tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75219691639160006652024-03-13T06:36:23.810-06:00Rhapsody of CacophonyHear the sound of all that crazy? When you mix it all together it becomes a pretty great little tune.Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-83145063989704048412012-08-04T21:40:00.000-06:002013-06-14T21:29:14.657-06:00Katie's Two By Two Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I'm totally overdue on this post. I started it long ago, but got stalled editing pictures. I've been bugged to get it done, so I'm going to stop putting it off!<br />
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As my regular readers know, I'm a ridiculous planner. I started seriously pulling together things for this party in April. And then decided I would use May to focus on <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/06/fancy-nancy-soiree.html" target="_blank">Mady's Fancy Nancy Party</a> and June to focus on Katie's party.<br />
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I didn't foresee one thing.<br />
Being pregnant in June.<br />
Anyone who has been pregnant probably knows that what that really means is that you can't get out of bed (or at least off the couch) for about 6 weeks (or more!).<br />
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But I still needed to pull together a Noah's Ark Two-by-Two party!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1sydEqc8Uc/UB3gv-udZPI/AAAAAAAACWg/4rE_FPqhLYI/s1600/Don%27t+feed+the+animals+sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1sydEqc8Uc/UB3gv-udZPI/AAAAAAAACWg/4rE_FPqhLYI/s320/Don%27t+feed+the+animals+sign.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I finally started actually putting things together just a few days before her party. I'm glad the plan was pretty simple! The most time consuming part was the outfits that I made the girls and those came together pretty quick. In case you're wondering here is the <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/05/sewing-rainbow-wrap-skirt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial for the rainbow skirt</a> and the etsy shop I bought the appliques from is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAppliquePatch" target="_blank">The Applique Patch</a>. <br />
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I designed the invitation on my silhouette and printed it out at Staples (I didn't want running ink and their colour laser printers stop that from happening). The Noah's Ark boat and animals were shapes in the library.<br />
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<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/-D3Cbig9fJ7c/UB3oVU7AZBI/AAAAAAAACZQ/iegQhip7Id8/s1600/Noah%27s+Invite+Outside.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3Cbig9fJ7c/UB3oVU7AZBI/AAAAAAAACZQ/iegQhip7Id8/s320/Noah%27s+Invite+Outside.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I cheated and just took a screen shot, but this was done as a card style and this was the outside)</td></tr>
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp5vUj6EsR4/UB3oKqHOIjI/AAAAAAAACZI/4U6RP6H62NU/s1600/Invite+Wording+picture+Noah%27s+ark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp5vUj6EsR4/UB3oKqHOIjI/AAAAAAAACZI/4U6RP6H62NU/s320/Invite+Wording+picture+Noah%27s+ark.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(and the inside, personal info blurred)</td></tr>
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The week leading up to the party we had fabulous weather. Ridiculously hot even, so I had originally planned that we would have the party outside. But then that morning there was a 40% chance of rain. And in Calgary that basically means it's going to rain.<br />
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So we moved to an indoor plan. Which meant it didn't rain.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZglVMPDDqE/UB3g4mfTj5I/AAAAAAAACXY/es2D9UHdNMA/s1600/Raindrop+Birthday+Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZglVMPDDqE/UB3g4mfTj5I/AAAAAAAACXY/es2D9UHdNMA/s320/Raindrop+Birthday+Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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For decorations I made a birthday banner shaped like raindrops out of paper (again using my silhouette), hung balloons as water drops (and, yet again, if I had been allowed to stand on high ladders I would have strongly considered hanging them from the ceiling for a more watery feel. Why am I always pregnant for <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2010/06/under-sea-party.html" target="_blank">second birthday parties</a>??).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zNiTRGXrzY/UB3g1pcj4qI/AAAAAAAACXI/hGmvC8Gccz8/s1600/Rainbow+and+cloud+streamer+design.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zNiTRGXrzY/UB3g1pcj4qI/AAAAAAAACXI/hGmvC8Gccz8/s320/Rainbow+and+cloud+streamer+design.jpg" width="246" /></a><br />
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I ruffled streamers on my sewing machine and made a rainbow with some tissue paper poms as the clouds. Then on the banisters around the room (we have a sunken living room) I taped up some colourful umbrellas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aOUWPLa3FU/UB3g79J27XI/AAAAAAAACXw/zAAVFYcWu_8/s1600/Umbrellas+on+the+rail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aOUWPLa3FU/UB3g79J27XI/AAAAAAAACXw/zAAVFYcWu_8/s320/Umbrellas+on+the+rail.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
For food we had snacks since it was a morning party: cheese, crackers and sausage as "boat building materials," animal crackers, a rainbow fruit platter and jello rainclouds.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBRsdIM8jqM/UB3g50X2d4I/AAAAAAAACXg/gt8S8jlf__0/s1600/Two+by+two+food+table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBRsdIM8jqM/UB3g50X2d4I/AAAAAAAACXg/gt8S8jlf__0/s320/Two+by+two+food+table.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-dO4JyNqAA/UB3gzmQBMgI/AAAAAAAACW4/1A_hiS36fco/s1600/Rain+water+punch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-dO4JyNqAA/UB3gzmQBMgI/AAAAAAAACW4/1A_hiS36fco/s320/Rain+water+punch.jpg" width="210" /></a><br />
The cake I made to look like an ark using some oval pans and a little loaf pan. And lots of chocolate finger cookies. Which ended up tasting better than my original fondant plan.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYZAkZrW1MY/UB3gxAC4gyI/AAAAAAAACWo/cUWPc2uBkH4/s1600/Noah%27s+Ark+Cake+Non+Fondant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYZAkZrW1MY/UB3gxAC4gyI/AAAAAAAACWo/cUWPc2uBkH4/s320/Noah%27s+Ark+Cake+Non+Fondant.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5JwXBqjMeA/UB3guMC9XEI/AAAAAAAACWQ/u4BKPXYgThc/s1600/Buttercream+Noah%27s+Ark+Cake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5JwXBqjMeA/UB3guMC9XEI/AAAAAAAACWQ/u4BKPXYgThc/s320/Buttercream+Noah%27s+Ark+Cake.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
That plan got scrapped because one of my pregnancy aversions is looking at fondant. (I seriously haven't read party blogs in 2.5 months. Can't do it.) <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/06/fancy-nancy-soiree.html" target="_blank">Mady's cake</a> almost killed me. I knew I couldn't muster up the courage to do it again in a month. And really, I crave lots of chocolate. So this was win/win.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JaTEGkYlyn0/UB3g22sFAHI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ve9xKlP8PmM/s1600/Rainbow+necklaces+Mady+and+Aralynn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JaTEGkYlyn0/UB3g22sFAHI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ve9xKlP8PmM/s320/Rainbow+necklaces+Mady+and+Aralynn.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
For activities we had the kids make rainbow necklaces out of gimp and frootloops upon arrival. Katie chose instead to just eat them straight out of the bowl.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7d9UwcB4k4/UB3g0o-PdbI/AAAAAAAACXA/Bf0Iqc4zuTw/s1600/Rainbow+Necklaces+Katie+and+Claire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7d9UwcB4k4/UB3g0o-PdbI/AAAAAAAACXA/Bf0Iqc4zuTw/s320/Rainbow+Necklaces+Katie+and+Claire.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
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Then I took the kids into the living room and I went over the basic Noah's ark story (which I was using to guide the activities, but we ran out of time, so technically we didn't finish the story. Good thing I know all the parents can tell it at home!). I bought a pack of little animals off of amazon (free with my swagbucks. Score!) and I hid one from each pair around the room (actually my Father in law did...Thanks Dad!). I gave the kids an animal to go and find the mate of and when they did I had them bring them back to put in the ark (we have a fisher price ark that I used for this). Then I sent them out to find another. They probably could have played this game for an hour if I had enough animals!<br />
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(no pictures of any of this because I was leading it. Someone else may have some though so when I get some I'll add them in)<br />
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We sang some Noah's ark songs and got all the parents to help us make a rainstorm with our hands (by rubbing your hands, then snapping and then slapping your legs).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CXBIJMB0xs/UB3gyrfLURI/AAAAAAAACWw/gMiKHm2Icx0/s1600/Playdough+A,+M,+M.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CXBIJMB0xs/UB3gyrfLURI/AAAAAAAACWw/gMiKHm2Icx0/s320/Playdough+A,+M,+M.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Next, I pulled out the playdough and the animal shaped cutters and let them go to town. We had our Noah's ark toys and books out for the non participators and colouring sheets for those who preferred that art outlet.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vU8mzMsPAsE/UB3guyYATpI/AAAAAAAACWY/J_sKvHadah4/s1600/Claire+and+Uncle+Dave.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vU8mzMsPAsE/UB3guyYATpI/AAAAAAAACWY/J_sKvHadah4/s320/Claire+and+Uncle+Dave.jpg" width="263" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoH1s-HX9RI/UB3gs5VPgYI/AAAAAAAACWI/N1LL3LsNS8Q/s1600/Baby+T.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoH1s-HX9RI/UB3gs5VPgYI/AAAAAAAACWI/N1LL3LsNS8Q/s320/Baby+T.jpg" width="154" /></a> <br />
After that we had snacks and cake and opened presents.<br />
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4iqK0KL9ew/UB3kVgj0ksI/AAAAAAAACYc/RJxTe5kd0Aw/s1600/Katie+blowing+out+the+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4iqK0KL9ew/UB3kVgj0ksI/AAAAAAAACYc/RJxTe5kd0Aw/s320/Katie+blowing+out+the+candles.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I wish blogger didn't hate my camera's videos because we have one of her singing along and then pre-blowing the candles before we were done singing)</td></tr>
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqc7CD83-6g/UB3kUyCgU0I/AAAAAAAACYU/m3kedrE4olE/s1600/Kate%27s+new+bike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqc7CD83-6g/UB3kUyCgU0I/AAAAAAAACYU/m3kedrE4olE/s320/Kate%27s+new+bike.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Katie enjoying her new bike)</td></tr>
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We ran out of time to blow bubbles so I sent them home with the kids.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6RxLm4sJVw/UB3g61mTszI/AAAAAAAACXo/gZA3gOY1cqQ/s1600/Umbrella+Favours.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6RxLm4sJVw/UB3g61mTszI/AAAAAAAACXo/gZA3gOY1cqQ/s320/Umbrella+Favours.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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For the favours each kid got to pick an umbrella to take home (The tag said "Here's an umbrella to keep the rain off you and to help you remember the day I turned two!"), I gave them some of the animals from the game, and (my stroke of genius) a Dove chocolate bar. Because you can't have the ark without a dove, right??? I had wanted dove eggs but forgot to get them at Easter. Whoops.<br />
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So that was the party. Katie seemed to like it (as much as two year olds can tell you these things).<br />
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We are so blessed to have such lovely friends and family to share these special times with. Thanks everyone for coming! I totally forgot to get a group shot of the kids (someone please start reminding me to do this at parties!)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1MjlgWv8WU/UB3kWtogg1I/AAAAAAAACYk/_q2VjeNLVpA/s1600/Katie+the+Birthday+Girl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1MjlgWv8WU/UB3kWtogg1I/AAAAAAAACYk/_q2VjeNLVpA/s320/Katie+the+Birthday+Girl.jpg" width="291" /></a><br />
We Love You Katie Mae! Happy Birthday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-12119360028162581502012-07-13T08:48:00.000-06:002012-07-13T08:48:20.879-06:00Sneak Peek at Katie's Party and a Feature!Today I am madly getting ready for Katie's birthday party.<br />
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Want a sneak peek?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2xoOk70V7U/T_9QPIDYw9I/AAAAAAAACVw/tuH-nR1F8go/s1600/rainbow+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2xoOk70V7U/T_9QPIDYw9I/AAAAAAAACVw/tuH-nR1F8go/s320/rainbow+skirt.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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Here are the outfits I've been making the girls this week. I'm so excited for them to wear them! Can you guess the theme??<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIs-U0guSO8/T_9QNVfiHbI/AAAAAAAACVo/XQSTtkWjRns/s1600/Giraffe+applique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIs-U0guSO8/T_9QNVfiHbI/AAAAAAAACVo/XQSTtkWjRns/s320/Giraffe+applique.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And up close of the applique because he's so stinkin' cute!<br />
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In the meantime, if you truly can't get enough of my babble, you can head over to<a href="http://www.becauseithinkican.com/2012/07/13/fame-on-friday-15/" target="_blank"> Leanne's blog </a>where she is featuring me today. How sweet, right?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-10467430839754462082012-07-12T03:00:00.000-06:002012-07-12T03:00:03.457-06:00Happy Birthday Katie Mae!Here you are 2 years old!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aW3QbloKiaY/T_yDKfEMIeI/AAAAAAAACVc/qfQXeCtZWUQ/s1600/Katie+Mae+Age+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aW3QbloKiaY/T_yDKfEMIeI/AAAAAAAACVc/qfQXeCtZWUQ/s320/Katie+Mae+Age+2.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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I know every mother thinks the years go by for their child way too fast, but 2 years! Wow!<br />
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You truly are my sunshine kid. You bring so much happy into my life! Oh and the faces you pull out! You are such a performer.<br />
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Things I'm enjoying about you right now:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I love how much you love jam. I think it's your favourite food. When you wake up in the morning that's the first thing you ask for. And if I ask you what you want for lunch, that's your answer.</li>
<li>I love when you run in circles in the living room and giggle. You have the best laugh.</li>
<li>I love your obsession with a "pen"(cil) and paper. If I had to guess, I'd think you're going to be an artist (my walls can attest). Or maybe a writer. You always want us to write letters (mostly B), even though I don't think you actually know any of them by sight.</li>
<li>I love how much you love pink. No one taught you that. In fact, I pushed purple on you. But pink won. It was the first colour you could say and you love it.</li>
<li>I'm glad you still like to cuddle. Even if it's something you could literally do all day long if I let you and that doesn't work for my schedule. </li>
<li>I think it's funny that you like to sing along to Lea Michelle singing Firework (I hate Katy Perry so I refused to use that version). My choir sang it as part of our radio hits concert so I made a CD of all the songs to practice in the car. You get so excited whenever it comes on because you like to sing the "ah, ah, ah" parts.</li>
<li>Your obsession with Toopy and Binoo cracks me up. You totally got it from your sister. But the way you sing that theme song.... Ha! </li>
<li>I like how you like to have your hair done every day. Well at least in theory. You like the after result. :) </li>
<li>You hate pasta. I've tried to get you to like it. But there's no getting around it. It's just not your favourite. Well, except for spaghetti. Obviously we will have to teach you that in our family, we pretend we're Italian. Good thing you like bread. </li>
<li>You are very observant. You are well aware when we pass anywhere in the car that has treats for kids. Like when we pass the grocery store you point and shout "Cookie!"</li>
<li>I love how excited you get when you get to do something just like your sister. "Too!" is one of the phrases you utter often. </li>
<li>You love anything fun and never want it to have to end. Bedtime is such torture for you. So are naps. You wish you could play all day.</li>
<li>You are very independent. Recently you've started wanting to fill your own cups with water from the bathroom tap (the only one you can reach). But then you end up with warm cups of water because you can't reach the cold tap. </li>
</ul>
We love you so much, Katie! Hope you have a birthday so full of fun!<br />
Love Mommy, Daddy and Madelyn<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-66009405616258735942012-07-10T13:15:00.001-06:002012-07-10T13:15:30.286-06:00Poor Neglected BlogI know, I know, I've been a terrible blogger. After Mady's Fancy Nancy party I lost all steam. I have spent the entire month basically just sitting on my couch.<br />
Really.<br />
I pulled out my sewing machine today for the first time in 6 weeks. And that was only because I HAD to get some stuff done for Katie's upcoming party. Something about being fair between siblings.<br />
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Reasons? Well mostly this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn-Xpt5YH0E/T_x-783SIxI/AAAAAAAACVQ/0q7k70Sw4XU/s1600/Pickles+and+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn-Xpt5YH0E/T_x-783SIxI/AAAAAAAACVQ/0q7k70Sw4XU/s320/Pickles+and+ice+cream.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
I hear it's quite the trend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-72200176491241455752012-07-05T23:00:00.000-06:002012-07-05T23:00:01.708-06:00Pin-ed it, Made it FeaturesLast week we announced that we’d be retiring the link party for now and hopefully revamping and bringing it back in the fall!<br />
<img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="189" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="189" /><br />
But we can’t say good bye for now until we do the last set of features! <br />
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Top Viewed:<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu7V-EDquPw/T-ICNHj_-SI/AAAAAAAAAa8/D1_t2GUnz7s/s1600/IMAG0338.jpg"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu7V-EDquPw/T-ICNHj_-SI/AAAAAAAAAa8/D1_t2GUnz7s/s320/IMAG0338.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">From Blah-b to Fab: DIY Thrifty Gift from City Girl Gone Country!</span></h5>
Jennifer’s Pick:<br />
<a href="http://sawgrasshome.com/?p=1833"><img alt="IMG 3886 Lotus Lamp Revamp" height="480" src="http://sawgrasshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_3886.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_3886" width="323" /></a><br />
I’m in love with this lamp! Lotus Lamp Reveal from <a href="http://sawgrasshome.com/?p=1833">Sawgrass Home</a><br />
Melanna’s Pick:<br />
<a href="http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/05/molten-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2V1f0_QaR4/T70uYLQxOHI/AAAAAAAAFH0/pZk2_uOKr_Q/s400/IMG_3033.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A molten chocolate chip cookie?? Yes please! From <a href="http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/05/molten-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Artsy-Fartsy Mama</a>. <br />
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Meig & Brandi’s Pick: <br />
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<a href="http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/06/4th-of-july-clothesline-art.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THg0mtSzJGI/T9eUzOvU_yI/AAAAAAAAFRc/ofbV7rRHwiA/s320/IMG_3177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This holiday craft is super cute and easy, to boot! Thanks for sharing, <a href="http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/06/4th-of-july-clothesline-art.html" target="_blank">Artsy Fartsy Mama</a>! We hope you had a really great 4th of July! <br />
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A big thanks once again to everyone thats linked up over the past 6 month! We'll miss ya, but home to be back in september!Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-42142867049637143792012-06-29T08:22:00.003-06:002012-06-29T08:22:47.988-06:00Pin-ed It Made it Party 29/06<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="179" /> </div>
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Summer time is here! People are on vacation and the weather is HOT!<br />
We’re going to be taking a break from the linky party for July and August and will reevaluate come fall. There hasn’t quite been the growth in the number of links that we were hoping for and it takes quite a bit of time to put the party together each week. So, we’re going to take a little summer break, revamp things and start back up at a later date!<br />
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<b></b><b>Your hosts are </b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b>Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</b></a><b>, </b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/">Melanna from Rhapsody of Cacophony</a><b> & </b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b>Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</b></a> </div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eVKupQb25FE/T93HMtvxkQI/AAAAAAAABsA/HPZ2ReGQdA0/s1600-h/Cinnamon%252520roll%252520waffles%25255B14%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cinnamon roll waffles" border="0" height="316" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qq_35WfiJWo/T93HNH1oRnI/AAAAAAAABsI/YVFhT-rU-XE/Cinnamon%252520roll%252520waffles_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cinnamon roll waffles" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://littlesprinklesoffun.blogspot.com/2012/06/canned-cinnamon-roll-waffles.html">Canned Cinnamon Roll Waffles</a> from Little Sprinkles of Fun! </div>
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Brandi & Meig’s Pick: </div>
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<a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/06/chicken-parmesan-sliders.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0risjIwpAM/T-fx9_IOy1I/AAAAAAAADAc/DiFlExuiiFw/s400/P6213194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We <b>love</b> these <a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/06/chicken-parmesan-sliders.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicken Parmesan Sliders from The Grant Life</a>! They look so yummy! Thanks for sharing. :)<br />
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Melanna’s Pick: </div>
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<a href="http://www.sillypearl.com/2012/06/craft-tutorial-shrink-plastic-curly.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Shrink Plastic Curly Bead Necklaces by The Silly Pearl" border="0" height="368" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0L99zoGNAcQ/T-Qd0WLNK8I/AAAAAAAAOjQ/fg48Ab8zseI/Shrink%252520Plastic%252520Curly%252520Bead%252520Necklaces%252520by%252520The%252520Silly%252520Pearl_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Shrink Plastic Curly Bead Necklaces by The Silly Pearl" width="550" /></a></div>
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My girls would totally think handmade beads would be a fun project. Thanks <a href="http://www.sillypearl.com/2012/06/craft-tutorial-shrink-plastic-curly.html" target="_blank">Steph</a> for the idea!<br />
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Jennifer’s Pick: </div>
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<a href="http://eatinginneverland.blogspot.com/2012/06/crock-pot-french-dip-sandwiches.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFkuLNvzfAM/T2lkIeGJw-I/AAAAAAAAAXg/X2pX9ZK3qbg/s320/DSC04918.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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These sandwiches look divine! Might actually be something my hubby would eat! Thanks so much to <a href="http://eatinginneverland.blogspot.com/2012/06/crock-pot-french-dip-sandwiches.html">Eating in Neverland</a> for sharing! </div>
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<b><u>Please Remember to...</u></b>Follow ALL 3 hosts. <br />
Post our fabulous button on your blog so others can join the fun. (its on my sidebar) <br />
Visit a couple of the other links and spread some love. We all love comments :) <br />
For all projects linked to the “Pin-ed it, Made it” category, please ensure you link ONLY projects you were <u>Pinspired</u> to create and that the original post that inspired your project is properly sourced. We want to play nice :) <br />
For the “Everything Else” category, please do not post giveaways, items you’re selling or other link parties. <br />
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Pin-ed it, Made it:<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=152047" type="text/javascript">
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Everything Else:<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=152048" type="text/javascript">
</script>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-47661338042748543132012-06-22T08:26:00.001-06:002012-06-22T08:26:59.129-06:00Pin-ed It, Made it 22/06<br />
Welcome back to another addition of Pin-ed it, Made it! <br />
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<img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="179" /></div>
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<b></b><b>Your hosts are </b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b>Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</b></a><b>, </b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/">Melanna from Rhapsody of Cacophony</a><b> & </b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b>Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</b></a> </div>
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Top Viewed: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EU24sIdCtzE/T9LFiFcQEmI/AAAAAAAAC6U/ylZ5-K_5PxQ/s640/P6073094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EU24sIdCtzE/T9LFiFcQEmI/AAAAAAAAC6U/ylZ5-K_5PxQ/s400/P6073094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We ALL love these faux-TOMS by Kelley from <a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/06/faux-toms-refashion.html" target="_blank">The Grant Life</a>! <br />
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Melanna’s Pick: <br />
<a href="http://thejunkhouse.blogspot.ca/2012/06/mason-jar-soap-dispenser.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XjWcV1JXdg/T9n-JQHbeOI/AAAAAAAACMw/0Z8pmwcAPFo/s400/IMG_2879.png" width="366" /></a><br />
A mason jar soap dispenser has been on my list forever too! Thanks Sam (From <a href="http://thejunkhouse.blogspot.ca/2012/06/mason-jar-soap-dispenser.html" target="_blank">The Junk House</a>) for showing us yours. <br />
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Meig & Brandi’s Pick: <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUG-EOeacLY/T9LWlMl2T6I/AAAAAAAAC6w/88qRT4hjL7M/s640/P5303074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUG-EOeacLY/T9LWlMl2T6I/AAAAAAAAC6w/88qRT4hjL7M/s400/P5303074.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
YUM! Mojitos are one of our favorites. Thanks to <a href="http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/06/sweet-summertime-simple-mojito-recipe.html" target="_blank">The Grant Life</a> for sharing this great drink recipe! <br />
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Jennifer’s Pick:<br />
<img alt="DSCN8346" border="0" height="332" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pXygmAMWO7k/T95bmxqUuOI/AAAAAAAABeI/LtaXslHtxo8/DSCN8346_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN8346" width="422" /><br />
Love the Father's day hand-stamped washer key-chain from Julie at <a href="http://craftyimaginings.blogspot.ca/2012/06/fathers-day-washer-keychain.html" target="_blank">Crafty Imaginings</a>. I've had a stamp set hanging around the house somewhere... time to get it out and make something clever too!<br />
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<b><u>Please Remember to...</u></b>Follow ALL 3 hosts. <br />
Post our fabulous button on your blog so others can join the fun. (its on my sidebar) <br />
Visit a couple of the other links and spread some love. We all love comments :) <br />
For all projects linked to the “Pin-ed it, Made it” category, please ensure you link ONLY projects you were <u>Pinspired</u> to create and that the original post that inspired your project is properly sourced. We want to play nice :) <br />
For the “Everything Else” category, please do not post giveaways, items you’re selling or other link parties. <br />
<br />
Pin-ed it, Made it:<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=150974" type="text/javascript">
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Everything Else:<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=150976" type="text/javascript">
</script>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-28963668330723093882012-06-14T23:00:00.000-06:002012-06-14T23:00:09.655-06:00Pin-ed it, Made it 15/06<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="179" /><br />
<b>Your hosts are </b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b>Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</b></a><b>, </b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/">Melanna from Rhapsody of Cacophony</a><b> & </b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b>Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</b></a> </div>
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Hey Everyone! Melanna here (just so you know which of the three of us is talking this week...)<br />
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I'm thoroughly addicted to Pinterest. When I first started pinning I had a board called something like "projects to make." Ha! I had no idea that I was essentially creating an impossible to do list.<br />
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So I went the normal route and organized my pins by categories. Then when I'm in the mood to make something, whether it's baking, dinner, a craft or activity with the kids or a sewing project, I have inspiration right in front of me.<br />
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That doesn't mean I don't have a "list" of things I want to finish!<br />
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Here are some pins I'm dying to try:<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;"><img alt="strawberry lemonade bar recipe" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0fwFvgUcR8/TfYGFosFWBI/AAAAAAAABRM/ZbDNdYD8Pso/s400/DSC_0174-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203717583114153567/" target="_blank">pinned here</a> the ingredients to this one are actually in my kitchen waiting for me. Hopefully today!)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaHVp92mD7Q/T20lnEV05eI/AAAAAAAABYA/_Wnu3owCLYY/s400/2012-03-23_12-47-43_221.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203717583114671613/" target="_blank">pinned here</a> We only ever have 2 hot weeks in July. But wouldn't it be wonderful to lie on a giant bag of water? Yes. Yes it would!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__1-Mwjp-ksg/TUtHX6SzPwI/AAAAAAAAIzA/jP2YW1ZVauQ/s400/IMG_6945.JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(of course I have a sewing project waiting in the wings! Or 50... <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203717583113815277/" target="_blank">Pinned here</a>. I've only made my girls skirts and dresses. I really need to venture into shirts (especially since Mady's torso is SO long). How cute is this shirt? So darling!)</td></tr>
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But of course it's not enough to just have things on the to do list. Which is why we party here each week showing off the stuff we've actually done! Success or failure! So let's get to it, show us all that stuff that you Pinned and actually made!<br />
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Here are our top picks from last week:</div>
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<b>Top viewed:</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UA_KTnUpo3w/T80nWJ3jTmI/AAAAAAAAQnY/8zR0f1XFJ8k/s1600/soap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_xcehb0="5" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UA_KTnUpo3w/T80nWJ3jTmI/AAAAAAAAQnY/8zR0f1XFJ8k/s320/soap3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Soap Cloud from <a href="http://themoorebabies.blogspot.com/2012/06/pinned-there-done-that-experiment-night.html">Moore Babies</a>. Looks Like Fun!</div>
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<b>Jennifer's Pick:</b><br />
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<a href="http://brookecoveredingrace.blogspot.com/2012/03/pin-spiration-10.html"><img border="0" closure_uid_k3yz56="5" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTmBAICRrYA/T17m9NrT-xI/AAAAAAAABzE/wUfyK-Swm5o/s320/ladder1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is so much inspiration in this post and I am LOVING the DIY art created by <a href="http://brookecoveredingrace.blogspot.com/2012/03/pin-spiration-10.html">Covered in Grace!</a></div>
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<b>Meig and Brandi's Pick:</b></div>
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<a href="http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.com/2012/05/gift-idea-set-of-washi-tape-cards.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqxDA4sx-aw/T8U4onkE3dI/AAAAAAAAP58/tvT3TvcB1KU/s400/washi+tape+cards-+gift+set+%285%29+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We love these washi tape cards from <a href="http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.com/2012/05/gift-idea-set-of-washi-tape-cards.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crafting and Creativity</a>. So simple and cute! Thanks for the great idea, Sarah!<br />
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<b>Melanna's Pick:</b></div>
<a href="http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6p-SNzY_VjI/T8edyVgK51I/AAAAAAAAP6g/cx3nrD1yDcI/s400/July120116edit.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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I'm Canadian, so I have to show some love to my fellow citizens! Sarah at <a href="http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Crafting and Creativity</a> has a whole post of ideas of fun ways to celebrate Canada Day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Please Remember to...</u></b>Follow ALL 3 hosts. <br />
Post our fabulous button on your blog so others can join the fun. (its on my sidebar) <br />
Visit a couple of the other links and spread some love. We all love comments :) <br />
For all projects linked to the “Pin-ed it, Made it” category, please ensure you link ONLY projects you were <u>Pinspired</u> to create and that the original post that inspired your project is properly sourced. We want to play nice :) <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the “Everything Else” category, please do not post giveaways, items you’re selling or other link parties.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Pin-ed it, Made it:
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Everything Else:
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=149838" type="text/javascript">
</script>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-28424045209107786832012-06-13T03:00:00.000-06:002012-06-13T07:53:03.550-06:00Happy Birthday Madelyn!Dear Madelyn, <br />
<br />
I know you thought this day would NEVER come and that you've been (im)patiently waiting for it to arrive for the past 7 months, but today you are FINALLY 4! (or as I'm sure you'll put it, almost 5!)<br />
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<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/-mkaSUD3P7cE/T9Yd1J2O-II/AAAAAAAACT8/gV3HVvjHn5U/s1600/Mady+birth+to+4+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mkaSUD3P7cE/T9Yd1J2O-II/AAAAAAAACT8/gV3HVvjHn5U/s400/Mady+birth+to+4+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Freshly born, age 1, age 2, age 3, age 4!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You are my sing-song kid. You have a song in your heart and you just have to get it out. You don't care where you are or who is listening or even what you're singing about, you just always are. Thankfully the pitch and rhythm has greatly improved. :)<br />
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Some things that I'm enjoying about you right now:<br />
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<ul>
<li>This year has sprouted a whole bunch of independence from you. Sometimes this is great, other times, it's not my favourite. :) But I love to watch you grow and learn and I love how excited you get when you figure something out for yourself.</li>
<li>You are so perceptive. If I go a different route home or to a store you are aware right away.</li>
<li>You have taken quite the fascination in letters. I think you'll be reading before too much longer. Once we get the lowercase letters under our belt and can remember all the sound combinations.</li>
<li>Purple is your favourite colour.</li>
<li>You learned your first "stupid human trick" and can curl your tongue into a clover. You show everyone who will look. </li>
<li>You love peanut butter and honey. You would eat it every day if I let you.</li>
<li>Ever since you<a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/day-my-daughter-cut-her-own-hair.html" target="_blank"> cut your hair</a> you're obsessed with how "long" it's getting. You don't seem to understand that it doesn't grow overnight by 3 inches.</li>
<li>You don't like vegetables. I don't actually enjoy this. But I like the creative excuses you come up with for not eating them.</li>
<li>You love to dance. And twirl. If every skirt I made you spun like your <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/06/fancy-nancy-soiree.html" target="_blank">pettiskirt</a>, you would be in heaven. I don't know how you don't get dizzy.</li>
<li>I love how you take care of your sister (when you're not fighting with her). Especially when you're playing with groups of kids you always watch out for her, even without being asked. You do that for other younger kids too. It warms my heart.</li>
<li>You are OBSESSED with Toopy and Binoo. You think they're SO funny. I can't say I feel the same way. But I'll give them credit for teaching you all about patterns with their online games. So I guess it's not all bad. </li>
<li>You are full of anticipation! I have to be careful not to tell you about things too early or you'll talk about them obsessively and whine and fuss about how it's taking so long for that day to come. But I sure love your excitement about things! Even little things like someone coming over to play or going to a favourite store in the morning.</li>
</ul>
I'm sadly aware that this is the last year of you being a preschooler and I intend to gobble up every minute with you this year. How did those years go by so quickly?<br />
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3vVnnnmTB8/T9Ydz6BXWVI/AAAAAAAACT0/C1f3x920Xcg/s1600/Mady+and+Makenna+birthday+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3vVnnnmTB8/T9Ydz6BXWVI/AAAAAAAACT0/C1f3x920Xcg/s400/Mady+and+Makenna+birthday+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(while going through pictures I found some of Mady and Makenna at each birthday party. Aww!)</td></tr>
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Know that we love you and love all the fun and joy you bring to our lives. Daddy and I often comment on how boring our life must have been before you came along!<br />
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Happy Birthday!<br />
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Love Mommy, Daddy and Kaitlyn<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-80449591346207173952012-06-11T11:11:00.001-06:002012-06-11T11:11:58.387-06:00A Fun Zoo-Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjcuLZVNd_8/T9YloECHECI/AAAAAAAACUI/iVoIX5hr_vs/s1600/Calgary+Zoo+Penguins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjcuLZVNd_8/T9YloECHECI/AAAAAAAACUI/iVoIX5hr_vs/s320/Calgary+Zoo+Penguins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm having such a hard time finishing the year. I'm SO in summer mode! It's less than 2 weeks before the last of our scheduled activities are done for the year. I love this time of year because with such nice weather the girls will spend hours outside.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u13vCXLiGlU/T9YltuAgqzI/AAAAAAAACUo/sjSJTpk2UWk/s1600/Peacock+at+the+Calgary+Zoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u13vCXLiGlU/T9YltuAgqzI/AAAAAAAACUo/sjSJTpk2UWk/s320/Peacock+at+the+Calgary+Zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This leaves me with wonderful amounts of time to get things done.<br />
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Except I don't. I have no motivation in the summer to do anything productive. I want to lay around and read books, or nap. Do we train ourselves to do that because growing up we have every summer "off?"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8o_smPjGrY/T9YlrAHgqyI/AAAAAAAACUY/8Hv0rx5Rxi0/s1600/Mady+and+an+Elephant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8o_smPjGrY/T9YlrAHgqyI/AAAAAAAACUY/8Hv0rx5Rxi0/s320/Mady+and+an+Elephant.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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The other day I was having a particularly lazy day. The girls were outside and the only thing that could be counted as productive was the fact that I had showered.<br />
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Then my phone rang. It was my friend wondering if we wanted to join her and her son for an impromptu trip to the zoo. I'm totally aware at how spoiled we are to have a fabulous zoo right in our city for us to visit whenever we want!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FofDKYDLde4/T9YlsU_wZoI/AAAAAAAACUg/Cu7vW71bgdc/s1600/More+penguins+at+Calgary+Zoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FofDKYDLde4/T9YlsU_wZoI/AAAAAAAACUg/Cu7vW71bgdc/s320/More+penguins+at+Calgary+Zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, I spent the next 20 minutes rushing around packing all the supplies we would need for a day at the zoo (for an overcast, could rain any minute, kind of day) including lunch and then we were out the door.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3dDp9VZKDc/T9YlvMf8LBI/AAAAAAAACUw/gvDWLoM5qlw/s1600/Penguin+at+Calgary+Zoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3dDp9VZKDc/T9YlvMf8LBI/AAAAAAAACUw/gvDWLoM5qlw/s320/Penguin+at+Calgary+Zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our zoo recently got penguins and this was the first time we had gone to see them, so that was a fun treat. And the peacocks who roam the grounds were feeling particularly show-off-y that day with their tail feathers. The kids thought this was the greatest thing ever. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IupHUh4bekE/T9YlpVCbjzI/AAAAAAAACUQ/l6AuxdRGCe4/s1600/Katie+and+the+Penguins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IupHUh4bekE/T9YlpVCbjzI/AAAAAAAACUQ/l6AuxdRGCe4/s320/Katie+and+the+Penguins.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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We had a great time and all that fresh air meant good naps in the afternoon! I love that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-81049619212519497262012-06-08T07:50:00.002-06:002012-06-08T08:15:45.297-06:00Pin-ed it, Made it 08/06<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Your hosts are </b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b>Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</b></a><b>, </b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/">Melanna from Rhapsody of Cacophony</a><b>& </b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b>Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</b></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>Top Viewed:</b> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDY-_1nlFO0/T8Z_p_mDeoI/AAAAAAAABVU/fLclzneLh04/s1600/PennyCoveredTable.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_mxt9xv="5" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDY-_1nlFO0/T8Z_p_mDeoI/AAAAAAAABVU/fLclzneLh04/s320/PennyCoveredTable.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Penny Coffee Table from Haute to Sew!</div>
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<b>Jennifer’s Pick:</b> <br />
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<a href="http://www.addhousewife.com/2012/05/nutella-stuffed-crepes.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_8iczav="2" height="400" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/mickimowse/bloggy%20stuff/D3F9F82C.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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These Nuetella Stuffed Crepes from <a href="http://www.addhousewife.com/2012/05/nutella-stuffed-crepes.html">Confessions of an ADD Housewife</a> totally make me want to ditch my diet!!! I will definitely be trying these out in the not too distant future :)<br />
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<b>Meig & Brandi’s Pick:</b> <br />
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<a href="http://preparednesswithmegs.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/whatever-wednesday-valentines-day-shirts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://preparednesswithmegs.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/mg_3226.jpg?w=630" width="400" /></a></div>
We love these boy Valentine's Day tshirts by <a href="http://preparednesswithmegs.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/whatever-wednesday-valentines-day-shirts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crafty Meggy</a>! What a great idea! Those boys are really cute, too. :) <br />
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<b>Melanna’s Pick: </b><br />
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I've often thought that I should've been an English teacher. I'm always SO attracted to ways that help kids understand this crazy language we all speak. That's why I love this contractions project that Megan did on her blog <a href="http://preparednesswithmegs.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/whatever-wednesday-pinterest-pick/" target="_blank">Preparedness with Megs.</a><br />
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</script>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-21030457273629366162012-06-06T12:19:00.000-06:002012-06-06T18:30:19.845-06:00A Fancy Nancy SoireeThis past weekend was exhausting. I had two huge choir concerts for which Mark's family was in town and so then I decided to throw Mady's party the same weekend so they could attend (they don't like to miss anything). It all went great, but I spent Monday putting my house mostly back together and yesterday just being tired and completely useless.<br />
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BUT, I knew I couldn't put off this party post any longer. You guys have been WAY too patient for all the details (and with me being pretty much absent)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1KyIayFxVY/T8-dPx7sXmI/AAAAAAAACTo/sVIRO9CMrvw/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Party+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1KyIayFxVY/T8-dPx7sXmI/AAAAAAAACTo/sVIRO9CMrvw/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Party+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This year we hosted a Fancy Nancy Soiree (that's a fancy word for party). Last summer I introduced Mady to Nancy and that was pretty much the end. The theme was decided. She just loves her. She has been asking about when her party is going to be since about Christmas time and counting down the months, weeks and days. Needless to say, she was very excited.<br />
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It wouldn't be a Fancy Nancy party without a fancy ensemble (that's a fancy word for outfit). I wasn't sure what to do, so when my sister suggested a pettiskirt I knew it was perfect. But then I'm cheap and there was no way I was paying the ridiculous prices for them. So I made them. And now I know why people charge ridiculous prices. And let me tell you, people, you're getting a steal of a deal! But I love them and they love them! I made the shirts (which are cupcakes if you can't tell) to match using leftovers from the skirts and other stuff from around my house. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3EbHEhnF_Q/T895v147WII/AAAAAAAACQs/84Mc7T5ayjU/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Pettiskirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3EbHEhnF_Q/T895v147WII/AAAAAAAACQs/84Mc7T5ayjU/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Pettiskirts.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
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Let's start with the invitations. I cut out little purses with my Silhouette, printed all the party info to put inside. Added a flower, ribbon for the handle and some velcro to keep it closed.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5DoNPJDkXE/T895yGuHpjI/AAAAAAAACQ0/VjlFcBJ10hE/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Purse+Invitation+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5DoNPJDkXE/T895yGuHpjI/AAAAAAAACQ0/VjlFcBJ10hE/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Purse+Invitation+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know I could have gone crazy making them more fancy, but sometimes it's just better for me to stop. Apparently quite a few of the kids liked them as I had a few parents calling or emailing me for the party details because their child had wandered off with them! Ha!<br />
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Let's just take a quick peek at the decor and then I'll show you the actual party and what we did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9nUurv6spo/T89-eEd4luI/AAAAAAAACRA/uBT4uQXzr68/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Decor+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9nUurv6spo/T89-eEd4luI/AAAAAAAACRA/uBT4uQXzr68/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Decor+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise: Framed print on mantle, French Happy Birthday Banner, Door Sign, La Chic Boutique sign</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I missed taking a picture of the big pink poms and ruffled streamers between my living room and upstairs (it's a sunken living room), but you can imagine they were there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdCWTisdxEU/T8-EM80s96I/AAAAAAAACRM/6oLvxJ7JdT4/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Tea+Party+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdCWTisdxEU/T8-EM80s96I/AAAAAAAACRM/6oLvxJ7JdT4/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Tea+Party+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise: Tea Party Set up, King's Crown Sign, Place settings, Food labels, Tea cups with Pinkies up and Mustache Staws</td></tr>
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When the kids arrived we played Mady's Fancy Nancy Parfait game until all the kids arrived. I didn't get pictures of this as I was still completing a few last minute food things. But it's a great little game that Mady loves and doesn't torment me as a parent to play so I highly recommend it.<br />
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Next we read Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy. I chose this book in particular because it's probably Mady's favourite and it introduces Mrs. Devine.<br />
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I have a fabulous friend, Eve, who agreed to come and play the part of Mrs. Devine (Fancy Nancy's neighbour who taught her all about being fancy) and she was perfect! Mady was completely star struck. It made me giggle! It was even better because Mady has never met Eve so she didn't recognize her as my friend at all.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-IPei5r-c/T8-KxT-HMRI/AAAAAAAACRo/UOzs-YAPVWw/s1600/Mrs+Devine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo-IPei5r-c/T8-KxT-HMRI/AAAAAAAACRo/UOzs-YAPVWw/s400/Mrs+Devine.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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So then Mrs. Devine suggested the kids all get fancy for a fashion show. I had set up the "La Chic Boutique" with all sorts of dress up supplies. For the boys I had some less girly sunglasses, top hats, ties and moustashes. I even found some less feminine rings. For the girls there were necklaces, boas, rings, coloured "hair extension" clips (which Stanley was a huge fan of), and sunglasses.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIsW5f2Au3g/T8-MITgZBhI/AAAAAAAACRw/YHUBIlGW6yU/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Fashion+Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIsW5f2Au3g/T8-MITgZBhI/AAAAAAAACRw/YHUBIlGW6yU/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Fashion+Show.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then Mrs. Devine showed them all how to walk with a banana on their head (Nancy does this with her sister in one of the books) and for those willing to participate we did a little fashion show.<br />
I had a frame that I painted pink for some extra pictures. I somehow did not get everyone, so if you were at the party and got pictures, you may have kids I missed.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSuBXMH1y-8/T8-N0NgLwjI/AAAAAAAACR4/sNLhbxkSJ-M/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSuBXMH1y-8/T8-N0NgLwjI/AAAAAAAACR4/sNLhbxkSJ-M/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Boys.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmO5EtvOFuU/T8-N1rHUwTI/AAAAAAAACSA/6nDIQlLdX5I/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmO5EtvOFuU/T8-N1rHUwTI/AAAAAAAACSA/6nDIQlLdX5I/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Girls.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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Last we played Mrs. Devine May I. Which most of the kids didn't get. Probably should have gone with Simon says vs. Mother May I. :) <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijJxNHplT4Q/T8-Jpf0_NTI/AAAAAAAACRY/zADIkId0rPU/s1600/Mrs+Devine+May+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijJxNHplT4Q/T8-Jpf0_NTI/AAAAAAAACRY/zADIkId0rPU/s400/Mrs+Devine+May+I.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then we went up to the table for a tea party.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tNZlN42pPs/T8-QXARdSBI/AAAAAAAACSU/5ByDh2UaQFg/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Tea+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tNZlN42pPs/T8-QXARdSBI/AAAAAAAACSU/5ByDh2UaQFg/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Tea+Party.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvb9xX78nFI/T8-QZGSxvCI/AAAAAAAACSc/Lnu8-wUZzz8/s1600/Tea+Party+Fancy+Nancy+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvb9xX78nFI/T8-QZGSxvCI/AAAAAAAACSc/Lnu8-wUZzz8/s400/Tea+Party+Fancy+Nancy+Style.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had peanut butter and jam or honey sandwiches cut into the shape of crowns (my mother in law made them all for me and was so kind as to follow my crazy instructions for how to cut them).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5v7-e9bAJQY/T8-QkRRkiUI/AAAAAAAACSk/wJmUtiVheL8/s1600/Fruit+Skewers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5v7-e9bAJQY/T8-QkRRkiUI/AAAAAAAACSk/wJmUtiVheL8/s400/Fruit+Skewers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My sister in law put together fruit kabobs for me, and we had "tea" in their cups, which was really just raspberry lemonade. And, of course, Mrs Devine showed them how to drink with their pinkies up.<br />
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After they finished eating we took them outside for the pinata. This was pretty much the only request from Mady for her party. I had a bit of trouble coming up with an idea for how to make a pinata fancy. Then I remembered seeing one somewhere in blogland that was covered in tissue paper roses. So that's what I did. 250 roses later we had a fancy pinata. One that was apparently not made thin enough for dainty 3 and 4-year-olds to break.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMFTTxoszzM/T8-XxDZuzyI/AAAAAAAACS4/WR05QspT00E/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Pinata+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMFTTxoszzM/T8-XxDZuzyI/AAAAAAAACS4/WR05QspT00E/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Pinata+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good thing we had a Dad close by to help! Once it was broken they discovered candy necklaces, ring pops and some pink jelly beans inside (and I put them all in bags before so that it was fair. Maybe that's a kill joy, but I figured at this age all the kids probably don't really understand the candy scramble so if I didn't there was going to be tears).<br />
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Then they came inside and decorated some boxes with stickers and such. I tried to gather the nerve to bring in paint, but decided I couldn't quite get to that point of mess. Maybe when she's five... The plan was that they would be jewelry boxes, but since we had boys I didn't call them that. They put various treasures in from the boutique.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QITgeneVVpw/T8-Yp1lC4eI/AAAAAAAACTA/JaAH4kZTmiA/s1600/Decorating+Jewelry+Boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QITgeneVVpw/T8-Yp1lC4eI/AAAAAAAACTA/JaAH4kZTmiA/s400/Decorating+Jewelry+Boxes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then we had cake, cookies and parfaits.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1j-GaWIPbg/T8-ZpuRFHvI/AAAAAAAACTI/KnZzDguNSCg/s1600/Fancy+Nancy+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1j-GaWIPbg/T8-ZpuRFHvI/AAAAAAAACTI/KnZzDguNSCg/s400/Fancy+Nancy+Cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYEc9TbRVME/T8-ZqwOFG0I/AAAAAAAACTQ/VpRo6mONzwE/s1600/fancy+nancy+shoe+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYEc9TbRVME/T8-ZqwOFG0I/AAAAAAAACTQ/VpRo6mONzwE/s400/fancy+nancy+shoe+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And lastly we opened presents.<br />
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At the end of the party, each child got to pick a Fancy Nancy book to take home as well as keep the butterfly place mat that I made them from the table setting (you can find the <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ragged-butterfly-place-mat-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial here</a>).<br />
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My kids are blessed with such wonderful friends! Thanks everyone for coming and making Mady's fourth birthday so special.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTed1Sp_CN0/T8-axiUVR-I/AAAAAAAACTY/GDQ1kLZm-cE/s1600/Makenna+and+Mady+birthday+hugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTed1Sp_CN0/T8-axiUVR-I/AAAAAAAACTY/GDQ1kLZm-cE/s400/Makenna+and+Mady+birthday+hugs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(and thanks Katie for the pictures I stole off of your facebook page of all the things I missed...)<br />
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And there you have it! And now I have less than 6 weeks to get the next party together. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
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Ps - I collected ideas from all over the internet for this party. Know that some really fabulous people helped to inspire this party and I couldn't have done it without their ideas.<br />
Here are the ones I could find the inspiration websites for. If I missed something you know is your work or idea, please let me know and I'll add you to the credits.<br />
<ul>
<li>For the Pettiskirts I followed this <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/07/full-and-fluffy-pettiskirt.html" target="_blank">fabulous pettiskirt tutorial</a>. One of these days I'll explain how I did it because I made it more work than necessary and sometimes that comical. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The t-shirts were inspired by the shirts found in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58464059/frosted-cupcake-pop-up-top-long-sleeve" target="_blank">this etsy shop</a>. I'm cheap and was running out of shipping time and since I had everything on hand to make them, I did. But if you're lazy, or not crafty you should buy them from her. And she has TONS of chiffon, at great prices, which I found AFTER I purchased all my non non-fraying kind. Which made my skirt making a pain... </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The fancy pinata was inspired by the<a href="http://katelandersevents.blogspot.ca/2010/10/tissue-rose-pinata-diy-feature-and.html" target="_blank"> pinata in this post</a>. Her's was much prettier. But like I always say, my versions are always slightly dorkier/wonkier/floppier. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Um this cake is amazing. And I couldn't quit thinking about it. So <a href="http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1496775/fancy-nancy" target="_blank">this is the cake</a> that I modeled mine after. Minus the crown because I got all creative with modelling chocolate, which then fell apart. - </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-raspberry-lemonade/" target="_blank">raspberry lemonade punch</a> was a doubled version of a recipe that I found on pinterest. Delish! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Invitation Wording – I pieced
together from various invitations I found online and now I can't find
any of the sources. Sorry. If you recognize your creativity, please
send me an email and I'll give you credit! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Same with the party signage.</li>
</ul>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-13461670824776243262012-05-31T23:59:00.000-06:002012-06-02T14:45:44.947-06:00Pin-ed It, Made It 06/01<b><span style="color: #666666;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I know you're probably wondering where I've been for the last week. This is the craziest week of my entire year! This weekend the choir I sing in is putting on 2 huge concerts of hit radio songs (so fun!). And my in-laws are coming to stay with us and hear the concert (that's the lowest stress of the whole thing). BUT, since they were coming for the concerts I didn't want to make them come back in a week or two for a birthday party or have to miss one. SO, I got this brilliant idea to do Mady's birthday party the same weekend. Oh goodness. It's been nutty. But I have LOTS to show you next week. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now let's get on with today's post...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Can’t believe that its already been 20 weeks of linky fun! So I thought it would be fun if I (<a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a>) showed you my latest pinterest fail!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Inspiration:</span><br />
<a href="http://thebareintimates.com/nailed-it/"><img alt="ombre sparkle nails" height="300" src="http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/181340322466249535_4LH46uC8_b.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="394" /></a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/findingmyway/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jennifer Salter</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> via </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/caperyan/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ryan Birchall</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> onto </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/findingmyway/fashion-i-love/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Fashion I Love</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> from: </span><a href="http://thebareintimates.com/nailed-it/" title="http://thebareintimates.com/nailed-it/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://thebareintimates.com/nailed-it/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Reality:</span><br />
<img height="394" src="http://distilleryimage5.instagram.com/1983aae0aa8b11e1a39b1231381b7ba1_7.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="394" /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ummm…. yeah… not so fantastic! Maybe I’ll have better luck next time…. Maybe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">On to the Party!!!</span><br />
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<div align="center">
<img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="179" /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Your hosts are </span></b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: small;">, </span></b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Melanna from Rhapsody of Cacophony</span></a><b><span style="font-size: small;">& </span></b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: #8fb08c; font-size: small;">Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #8fb08c; font-size: small;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Top Viewed:</span></b> <br />
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<a href="http://www.inspired-housewife.com/2012/05/25/homemade-strawberry-fruit-leather/"><img alt="Strawberry Fruit Leather" class="alignnone" height="399" src="http://www.inspired-housewife.com/wp-content/gallery/cooking/rollup-01.jpg" style="margin: 10px;" width="415" /></a></div>
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Strawberry Fruit Leather Rollups from <a href="http://www.inspired-housewife.com/2012/05/25/homemade-strawberry-fruit-leather/">Inspired Housewife!</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Jennifer’s Pick:</span></b> </div>
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<a href="http://www.threeyearsdown.com/2012/05/journey-through-pinterest.html"><img border="0" closure_uid_kawh27="7" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPkDUW7J4hI/T7AdtX_pX1I/AAAAAAAAAYU/xxv97bX4u94/s320/IMG_0296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm a smoothie-a-holic! And these sound Delish! So glad that <a href="http://www.threeyearsdown.com/2012/05/journey-through-pinterest.html">Three Years Down</a> shared this!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Meig & Brandi’s Pick:</span></b> </div>
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<a href="http://mamaldiane.com/?p=5715" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://mamaldiane.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/0361-1024x900.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We LOVE these <a href="http://mamaldiane.com/?p=5715" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bacon meatballs from Mamal Diane</a>! We're big fans of anything that has bacon in it and Brandi makes an awesome chili with bacon and beer. Yum! We also think it's cool that she's from Ohio! We love seeing things from other Ohioans. Thanks for sharing! <b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Melanna’s Pick":</span></b> <br />
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<a href="http://www.sillypearl.com/2012/05/craft-tutorial-make-easy-diy-stamps.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="How to make easy foam rubber stamps" border="0" height="335" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0YsVOpg7Vqw/T7_PyxxCSNI/AAAAAAAANBY/Rl3u6IBCE10/How%252520to%252520make%252520easy%252520foam%252520rubber%252520stamps_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="How to make easy foam rubber stamps" width="500" /></a></div>
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My four year old has gotten big into making cards and such "just like mom." She would LOVE these home made stamps from <a href="http://www.sillypearl.com/2012/05/craft-tutorial-make-easy-diy-stamps.html" target="_blank">The Silly Pearl</a>. I'm totally saving this as a summer rainy day activity.<br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"></span></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Please Remember to...</u></b>Follow ALL 3 hosts. <br />Post our fabulous button on your blog so others can join the fun. (its on my sidebar) <br />Visit a couple of the other links and spread some love. We all love comments :) <br />For all projects linked to the “Pined it, Made it” category, please ensure you link ONLY projects you were <u>Pinspired</u> to create and that the original post that inspired your project is properly sourced. We want to play nice :) <br />For the “Everything Else” category, please do not post giveaways, items you’re selling or other link parties.</span></div>
Pin-ed It, Made It:<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=147745" type="text/javascript">
</script> Everything Else:<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=147749" type="text/javascript">
</script>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-69986187101387767802012-05-24T23:00:00.000-06:002012-05-25T07:39:51.789-06:00Pin-ed It, Made It 05/25<br />
Not every Pinspired project works out as planned…<br />
<img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cache3.pinterest.com/upload/90353536244485022_soNppLG1_c.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<a href="http://pinterest.com/nichellelora/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nichelle Allen</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> via </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/kielreid/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kiel Reid</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> onto </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/nichellelora/random-awesomeness/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Random Awesomeness</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> on </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/43206477645497788/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pinterest</span></a></blockquote>
</div>
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…But we hope that you’ll link it up anyways!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GAqAcWouuDE/T5jJqaPQvtI/AAAAAAAADrU/C6ZuRJO2Fok/s1600-h/pined_it_made_it_button175x175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="179" /></a><br />
<b>Your hosts are </b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b>Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</b></a><b>, </b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/">Melanna from Rhapsody of Cacophony</a><b>& </b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b>Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</b></a><b> </b><br />
<br />
Now on to the Features!<br />
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Top Viewed This Week: <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74Vji-tOoYo/T7PjAC4bT-I/AAAAAAAAG_Q/4wuJXqUzhDg/s1600/cb1.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74Vji-tOoYo/T7PjAC4bT-I/AAAAAAAAG_Q/4wuJXqUzhDg/s640/cb1.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="323" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/05/diy-mirror-turned-chalkboard.html">Mirror Turned Chalk Board from I Should Be Mopping the Floor!</a><br />
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Meig & Brandi’s Top Pick: <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1yD28qyGDs/T7WAC7UvN6I/AAAAAAAACog/zO8Eh5VSCsc/s400/IMG_9271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1yD28qyGDs/T7WAC7UvN6I/AAAAAAAACog/zO8Eh5VSCsc/s400/IMG_9271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our favorite link up is the <a href="http://www.heathersfrenchpress.com/2012/05/nutella-fudge-pops.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nutella Fudge Pops</a> from Heather's French Press! We LOVE fudgecicles AND Nutella. Putting them together is a great idea!! <br />
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Melanna’s Top Pick:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26gE9Xdlyr0/T7KgDDheqEI/AAAAAAAAPq8/r13A8sHbObg/s1600/hair+stuff+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26gE9Xdlyr0/T7KgDDheqEI/AAAAAAAAPq8/r13A8sHbObg/s320/hair+stuff+%281%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Maybe it's because I've have 2 girls, but I LOVE me some hair bows. I'm totally in the mood to make some of these super cute felt ones. And lucky for me (and you!) Sarah at Crafting and Creativity just posted <a href="http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.ca/2012/05/how-to-make-rolled-felt-flowers.html" target="_blank">the tutorial</a>! <br />
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Jennifer’s Top Pick: <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_bv84bh="3" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714750156087528274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Btxz4yiA3iw/T07e_Sm0i1I/AAAAAAAAARA/GCZuR9KWQc8/s400/DSC04842.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
I love my crock pot! And so does <a href="http://eatinginneverland.blogspot.com/2012/03/crock-pot-love.html">Cynthia from Eating in Neverland</a> :) I think this is a recipe that even my picky eater of a husband would like!<br />
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Please Remember to...<br />
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Follow ALL 3 hosts. <br />
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Post our new and fabulous button on you blog so others can join the fun. (its on my sidebar) <br />
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Visit a couple of the other links and spread some love. We all love comments :) <br />
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For all projects linked to the “Pin-ed it, Made it” category, please ensure you link ONLY projects you were <u>Pinspired</u> to create and that the original post that inspired your project is properly sourced. We want to play nice :) <br />
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For the “Everything Else” category, please do not post giveaways, items you’re selling or other link parties. <br />
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Pin-ed It, Made it!:<br />
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Everything Else!:<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-87566380646340317242012-05-22T12:47:00.001-06:002012-05-22T12:48:57.302-06:00Ragged Butterfly Place Mat TutorialHere is the promised tutorial for the Ragged Butterfly Place Mats. There is nothing that is particularly hard about them, but I did find them to take some time (though I also did 10, so it may have just FELT longer!).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ymC2FCyBPQ/T7ve81yRa3I/AAAAAAAACQg/6fe9oqzGA_I/s1600/Make+your+own+Butterfly+Place+Mat+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ymC2FCyBPQ/T7ve81yRa3I/AAAAAAAACQg/6fe9oqzGA_I/s320/Make+your+own+Butterfly+Place+Mat+.jpg" title="Ragged Butterfly Place Mat Tutorial" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started with a basic butterfly shape. I got mine from the Silhouette online store, but I'm sure you could draw one or use any butterfly clip art. I drew a line down the centre (the middle of the body) so I knew where the halfway mark was.<br />
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I sized it so that half of the butterfly filled a vertical (portrait) page. I printed this size and then I shrunk it so that it was about 1/2 inch smaller all the way around. I had to stretch out the wings a bit in order to make the body small enough, but basically you just want a 1/2 inch smaller butterfly as even as possible all the way around (but it doesn't have to be exact).<br />
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Once I had printed my butterflies, I cut them out of the fabric that I wanted to use. Use the large butterfly for the outer fabric and the smaller butterfly for the batting. Since you only have half a butterfly, you'll need to place it on the fold. To get better mileage from my fabric, I folded both edges into the centre fold line (and then I was able to cut 2 at once).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OsW3vwBvd2g/T7vbMU1zGtI/AAAAAAAACP4/8KLxsCqOHQQ/s1600/Ragged+Butterfly+Mat+Pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OsW3vwBvd2g/T7vbMU1zGtI/AAAAAAAACP4/8KLxsCqOHQQ/s400/Ragged+Butterfly+Mat+Pieces.jpg" title="Pieces for butterfly mats" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was going with the birthday colours. 8 of the 10 that I did I made pink on one side and purple on the other. 2 of them (for the boys) I made green on both sides. Then for the circles (my butterfly shape came with them) I cut out the small ones all green for the girls (both sides) and opposite pink and purple for the big circles. On the boys I did one side with large purple and small pink and the opposite side was the other way around. It really doesn't matter what colours you use or how you do the dots. <br />
For the 10 place mats I did I had:<br />
8 pink butterflies<br />
8 purple butterflies<br />
4 green butterflies<br />
20 purple large circles<br />
20 pink large circles<br />
4 purple little circles<br />
4 pink little circles<br />
32 little green circles<br />
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Cut the smaller butterfly (1 for each mat) out of the batting. I used a thin batting. I have no idea if it has a special name as I got it on a bolt. I just asked the girl at the store to help me find the cheapest and thinnest batting they had.<br />
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Once you've got everything cut out it's time to layer it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfj-6NF-7pw/T7vc7pb7IUI/AAAAAAAACQA/-1pOpjlDf-A/s1600/Butterfly+Mats+Layer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfj-6NF-7pw/T7vc7pb7IUI/AAAAAAAACQA/-1pOpjlDf-A/s400/Butterfly+Mats+Layer+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take one of the fabric butterflies, right side down, then place on some batting (centering it), then place the opposite colour fabric right side up. I then placed on my circles, being careful they are more or less in the same spot on the opposite side (I used my fingers to pinch the feel along the outer edge to gauge how close I was. Not all were perfect, but most were good enough). Pin in place.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7jOOLa3ppU/T7vc9vrqMPI/AAAAAAAACQI/Tbocn_AWrwo/s1600/Butterfly+mats+layered+and+pinned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7jOOLa3ppU/T7vc9vrqMPI/AAAAAAAACQI/Tbocn_AWrwo/s320/Butterfly+mats+layered+and+pinned.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using a straight stitch sew around the circles (remember to back stitch) leaving about a 1/2 inch seam allowance. With your needle down lift your presser foot to help swivel around the circles. Again, these don't have to be perfect. <br />
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Starting 1/2 inch in from the edge, sew two straight lines on either side of the body of the butterfly. Stop 1/2 inch from the bottom edge (otherwise you won't have anything to fray!). This stitching helps tack everything in the middle down and gives definition to the butterfly.<br />
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Then sew around the entire body leaving a half inch edge (I realized after the second line down the centre by the body, you can leave your needle down, turn the butterfly and start sewing around the edge from there). <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/-mLy1gkdgthA/T7vdtmUZHmI/AAAAAAAACQQ/urGS1S_2JAs/s1600/Butterfly+mat+completely+sewn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLy1gkdgthA/T7vdtmUZHmI/AAAAAAAACQQ/urGS1S_2JAs/s400/Butterfly+mat+completely+sewn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(if you look closely on this picture you'll see that some of my stitches got too close to the edge. You don't want that because it makes the next part not work as well)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Once you have sewn all the way around, take some snippers (they're the spring loaded scissors, also called ragging scissors) and snip all the edges and around the circles too, about 1/4 of an inch apart. Careful not to clip your stitches! You can do this with regular scissors, but it's very tiring on the hand. I found this to be a good TV watching exercise.<br />
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Once you're done throw them in the washer and dryer to help the fringe to curl and look all ragged.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW-BiKMso6c/T7vekiC9MGI/AAAAAAAACQY/jPqhhZA9hok/s1600/Finished+Ragged+Butterfly+Place+Mats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW-BiKMso6c/T7vekiC9MGI/AAAAAAAACQY/jPqhhZA9hok/s320/Finished+Ragged+Butterfly+Place+Mats.jpg" title="Ragged Butterfly Place Mat Tutorial" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's it, you're done! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-77421003494450352312012-05-21T20:31:00.000-06:002012-05-22T12:21:39.253-06:00Ragged Butterfly Place Mats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyDmz40eYWg/T7r4lWs0slI/AAAAAAAACPk/IcFN6MM_zSY/s1600/Ragged+Butterfly+Place+Mats+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyDmz40eYWg/T7r4lWs0slI/AAAAAAAACPk/IcFN6MM_zSY/s400/Ragged+Butterfly+Place+Mats+Tutorial.jpg" title="Ragged Butterfly Place Mats" width="400" /></a></div>
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It isn't very often that I get a new idea. Like totally new, not copied from anyone.<br />
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Usually I see a project that inspires me and it's purely just an "I want one too" kind of thing and I make an exact copy (or a wonkier version, but with the idea of a copy...)<br />
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This project was different.<br />
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I was thinking through all the details for Madelyn's upcoming birthday party and in thinking of the table decided that I needed place mats (for those of you who don't know me, that's a big deal. I'm pretty anti-place mat).<br />
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I got it stuck in my head that I needed butterfly place mats. In the birthday colours (of course).<br />
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However, I knew that finding them randomly in a store was probably not going to happen, so that meant I would have to make them.<br />
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At the same time, this entire month I've been helping make ragged quilts with the ladies at my church, like this:<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://www.beverlys.com/rag-quilt-how-to.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://www.beverlys.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/300x300/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/a/basic-rag-quilt_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beverlys.com/rag-quilt-how-to.html" target="_blank">Source and tutorial</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'd never done anything like this and it's been quite fun learning the process (which is surprisingly very easy). Well, I must have had the style idea on the brain because when I was thinking about how to piece together my butterflies, this process came to mind.<br />
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And then I couldn't shake the idea. I HAD to make these. 10 of them to be exact.<br />
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So over the weekend, that's what I did. I'll post the tutorial tomorrow so you can make some too. I think they would be a fun gift to give a little girl for a tea party place setting or something. And you're not stuck at butterflies, basically any fun shape would work.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ybE4UncYs/T7r6BAwrcpI/AAAAAAAACPs/yZrofBP-NV4/s1600/Make+your+own+Butterfly+Place+Mat+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ybE4UncYs/T7r6BAwrcpI/AAAAAAAACPs/yZrofBP-NV4/s400/Make+your+own+Butterfly+Place+Mat+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you think? There'll be lots more party stuff coming up pretty quick in the next week or two!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-61603231644905442332012-05-19T19:17:00.002-06:002012-05-19T19:17:18.907-06:00Bonus Blogapaloosa! So what happens when more than 14 bloggers want to be part of blogapaloosa??<br />
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You get a bonus chance to win! That's right a 15th giveaway. Woot!<br />
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This one is hosted by Michelle at Michelle's Little Piece of Heaven. Here she is:<br />
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<a ;="" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0koKHM4nKk/T6Bsyvm6ZrI/AAAAAAAABcM/e6Mvaqn4hRY/s1600/100_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0koKHM4nKk/T6Bsyvm6ZrI/AAAAAAAABcM/e6Mvaqn4hRY/s320/100_1809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey everyone it's time for another giveaway. This time I am giving away a DIY book. It has a lot of good ideas from green houses to cold frames. If you have chickens, it has plans for that too. Just leave a comment to win at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://michelleslittlepieceofheaven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle's Little Piece of Heaven</a> to win<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-82354571304984936342012-05-19T08:00:00.000-06:002012-05-19T09:55:25.551-06:00Blogapaloosa Day 14 - Atir Inspired Decor *Updated*It's the last day of Blogapaloosa. Kind of sad, hey? I've had a ton
of fun and I hope you have too and that you've found some great blogs
and sweet prizes to win.<br />
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Our final host is Nina at Atir Inspired Decor. Here is what is up for grabs in Nina's words:<br />
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*updated: Somehow I missed some of the code to this post, so you didn't get to see ALL the goodies. So here is the complete list.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yeah, to day is my day. I am I so happy you stopped by to check out this treasure chest of a giveaway that you just might win!
I agonized for days about this giveaway & what I wanted to giveaway since I have never done this before, I thought I wanted to add items that I would use & were related to my blog; home decor, thrifting, DIY, Cooking & Fashion. Here is what I came up with:</span></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaNiGRMVBxU/T6AU9LDiosI/AAAAAAAAAUo/O65vo-VAZEE/s1600/1st+giveaway+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img ;="" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaNiGRMVBxU/T6AU9LDiosI/AAAAAAAAAUo/O65vo-VAZEE/s400/1st+giveaway+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I had this piece of beautiful fabric on hand, maybe used for a bulletin board~</span></b></i></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_p9KP-aXao/T6AWMT9YHKI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6iEZSsJFL0g/s1600/1st+giveaway+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_p9KP-aXao/T6AWMT9YHKI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6iEZSsJFL0g/s320/1st+giveaway+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Lovely Scented Candle~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ij3sbhBLbVg/T6AWyGML0jI/AAAAAAAAAU4/CN1_QpJKvgg/s1600/1st+giveaway+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ij3sbhBLbVg/T6AWyGML0jI/AAAAAAAAAU4/CN1_QpJKvgg/s320/1st+giveaway+003.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Butterfly Drawer/Door Pull~</span></b></i></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whTFW3oTsYQ/T6AXWVfuKrI/AAAAAAAAAVA/t_zcQM2KXH0/s1600/1st+giveaway+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whTFW3oTsYQ/T6AXWVfuKrI/AAAAAAAAAVA/t_zcQM2KXH0/s320/1st+giveaway+004.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Paper Flower for a wreath, gift or as an accent on a vase~</span></b></i></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKUB0fkN82o/T6AXzRlBQSI/AAAAAAAAAVI/ZbJEbj2EJNQ/s1600/1st+giveaway+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKUB0fkN82o/T6AXzRlBQSI/AAAAAAAAAVI/ZbJEbj2EJNQ/s320/1st+giveaway+005.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Small Frame, these take paint so nicely, should you care to change the color~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQt_oyXUbFg/T6AYQXtgZDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ys-3jqGfYj4/s1600/1st+giveaway+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQt_oyXUbFg/T6AYQXtgZDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ys-3jqGfYj4/s320/1st+giveaway+006.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cupcake Bath Salt after a day if DIY'ing</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd90I5uIeVg/T6AYzOWT42I/AAAAAAAAAVY/pQXNjRXxc5E/s1600/1st+giveaway+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd90I5uIeVg/T6AYzOWT42I/AAAAAAAAAVY/pQXNjRXxc5E/s320/1st+giveaway+007.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Nice Book to cuddle up with~ </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a ;="" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLhgpJT6V3I/T6AZPBtweqI/AAAAAAAAAVg/yEunFTOeh9U/s1600/1st+giveaway+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLhgpJT6V3I/T6AZPBtweqI/AAAAAAAAAVg/yEunFTOeh9U/s320/1st+giveaway+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Necklace & earring set, to make you feel more beautiful than you are~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQQIZo71-rk/T6AZsmiznaI/AAAAAAAAAVo/WTIi8ZGL80Q/s1600/1st+giveaway+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQQIZo71-rk/T6AZsmiznaI/AAAAAAAAAVo/WTIi8ZGL80Q/s320/1st+giveaway+009.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">This was my thrift store find, a new wallet~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQf7W7FUXEI/T6AaMMrEjQI/AAAAAAAAAVw/XPsdBey1INw/s1600/1st+giveaway+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQf7W7FUXEI/T6AaMMrEjQI/AAAAAAAAAVw/XPsdBey1INw/s320/1st+giveaway+010.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add some bling with these~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39js_HcEmis/T6AasWd1lPI/AAAAAAAAAV4/x6gp8OWTIuk/s1600/1st+giveaway+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39js_HcEmis/T6AasWd1lPI/AAAAAAAAAV4/x6gp8OWTIuk/s320/1st+giveaway+011.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ball of Lip Gloss~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW4QkDnz_qk/T6AbQpWGaUI/AAAAAAAAAWA/kJWLnpSJoIg/s1600/1st+giveaway+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW4QkDnz_qk/T6AbQpWGaUI/AAAAAAAAAWA/kJWLnpSJoIg/s320/1st+giveaway+012.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">I believe in the written word, Note Cards~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoN1yHyN-H8/T6AbvJ_6mYI/AAAAAAAAAWI/2Ifxw2HqHmo/s1600/1st+giveaway+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoN1yHyN-H8/T6AbvJ_6mYI/AAAAAAAAAWI/2Ifxw2HqHmo/s320/1st+giveaway+013.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Craft Paint & Decorative Ribbon to get your creative grove on~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96lRZz37r3c/T6AcLXyqG-I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/zwE77yu4MqY/s1600/1st+giveaway+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96lRZz37r3c/T6AcLXyqG-I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/zwE77yu4MqY/s320/1st+giveaway+014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Decorative Serving Dish~</span></i></b></div>
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<a ;="" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUEFzkWegP4/T6AcurPBEPI/AAAAAAAAAWY/5uizdJqzNZk/s1600/1st+giveaway+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img ;="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUEFzkWegP4/T6AcurPBEPI/AAAAAAAAAWY/5uizdJqzNZk/s320/1st+giveaway+015.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So come on over to </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://atirinspireddecor.blogspot.com/">Atir Inspired Decor</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank You & Many Blessings</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nina</span></div>
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Here is the list of all the hosting blogs for Blogapaloosa, in case you missed any or want to check to see if you've won!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 - <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/2012/05/woooo-hooooo-day-has-finally-arrived-is.html" target="_blank">Randee's Organized Chaos</a> for the "Bling Bling Hide and Sole" flip flops</span>
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Day 2 - Was right here on my blog for the <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/giveaway-pink-lemonade-apron-set.html" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef hat set with matching Recipe Cards.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 - <a href="http://www.secondchancetodream.com/" target="_blank">Second Chance to Dream</a> for the $20 Amazon Gift Card</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 - <a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/">Finding My Way in Texas</a> for the $20 credit to her online store<a href="http://lonestarlovlies.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"> LoneStar Lovlies </a>and the cute little gold fish pouch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 5 - <a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Jennuine Life</a> - Custom Reversible Pinafore </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 6 - <a href="http://mammymade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mammy Made</a> - Purple Gingham Bow Tie OR Apron Skirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 7 - <a href="http://littlesprinklesoffun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Sprinkle of Fun</a> - Flat Iron Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 8 - </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thegrubery.blogspot.com/">The Grubery</a> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 - </span><a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Modern Yet Old-Fashioned</a> - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the Go Giveaway: Sport Mixer Blender Bottle and bars</span></span></div>
Day 10 - <a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Measured by the Heart</a> - $50 to Pick your Plum<br />
Day 11 - <a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank">Claiming Our Space</a> - Travertine Tile Coasters and Magnets<br />
Day 12 - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Don't Mess With My Tutus!</a> -</span> </span>Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Gift Basket<br />
Day 13 - Inside My Present - $20 Gift certificate to UUPP Print Etsy Shop <br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-30082559818260841572012-05-18T08:00:00.000-06:002012-05-18T08:00:08.751-06:00Blogapaloosa Day 13 - Inside My Present<div style="color: black;">
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Inside My Present is the host of today's giveaway. Check it out!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The winner of my giveaway will receive a $20 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/UUPP?ref=top_trail">UUPP Prints Etsy shop</a>! UUPP has fresh, inspirational prints displaying anything from a Julia Child or Jane Austen quote to an endearing message for your sweetheart! Here is one of my favorites: </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pN8_PTmTOIg/T5dKDX8uwMI/AAAAAAAAA6c/u9PK1t04rPI/s1600/il_570xN.314260355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pN8_PTmTOIg/T5dKDX8uwMI/AAAAAAAAA6c/u9PK1t04rPI/s320/il_570xN.314260355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You'll find this giveaway at <a href="http://insidemypresent.blogspot.com/">Inside My Present</a>! See you there!</span></div>
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Here is the list of all the hosting blogs for Blogapaloosa, in case you missed any or want to check to see if you've won!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 - <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/2012/05/woooo-hooooo-day-has-finally-arrived-is.html" target="_blank">Randee's Organized Chaos</a> for the "Bling Bling Hide and Sole" flip flops</span>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
Day 2 - Was right here on my blog for the <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/giveaway-pink-lemonade-apron-set.html" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef hat set with matching Recipe Cards.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 - <a href="http://www.secondchancetodream.com/" target="_blank">Second Chance to Dream</a> for the $20 Amazon Gift Card</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 - <a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/">Finding My Way in Texas</a> for the $20 credit to her online store<a href="http://lonestarlovlies.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"> LoneStar Lovlies </a>and the cute little gold fish pouch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 5 - <a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Jennuine Life</a> - Custom Reversible Pinafore </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 6 - <a href="http://mammymade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mammy Made</a> - Purple Gingham Bow Tie OR Apron Skirt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 7 - <a href="http://littlesprinklesoffun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Sprinkle of Fun</a> - Flat Iron Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 8 - </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thegrubery.blogspot.com/">The Grubery</a> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 - </span><a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Modern Yet Old-Fashioned</a> - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the Go Giveaway: Sport Mixer Blender Bottle and bars</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Day 10 - <a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Measured by the Heart</a> - $50 to Pick your Plum<br />
Day 11 - <a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank">Claiming Our Space</a> - Travertine Tile Coasters and Magnets<br />
Day 12 - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Don't Mess With My Tutus!</a> -</span> </span>Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Gift Basket<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-76566233351900684142012-05-17T23:00:00.000-06:002012-05-18T09:46:49.396-06:00Pin-ed It, Made It Link Party 05/18Welcome to the Pin-ed it, Made it Party! We’re so glad you’ve joined
us for some good old fashioned linky fun :) We are all so happy to see
the party growing! Thank you to everyone that posts our button and
spreads the word! <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GAqAcWouuDE/T5jJqaPQvtI/AAAAAAAADrU/C6ZuRJO2Fok/s1600-h/pined_it_made_it_button175x175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ByLfS7-gvvc/T5jJrM-mU4I/AAAAAAAADrc/Ew60RKsLmX4/pined_it_made_it_button175x175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pined_it_made_it_button175x175" width="179" /></a> </div>
<b>Your hosts are </b><a href="http://craftygsquared.blogspot.com/"><b>Brandi & Meig from Crafty Girl Squared</b></a><b>, </b><a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.com/"><b>Melanna from</b></a><b> Rhapsody of Cacophony</b><br />
<b>& </b><a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/"><b>Jennifer from Finding My Way in Texas</b></a><b> </b><br />
Now on to the Features!<br />
Top Viewed This Week: <br />
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<a href="http://thriftycraftygirl.blogspot.com/2012/05/oreo-bars-my-prayers-have-been-answered.html"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HArHvNjY5Q/T60CzSYycEI/AAAAAAAACl0/52VFxmz9Z0Q/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thriftycraftygirl.blogspot.com/2012/05/oreo-bars-my-prayers-have-been-answered.html">Oreo Bars from Thrifty Crafty Girl</a></div>
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Meig & Brandi’s Top Pick: <br />
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<a href="http://morrowsunshine.com/2012/05/june-bug-dress.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://morrowsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/June-Bug-Dress5-779x1024.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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We love the <a href="http://morrowsunshine.com/2012/05/june-bug-dress.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">June Bug Dress made by Little Rays of Sunshine</a>!
It's such a sweet dress, the colors are great and since Meig is a red
head, we're always a sucker for a redheaded little girl. ;) <br />
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Jennifer’s Top Pick<br />
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<a href="http://makingfunoutofnone.blogspot.ca/2012/05/captain-america-present.html"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WIjyS1MvIk/T5xhu9NgYjI/AAAAAAAAAGE/avS11_YDvRg/s320/IMG_3533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love wrapping presents and I Love Super Heros! Why not combine the two like <a href="http://makingfunoutofnone.blogspot.ca/2012/05/captain-america-present.html">Jenn from Making Fun</a>!?!?! :)</div>
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Melanna’s Top Pick:<br />
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<a href="http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/04/damask-ball-wreath.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KF66Se0GGLk/T5jAfgk6nmI/AAAAAAAAE0c/lsGhsXgcL_c/s400/IMG_2966.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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I'm
totally in love! I will now be on the hunt for damask tissue paper so I
can make this for my Christmas wreath. Thanks Lindsay for showing us
how you did it. Check out the tutorial at <a href="http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/04/damask-ball-wreath.html" target="_blank">Artsy Fartsy Mama.</a><br />
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<br />
Just a Reminder: <br />
<ul>
<li>We’re no longer doing separate feature posts! The features will be
posted right here before the link up every Friday. Each host will be
picking their fav link and I will also be posting the Top Viewed link.</li>
<li>There will now be TWO categories! Pined it, Made it &
Everything Else! That means that this party is now open to ALL projects!
:)</li>
</ul>
<ul>Please Remember to...</ul>
Please follow ALL 3 hosts. <br />
Post our new and fabulous button on you blog so others can join the fun. (its on my sidebar) <br />
Visit a couple of the other links and spread some love. We all love comments :) <br />
For all projects linked to the “Pined it, Made it” category, please ensure you link ONLY projects you were <u>Pinspired</u> to create and that the original post that inspired your project is properly sourced. We want to play nice :) <br />
For the “Everything Else” category, please do not post giveaways, items you’re selling or other link parties. <br />
<br />
<br />
Pin-ed It, Made It: <br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=145151" type="text/javascript">
</script> <br />
Everything Else:<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=145156" type="text/javascript">
</script>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-17732286619827308752012-05-17T13:05:00.002-06:002012-05-17T13:05:18.409-06:00New Apron Set WinnerI never heard from the winner of the Apron set giveaway, so now I get to pick a new one!<br />
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If that's you in the rafflecopter widget you're the new winner (you may have to relogin to see it). You have 48 hours to contact me or I'll pick ANOTHER one. <br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rc-bdce151">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-10381069844454663352012-05-17T08:00:00.000-06:002012-05-17T08:00:03.149-06:00Blogapaloosa Day 12 - Don't Mess With My Tutus<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Today's host is Jennifer from Don't Mess With My Tutus. Here she is to tell you all about her giveaway!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Howdy! I'm Jennifer from <a href="http://www.sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Don't Mess With My Tutus!</a> - a sassy little place I used to use to sell custom-made children's clothing but now I keep to share my recipes, redos and realities of life! Since becoming a full-time SAHM, I have been having fun <span id="goog_1590882149"></span><a href="http://sassypantsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-friday-find.html" target="_blank">'junkin' in jammies'</a> <span id="goog_1590882150"></span>most Fridays and recently took the plunge with <i>Resuscitation Annie</i> - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint that is! Now this fabulous paint that requires NO PREP WORK when refinishing furniture (HUGE bonus!!) was sold to me by fellow re-decorator AND courageous momtrepeneur Rhonda McCleskey from <a href="http://www.therestoredhome.com/" target="_blank">Restored ~ Home</a> who has graciously offered us today's prize!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVqohtXAdo4/T7O0E_4g05I/AAAAAAAACpc/pFz_YteiIoQ/s1600/jenn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVqohtXAdo4/T7O0E_4g05I/AAAAAAAACpc/pFz_YteiIoQ/s640/jenn.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 samples of Annie Sloan Chalk paint and an ASCP color chart, 2 chip brushes and 1 bar of handmade "Painter's Friend' Soap!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rhonda has such a generous spirit and I am excited to let you know that in addition to this giveaway, 'local' gals can also enter to win <b><a href="http://www.therestoredhome.com/Register-For-Our-Workshops.html" target="_blank">An Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Techniques Class</a></b> at Rhonda's new store in Alvin, TX - a $165 value!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sooo excited to introduce you to Rhonda and tell you about the Grand Opening of her new store Restored ~ Home, so head on over to my blog to read all about it AND register to win!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Good Luck!</span><br />
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Here is the list of all the hosting blogs for Blogapaloosa, in case you missed any or want to check to see if you've won!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 - <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/2012/05/woooo-hooooo-day-has-finally-arrived-is.html" target="_blank">Randee's Organized Chaos</a> for the "Bling Bling Hide and Sole" flip flops</span>
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Day 2 - Was right here on my blog for the <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/giveaway-pink-lemonade-apron-set.html" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef hat set with matching Recipe Cards.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 - <a href="http://www.secondchancetodream.com/" target="_blank">Second Chance to Dream</a> for the $20 Amazon Gift Card</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 - <a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/">Finding My Way in Texas</a> for the $20 credit to her online store<a href="http://lonestarlovlies.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"> LoneStar Lovlies </a>and the cute little gold fish pouch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 5 - <a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Jennuine Life</a> - Custom Reversible Pinafore </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 6 - <a href="http://mammymade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mammy Made</a> - Purple Gingham Bow Tie OR Apron Skirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 7 - <a href="http://littlesprinklesoffun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Sprinkle of Fun</a> - Flat Iron Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 8 - </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thegrubery.blogspot.com/">The Grubery</a> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 - </span><a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Modern Yet Old-Fashioned</a> - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the Go Giveaway: Sport Mixer Blender Bottle and bars</span></span></div>
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Day 10 - <a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Measured by the Heart</a> - $50 to Pick your Plum<br />
Day 11 - <a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank">Claiming Our Space</a> - Travertine Tile Coasters and Magnets </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-39602512518398790232012-05-16T08:00:00.000-06:002012-05-16T08:00:11.252-06:00Blogapaloosa Day 11 - Claiming Our SpaceDay 11 of Blogapaloosa is Hosted by Claiming our Space.<br />
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Want something to add some charm to your home? Check it out:<br />
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Today's giveaway is from <a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank">Claiming Our Space</a>
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<a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Blog-a-pal-oosa" height="125" src="http://measuredbytheheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/blogapalloosa.gif" width="125" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
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<a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
</a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--geDur8c1GI/T59CUogXyUI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IIpkoCHI1U0/s1600/COSGiveawayItemsv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--geDur8c1GI/T59CUogXyUI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IIpkoCHI1U0/s400/COSGiveawayItemsv2.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to be part of Blog-a-Pal-Loosa (thanks for including me <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/%20" target="_blank">Randee</a>)! I have loved seeing all the previous giveaways!<br />
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My giveaway is for a set of 4 hand stamped tumbled travertine tiles, a set of 4 slate fridge magnets with a Celtic design and a set of 4 porcelain tile magnets stamped with green dragonflies. <br />
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I hope you will head on over to see D and I at <a href="http://www.claimingourspace.com/" target="_blank">Claiming Our Space</a> to enter. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the list of all the hosting blogs for Blogapaloosa, in case you missed any or want to check to see if you've won!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 - <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/2012/05/woooo-hooooo-day-has-finally-arrived-is.html" target="_blank">Randee's Organized Chaos</a> for the "Bling Bling Hide and Sole" flip flops</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
Day 2 - Was right here on my blog for the <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/giveaway-pink-lemonade-apron-set.html" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef hat set with matching Recipe Cards.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 - <a href="http://www.secondchancetodream.com/" target="_blank">Second Chance to Dream</a> for the $20 Amazon Gift Card</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 - <a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/">Finding My Way in Texas</a> for the $20 credit to her online store<a href="http://lonestarlovlies.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"> LoneStar Lovlies </a>and the cute little gold fish pouch</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 5 - <a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Jennuine Life</a> - Custom Reversible Pinafore </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 6 - <a href="http://mammymade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mammy Made</a> - Purple Gingham Bow Tie OR Apron Skirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 7 - <a href="http://littlesprinklesoffun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Sprinkle of Fun</a> - Flat Iron Case</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 8 - </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thegrubery.blogspot.com/">The Grubery</a> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 - </span><a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Modern Yet Old-Fashioned</a> - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the Go Giveaway: Sport Mixer Blender Bottle and bars</span></span></div>
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Day 10 - <a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Measured by the Heart</a> - $50 to Pick your Plum</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-45441370242441467212012-05-15T10:00:00.000-06:002012-05-15T10:00:06.611-06:00Apron Set Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siulMDefHQE/T5but4zr2uI/AAAAAAAACKY/32tuA7zX8cI/s320/Blogapalooza+Apron+and+Chef+hat+set.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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I am so excited to announce the winner of the Apron set giveaway from Blogapaloosa.<br />
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Is it you?<br />
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Check out the widget below.<br />
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If that's your name you have 48 hours to contact me to claim your prize at rhapsodyofcacophony (at) gmail (dot) com.<br />
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Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered!!<br />
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(Don't miss out on Today's giveaway. It's the post right before this one!) <br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rc-bdce151">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521969163916000665.post-78872130069163134002012-05-15T08:00:00.000-06:002012-05-15T13:07:08.979-06:00Blogapaloosa Day 10 - Measured By The Heart<div style="text-align: left;">
One of my newest bloggy friends (and the designer of my fabulous blog button!) is today's giveaway host. </div>
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Allow my to introduce Connie @ <a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank">Measured by the Heart</a>.</div>
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Hi guys, I am excited to host a giveaway of $50 worth of the best crafting, baking, home decor and fashion items. This giveaway comes to you from<a href="http://pickyourplum.com/" target="_blank"> Pick your Plum. </a></div>
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<a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/round-sticker-2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-1329" height="180" src="http://measuredbytheheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/round-sticker-2-300x300.jpg" title="round sticker 2" width="180" /></a></div>
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Pick your plum is a daily deals site that scours the globe to bring you the best deals on high quality items. Because their deals are so HUGE, they can only offer 1 per day. They also come in limited quantities. Once they are gone they are gone. Some of their past deals include:</div>
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<a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pick-your-plum.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1340" height="125" src="http://measuredbytheheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pick-your-plum.jpg" title="pick your plum" width="450" /></a></div>
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You can increase your chances of not missing these deals by<a href="http://pickyourplum.com/" target="_blank"> signing up for their newsletter</a>, or <a href="http://facebook.com/pickyourplum" target="_blank">liking them on facebook</a>. They post their deals daily on facebook before the newsletter even comes out.</div>
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Pick your plum has been nice enough to giveaway a swag box with $50 of the best crafting, baking, home decor and fashion items!!</div>
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To enter, use the rafflecopter widget on my page.</div>
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Good luck to everyone!!</div>
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I LOVE to meet new people and I hope you will stop by my blog<a href="http://measuredbytheheart.com/" target="_blank"> Measured by the Heart.</a></div>
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You can also connect with me here:</div>
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<center><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/measuredbytheheart/lzHJ" target="_blank"><img alt="Subscribe to my rss feed" border="0" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/cjdemille/rssheart-1.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/heartblog" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/cjdemille/twitterheart-1.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Measured-by-the-Heart/145768885487336" target="_blank"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/cjdemille/facebookheart-1.png" /></a> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=measuredbytheheart/lzHJ&loc=en_US" target="_blank"><img alt="Subscribe by Email" border="0" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/cjdemille/emailheart-1.png" /></a> </center><center></center><center><a href="http://pinterest.com/heartblog" target="_blank"><img alt="Pinterest" border="0" src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/cjdemille/pinterestheart-4.png" /></a></center>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the list of all the hosting blogs for Blogapaloosa, in case you missed any or want to check to see if you've won!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 - <a href="http://www.randeesorganizedchaos.com/2012/05/woooo-hooooo-day-has-finally-arrived-is.html" target="_blank">Randee's Organized Chaos</a> for the "Bling Bling Hide and Sole" flip flops</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
Day 2 - Was right here on my blog for the <a href="http://rhapsodyofcacophony.blogspot.ca/2012/05/giveaway-pink-lemonade-apron-set.html" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade Apron and Chef hat set with matching Recipe Cards.</a> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 - <a href="http://www.secondchancetodream.com/" target="_blank">Second Chance to Dream</a> for the $20 Amazon Gift Card</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 - <a href="http://findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com/">Finding My Way in Texas</a> for the $20 credit to her online store<a href="http://lonestarlovlies.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"> LoneStar Lovlies </a>and the cute little gold fish pouch</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 5 - <a href="http://www.ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Jennuine Life</a> - Custom Reversible Pinafore </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 6 - <a href="http://mammymade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mammy Made</a> - Purple Gingham Bow Tie OR Apron Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 7 - <a href="http://littlesprinklesoffun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Sprinkle of Fun</a> - Flat Iron Case</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 8 - </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thegrubery.blogspot.com/">The Grubery</a> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide book and a $5.00 gift card to Jamba Juice!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 - </span><a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Modern Yet Old-Fashioned</a> - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the Go Giveaway: Sport Mixer Blender Bottle and bars</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/56/2C6CA849D9DBE504D93F4B110EDEBCA0.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Melannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713235104745805076noreply@blogger.com0