tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46644452831568964652024-03-18T21:48:14.646-07:00Casa de Berryclaudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-65284101988672711802011-11-14T20:03:00.000-08:002011-11-15T05:46:43.753-08:00Birthday weekend, part 1I am officially on Wordpress! Come check out the first part of my <a href="http://casadeberry.wordpress.com/">birthday weekend</a> story - go <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/wordpress/uqin">here </a>to add the new blog to your reader feeds - thank you!claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-91445185074161511962011-11-14T05:49:00.000-08:002011-11-15T05:04:00.092-08:00Thanksgiving MantelAs you might have seen in my <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-craft-turkey-garland.html">silly turkey garland post</a>, our mantel has been de-Halloween-ed and is now ready for Thanksgiving. But last Thursday the boys and I made a little something to add up there. <br /><br />I got the inspiration for this from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/226467714/">pinterest</a>, of course, but I decided to make this craft with stuff I had on hand. <br /><br />I have been saving glass jars for the past few months, I'm trying to replace plastic food storage as much as I can, and I had a few pasta sauce jars that weren't all the same size but they worked in a group.<br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n7JUwYlY58A/TrwqpXZoUwI/AAAAAAAACb0/bcynGMxaCOU/s600/1110MANTEL2.jpg"><br />Then I added a band made of scrapbook paper, created the letters and border on Photoshop, and added some curling ribbon. The contents of the jars are dried out corn husks and stems from my backyard. <br /><br />I think it looks nice atop my dark mantel:<br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FhRb-bQk7G0/TrwqpRMrsbI/AAAAAAAACb4/9pYvUDYkvUE/s600/1110MANTEL.jpg"><br />As you can tell, my boys have started to pick off some of the poor turkeys' eyes and even one of the faces (look to the right end of the garland). As long as they don't eat them, I'm fine with it :D The dried sunflowers on the right are also from my backyard, we got tons of seeds, so yummy!<br /><br />Hope you have a great Monday!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/11/14/made-by-you-monday-75/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/MadeByYouMonday.jpg"></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0"/></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-83540165342035067062011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:002011-11-11T11:11:05.693-08:00Fashion Friday: Forty FavoritesHoly sh**, I'm turning forty tomorrow. <br />This is how one of my all time favorite characters responded to turning forty.<br /><a href="http://youtu.be/0sPrVRsiB_4">Edina turns forty</a><br />I am hoping I don't end up going to that extreme. <br /><br />I thought I would share forty items I love and wear/use often. <br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/basics/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=39089725"><img width="600" alt="Basics 1" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/39089725/id/7teZEAQI4RGrCK4EPmiMmg/size/y.jpg" title="Basics 1" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br />Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage - has two shades so you can custom blend the perfect shade for you.<br /><br />MAC Studio Tech - Gives me flawless coverage and a polished finish in just a few swipes. My shade is NC42.<br /><br />MAC Blot - This is a summer necessity for me, my skin gets very shiny and this is perfect.<br /><br />MAC Brun - I don't like brow pencils so I use this shadow to fill in, and also I swipe it as eyeliner for every day.<br /><br />Clinique Black Honey - This is a classic for a reason, it works for just about every skin tone. It deepens my natural lip color and gives it some gloss. Love it.<br /><br />Wet n Wild Color Icon Black Eyeliner - I only wear this for going out, then swipe some Brun over it for more staying power. <br /><br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/basics/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=39091979"><img width="600" alt="basics 2" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/39091979/id/4Hk6xQsI4RGhpZIqPmiMmg/size/y.jpg" title="basics 2" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br />1 - Red ruffle flats from Target. OMG, how could I not? Gorgeous dark red patent, sweet ruffles, AND I got them for a deal with #4.<br /><br />2 - I love these boots. They are just gorgeous and very uncomfortable. In some haze of pregnant madness, I decided to wear them to my first baby shower. When I had already gained 40 of the 50 lbs. I put on. I think they were full of blood by the time I took them off, I was in so much pain. <br /><br />3 - I wear these most days. These are not the exact ones, but pretty close and very comfy.<br /><br />4 - Leopard flats from Target. Like I mentioned at #1, I got them for a serious deal. They're $12.99 to begin with (all the Odell flats are) and then they had a BOGO 1/2 off. Hello. Two super cute pair of flats for $20? Not a question.<br /><br />5 - My husband got me these, they were exactly what I wanted. No buckles, no chains, no funky shit, I just wanted a classic pair of black boots and he got them for me. Mwah, sweetie!<br /><br />6 - Super comfy, super cute booties from Payless. Also got them at a sale.<br /><br />7 - These are the coolest, they're called Pop Art, i.e. they have that outlined-in-black thing going. Good for errands, but not for a day at Disneyland. I found out the hard way.<br /><br />8 - Again, these are not the ones I have. Mine were handcrafted to my measurements, ahem. My darling daddy used to run a leather supply company back in the old days and kept a lot of contacts. It seemed every "nude" pair out there matched my skin like a regular bandaid does, meaning NOT. This pair is the perfect color, perfect height, perfect everything. If ever you can have shoes custom made, seriously, do it.<br /><br />9 - THESE are perfect for a day at Disneyland. Or three. We were there for 3 days and I wore them every other day. Skechers, I love you.<br /><br />10 - These are like another pair of shoes my dad had made for me. Now, you ask, why on earth would I have such basic models made? Well, for one, I have really high arches and most shoes do not have good support. Also, if I was going to have custom made shoes, I wanted those to be the most trend-defying, classic, forever style shoes I could think of.<br /><br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/basics/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=39096158"><img width="600" alt="basics 3" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/39096158/id/QqWoXBkI4RGxHHTpPWiMmg/size/y.jpg" title="basics 3" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br />1 - My "event" bag. Just about every wedding, cocktail party, etc. that I go to, I've got this with me. <br /><br />2 & 3 - So this cracked me up. I bought a crossbody bag like #2, but from Target, for $14, loved it, wore it all summer, it was perfect, then I thought, I should get something similar but a bit bigger -- I met my mom for lunch and she had bought me a bag in the exact same color, the exact croc print, in a shape like #3. <br /><br />4 - My winter bag is pretty much like this one. <br /><br />5 - I love this bag, it's neutral but metallic, so it's a little dressier than a plain finish, roomy enough but not huge, just right.<br /><br />6 - Finally, my beach bag. It's dirt cheap (Old Navy) and I don't care if it gets scratched, stepped on, whatever. I fill it up with snacks for the boys and throw it on the sand when we get there.<br /><br />I have to say that although I sometimes do covet pricey handbags - the Chloe Marcie is a favorite, I love the shape and the embossed detailing - there is no way in hell I would ever get one, even if my budget changed overnight or I was given $1800 to spend. I have two small boys and two cats, I'm not particularly careful with my things, and it's just not my lifestyle. It COULD be my lifestyle if anyone wants to get it for me for my birthday ;D but I think the worry of it getting scratched or something would keep me forever freaking out.<br /><br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/basics/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=39097523"><img width="600" alt="basics 4" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/39097523/id/dHLkMB4I4RGG28CiBi81uA/size/y.jpg" title="basics 4" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br />1 - I love this cardigan from LOFT. I got it and a purple one during a sale and I wear them all the time. <br /><br />2 - This coat (well, the one from Tarjay that looks a lot like it) it such a knockout. I put it on and I stand taller, throw my shoulders back and get a kick in my step.<br /><br />3 - This little top has quickly become a favorite. Old Navy, as 80% of my wardrobe is, light and breezy, throw a cardie and scarf on and I'm set for cooler days.<br /><br />4 - See #3 ;D This top has sequins all over but I like the funky print and I wear it during the day. My dear friend K. loves it, too.<br /><br />5 - I got 3 tops like this one, in taupe, black, and plum, and they get worn all the time. 3/4 sleeves, not tight but not oversized, the perfect everyday top.<br /><br />6 - I remember that these chevron-striped tops (in blue and orange) sold out as soon as they arrived. I could never find them in the stores and waited for weeks until the website had them, then nabbed both colors. They're perfect for someone like me who hates horizontal stripes -- they have a strong graphic element but the Vs are much more flattering.<br /><br />7 - These skinny jeans are very comfortable, not skin tight, and the length is perfect for heels. Old Navy, of course.<br /><br />8 - An all-season pair of black pants.<br /><br />9 - My favorite jeans of all time. Merona by Target has several styles that address various fit issues. These are well fitted so they do not gape in the back, enough stretch to make them flattering and the straight legs balance out my wide hips. The $25 tag is just right. I wish they had more colors, though!<br /><br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/basics/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=39116938"><img width="600" alt="basics 5" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/39116938/id/yh85PZEI4RG5s067CzRg1Q/size/y.jpg" title="basics 5" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br />Can you tell I was into turquoise this year? <br /><br />1 - Fun statement earrings, I prefer to pull my hair back when I wear them otherwise they get totally tangled up ;D<br /><br />2 - Earrings from my hubby back when he was my new boyfriend. They're discrete enough to wear every day, which I love.<br /><br />3 - My favorite scarf of all time. I've mentioned before that I wish I could go back and get the other two colorways they had, but lesson learned. It's larger than most scarves so I can (and have) put it over my hair when it's started to rain, but it's thin enough that it doesn't get bulky.<br /><br />4 - Super fun pop of color, I got it on clearance at Old Navy.<br /><br />5 - My engagement/wedding rings. I knew what I wanted and I'm happy I stuck to my guns. I wanted a princess-cut/square) diamond, I wanted a solitaire, and I wanted yellow gold. The sales chick wanted me to have a larger stone (which my then-fiance wanted as well), platinum, diamond band. Nope, nope, nope. I like yellow gold, I like plain bands, and I didn't want a big rock.<br /><br />6 - This hat has gone with me on many outings and even on my first cruise, which we took last year. You can stick it into a bag, load tons of stuff on top and it still comes out perfect. I got it for like $9 at Target, I think.<br /><br />7 - H&M has the best trendy jewelry/accessories, I got this for $4.99, and whenever I am in one of my all-black ensembles I can just pop it on, apply some red lippy et voila, outfit is perked right up.<br /><br />8 - These earrings are so sweet, dainty and delicate, perfect for date night.<br /><br />9 - I know, horrid pic. This is a bracelet I made with my current favorite colors - turquoise and olive green - and various little charms like an Eiffel tower, Fleur-de-lis, and a dinosaur because my boys love them.<br /><br /><br />So that was my list of 40 of my favorite items, as you can tell I don't really do designer gear, if anything on a pic is a designer item, it's because I couldn't find the actual item on polyvore. Most of my clothes and things are from Old Navy or Target. I do splurge on makeup, although my lipsticks are usually the cheap kind. <br /><br />Hope you enjoyed this little trip through some of my favorites - next time I post I will be forty! And yeah, I wrote this to be posted on 11/11/11 at 11:11am ;Dclaudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-9748534801720084492011-11-11T06:18:00.000-08:002011-11-11T06:20:48.164-08:00Moving to Wordpress!Today's regularly scheduled (ha) post is coming at - of course - 11:11am, but I just wanted to remind you guys that I'll be moving to Wordpress soon and here is the link to follow the new blog:<br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/wordpress/uqin">http://feeds.feedburner.com/wordpress/uqin</a><br /><br />I'll be moving over in a few days!<br /><br />Big post coming in a few hours ;D<br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone!claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-75733988120856547572011-11-09T04:45:00.000-08:002011-11-11T06:44:53.869-08:00Thanksgiving Craft: Turkey GarlandI saw this cute place setting craft at my favorite paper store<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/444144445/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/202732420695430709_CPMzWKZ8_c.jpg' border='0' width='250' height ='250'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/new/thanksgiving.html'>paper-source.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/claudiaberry/' target='_blank'>Claudia</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />and I'd been thinking of making a garland with my oldest, so I decided to make a variation of this cute turkey. I had all the materials except the eyes, so that was $1.99 spent.<br /><br />First I punched out the body out of brown construction paper and cut tan triangles for the beaks:<br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--bL_HXTK3s0/TrR6_XwMwYI/AAAAAAAACXw/6ILKn6aRVXY/s600/1104garland.jpg"><br /><br />Then my boy added googly eyes - we thought that would be a lot more fun! I asked him to go crazy coloring with oranges and reds on yellow paper, for the plumage.<br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xNT7w4dnbrw/TrR6_R-C3dI/AAAAAAAACX0/x6BNMMOsczM/s600/1104garland1.jpg"><br /><br />Some of them looked silly, and my son said he wanted to make them all different because people are all different :D<br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uCT1Q1_T7_k/TrR6_isr-bI/AAAAAAAACYM/anye_TksEzY/s537/1104garland2.jpg"><br /><br />Then we taped the turkeys onto orange curling ribbon:<br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hHxHu8vfCp8/TrR7AfS2JOI/AAAAAAAACYI/R_IxDGLwfjE/s600/1104garland3.jpg"><br /><br />Et voila! Here is our beautiful, fun, and very silly turkey garland!!!<br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ygj0pb6fjs/TrR6_0AK6mI/AAAAAAAACX8/5M0wd67Ifw4/s600/1104garland4.jpg"><br /><br />I love walking into my house and seeing this fun garland that my son and I made together. He loves doing crafts with me and I am planning more Thanksgiving fun - hope you enjoyed our Turkey Garland!<br /><br /><a href="http://katherinescorner.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/10p6820.jpg" border="0" alt="Thursday Favorite Things"></a><a href="http://thecsiproject.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://thecsiproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thecsiproject.com-logo-150.png" alt="Visit thecsiproject.com"></a><a href="http://www.happyhourprojects.com/search/label/Freestyle%20Friday"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/AdrianneSurian/HHFF1-4.jpg"/></a><a href="http://www.whipperberry.com/"><img src="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/share_the_love_box.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a><a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-30539725896450379472011-11-07T05:40:00.000-08:002011-11-08T06:40:00.959-08:00Pinterest challenge - mason jar gifts!First let me tell ya that I will be moving to Wordpress! Yay! And you know what? You can add this link to your reader feed: http://casadeberry.wordpress.com/feed/<br />I will be here for a few more weeks and I'll keep reminding y'all so all my sweet followers can, uh, follow me in my new online home.<br /><br />Okay, NOW we continue our regularly scheduled post.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu93xJgA0o3us4Kq32-ETRZMBR4QaHppRio_X_nX1d37pQSMPb6KmD3y8WNloeQpwB0619XiKJP1jJYHSraxHzl6PBBGQ0QdE3L36GVd8BVy6HsYqX5-oOeRUYTpaiERo7UTZ_FpSVJuQ/s1600/fall-challenge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu93xJgA0o3us4Kq32-ETRZMBR4QaHppRio_X_nX1d37pQSMPb6KmD3y8WNloeQpwB0619XiKJP1jJYHSraxHzl6PBBGQ0QdE3L36GVd8BVy6HsYqX5-oOeRUYTpaiERo7UTZ_FpSVJuQ/s400/fall-challenge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671166819602996146" /></a><br />Yeah, I am a few days late, but seeing this challenge pop up in some of my favorite sites got my butt in gear. That, and the fact that the pears on the tree were finally turning a gorgeous golden yellow.<br /><br />I got plenty of canning and packaging inspiration from Pinterest:<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/222944894/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/276760339570272155_4WzynJsX_c.jpg' border='0' width='250' height ='375'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://tipnut.com/recipes-canning/'>tipnut.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/ladyintraining/' target='_blank'>Amy</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />I would LOVE to have a pantry filled with canned goods!<br /><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/275702010/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/177751516512309385_rdqyZ4op_c.jpg' border='0' width='450' height ='300'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/palma/finished%2520jars.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/palma/2008/11/&h=300&w=450&sz=116&tbnid=JWWYVBSMQyDrnM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddecorating%2Bjars%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=decorating+jars&docid=uykKHvK0E7lROM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=4lGLTpWhKqHz0gHbtvzDBA&sqi=2&ved=0CDkQ9QEwAw&dur=29'>google.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/mrpritchetts/' target='_blank'>Michelle</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />These are ADORABLE all packaged up for Christmas!<br /><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/328627772/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/278801033151477771_2MAEQAKN_c.jpg' border='0' width='375' height ='500'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.canningacrossamerica.com/2010/11/18/caa-flickr-photo-of-the-week-by-7thswan/'>canningacrossamerica.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/denise_brewster/' target='_blank'>Denise</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />Okay, seriously. WOW. If I ever manage half of this, I will be so proud of myself!<br /><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/257771010/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/94857135871020155_ngnlsleM_c.jpg' border='0' width='360' height ='450'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.squidoo.com/handmade-with-love-christmas-gifts'>squidoo.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/tcudarling/' target='_blank'>Kristin</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />I started to think up ideas for the extra jars I had - scrubs would be great, don't you think?<br /><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/229420322/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/79587118384459157_yoeNyqj4_c.jpg' border='0' width='550' height ='237'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.tipjunkie.com/sugar-scrub/'>tipjunkie.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/kjones26/' target='_blank'>Kelly</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />How cute are these with their color-coordinated tags?<br /><br /><br />I was lucky that my mother-in-law came over to can pears with me because I sliced up my finger with a fruit corer and she had to take over - no worries, we cleaned the corer and threw away the pear I'd been working on - but we had a good morning, chatting as we processed the fruit, and me planning in my head how I'd package up the finished goods. <br /><br />This is what we picked from the tree the night before, my oldest was a super helper:<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyq8zxnQSmgIBkgSIkBFY21V5Hru2Jv8JnndxC3Vi2n9tkXW803NrzJ5EOFDaST2-H_QP4a5KKhJIs2ZYaur97wNom3fVWHqP_2rSY3IaMSGcXl_jIk1YRhGDF1sN1AQNHBuPi6zNWLc/s600/1026pears.jpg"><br /><br />Soaking in their Fruit Fresh so they'll keep their pretty color:<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKEo4YCZlFWFlr3F8hdzBojSwax3nUOWEgpHVV8Em6bU06-7cql3oPIlKiw9MzAr4wQvhsaAZpucYZdvvpGep_wbuxztkX2RxferhZoaW8DT85CUcTndZEKbVUygAIKeU91Ab7wwRo6w/s600/1026pears1.jpg"><br /><br />Cooking down - we did some in sugar and some in Splenda. We did lots of tasting and they were yummy!<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnenVm7Fc2_E-476OFzuxzdB59bRz3YwkDlnxxmPquMYGA8Bcdp60Q9uH6ciR45sGs4gxN6Z6wDapoISZEXG02zKp9rdRjqAqkSLUZYv1j9qM18CHbx5qPzsXBCZnuJn0gB2k4LWLXXU/s600/1026pears2.jpg"><br /><br />The smaller jars in front are pear butter, so good!<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fUepnva0tV7RDI9uPamGddMU4slWOBQ-pIO6x3WznRTwxyYgsIAqh7qZjvAlKybo1a1t-aJ96XBkYCfe5xz80I6FFXTo0q3ihNgSLxwUBX37N6nPO6tFjNi_uF6PVnm-CuliHAqCey0/s600/1026pears3.jpg"><br /><br />I also made some sugar scrubs - there are lots of great <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/sugar-scrub/">recipes at Tip Junkie</a>.<br /><br />I chose to go with a simple label I made in Photoshop, some ribbon/yarn and bits of a Christmas (fake) branch we had from last year's decor.<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUJQUfyg9LzkVUbSViyQblzRX5JZr86v2kk05z6buWjqhO7vUjnYdMgLfqHH-ZyESWrIvQ39RP_mEXepH1RpDRqrL6hTpO64baOf1QZkbYmmleosrdPkCsaCOEjDw2CJmwfPWrMway8Y/s600/1105canned.jpg"><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ6EV0Tp6IMtE7xLAc96YFZWLIAVTqJSCMgcVnWmoLjvawc_fn00ohIVklFuIiK8ijV8Bcmh7xrff6HWJ9tHV0kq7bb6DAOfBvpHZB1ZD0K6JWeqcI2zB6pf4hCqGjXHnPm5XD-NaAQE/s600/1105canned2.jpg"><br /><br />While I don't have an entire pantry full of canned goods, I do have a couple of small shelves full of these, and they make me happy. Maybe next year I'll get many more tomatoes and I'll be able to can lots of yummy sauce!<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed my Pinterest Challenge!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/11/07/made-by-you-monday-74/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/MadeByYouMonday.jpg"></a><a href="http://imtopsyturvy.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/5720066298_515a2f09e0_o.jpg" alt="I'm topsy turvy tuesdays" width="125"/></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-5453010431978652202011-11-04T10:33:00.000-07:002011-11-04T10:39:04.820-07:00Godzilla a finalist in SFGate's contest!I just saw that the Godzilla costume my husband made for our youngest was one of the finalists in <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.sfgate.com%2Fparenting%2F2011%2F11%2F04%2Fsuper-crafty-costume-contest-the-winners-are-here%2F%231655-43&h=UAQHIFcWe">SFGate's Super Crafty Costume Contest</a>!<br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDABHaQvPLc/TrQibmy0TrI/AAAAAAAACXk/ljwC_WI9EJM/s512/1104finalist.jpg"><br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-37469301982568774542011-11-04T05:59:00.000-07:002011-11-04T05:59:00.515-07:00Fashion Friday: Family PicsAs the days of Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, there is another event that we honor every year - Family Picture Day.<br /><br />This year I am considering a very neutral theme:<br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/family_photos/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=38978808"><img width="600" alt="family photos" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/38978808/id/uoSbQ8IF4RG5vb0s9Z3n5w/size/y.jpg" title="family photos" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br/><br />Special friends such as my oldest's Soft Elephant and my youngest's Zebra & Rabbit are always welcome - they are part of the family ;D<br /><br />Do you take annual pics?claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-3109863523982225862011-11-02T13:53:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:36:52.005-07:00Holidays a deuxSomething my husband and I have always made sure of is spending time together, even during the madness of the holidays.<br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5oiyIsFAtfY/TrGDX0p_X2I/AAAAAAAACWU/j-mp36-kty8/s600/1102fortwo2.jpg"><br /><br />Even if it is just for a few minutes while the kids are (gasp!) watching a video, it is very important to us to have some time to chill and talk about what's going on in our lives, what our plans are for the next few days, to make sure we're in sync and not forget anything in our busy schedule.<br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rUFQoSTeUBA/TrGDX20DkcI/AAAAAAAACV8/0qsiRzQZfqg/s600/1102fortwo.jpg"><br /><br />We don't have fancy china or a lot of heirloom pieces but I like to set a table for two with items that mean a lot to us:<br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MLqq3clC0Es/TrGDZKvwpJI/AAAAAAAACWc/eSL4FkqVdVM/s602/1102fortwo1.jpg"><br />The runner on top of the off-white tablecloth was made by my mom. The yellow napkin underneath the leaf and mug on the right is part of a set made by me. Yep, I sewed a set of 16 napkins because I loved the color of the fabric I found. The three little pumpkins in front were purchased at my youngest's pumpkin patch field trip, and then the boys and I painted them with a clear glaze, then sprinkled glitter on top. They look so sweet and remind me of the <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/10/fashion-friday-at-pumpkin-patch.html">fun I had with my boy that day</a>. The ORB-painted candlestick is my on of my beloved fleur-de-lis candlesticks, which I found on sale at Goodwill. The little ceramic holder (you can see it better in the second pic) was gifted to us full of yummy almonds last year, after we ate the almonds I couldn't part with it :D<br /><br />Some hot chocolate and good conversation makes for a nice break - we are lucky that my mother-in-law watches the boys often for us, and we get to spend some quality time together.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x908CSKJhI4/TPp5U0929OI/AAAAAAAAU9w/dCqnDBWHD8U/s400/Chair%2Bon%2Bright%2Blike%2Bheader.jpg" /></a><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoidUICN9Gpn_Ddzj9ie4jRbkJKNRNLZZXmEsnBHkuUBXrobEaiM0Zm0fAiAkZgs2jHq9v9iTAUiin8ZgITXoYBiRgEHlWRE7LBdVkwXwNhMu8ctbjmxJANNVc_5dyg4YpsnpvsPheSUM/s1600/1aaaeiffelgfairy.jpg" /></a><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab346/thecharmofhome/th_1aaacastle-2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd492/Honey2805/027.jpg<br />"/></a><a href="http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R-MBCN_iPtw/TjyKsfFslPI/AAAAAAAAHUo/foX3WUUv6NY/15670590030.jpg"/></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-70909549031247314692011-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:002011-11-04T17:01:56.750-07:00Happy Halloween!I've been posting about the costume my husband made for our little one. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6283947807/" title="1025costcollage by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6283947807_7ee7f29fd6_z.jpg" width="510" height="640" alt="1025costcollage"></a><br /><br />I was very surprised that my youngest chose this, as the one who had loved this character to begin with, was my oldest (he even had his <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/03/godzilla-haiku.html">latest birthday party</a> with this theme), but he's moved onto superheroes.<br /><br />Thank goodness our oldest went with a store-bought, because my husband needed every last minute to get our youngest's costume done.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6295212914/" title="1030costumehint by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6295212914_c87a2ea9d6_z.jpg" width="416" height="640" alt="1030costumehint"></a><br />The Saturday before Halloween, our cousin needed help for <span style="font-style:italic;">his </span>costume, so most of that day was spent working on that. His costume was (luckily for my husband) just the headgear to become <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadmau5">DeadMau5</a>. Yeah, I'm old, because I was seriously creeped out and had no clue who that was. My oldest, though, had no problem sitting on DeadMau5's lap for a pic.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6297075321/" title="1029anthonydj by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6297075321_65eee6d439_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="1029anthonydj"></a><br />Sunday was the deadline, then, and my husband went to work, the level of detail in this costume blew me away. <br /><br />The base of the costume itself was carpet foam that he got for free just by asking carpet installers. The spikes were cut from foam, primed, then spray painted. The texture all over the "skin" is small stripes of silicone. The teeth were cut from foam, then painted and attached to the upper and lower jaws, same with the foot claws. The feet are cut to go over our son's shoes. We decided to not make claws for the hands in case our little man got overenthusiastic and scratched one of his classmates. <br /><br />Here is the head, almost done:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375463_10150375321876460_569936459_8330067_1589990982_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 960px; height: 643px;" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/375463_10150375321876460_569936459_8330067_1589990982_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My husband helping our little man right before his parade:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381551_10150375333711460_569936459_8330144_400472425_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 626px; height: 960px;" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381551_10150375333711460_569936459_8330144_400472425_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Waving to one of the people taking his pic. Kids and grown ups wanted to have their pic taken with him, people were filming him, it was hilarious!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310954_10150375364606460_569936459_8330418_650178419_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 665px; height: 960px;" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310954_10150375364606460_569936459_8330418_650178419_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296624_10150375364971460_569936459_8330423_1780588305_n.jpg"><br /><br />After his parade was over, my husband and I and my in-laws (who joined us for the morning) had breakfast, then headed over to my oldest's school.<br /><br />A quick wave from a busy Captain America:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6299639945/" title="1031aparade1 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6299639945_0211be4a0a_z.jpg" width="383" height="640" alt="1031aparade1"></a><br /><br />His good friend S. was Wolverine so there was lots of superhero talk :D<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6300174286/" title="1031aparade8 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6300174286_66d8d398a8_z.jpg" width="456" height="640" alt="1031aparade8"></a><br /><br />So this was our morning, now we get a few hours of quiet before the madness of "candy extortion" as my husband calls it. And oh yeah, Godzilla was made for under $35.<br /><br />Happy Halloween from Captain America and Godzilla! Be safe and have a great time!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://katherinescorner.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/10p6820.jpg" border="0" alt="Thursday Favorite Things"></a><a href="http://www.happyhourprojects.com/search/label/Freestyle%20Friday"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/AdrianneSurian/HHFF1-4.jpg"/></a><a href="http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m555/Jacquelinne88/frugaliciousfriday-1.png"/> </a><a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" alt="" /></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-46708750597501273542011-10-30T08:35:00.000-07:002011-10-30T09:42:38.991-07:00Costume progress - and a hint!My awesome husband is almost done with our little man's costume. Good thing because he has a parade tomorrow morning! <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6295212914/" title="1030costumehint by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6295212914_c87a2ea9d6_z.jpg" width="416" height="640" alt="1030costumehint"></a><br />The attention to detail keeps amazing me. Also, he helped with his cousin's costume Saturday afternoon. I am not posting that yet, but it came out great. I think. Because I was a little creeped out by it and wasn't really sure what/who it was. I looked it up and I'm still creeped out. Today my hubs is putting the final details on this costume and I can't wait to see it finished!<br /><br /><a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-44714493704020180882011-10-29T08:50:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:00:17.383-07:00Featured at Comin' HomeMy bloggy friend Donna at Comin' Home is a wonderful lady. She always has a kind word and good advice, and I love reading her posts, so I was delighted when she included my <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-wreath-for-5-and-change.html">fall wreath</a> in <a href="http://thehomemakingarts.blogspot.com/2011/10/can-it-really-be-fall-how-about-some.html">her recent post about fall decorating</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6179033647/" title="0924wreath4b by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6179033647_cd771ae5f6_z.jpg" width="449" height="640" alt="0924wreath4b"></a><br /><br />I love the bottles with the reeds she included and my boys are going to make a Thanksgiving garland much like <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RgWrcpKIEa0UPZSizX0o43gcTb9i3HSK_8xxW0_ImT7Fvtxee8PdP-wMx7JXXaTqlLqhsSvduyc49IWKcYHdfAd6nPfOb1KVA-pNM_hjhjE5yzcyBEo5PByWTtEHRngXIC_LOubxlr3H/s640/197351771_QpTLxiN0_c.jpg">the one she featured</a>.<br /><br />Go check out Donna's post, it has many ideas for fall decor that are easy to do and are sure to autumn-ize your home. Is that a word? It is now ;Dclaudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-45248768973714956122011-10-28T05:35:00.000-07:002011-10-28T05:35:00.524-07:00Fashion Friday: Scarf it down!I love scarves, and I love that we're in the perfect season for them. Right now afternoons still get a little warm but in the morning when take the boys to school, it is deliciously chilly!<br /><br />I am super lucky that both my mom and my sister are avid knitters/crocheters, so they have contributed a large percentage of my scarf stash. My favorite purchased scarf is the tan one with tassels on the bottom right.<br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/scarves/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=38751888"><img width="600" alt="scarves" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/38751888/id/BjUP-fwA4RGvtEXG9YGMUA/size/y.jpg" title="scarves" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br/><br />It is from Old Navy and it came in 3 different colorways, and yeah, I wish I had bought the other two because I love that thing. <br /><br />A scarf can be such a versatile accessory - it can instantly transform a ho-hum outfit, i.e. what I wear most of the time, into something interesting. That said, I cannot wear two types of scarves - 1, the infinity type scarf, which are basically a big circle you wrap around your neck a few times, because my makeup and hair get wrecked. Graceful, I am not. And 2, the type that are very delicate, either lacy or the ones that are a bunch of flowers joined together, because I have two kids and two cats, and again, graceful I am NOT, and within 5 minutes the thing would be snagged into unwearable uselessness.<br /><br />Luckily for me, there are plenty of other types of scarves that I can wear. As a devoted francophile the scarf is my accessory of choice - I love this article that came out last year about a writer who gets <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-sisko-carter/why-french-women-wear-sca_b_665490.html">seduced by the power of a great scarf</a>. Since I rather pride myself on not spending much for my "couture" I don't think I'd be shelling out 150 euro for a scarf, but it's a good article anyway.<br /><br />I leave you with some images to inspire your weekend, stay warm!<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/198912493/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/282389839104490000_iqUzH3BJ_c.jpg' border='0' width='267' height ='400'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://nettevivante.blogspot.com/2011/01/braided-layered-scarf-with-lace-neck.html'>nettevivante.blogspot.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/myrtillee/' target='_blank'>Myrtille</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/192111325/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/282389839104488428_bBbbUTXy_c.jpg' border='0' width='427' height ='640'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/01/pleated-knit-scarf.html'>makeit-loveit.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/myrtillee/' target='_blank'>Myrtille</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/246683864/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/80361174570422614_5GmPo0qC_c.jpg' border='0' width='553' height ='830'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-08-25T05%3A45%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=4'>atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/brupereira_/' target='_blank'>Bruna</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/183258155/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/92394229824791581_Oaazj3K5_c.jpg' border='0' width='393' height ='393'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/accessories/PRDOVR~51927/51927.jsp'>jcrew.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/mks9384/' target='_blank'>Meggie</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/201581050/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/3940718393475844_GoZ7vdVH_c.jpg' border='0' width='263' height ='443'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.plumo.com/categories/Fashion/Scarves-%26-Hats/'>plumo.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/ChelChel/' target='_blank'>Rachel</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/212971471/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/225109681343870586_OGMGbKaM_c.jpg' border='0' width='227' height ='584'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://outfitidentifier.com/?p=26866'>outfitidentifier.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/t_roi/' target='_blank'>Tori</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-56252423312734021172011-10-26T14:33:00.001-07:002011-10-26T14:35:58.223-07:00Costume progressMy awesome husband has taken on the task of making our youngest's Halloween costume. Every night after he's done with work he works and works on it for a few hours. I think it's going to look awesome!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6283947807/" title="1025costcollage by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6283947807_7ee7f29fd6_z.jpg" width="510" height="640" alt="1025costcollage"></a><br />I have to say I'm surprised that my youngest chose this and my oldest ended up going with a store bought costume. Can you guess what it is?claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-23092768589998328012011-10-24T05:26:00.000-07:002011-10-25T06:30:00.359-07:00Nuh-oh is so good for youMy youngest's love for oatmeal cannot be denied. It is a love that is all encompassing, and it is also a love that keeps him regular - win/win! It started with my oldest, in fact, who started eating some of the oatmeal my mom would make for her own breakfast, and then it became a ritual. He outgrew his love of oatmeal but once my youngest started eating it, he was hooked.<br /><br />Because of his autism, my little boy was slow to speak, and when he wanted his favorite food, he couldn't say oatmeal, so he settled on "nuh-oh". Now he has no problem saying oatmeal but he still prefers to call it nuh-oh and I think it will be nuh-oh until he's all grown and out of the house. <br /><br />My mom uses the packaged instant oatmeal but I've switched to the quick 1-minute oats that come in the big tubs. And I know, I know, everyone knows how to make oatmeal, but I just wanted to share what I do to make my boy's breakfast as nutritious as possible.<br /><br />This is about twice the amount that would be in an instant packet<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6273042546/" title="1024oat by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6273042546_f80717b25f_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1024oat"></a><br />The gorgeous canister label is from <a href="http://www.leenthegraphicsqueen.com/calade.html">Leen's shop</a>, I love them.<br /><br />We use rice milk because of my son's (and my) allergies<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6272515857/" title="1024oat1 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6272515857_335706e93a_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1024oat1"></a><br />Trader Joe's has the cheapest price in rice milk, and since my son eats oatmeal 3 times a day AND drinks it as well, I make sure to stock up.<br /><br />After two minutes in the microwave<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6273042288/" title="1024oat2 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6273042288_c3e22b9373_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1024oat2"></a><br />I add a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter for some good protein.<br /><br />The bulk oatmeal has a lot less sugar than the instant packets, but I do add some honey<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6272515521/" title="1024oat3 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6272515521_d7059ed54c_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1024oat3"></a><br />both for flavoring and because it helps his allergies.<br /><br />The last touch<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6272515349/" title="1024oat4 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6272515349_e9e8093d52_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1024oat4"></a><br />is a bit of cinnamon, yum yum.<br /><br />I usually add a sliced banana, but the ones I had were super green, so this was Sunday's breakfast for my little guy:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6272515181/" title="1024oat5 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6272515181_f4f3d26fcb_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1024oat5"></a><br />Warm, hearty, flavorful, and it fills his belly with lots of goodness.<br /><br />It's so good that I've been known to make myself a bowl to warm up on a chilly morning. I usually skip the banana, but it gives me a good start to the day. As I was editing this post, my son came over and smiled as I showed him each picture in sequence. When I showed him the last one, he threw his hands in the air and said, "nuh-oh!". He REALLY loves his oatmeal.<br /><br />BTW, have you heard that <a href="http://blog.sfgate.com/sfmoms/2011/10/12/peanut-butter-prices-going-through-the-roof/">peanut butter prices are going up</a>? I've stocked up, just in case!<br /><br /><a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com" target="_blank" ><img src="http://beautyandbedlam.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bbb_button.gif" alt="Beauty and Bedlam" height="150" width="150" /></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-25699825253525025812011-10-21T05:37:00.000-07:002011-10-21T05:37:00.348-07:00Fashion Friday: at the Pumpkin PatchThis time it was time for me to join my youngest and his class on a field trip. We went to one of our local pumpkin patches and had a blast. We've gone to <a href="http://www.uesugifarms.com/">Uesugi Farms</a> a few times with our boys and we've always had a good time. They have hay rides, a train, a pumpkin lab to see the growth process, and my personal favorite, the honey booth. Not to be confused with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promotional_model">booth babe</a>, the honey booth had lots of different flavors of honey grown in the farm itself. I tried two and they were yummy. My boy was less than impressed but I think it was more the texture of it that made him wrinkle his nose. <br /><br />This morning was super chilly, so even though I love the cold weather, I brought along a knit scarf to keep my neck warm. <br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pumpkinpatch/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=38455571"><img width="600" alt="pumpkinpatch" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/38455571/id/lPP3PmP74BGX2czO1_DYeA/size/y.jpg" title="pumpkinpatch" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br/><br />Later on it was a bit warmer so I was glad to wear this super light chevron-stripe top. We each got a pumpkin and I bought some small white pumpkins at 3 for a dollar. We were happy to be home but had a wonderful time with our friends and classmates.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-80053472726103003152011-10-19T09:42:00.000-07:002011-10-19T09:59:25.204-07:00Field Trip with my oldestMy son's class went on a field trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Montalvo">Villa Montalvo</a> yesterday, to see a production of <a href="http://montalvoarts.org/events/magic_school_bus/">The Magic School Bus</a>. I was very happy to go as chaperone and had a blast with my boy and his friends. I only had two kids to chaperone, my son and his BFF, so it was great.<br /><br />While I had a good time, the trip was not all smooth sailing. First, the bus driver was taking us to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Winery">the wrong location</a>, although my friend A. said I should have gotten off there instead :D<br /><br />The show itself was a little underwhelming. I know I wasn't the target audience, but the songs were not catchy, the pacing was dreadful, and you couldn't even understand some of the words because the songs so convoluted and two of the performers didn't seem to be miked at all. The kids were done about 30 minutes into the show and were super restless. I overheard a boy saying "that was a baby show!" which tells ya that they weren't really hitting the right balance of education and entertainment.<br /><br />It was the first time I chaperoned on a school trip and I loved it. Which is good because since my poor husband just hurt his foot (again) I am replacing him as chaperon on a school trip with my youngest later this week! <br /><br />Here are a couple of pics of Villa Montalvo from pinterest - if you have the chance to go, it is a gorgeous place. I am planning on going back soon just to take some photos of the place.<br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/265280844/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/265280844_7pwBvEmL_c.jpg' border='0' width='335' height ='310'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.google.com/imgres?q=saratoga,+ca+images&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=638&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=Bj6I5s3b2DiaOM:&imgrefurl=http://montalvoarts.org/venue/35/&docid=FK3oPP06QV5B9M&w=335&h=310&ei=FfyHToGhMZHSiALhlbHRDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=602&vpy=246&dur=3700&hovh=216&hovw=233&tx=169&ty=88&page=1&tbnh=137&tbnw=164&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0'>google.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/skedel/' target='_blank'>Susan</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/175730902/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/175730902_cEmbwO1V_c.jpg' border='0' width='335' height ='310'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://montalvoarts.org/about/visit/'>montalvoarts.org</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/leila_narvid/' target='_blank'>Leila</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-36093924830195624502011-10-17T05:09:00.000-07:002011-10-17T05:09:00.715-07:00Spooky mantel!Granted, the black and white effect is what kills it here, but still, we love our Halloween-ed mantel. The pumpkins are all from our backyard, I left some of the branches on them for a more rustic feel. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6250060640/" title="1015spookymantel by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6250060640_342ba2c811_z.jpg" width="468" height="640" alt="1015spookymantel"></a><br />My boys helped with the decorating, the center display is made up of my oldest's first Halloween toy given to him by his grandparents, some favorite Halloween books, and a souvenir from Disneyland. They also liked my web ribbon so it was added on the sides.<br /><br />Hope you liked our spooooooooky mantel, I think all the candy up there makes it a little less scary ;Dclaudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-13420254353515591712011-10-14T05:40:00.000-07:002011-10-14T05:40:00.820-07:00Fashion Friday: Favorite OutfitI'm not a big fan of sweaters -- cardigans are one thing but closed sweaters make me claustrophobic. This one, though, is so comfy and the neckline is not so tight so there's no problem. <br /><div style="position:relative;width:500px;height:500px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bronzy/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=37910130"><img width="500" alt="bronzy" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/37910130/id/hmXQIYbw4BGKBHNMHVnFlw/size/x.jpg" title="bronzy" height="500" border="0" /></a></div><br/><br />I love the richness of winter colors, browns and bronzes, olive greens and ambers, and my favorite of all colors, burgundy. Not in this outfit, but then it would be my lipstick ;D <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend!claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-49146648223896080002011-10-13T05:33:00.000-07:002011-10-13T05:33:00.492-07:00I Wear PinkThis being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm joining the <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wear_pink_for________/contest.show?id=297283">I Wear Pink sets on Polyvore</a> in honor of my sister, a breast cancer survivor, and everyone battling this horrible disease. <br /><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wear_pink/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=38157459"><img width="600" alt="i wear pink" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/38157459/id/xpmuTEr14BGT81iITcxMqg/size/y.jpg" title="i wear pink" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br/>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-19969597601872827522011-10-10T05:33:00.000-07:002011-10-13T14:57:23.898-07:00Tiled outdoor counterWhen we moved in to this house, we found a BBQ and counter attached to one of the outside walls. It wasn't in very good condition and the fact that it was right next to the house concerned us. There was a kegerator with spouts both inside and outside. Awesome, right? Except we don't drink beer. <br /><br />The old BBQ finally collapsed, full of rust, and left a huge hole in the middle of the counter. We figured, since we were <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/10/bathroom-saga-re-flooring.html">redoing the bathroom floor</a>, we could use the same materials to re-vamp the counter into an actually usable piece.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6226983875/" title="counterpart1 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6226983875_0e15945d34_z.jpg" width="316" height="640" alt="counterpart1"></a><br />The process was basically the same - clear off all old materials, layer backerboard, mud it, then lay and grout tile. For this counter, we purchased edging pieces and an extra pack of the <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_48305-94893-76969531957_0__?storeId=10151&Ntt=grecciano&UserSearch=grecciano&productId=3121961&N=0&catalogId=10051&langId=-1">tile we used</a> for the bathroom. At 68 cents per tile, it was perfect.<br /><br />Now we have a beautiful counter that is both useful and presentable:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6227184211/" title="counterpart2 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6227184211_c91814b4bd_z.jpg" width="600" height="455" alt="counterpart2"></a><br />On the top left corner you can see a switch box, we can hook up music, a coffeemaker, a fan on hot days, etc. so it is a very serviceable area for entertaining. <br /><br />My awesome husband did a great job on this as well, didn't he?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.happyhourprojects.com/search/label/Freestyle%20Friday"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/AdrianneSurian/HHFF1-4.jpg"/></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-40313346141899847682011-10-07T05:32:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:32:00.257-07:00Fashion Friday: Fall is here!I am deliriously happy because my favorite season has truly arrived - no more deceptively cool mornings followed by blistering hot afternoons. No. Now cold mornings are followed by cool afternoons, and sometimes, even rain! Swapped my summer shorts for my beloved jeans:<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/175724204/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/175724204_tLSrE96S_c.jpg' border='0' width='500' height ='NaN'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.polyvore.com/getting_ready_for_fall/set?id=36246275'>polyvore.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/stephensgirl/' target='_blank'>Joy</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />Aside from a pair of leopard print flats, I am not really shopping for anything this fall/winter:<br /><div style="position:relative;width:500px;height:500px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/lauren_conrad/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=37522675"><img width="500" alt="Lauren Conrad" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/37522675/id/ptqtqXDo4BGYx05UQfXxDw/size/x.jpg" title="Lauren Conrad" height="500" border="0" /></a></div><br/><div><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/lauren_conrad/set?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste&id=37522675">Lauren Conrad</a> by <a href="http://juliak.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2117661&.svc=copypaste">juliak</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/leather_tote_handbags/shop?query=leather+tote+handbags">leather tote handbags</a></small></div><br /><br />Jackets are back in rotation:<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/176249126/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/176249126_dVJV33ln_c.jpg' border='0' width='500' height ='NaN'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gibson-tweed-riding-jacket-classiques-entier-silk-bow-blouse-paige-denim-skinny-jeans/3222861'>shop.nordstrom.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/gayladawn/' target='_blank'>Gayla</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />Tall boots make a comeback:<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/257873560/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/257873560_Yny2hAW5_c.jpg' border='0' width='500' height ='NaN'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=37107390'>polyvore.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/milenita/' target='_blank'>Milena</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />It's all about layers, layers, layers!<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/237713381/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/237713381_rNW2cZIb_c.jpg' border='0' width='500' height ='NaN'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2kC9rm/www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/09/fashion-friday-21-outfits-for-fall-fashion-2011.html'>stumbleupon.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/blhosbach/' target='_blank'>Bethany</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />My beloved knit hats will be topping my outfits once again:<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/172674726/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/172674726_RjK7LWpY_c.jpg' border='0' width='500' height ='NaN'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.etsy.com/listing/80385527/knit-womens-hat-grey-slouchy-hat-gray?ref=v1_other_1'>etsy.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/emay/' target='_blank'>Erin</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />Everything in warm, cozy colors:<br /><div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/246145759/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/246145759_9SkpBymQ_c.jpg' border='0' width='500' height ='NaN'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.polyvore.com/fall_daytrip/set?id=37098085'>polyvore.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/bldevlin/' target='_blank'>Breanna</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />What are you looking forward to wearing this fall?claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-9302800637525851432011-10-06T05:50:00.000-07:002011-10-31T06:56:05.513-07:00Fall outdoor decorI'm joining up the fall parteh at Sarah's today with my BOO pumpkins. I saw <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/81069247/">this idea</a> on pinterest and I decided to switch it up a bit. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6215016201/" title="1003boo4 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6215016201_b372cdea3e_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="1003boo4"></a><br /><br />First, I spray painted the pumpkins with Oil Rubbed Bronze. Then, since my oldest was helping me with this craft I made it a little easier for him by scribbling the letters on paper first.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6215016631/" title="1003boo by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6215016631_a016842ac0_z.jpg" width="430" height="600" alt="1003boo"></a><br /><br />This made it easier for him to "trace" with the silver thumbtacks:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6215532608/" title="1003boo1 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6215532608_865d4665ff_z.jpg" width="600" height="387" alt="1003boo1"></a><br /><br />Once the letter was done, I held the thumbtacks in place and gently pulled off the paper.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6215532472/" title="1003boo2 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6215532472_e075864465_z.jpg" width="440" height="640" alt="1003boo2"></a><br /><br />My stylist-in-training decided that my Martha Stewart web ribbon would be perfect on the <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/05/pop-of-color.html">urn I painted a few months ago</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6215016087/" title="1003boo5 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6215016087_30e0238dd3_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="1003boo5"></a><br /><br />Pretty simple and easy, and I love how the thumbtacks reflect light so even if it's getting dark you can see the pumpkins with their BOO :D<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed this outdoor craft!<br /><br /><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Fall_Link_Party_Badge_NEW.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.happyhourprojects.com/search/label/Freestyle%20Friday"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/AdrianneSurian/HHFF1-4.jpg"/></a><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7h7k5s7WPM/TeUMD4rCA2I/AAAAAAAAF7I/96ORaxfoulU/s170/1aaadoveladygfairy006.jpg"></a><a href="http://designergarden.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Designer Garden" src="http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af330/sommer_garth/LuluHeader.jpg"/></a><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a><a href="http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m555/Jacquelinne88/frugaliciousfriday-1.png"/> </a><a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a><a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx169/trendytreehouse/TrendyButton.gif"/></a><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x134/Rczuk0818/fyfbutton.png" /></a><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx89/cindy95131/showandtellfridays.jpg" /></a><a href="http://creationcorner.blogspot.com/"><img alt="monogram" width="150" src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss230/raegirl25/CreationCornerButton7FLP.jpg" height="150"/></a><a href=" http://www.serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" ><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0"/></a><br /><a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2011/10/best-diy-projects-of-october-linky-party/"><img src="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bestofoct_thumb.jpg"></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-32353526744016820152011-10-04T05:28:00.000-07:002011-10-05T06:56:46.961-07:00Fall craft: Cinnamon candleI've seen cinnamon sticks wrapped around a candle throughout blogland, and decided it was the perfect accent for a little vignette.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201236370/" title="0930cinnacandle by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6201236370_01d1952a53_z.jpg" width="441" height="640" alt="0930cinnacandle"></a><br />For my version, I chose a vanilla-scented candle, then wrapped a rubber band around it. I stuck cinnamon sticks between the rubber band and candle, then added a festive bow as a final touch.<br /><br />Super easy, super cheap, and super scented! The candle was .99, the ribbon was a leftover piece from my <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-wreath-for-5-and-change.html">fall wreath</a>, and the cinnamon sticks came to $3.<br /><br />Here is the candle on my little tray with a favorite fall picture of one of my boys and a blingy votive holder:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200725925/" title="0930cinnacandle2 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6200725925_f6fc749888_z.jpg" width="640" height="435" alt="0930cinnacandle2"></a><br /><br />Hope you enjoyed my craft! I will be linking up to the It's Fall Y'all craft linky party!<br /><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/"><img src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Fall_Link_Party_Badge_NEW.jpg"></a><a href="http://imtopsyturvy.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/5720066298_515a2f09e0_o.jpg" alt="I'm topsy turvy tuesdays" width="125"/></a><a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdvnolt2LgvwUrh8VhKRCbS5COcXdxQBOHnaEeeueredsLi4XU7EBjJ6TYKWEHP3hlJNRnj0783qedgrwE3CSx7tSia1XxQbLBAd2SFhuOszciO2lLdx9CcjlGhcVc_XUgu4i88YCRjJC/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.320sycamoreblog.com/2011/10/under-10-under-1-hour-2011-party.html"><img src="http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp19/lissylee/under101hr2011button.jpg"></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664445283156896465.post-68693413641770002912011-10-03T04:58:00.000-07:002011-10-03T05:52:16.636-07:00The Bathroom Saga - re-flooringBack at the beginning of the year I shared the <a href="http://casadeberry.blogspot.com/2011/01/bathroom-tales.html">continuing saga that is the bathroom</a> - we have two, one in the master bedroom, and this one which everyone who comes to our house uses. This is what the bathroom looked like a couple of years ago before we painted the walls:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7FAVbIgVjiQla3VOF2H9K4gscwU-IQU36OZ_1LZkWFjN3L7KG-TcJVNWNVDjjlBBbUpplN7kh5HTcnnCUnLg9E_GM4Ect3k8Js92cjzq1vsdlG6oNm0RXrniEGZLOB8g8fx1Lxv09VA/s1600/2009bathroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7FAVbIgVjiQla3VOF2H9K4gscwU-IQU36OZ_1LZkWFjN3L7KG-TcJVNWNVDjjlBBbUpplN7kh5HTcnnCUnLg9E_GM4Ect3k8Js92cjzq1vsdlG6oNm0RXrniEGZLOB8g8fx1Lxv09VA/s400/2009bathroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551786719617049938" /></a><br />The first major change was painting the walls in Ralph Lauren's chamois:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier7sWIkm7RvfC5PeSXAyk7Xa4PbQq4uQisVlMSmgG1cFFmipRZM6hhkGJzozHH8CF1Xer_33lSXRMa2R3BzN2xdOu2ZPNygf0O_oduYHyF2jfLOrnVblafqbyRJ9K05_t2xdKs3ha10o/s1600/2009bathroomafter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier7sWIkm7RvfC5PeSXAyk7Xa4PbQq4uQisVlMSmgG1cFFmipRZM6hhkGJzozHH8CF1Xer_33lSXRMa2R3BzN2xdOu2ZPNygf0O_oduYHyF2jfLOrnVblafqbyRJ9K05_t2xdKs3ha10o/s400/2009bathroomafter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551786828041457650" /></a><br />Then it became a pressing matter to re-do the flooring because our splash-happy boys were getting water all over and several planks of wood laminate were starting to lift. Thank goodness the damage did not go under the cabinets or the tub so we do not have to replace either. The ugly orange brown vanity and medicine cabinet were painted a rich chocolate brown and the animal-themed curtain gave way to a rice paper print curtain.<br /><br />For the flooring we wanted something very basic and neutral, so we went with <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_48305-94893-76969531957_0__?storeId=10151&Ntt=grecciano&UserSearch=grecciano&productId=3121961&N=0&catalogId=10051&langId=-1">Interceramic's Grecciano Beige</a> tiles which were on sale at Lowe's for 68 cents each. <br /><br />The beginning of the re-flooring process:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200689469/" title="0911bath1 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6200689469_d44e26f7ff_z.jpg" width="420" height="640" alt="0911bath1"></a><br /><br />Steve's uncle D, invaluable help with lots of advice, instructions, tools, etc.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200689621/" title="0911bath2 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/6200689621_1919a8be89_z.jpg" width="453" height="640" alt="0911bath2"></a><br /><br />The "lovely" vinyl we found underneath the wood laminate<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201200514/" title="0911bath6 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6201200514_9ddc581474_z.jpg" width="429" height="640" alt="0911bath6"></a><br /><br />The damaged sub-flooring is replaced<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201200638/" title="0911bath4 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6201200638_e7a51c2907_z.jpg" width="450" height="640" alt="0911bath4"></a><br /><br />One of our enthusiastic watchers :D<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200689977/" title="0911bath8b by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/6200689977_4256f225a8_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="0911bath8b"></a><br /><br />Backerboard layer is installed:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201200800/" title="0911bath8 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6201200800_b62b22f0bb_z.jpg" width="432" height="640" alt="0911bath8"></a><br /><br />My husband figuring out tile placement<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200690063/" title="0911bath91 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6200690063_62db403fdd_z.jpg" width="448" height="640" alt="0911bath91"></a><br /><br />Noting down the cuts that need to be made<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201200902/" title="0911bath92 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6201200902_48ed72db3c_z.jpg" width="441" height="640" alt="0911bath92"></a><br /><br />Tile cutting!!!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201201006/" title="0911bath93 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6201201006_0b6a450534_z.jpg" width="423" height="640" alt="0911bath93"></a><br /><br />Ready for the new toilet!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6201201076/" title="0911bath97 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6201201076_599c9a405d_z.jpg" width="453" height="640" alt="0911bath97"></a><br />Our old toilet was a major water hog to begin with, AND - in what we are told is common for houses built at the same time as ours - it flushed down twice, wasting even more water, so we got a new water-sense toilet.<br /><br />Voila! The new flooring is installed:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200706053/" title="0927bathfinished2 by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6200706053_6e82ec6d66_z.jpg" width="429" height="640" alt="0927bathfinished2"></a><br /><br />Here is how our bathroom is looking these days - I am so happy with it!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontmarie/6200705925/" title="0927bathfinished by pontmarie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6200705925_d943366d52_z.jpg" width="429" height="640" alt="0927bathfinished"></a><br /><br />I have to say I am so proud of my husband for getting this done - it was a big job, and thanks to Uncle D's knowledge and help, we saved a lot of money and repaired damage that was just going to keep getting worse and worse. <br /><br />The next step in The Bathroom Saga - sort of like The Twilight Saga but with no vamps or weres - is the sink/vanity top. That thing is FUGLY. Apparently it is top of the line marble but damn, ugly is ugly. I hate that it extends over the toilet, too. We will be adding a couple of floating shelves once that banjo-shaped counter is gone. For now, though, we are all enjoying the pretty new flooring - I hope you liked this transformation!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/" ><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x908CSKJhI4/TPp5U0929OI/AAAAAAAAU9w/dCqnDBWHD8U/s400/Chair%2Bon%2Bright%2Blike%2Bheader.jpg" /></a>claudia bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06697802301869795009noreply@blogger.com6