leftovers. However, every single meal was such a delight, I actually looked forward to eating it again.<br />
<br />
But back to the Blue Apron service- when my box arrived, I had gotten home a little late in the afternoon. I have no idea what time the box arrived, but they assure you on their website that the box can sit outside without the food spoiling. They pack so many ice packs around the food, it would have to be a pretty sweltering day to have an impact. And it's a cute box, too.<br />
<br />
Upon opening the box, I discovered the beautiful, full-color, easy to read recipe cards, a short description of each meal and every single ingredient needed to make said recipes. At about $60/week, this service initially struck me as expensive. After opening the box and examining the contents, I officially deem it a great value. There are lots of interesting and unique ingredients that are typically very difficult to find in your average grocery store. The time saved alone is worth the price. But even more important is that they only provide you with enough of each ingredient to make the recipe. Instead of having to purchase a whole bunch of cilantro, they send just enough. To make each recipe would actually be pretty expensive if I was shopping at the grocery store and essentially being forced to purchase a lot more of each ingredient than I would actually need for the recipe, you know?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A-mXVumxao/U18HLdlQC8I/AAAAAAAAN_U/s3fUiA8YGEA/s1600/20140423_170809" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A-mXVumxao/U18HLdlQC8I/AAAAAAAAN_U/s3fUiA8YGEA/s1600/20140423_170809" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56BnuTeB5Ts/U18HJ5HRfgI/AAAAAAAAN_M/TjbNgY4c6BA/s1600/20140423_170821" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56BnuTeB5Ts/U18HJ5HRfgI/AAAAAAAAN_M/TjbNgY4c6BA/s1600/20140423_170821" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think the only thing that they forgot to put in my box was an actual Blue Apron. Seriously, that would have been a very cool touch on their part. As it was, I still wasn't disappointed. Check out the contents of this box:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6OAd40btr4/U18HDmOiSDI/AAAAAAAAN-0/SmFBDSoBX8s/s1600/20140423_171148" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6OAd40btr4/U18HDmOiSDI/AAAAAAAAN-0/SmFBDSoBX8s/s1600/20140423_171148" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is everything- fresh produce, herbs, spices, meat, fish, etc. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds4aIbAzALo/U18HFPBwh4I/AAAAAAAAN-8/NOU7HShD7yY/s1600/20140423_170904" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds4aIbAzALo/U18HFPBwh4I/AAAAAAAAN-8/NOU7HShD7yY/s1600/20140423_170904" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love how clearly everything is labeled. So awesome. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgEgXjW27e4/U18HG7KtTWI/AAAAAAAAN_E/sygbX4SxE9o/s1600/20140423_170841" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgEgXjW27e4/U18HG7KtTWI/AAAAAAAAN_E/sygbX4SxE9o/s1600/20140423_170841" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The recipes and explanation- I love the beautiful recipe cards. I'll probably hole-punch them and put them in a binder. It will be fun to collect them! They're like extra-large foodie trading cards! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcI1HrOxs9E/U18HB-0jUqI/AAAAAAAAN-s/CeHRmlzgdWQ/s1600/20140423_171346" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcI1HrOxs9E/U18HB-0jUqI/AAAAAAAAN-s/CeHRmlzgdWQ/s1600/20140423_171346" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a bag of "knick knacks" for each recipe. The ones pictured above were for the chicken recipe. Basically, the little bits of weirdo ingredients needed to complete the recipe. Again, it's SO convenient that there is only enough for the recipe, so you're not left with all sorts of leftovers of one weirdo ingredient. You're not stuck at the end trying to find ten more uses for the leftover thyme. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok, on to the recipes. First, I made the Cod over Linguine. I fully expected this to be a very blah dish. I don't know why. In terms of preparation, it requires the most basic skills. A monkey could make this dish. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpEqXGoy4U0/U18G-bD4DrI/AAAAAAAAN-c/pDFps3ZWJsg/s1600/20140424_221846" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpEqXGoy4U0/U18G-bD4DrI/AAAAAAAAN-c/pDFps3ZWJsg/s1600/20140424_221846" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzhSDXoPySk/U18G83FcWVI/AAAAAAAAN-U/naZrEgsRtK8/s1600/20140424_221855" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzhSDXoPySk/U18G83FcWVI/AAAAAAAAN-U/naZrEgsRtK8/s1600/20140424_221855" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT3i4DasiNw/U18HAF5EySI/AAAAAAAAN-k/VPIgoWDwRrE/s1600/20140424_214056" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT3i4DasiNw/U18HAF5EySI/AAAAAAAAN-k/VPIgoWDwRrE/s1600/20140424_214056" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Does that look delicious or what? I wish you could smell it. The fresh herbs and lemon that you add right at the end were the perfect finish. The dish included red pepper flakes and since I like spicy food, I used a lot. The flavor is very bright with the perfect amount of heat and it's a surprisingly light dish overall. In terms of portions, this could have easily fed three adults, especially if you supplement with a side salad. I could not have been more wrong about this. To describe is as "blah" would be foolish. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, I tackled the Chicken and Mixed Mushroom Forager. This dish appealed to me as comfort food. It's a saucy chicken with a side of garlic bread. A HUGE side of garlic bread. I made it on a cold, rainy day and it was perfect! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-679Va7Z9kjY/U18G5-7fG0I/AAAAAAAAN-M/esIfg4ETIfY/s1600/20140426_190633" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-679Va7Z9kjY/U18G5-7fG0I/AAAAAAAAN-M/esIfg4ETIfY/s1600/20140426_190633" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2qsx1az3tw/U18G4QaQc2I/AAAAAAAAN-E/aAxUxWGK0K0/s1600/20140426_190642" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2qsx1az3tw/U18G4QaQc2I/AAAAAAAAN-E/aAxUxWGK0K0/s1600/20140426_190642" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm0UqIkyRFg/U18G2ySSu0I/AAAAAAAAN98/63h0FJraV4I/s1600/20140426_200407" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm0UqIkyRFg/U18G2ySSu0I/AAAAAAAAN98/63h0FJraV4I/s1600/20140426_200407" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbWg5cXexLI/U18G1M5icDI/AAAAAAAAN90/pp1Nu2q5nTY/s1600/20140426_200642" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbWg5cXexLI/U18G1M5icDI/AAAAAAAAN90/pp1Nu2q5nTY/s1600/20140426_200642" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope I can adequately describe this meal. The chicken was earthy and so flavorful, but the addition of the lemon thyme added an unexpected brightness to the earthy flavors. It is officially my new favorite herb that I will need to grow in order to have it whenever I want. Seriously, if you have not cooked with lemon thyme, do yourself a favor and make this dish. SOOOOO good! The garlic bread was tasty, but not groundbreaking or even particularly special. But that's ok. Fresh garlic on a crunchy baguette is never a bad thing, even if it is a little pedestrian. Again, portion size was extremely generous and this could have easily stretched to three meals if I had any willpower at all. I do not. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, the 5-Spice Pork Buns. I fully anticipated these to be my favorite by a long shot. However, after making the first two recipes, I was starting to think they might be a disappointment. After all, three-for-three is pretty impressive and I really didn't expect the Blue Apron to deliver so solidly in my very first week! But deliver they did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BujHaq4fMZo/U18GvHnQ__I/AAAAAAAAN9s/hs7xVg4bTO4/s1600/20140427_192908" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BujHaq4fMZo/U18GvHnQ__I/AAAAAAAAN9s/hs7xVg4bTO4/s1600/20140427_192908" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I forgot to snap photos of the recipe card. My bad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These Pork Buns are what make the Blue Apron such a good value. With exotic ingredients like hoisin sauce, fresh thai basil, cilantro, Asian steamed buns, and pork belly, I was excited to try these from the moment I signed up for this service! In the end, these buns did NOT disappoint. The red cabbage salad was just ok, but the pork buns were amazing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the end, I was happy to have experienced three completely different, but completely delicious meals. While none of them was particularly healthy (all three were pretty carb-heavy), I do have to admit that they were all incredible and they definitely exceeded my expectations, which is saying quite a lot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are interested in the Blue Apron, just visit their website for a little more information! If you like the idea of reading about food in addition to fashion, head on over to Facebook and "like" the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewhiteapron">White Apron</a>. That's how you'll find out about the blog posts I'll be writing for them! And as always, thanks for reading! </div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-67647603072204736672014-04-18T10:24:00.004-04:002014-04-18T10:25:45.396-04:00Stay-cation ShoppingI'm stay-cationing this week. It's like vacationing, but without the travel. I'm off work until Monday, and I'm enjoying myself close to home. I've visited friends and family and had the opportunity to visit places normally off my radar. For example, yesterday I went to the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester. I very rarely visit that mall as I am very rarely in the area. But, due to stay-cation plans, I ended up in Manch-vegas and decided to stop by the mall. I'm so glad I did because I discovered the best new shop- it's called <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/?gclid=CPXEiJie6r0CFaMcOgodbQYAwg">Charming Charlie</a> and I may or may not be obsessed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0040prpCaSw/U1Ak9NN9cRI/AAAAAAAANhU/mp_Y8rbKlzU/s1600/20140417_150051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0040prpCaSw/U1Ak9NN9cRI/AAAAAAAANhU/mp_Y8rbKlzU/s1600/20140417_150051.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI1RCovHKNk/U1AdOsJlgdI/AAAAAAAANgY/yw_oycFxqQc/s1600/20140417_142744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI1RCovHKNk/U1AdOsJlgdI/AAAAAAAANgY/yw_oycFxqQc/s1600/20140417_142744.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Honestly, what is so great about this store is that just about EVERY adorable accessory I've ever pinned on Pinterest seems to be there! Cute earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, handbags, scarves, even iPhone cases! I don't have an iPhone, but if I did, I'd go to Charming Charlie's to buy a case for it!<br />
<br />
But even better than all their fabulous, of-the-moment inventory is the fact that it's all organized by color. And I'm not talking just the basic ROYGBIV. I'm talking individual shades of each color organized together! Kelly green, mint green, emerald green, turquoise blue, baby blue, electric blue, ballet pink, coral pink, fucshia- I'm NOT exaggerating.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I know this scenario has happened to me: I put together a fabulous outfit, whether new, or using older items in my closet, or maybe a combination of the two, and as I look in the mirror I think, "All this outfit needs is ___________." And usually that "___________" is something specific, like:<br />
<br />
- A pair of moss green ballet flats<br />
- A cluster-y bobble bracelet in various shades of brown and beige<br />
- A cross-body bag in a specific size and the perfect shade of apple red<br />
<br />
Do you understand? You know exactly what the outfit needs, but finding the perfect accessory can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Even shopping online can be difficult when you're looking for the item that's "just right." You're a real-life Goldilocks for a while. It lasts either until you find the perfect item, or you give up in frustration and either settle for something not-quite-perfect or go without. Sometimes what makes the item hard to find is that it's not trendy at the moment. Other times, it's right on-trend, but so new it's hard to find on the cheap. (I don't mind spending more on an item I know I'll wear a lot and for a long time. I'm less inclined to spend a lot on something super specific that I may not get a lot of use out of.)<br />
<br />
Well, I think that Charming Charlie could solve that type of dilemma once and for all. Don't believe me? Check out these photos I snapped of just a handful of their sections of goods:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD1u5CwB38E/U1AjdoAsKdI/AAAAAAAANg4/xxiMlUUA2Ok/s1600/20140417_145339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD1u5CwB38E/U1AjdoAsKdI/AAAAAAAANg4/xxiMlUUA2Ok/s1600/20140417_145339.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of MANY selections of fabulous scarves</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3urXoM4fIRo/U1Ajiy2DwyI/AAAAAAAANhE/ILudRwQczDo/s1600/20140417_145359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3urXoM4fIRo/U1Ajiy2DwyI/AAAAAAAANhE/ILudRwQczDo/s1600/20140417_145359.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Watches! Lots and lots of watches- this was ONE section of a display that represented about 20% of the total watches in the store! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3ATIOF1_gM/U1AlS69cVhI/AAAAAAAANhs/BJf7-O1rt4Y/s1600/20140417_150202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3ATIOF1_gM/U1AlS69cVhI/AAAAAAAANhs/BJf7-O1rt4Y/s1600/20140417_150202.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Purple!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bt-X0NutpKY/U1AlWCGbdNI/AAAAAAAANh4/OqbyR3ONJzU/s1600/20140417_150228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bt-X0NutpKY/U1AlWCGbdNI/AAAAAAAANh4/OqbyR3ONJzU/s1600/20140417_150228.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Red!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUt3Tzzttko/U1AlZNJVBwI/AAAAAAAANiE/ikKycdnPMuM/s1600/20140417_150236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUt3Tzzttko/U1AlZNJVBwI/AAAAAAAANiE/ikKycdnPMuM/s1600/20140417_150236.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Neutrals!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IoRHwTWiA1k/U1AlcSK3w1I/AAAAAAAANiQ/-fDVzHoRfHE/s1600/20140417_150250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IoRHwTWiA1k/U1AlcSK3w1I/AAAAAAAANiQ/-fDVzHoRfHE/s1600/20140417_150250.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9J6CKTHZR8/U1All0Q7WtI/AAAAAAAANio/R0Dl2-56KdY/s1600/20140417_150320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9J6CKTHZR8/U1All0Q7WtI/AAAAAAAANio/R0Dl2-56KdY/s1600/20140417_150320.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turquoise!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IB3-IAaTKt8/U1AloHjiNFI/AAAAAAAANi0/-_o-hqnj03A/s1600/20140417_150335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IB3-IAaTKt8/U1AloHjiNFI/AAAAAAAANi0/-_o-hqnj03A/s1600/20140417_150335.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mint green!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emIaVjEDRiE/U1AjQylw4YI/AAAAAAAANgs/pQhqk9suuYM/s1600/20140417_145323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emIaVjEDRiE/U1AjQylw4YI/AAAAAAAANgs/pQhqk9suuYM/s1600/20140417_145323.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They even keep gold and silver separated whenever possible and they even have this fabulous section of super trendy ROSE GOLD! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wg2aOBKn6nY/U1AlhjzginI/AAAAAAAANic/JydF97B9g80/s1600/20140417_150259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wg2aOBKn6nY/U1AlhjzginI/AAAAAAAANic/JydF97B9g80/s1600/20140417_150259.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a "nautical" section. They also had another section up front themed "Garden Party." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One final selling point for Charming Charlie: Everything is very inexpensive. It's not quite as cheap as Forever 21, but it's also a significantly higher quality store. I bought a ring, a necklace and a bracelet and spent $22. Look at how happy I am: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXm298Eikt0/U1AlGLfTHjI/AAAAAAAANhg/GFhtYX91Z8M/s1600/20140417_150119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXm298Eikt0/U1AlGLfTHjI/AAAAAAAANhg/GFhtYX91Z8M/s1600/20140417_150119.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So very happy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can see in some of the pictures that's it's not strictly accessories. They have clothes there as well, but I didn't really look at any of them. I was so focused on the amazing accessories, I didn't even bother to look at a single dress. Maybe next time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am not sure if there are other Charming Charlie's in New Hampshire, but they are most definitely a wide-spread chain with stores all over the country. Have any of you been to this fabulous store yet? What do you think? Do you agree with my assessment? Leave a comment and as always, thanks for reading! </div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-75235958833949441052014-04-12T19:46:00.002-04:002014-04-12T19:46:52.798-04:00To Market To MarketI'm writing this from the Amtrak wifi as we zoom on out to New York City for a whirlwind trip to bridal market. Also known as Bridal Fashion Week, we're going to choose the new dresses that we will carry at the shop. By whirlwind, I mean less than 24 hours- we're going to see just a handful of our top designers while we're there. Choosing the right outfit for this type of shopping trip isn't always easy, but I think I nailed it this time. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We'll be on our feet the entire day, so flats are a must. It's important to look professional, but we also want to be a little comfortable. Also, it's spring, so I want to be a little colorful, too. I happened to snap a quick selfie when I was packing, so here it is: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFKB01GNa6Q/U0nOzGXxm_I/AAAAAAAANOU/C6W8CguMhq0/s1600/20140411_210839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFKB01GNa6Q/U0nOzGXxm_I/AAAAAAAANOU/C6W8CguMhq0/s1600/20140411_210839.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's break it down: dark wash skinnies, leopard flats, coral lace top, cream/coral seersucker jacket, Tiffany blue crossbody bag, seashell ring and flower earrings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a little more casual than I would typically dress for this type of trip, but the outfit was too cute to pass up. The leopard print shoes are probably an odd choice, but what you don't know about those shoes is that the inside of them is fuzzy. Like slippers. It's just the start of spring and my feet are so soft and pink right now. They can't handle long hours in spring shoes and sandals just yet. So, those shoes allow for the springtime no-socks look while keeping my tootsies super comfy. I wore a pair of leather ballet flats to work yesterday and my feet were protesting loudly by the end of the day. Summer feet, please come quick!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyone else feeling the winter-feet-to-summer-feet hurt? It's bittersweet, really. I'm super excited to not have to wear tights every single day, but then the rubbing on my tender feet makes me yearn for fuzzy socks. Like I said, bittersweet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you're my facebook friend, I'll try to post a couple of photos from Market, but I make no promises. When I said whirlwind, I meant it. Less than 24 hours in the city. We're on the train now. We'll start at 9:00 AM tomorrow and work straight through till 6:00ish. Then we'll treat ourselves to a nice dinner and be on the 9:00 PM train back to Boston. Whirlwind! It's a good thing I'm on vacation next week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for reading, friends! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862916113044716419.post-92183591076430802272014-04-09T08:43:00.000-04:002014-04-09T08:43:02.288-04:00Think Spring. Desperately Think Spring! The sun is shining and it's actually starting to feel like spring around here. This was a ROUGH winter and pretty much everyone I know is looking forward to warmer weather. I can't wait until my first beach day! It's amazing how 45 degrees feels so incredible right now. Yesterday was the gloomiest, rainiest day and it was chilly to boot. Today feels like an entirely different season and I can't tell you how excited that makes me!<br />
<br />
Before I head out for my morning run, I thought I'd give everyone a little springtime outfit inspiration.<br />
<br />
Since we all work for a living, I thought I'd start with a great look for the office. I am currently obsessed with the idea of a monochromatic white outfit paired with the super trendy rose gold:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cream_rose_gold/set?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste&id=118742794" target="_blank"><img alt="Cream and Rose Gold" border="0" height="363" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/VZceaJXc900Fh2GchHDqQ/cid/118742794/id/hvKUUuG-4xGN4UVxtP8JyA/size/c400x363.jpg" title="Cream and Rose Gold" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cream_rose_gold/set?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste&id=118742794" target="_blank">Cream and Rose Gold</a> by <a href="http://rtboo.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">rtboo</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/topshop/shop?brand=Topshop" target="_blank">Topshop</a></small></div>
<br />
<br />
For a punch of color, I added the light coral bag that works perfectly with the rose gold. I would love to wear an outfit like this to a business meeting. It's powerful in its simplicity. And who wouldn't take you seriously if you were dressed like this, am I right?<br />
<br />
Next, I felt inspired to put together a fun, light, springtime outfit perfect for a date night out. It's restaurant week in Portsmouth this week and I can totally see myself strutting down the cobblestones on my way to an amazing dinner. My date? Who cares when I look this fabulous and am about to eat something really delicious. It's a minor detail I'll figure out later.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/date_night/set?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste&id=118743163" target="_blank"><img alt="Date Night" border="0" height="446" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/iRyTtG9ldUkIrc3rQb1rvQ/cid/118743163/id/zEtOWOK-4xGVK1V1tP8JyA/size/c400x446.jpg" title="Date Night" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/date_night/set?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste&id=118743163" target="_blank">Date Night</a> by <a href="http://rtboo.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">rtboo</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bracelet_bangle/shop?query=bracelet+bangle" target="_blank">bracelet bangle</a></small></div>
<br />
<br />
And last but certainly not least in my springtime inspiration post is the perfect weekend outfit. Whether you are running errands like grocery shopping or a trip to Home Depot or an afternoon shopping with the girls, or even a quick pedicure, this outfit is perfect. Colorful, comfortable, stylish- what more do you need? (I personally need my summer feet, actually. They are SO not ready for sandals!)<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/errands/set?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste&id=118743663" target="_blank"><img alt="Errands" border="0" height="400" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/2JQPNYgCEO20vKyzAlSowA/cid/118743663/id/7NL-7uO-4xGK8wnc6xSULw/size/c400x400.jpg" title="Errands" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/errands/set?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste&id=118743663" target="_blank">Errands</a> by <a href="http://rtboo.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1485789&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">rtboo</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/flat_shoes/shop?query=flat+shoes" target="_blank">flat shoes</a></small></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it- some springtime outfit inspiration. I hope this helps you feel like spring is actually arriving. It helped me a little.<br />
<br />
Now it's time for me to head out for a quick run. Maybe one of these days I'll post about workout fashion. Or not. I'm not a fan of being sweaty.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />Renée T. Habashyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075751939922027954noreply@blogger.com1