tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80678701936598032502024-03-13T09:18:15.440-04:00Mostaza SeedVintage Design, Fashion, Vintage Home Decor and Reflections on Faith with a dash of life in the trenches of MotherhoodStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-24731518802879000592015-02-27T11:21:00.000-05:002015-02-27T12:04:00.694-05:00Before and After: From Extra Large Master to Kid Bedroom/Playroom Combo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we moved into our house, almost two years ago, we encountered lots of interesting paint colors, light fixtures and fans. This is the master bedroom in its original (or how we found it) state. It's an incredibly large room, roughly the same size as our living room. Things we loved about having it as a master were the fireplace, wrap around windows and large, double closet (something rare in a one hundred year old home). There were, however, drawbacks to keeping this as the master.</div>
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We mostly just sleep in our bedroom. All hanging-out occurs downstairs. It didn't make sense to have such a large chunk of the house for that sole purpose. Our basement is not finished, therefore, when we have our small group on Wednesday nights, there isn't a rec room for all ten kids to play in.</div>
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So, we decided to swap rooms with Collin and convert this room into a kids' bedroom/ playroom. Killian will eventually move in here with Collin and, heck, if we wanted to have eight kids, there would almost be enough room to line beds up on every wall, ala Annie or Madeline orphanage! ;)</div>
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Anyway, we moved Collin into the big room and, over time, have slowly brightened things up and made it kid-friendly. One of the first things that had to go was the garrish, poorly-painted red on the walls. Nick and his dad tackled this project after Christmas. We went with the same color we had in our Marietta, Ga living room-- Spring Melt by Martha Stewart. It's the perfect, pale minty-aqua-greeny-blue. So soothing and calming! Exactly what that room needed!</div>
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I apologize for the grainy iPhone pics! Someday I hope to properly photograph each room of our house, but until then, you get the picture!</div>
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I designed the 20x30" "Adventure Awaits" banner from a public domain Ansel Adams photograph of the Grand Tetons. If you are interested in something similar with a custom quote and a similar nature scene or more feminine, floral look. Let me know! I'm planning on listing these in <a href="http://mostazaseedgraphics.etsy.com/">my shop</a> for $199. If it's not there, just convo me and I can make you a custom listing.</div>
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You'll see our trusty $5, 70's explosion reading chair is still a fixture! At some point in the future, I'll probably have it recovered, but in the mean time, it's still comfy and kitschy! The rug is a favorite from Ikea, our friend Mary snagged us the vintage chairs from a soon-to-be dumpster pile at the school where she works.</div>
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Nick made the chalkboard from a piece of sheet metal, framed it and painted it with chalkboard paint. It's fun to have the magnetic element and I worry less with the old fireplace covered! We aren't big fans of TV's in bedrooms, but it's worked out really nicely to have this one in here for when the brood of ten kiddos at small group start getting antsy and our sweet 10 and 12 year old baby sitters need to change up the activity. </div>
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So, that's that! The boys love playing in here. We love having this space for kids and it just makes more functional sense for our way of life! Someday, if we sell the house, we'll stage it as a master bedroom again. In the meantime, we don't miss having it for ourselves and our livable house space just got a whole lot bigger!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8067870193659803250%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2473151880287900059&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-HwbS0vWm5-E%252FVPCSo1nyizI%252FAAAAAAAAE9U%252FQ7YtXTRrT6c%252Fs1600%252FIMG_3124.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5114px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8067870193659803250%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2473151880287900059&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-HwbS0vWm5-E%252FVPCSo1nyizI%252FAAAAAAAAE9U%252FQ7YtXTRrT6c%252Fs1600%252FIMG_3124.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5114px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-33430482276319334742014-10-07T21:34:00.002-04:002014-10-07T21:34:52.736-04:00Another Chair Transformation, Before and AfterA few weeks back I shared about <a href="http://mostazaseed.blogspot.com/2014/09/chair-makeover-before-and-after.html">this chair</a> makeover, mentioning there was another on the way. Well, friends. Here it is! The decision to use some of the solid orange fabric remnants left over from the first chair for the buttons was a total last minute decision and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I'm a sucker for ticking stripe fabric and I love de-skirting cool chairs to show off their hidden, leggy beauty!<div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-1714321620536256042014-09-18T09:24:00.002-04:002014-09-22T16:56:37.240-04:00A Fall Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Autumnal greetings, friends!</div>
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I've had a great deal of fun this past week, decorating our mantel for fall. I'm not a huge seasonal decorator-- except for Christmas, that is. I do, however, like to change up our mantel from time to time and the changing of seasons is as good a reason as ever! </div>
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I teamed up with some excellent sponsors to really give our fireplace some pizzazz. One of my new favorite lines on Etsy is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thebeeskneesshoppe">The Bee's Knees Shoppe</a>. Amy made the charming felt arrow banner and the yarn pom pom flowers. If you are needing some festive bursts of color in your home, check her shop out! It's just over the top adorable.</div>
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Then, there is a new feathered friend on my mantel, made by Sheila of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Clayorigins?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Clay Origins</a>. I was able to pick from a multitude of colors for my hootie owl. Very fun! I'm also really loving <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157239042/turquoise-stoneware-planter?ref=shop_home_active_12">this</a> geometric planter in her shop.</div>
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My gold on black "In the House of God Forever" print is from <a href="http://www.anchorandinkcalligraphy.com/">Anchor and Ink Calligraphy</a>. I just love this portion of Psalm 23 and every time I look at it, Jon Foreman's House of God Forever song comes to mind. </div>
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So, in the spirit of all the goodness and mercy God has for you, take a listen and let Truth wash over your soul:</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-83645269193919494742014-09-10T13:09:00.000-04:002014-09-10T13:09:02.303-04:00Two Worthy Causes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi people! As we head into the colder seasons, I find myself drawn to more soulful, introspective tunes. Do you ever feel this way? I mean, curling up with a blanket and a pumpkin-something doesn't quite evoke the Beach Boys. Our friends, Caleb and Erin Paxton of the group eine blume (<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">eye-nuh bloom-uh) are, to me, the equivalent of a piping hot mug of cocoa-- rich, sweet and always a treat! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">They are raising funds to release their new </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">album</span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> Farewell to Shadowlands: A Narnia Album. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f2105; line-height: 24px;">We first met the Paxtons at a house concert they were playing in Joplin. I am blown away by their musical talent, profound lyrics and beautiful hearts. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Their music has been described as "</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">an ascending into a warm, velvet-y fairytale." I would definitely </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">agree with this assessment and</span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> am excited to be a part of making this music available to the public. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f2105; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Would you consider joining me in funding <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1166550578/farewell-to-shadowlands-a-narnia-album?ref=nav_search">this endeavor</a> </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">through</span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> Kickstarter? Watch the video, take a listen. You will not be </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">disappointed</span><span style="line-height: 24px;">. </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105; line-height: 24px;">They have only 70 hours to go-- let's give as much as we can to extend the reach of their fantastic sound and message!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">We have some other really amazing friends (I mean-- wow, how do we meet all these talented people?!) who have developed a portable tornado shield called the Tuuli Armor. After surviving the 2011 EF-5 Tornado that hit Joplin, Steve set out to create a product that would be an affordable option </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">to</span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> bridge the gap between no protection whatsoever and a costly safe room. In Steve's words,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">"We lived just four blocks north of where the destruction started, and we pulled a small mattress off my son's bed and laid it on top of us in the hallway. I realized that wasn't a good option."</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZvC4KWaYJo/VBCEuWhltoI/AAAAAAAAEyU/hBJU5Je0w-c/s1600/10644902_1527749250792643_4647841993620490349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZvC4KWaYJo/VBCEuWhltoI/AAAAAAAAEyU/hBJU5Je0w-c/s1600/10644902_1527749250792643_4647841993620490349_n.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">90% of tornado injuries are due to </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">lacerations</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> and this bag, made of puncture resistant, ballistic-grade nylon, </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">shields</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> you from the worst of it. As Steve puts it-- "You have no control over the two by four coming at you, but a large bruise is much better than a two by four going through your body." I wholeheartedly agreed. </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105; line-height: 24px;">The Tornado Shield can be kept at home or in your car.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Check out </span></span><span style="color: #0f2105;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">their Indiegogo campaign </span><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tuuli-armor-tornado-protection" style="line-height: 24px;">here</a>, watch the video <span style="line-height: 24px;">and consider supporting their fundraiser to mass produce the shield or, if you live in Tornado country, pre-order your very own!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-27013821258567455602014-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-05T09:00:08.192-04:00Class Is In Session! Vintage Collegiate Fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm halfway ashamed to say it's been ten years since I graduated college and I still find myself wishing I had an excuse to go buy new notebooks and school clothes in September! Does anyone else feel this way? Something about the leaves changing and the air getting cooler makes me want to burry my nose in a book at a coffee shop or attend a lecture.</div>
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I've assembled a few retro, collegiate pieces to get us in the mood for fall. There is just something so timeless and cozy about these duds and I don't think you are ever too old to rock an ivy league inspired look. Unless you want to look like an extra on the set of Happy Days, which is most definitely not a bad thing, I'd wouldn't necesarilly pair all of this together, but a few, choice pieces will go along way in evoking that nostalgic, autumnal feeling!</div>
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P.S. Thrift stores are fabulous places to find some sweet, granny plaids, midi-skirts, nubby tweeds and peter pan collared blouses. Just be sure to sniff for eau de mothball before making a purchase!</div>
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Your homework: draw from scholarly yesteryear fashion for your fall ensembles. Class adjuorned!</div>
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/pullovers-sweaters/everyone-knows-it-s-cindy-sweater?kpid=74033-MSTD-L-REG&gclid=Cj0KEQjwpvufBRCwzp_zyqfkhrcBEiQA8b-SHDC4yXrk6TA_Qq5BEZ9JbvfVsL0oCbdQoJ1GhipdpnwaAlRF8P8HAQ" target="_blank">1</a>/<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103651802/star-wars-pennant-flags-grey-with-neon?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_query=wall+pennant+flag&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">2</a>/<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/IvyLaneAccessories" target="_blank">3</a>/<a href="http://www.oysho.com/gb/en/accessories/tights/flocked-grey-tights-c1070594p4348512.html?typeCategory=0" target="_blank">4</a>/<a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women/holcomb/oak-barrel" target="_blank">5</a>/<a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=32375891&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS#/" target="_blank">6</a>/<a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Pleated-Midi-Skirt/139njd/?iid=3914121&istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&istItemId=wxtpwtrwr&istBid=t&affid=14174&channelref=google+shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=58089878186&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.58089878186&network=g&mobile=&search=1&content=&creative=45775098745&ptid=58089878186&adposition=1o1&gclid=Cj0KEQjwspCgBRCiwOjBxeCcm-kBEiQAooz6txU2IgRK8lXLoiX0tkVPCk2XyDyMzUctXZJFxpG8XL8aAv968P8HAQ" target="_blank">7</a>/<a href="http://www.zappos.com/keds-boyfriend-leather-caramel-tan">8</a>/<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/111428876859?lpid=82">9</a></div>
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width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 71px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 71px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 71px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 71px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 71px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 71px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-9054838856395728372014-09-02T09:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T16:56:55.739-04:00Chair Makeover Before and After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROpEC24MrQM/VAUt9XcJyDI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/0ZsRTemhE24/s1600/peachbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROpEC24MrQM/VAUt9XcJyDI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/0ZsRTemhE24/s1600/peachbefore.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I snagged this chair a few years back at an Atlanta thrift store for less than $10. It was missing a back chushion and so horribly soft that when you sat down on it you needed assistance to get out, but I loved the lines of this sturdy, mid-century construction and saw potential. I had been saving up for a while to have it recovered, along with another chair, and we picked it up from our upholsterer friend, Doug, last week. It has a new seat cushion, a new back cushion, the skirt was removed and I found some cheap wooden legs to replace the chair's not-so-awesome original legs.<br />
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I stumbled upon the dreamy dahlia fabric on Ebay for $8.99 a yard. It normally runs at closer to $35 a yard. It looked really familiar to me and I couldn't place where I had seen it before. Oh yeah, it is the same fabric used on the Anthropologie Naive Tropical <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/pdp/detail.jsp?&subCategoryId=HOME-FURNITURE-CHAIRS&id=66016&catId=HOME-FURNITURE&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=25&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=one&colorName=Naive%20Tropical&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Affiliates-_-Skimlinks-_-11332118&utm_medium=Skimlinks&utm_source=AFFILIATES&utm_content=Skimlinks#/" target="_blank">Astrid Chair</a> which was originally $1298, marked down to $799 and then discontinued. In total, I paid less than a fifth of that price for a brand "new" chair! Happy dance, happy dance, happy dance! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNzcCzL3iEc/VAUuN6_DziI/AAAAAAAAEsY/FqQ9Z_wSBBc/s1600/peachafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNzcCzL3iEc/VAUuN6_DziI/AAAAAAAAEsY/FqQ9Z_wSBBc/s1600/peachafter.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ov1uoVY8rU/VAUuU3m68_I/AAAAAAAAEsg/srZ0iL3oxhQ/s1600/peach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ov1uoVY8rU/VAUuU3m68_I/AAAAAAAAEsg/srZ0iL3oxhQ/s1600/peach.jpg" height="550" width="640" /></a></div>
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So yeah, I love sipping my coffee and reading in our new chair and maybe you think it's loud and crazy, which it kind of is, but it my eyes it's happy and fun and just the right pop I was looking to add to our eclectic living room.<br />
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The side table is a fun, marble-topped piece we bought a while back from some friends for $30. It was primed white and we decided to keep it white since the color looked good against the tan marble. Nick painted it in a gloss white and now it's basically our chair's new BFF. Anything smaller/less substantial would have been dwarfed, anything louder would have competed with the busy chair. I'm pleased these two pieces work so well together.<br />
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Yay for cozy living room vignettes! Stay tuned for my second chair's transformation!<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1406px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1406px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-78175586239984323372014-08-26T11:16:00.000-04:002014-08-26T11:16:29.132-04:00Toddler and Baby Raves<div style="text-align: center;">
No, I'm not blogging about wee ones bopping to techno, I thought to share some of the things I always <i>rave</i> about to other friends with kiddos.</div>
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We all know there are a million and one products out there, designed to make bringing up bebe easier, but 99% of it is non-essential. I mean, what did people do before Boppies?! The horror. So, I wanted to start off by saying I am confident our children would survive and even thrive in an environment without the highlighted items. That being said, I have run across a few products/books, etc that have been a mainstay in our home during these baby/toddler/early preschooler years and you might be interested in hearing what they are!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_9U0FTSvms/U_ydaU6Td6I/AAAAAAAAEdk/zVaqvIdFZiQ/s1600/Baby%26ToddlerProducts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_9U0FTSvms/U_ydaU6Td6I/AAAAAAAAEdk/zVaqvIdFZiQ/s1600/Baby%26ToddlerProducts.jpg" height="640" width="548" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/night-owl-portable-night-light-with-ok-to-wake/-/A-14039565?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14039565&CPNG=Lighting&kpid=14039565&LID=32pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14039565&kpid=14039565&gclid=CjwKEAjw4PCfBRCz966N9pvJ4GASJAAEdM_KsSCr0gzldfARtHN5y_nSpH9O_g3dN7Q6PfmGIk-VTBoCfjTw_wcB" target="_blank">The OK to Wake Owl </a>Right around the time we transitioned Collin to his big boy bed (at two years), he began waking at the crack of dawn and coming out of his room. This owl is amazing. You program it for the desired wake time and it turns green at the appropriate time. Every time he wakes early and tries to get out of his room, we ask him if his owl is green. He'll go check and if it's not, he's totally cool with reading books in bed until it turns green. You had better believe the minute it lights up Collin flings the door open and yells, "It's greeeeen!" like it's a miracle every time. We love the owl!</div>
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2. <a href="http://rainforroots.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Rain for Roots </a>are modern Biblical folk songs for children by Sandra McCraken. The slogan is "Making new songs, for children, about the old Story." Such good, Truth-filled music that's fun, singable and easy on mom and dad's ears too!</div>
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3. If you haven't picked up a copy of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310708257/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=28640850327&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15992218157202988817&hvpone=10.50&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1z1lltx245_b" target="_blank">Jesus Storybook Bible</a> yet, do so now! Even if you don't have kids, you'll benefit from it. It does such a good job of weaving the Bible together and giving children, and adults, such a enlightening, birds-eye view of God's master plan for humanity-- his relentless love and pursuit of his children! Half the time we read this, I am in tears.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/tommee-tippee-explora-easi-roll-bibs-multi-2-ct-801960?site=CA&sku=TTP-025&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&utm_content=%7Badtype%7D&ca_sku=TTP-025&ca_gpa=%7Badtype%7D&ca_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D&CAWELAID=1874714512" target="_blank">The Tommee Tippee Explora Easi-Roll Bib</a> is a recent find. I was getting sick of wiping/washing flimsy bibs that took for every to drip dry and looked awful after a month's use. These bibs are comfy on baby's neck, easy to wipe/wash and they roll-up nicely for on-the-go mealtimes!</div>
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5. Soft-soled shoes are so good for baby's feet as they learn to stand and walk. With hard soles their feet don't learn to grip and maneuver as well. I didn't know this with Collin and went straight to tennis shoes when he started walking. I have since learned more and have loved having Killian in moccasins. There are some pretty pricey versions out there, but I have fallen in love with designs and price point of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/starryknightdesign" target="_blank">Starry Knight Mocs</a>. I've bought them a bit big so that Killian can grown into them. They are truly just so comfy, well-made and cute!</div>
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6. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listing/2684159657551?r=1&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-Book_15To24-_-Q000000633-_-2684159657551" target="_blank">Duck Goes Potty</a>. This is a really sweet, fun book that helped Collin during potty training. I first checked out a copy at the library (I'm hoping they sanitize their board books!). Collin loved it so much I decided we should have a copy of our own.</div>
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7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=lolla+cup&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=34232582267&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1464152875511531660&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7hskp0m3af_b" target="_blank">Lollacup</a>. This cup was originally introduced to me by a friend who saw the inventor, a mom-trapeneur, pitch it on Shark Tank. I was getting really frustrated with no spill cups that shot liquid out like a geyser when the cool liquid warmed to room temperature-- not to mention they were difficult for Collin to drink out of. Cue in Lollacup. This cute, penguin shaped receptacle has a weighed straw, making for easy drinking as the straw follows the liquid to the lowest point of the cup, when tipped. You can use it with or without the handles. It has been a mainstay for us!</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 79px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 198px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-74307716660932969192014-08-24T17:38:00.000-04:002014-09-23T20:11:05.311-04:00The Long-Awaited Bathroom Reveal!<div style="text-align: center;">
Friends, family, countrymen we have a complete bathroom! It's been a long, exciting, sometimes tiring process and we are finally done. My husband is truly the most handy and clever man on the planet. He started this project having never remodeled a bathroom, never ripped a room down to the studs, never re-wired a room to this extent, never having replaced plumbing and never having tiled! My contributions were the overall vision for the space along with internet scouring and thrift store/ antique mall visits, so while this is kind of a team effort, he did the lion share of the work and I am ever so grateful!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OszWfdmUh8s/U_pTFtcHN4I/AAAAAAAAEbo/5KkHxspaz4w/s1600/IMG_0849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OszWfdmUh8s/U_pTFtcHN4I/AAAAAAAAEbo/5KkHxspaz4w/s1600/IMG_0849.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Let's take a little journey down memory lane... Please read on, there will be more photos of the completed space at the end.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOcC9bGH6RY/U_pNRpZ7hJI/AAAAAAAAEbI/tRvztOw6oJ4/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOcC9bGH6RY/U_pNRpZ7hJI/AAAAAAAAEbI/tRvztOw6oJ4/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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At first glance, the bathroom wasn't awful. Upon closer inspection, the floors were stick on tile, the walls a stamped particle board of sorts that was meant to look like tile, and the plumbing was in bad shape (no sink and awful pipes). There was no ceiling fan, you couldn't open the window and the wall plaster was cracked. Definitely seemed like a good first room to remodel!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1sdBjyLYbA/U_pGSAQu_iI/AAAAAAAAEaU/hIvPzI88d5s/s1600/IMG_5264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1sdBjyLYbA/U_pGSAQu_iI/AAAAAAAAEaU/hIvPzI88d5s/s1600/IMG_5264.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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While classic, the mirror was rusty and the wiring was scary. There was a revolving panel of sorts that was above where the sink should have been. I think it was originally to hold a cup and toothbrushes, but it had since corroded and was kind of a waste of space.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nITIe3FHsCs/U_pGCz7qX4I/AAAAAAAAEaI/X6hVZRHjafk/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nITIe3FHsCs/U_pGCz7qX4I/AAAAAAAAEaI/X6hVZRHjafk/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Below are some shots of the process.</div>
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We encountered all kinds of fun treasures under the floorboards and in the attic floor when Nick was doing the electrical work.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1O4boWM88dg/U_pPBSAbJSI/AAAAAAAAEbU/2iZiUtQ_MG8/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1O4boWM88dg/U_pPBSAbJSI/AAAAAAAAEbU/2iZiUtQ_MG8/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite day ever was when we had a crew of guys swap out the existing tub for the claw foot we found of Craigslist! In it's original state it was a dingy, dirty white. We painted the exterior a charcoal grey and re-glazed the inside of the tub.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzUrxGRF4uI/U_pGvirXRFI/AAAAAAAAEaw/oemV8hZYOxA/s1600/IMG_7159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzUrxGRF4uI/U_pGvirXRFI/AAAAAAAAEaw/oemV8hZYOxA/s1600/IMG_7159.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, back to the completed space. Feast your eyes on the finished project! </div>
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Ah, it's so nice to have it all done.</div>
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Here I am, taking a selfie with my shelfie!</div>
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Thanks for listening to us talk about his for ever and ever! Woohoo!</div>
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<i>Addendum-</i></div>
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<i>Wow! Getting <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-a-100-year-old-bathroom-gets-a-makeover-renovation-project-210659">featured on Apartment Therapy</a> was the stuff of dreams! Never did I anticipate so much traffic on this little old blog. I'm so flattered to have received such great feedback and compliments! Some people thought the bathroom wasn't matchy-matchy enough, was too eclectic or not sleek enough. I get it. Not everyone will like our style, but we designed the bathroom to suit our tastes, while honoring the house's past, and are thrilled with the outcome! To those who were lamenting the loss of some of the pre-existing elements I'll say this- We put a lot of thought into keeping things and working with what we had. We are huge proponents of historic preservation and decided, from the start, that if we had to make replacements, we'd make sure to stay contextual with the style of the house. That being said, the built-in tub was not original to the house (most likely installed in the 40's) and it was not in good shape, so we found a claw foot from the era the house was built in, the mirror, as mentioned above, was a rusty safety hazard and the shutters were from the 70's and also in bad shape. Hopefully that gives you some more insight into our choices. Thanks again for all the love!</i></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-36901483395742514032014-08-14T14:44:00.000-04:002014-08-14T14:50:36.305-04:00Peace in Faster Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JccMPwTmgVY/U-0AvWALDvI/AAAAAAAAEYI/C0mswAutOHY/s1600/wicker-laundry-basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JccMPwTmgVY/U-0AvWALDvI/AAAAAAAAEYI/C0mswAutOHY/s1600/wicker-laundry-basket.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am in the midst of a busy and sometimes chaotic season full of amazing things like developmental leaps in both my sweet boys, increased business and exciting, new projects with my <a href="http://mostazaseedgraphics.etsy.com/" target="_blank">graphic design company</a>, co-planning a fall church camp, being a part of the launch of a new women's ministry at our church, finishing and starting lots of projects around our old house, leading a small group in the fall, supporting my husband as he works and takes a theology class, trying to workout more, spending more time in prayer as a couple, seeking out friends in whom we want to invest and the list goes on. Whew!<br />
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This season is also full of "fun" as Collin seems to do his best to un-do everything I do. He's all boy-- silly and playful and an absolute explosion of activity at.all.times. The house can start out spic and span in the morning and by the time nap time rolls around, I am scratching my head, wondering how things devolved so quickly! Add Killian's new-found mobility and penchant for plants, cords, the tiniest, most microscopic crumbs and who-knows-whats under the fridge and I am constantly on the go, trying to stay one step ahead of things at home.<br />
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It's still blazing hot outside, but the rhythms of autumn have already begun and we have recognized that the only way we can be fully present in all of these things without seeing our marriage, family time and relationship with the Lord suffer, is to be purposeful and organized.<br />
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We recently spent a week in Chicagoland with Nick's family and coming off that wonderful week of fun and relaxation, we decided we were ready to get serious about prioritizing what is important. At the end of the day, when the boys are tucked in and we tiredly flop on the couch, it's easy to flip on Netflix and veg. There is nothing wrong with this from time to time, but we have continued to come back to the reality of where we are, where we want to be and what it will take to get there.</div>
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So, we sat down and made a weekly schedule of sorts. Chores are spread throughout the week so that things don't pile up for one day or a weekend. Household repair/fixer-upper projects are reserved for Saturdays. Specific nights are blocked out for me to workout while Nick studies or Nick to workout while I do design work. I am mustering up as much strength as I can to wake up when Nick wakes up to go to work, at o'dark thirty, so that we can pray together. Not surprisingly, when we pray together the day goes smoother. Friday and Saturday nights are set aside for relaxing and date/family nights. It's important to know that there is still room to just hangout as a couple and as a family. I think that is one of the only ways our new routine will be sustainable.</div>
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What about you? Are there ways you stay organized and on top of things? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! I don't consider myself to be super organized by nature, so I'm in need of some of my more structured friends to share hints and tips to a smoother, more productive routine.<br />
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P.S. If you haven't noticed, my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mostazaseedtheblog" target="_blank">Mostaza Seed Facebook Page</a> is now exclusively dedicated to this blog and I have started a new page for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mostazaseedgraphics" target="_blank">Mostaza Seed Graphics on Facebook</a>. Please give me a follow!<br />
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(Photo <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/wicker-laundry-basket/s624934?rv=Clean+Slate:Closet:Folding+Hamper+w/Grommet+Grey+SKU+378437+Product+Page" target="_blank">source</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-27059066109509606262014-07-03T16:20:00.000-04:002014-07-03T16:20:22.407-04:00Glorious Glassware!<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I the only one who thinks a beverage is all the more tasty when it's in a pretty glass? Well, the weather is heating up and it's important to stay hydrated. Why not take a sip from some of these tasty tumblers-- sure to be a hit at your next dinner party!</div>
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<a href="http://www.papersource.com/item/Paper-Source-Color-Pop-Glasses/3303_019/520347.html" target="_blank">1</a>//<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-glassware-glassware/780117.jsp?cm_sp=Grid-_-780117-_-Regular_28#/" target="_blank">2</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192326269/vintage-set-of-four-green-and-gold?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=vintage_mid&gclid=CjkKEQjw_tOdBRDv9tuvl7eAtNEBEiQA9Qm5IjxjC8ZWj54tAIQcC5AEdY8Kdh0Q5sSfH1WaMmIPsYfw_wcB" target="_blank">3</a>//<a href="http://www.mexgrocer.com/14va52235.html" target="_blank">4</a>//<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/351103389076?lpid=82" target="_blank">5</a></div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-30026386737332960912014-06-23T14:30:00.001-04:002014-06-23T21:19:05.535-04:00More Bathroom Progress!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey friends,</div>
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We're getting closer and closer on the upstairs bathroom remodel. The tile is done, it has been grouted, sealed and caulked and Nick has hooked up the tub, toilet and sink, so it's almost all finished. I am so grateful to finally be able to use this hallway bathroom. There is no longer a claw foot tub or a toilet in our bedroom, we don't have to tiptoe through a sleeping baby's room in the middle of the night to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom, we don't have to brush our teeth downstairs off the kitchen anymore and we can finally bathe our little guys in a tub! Huzzah!</div>
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What's left to do-</div>
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*Finish last bit of mudding and paint the walls a serene white</div>
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*Install the metal shower halo where the shower spout will come out of and the shower curtains will be hung</div>
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*Reattach and repaint the window and door frames</div>
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*Construct a threshold for the floor between the tile and hardwoods</div>
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*Repaint and reinstall the vent cover</div>
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*Reglaze the inside of the tub in a nice clean white to match the rest of the fixtures</div>
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*Install medicine cabinet and light fixture above sink</div>
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*Install towel racks</div>
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*Install open shelving above toilet</div>
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*Decorate!</div>
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I'm so proud of Nick and all he's done without having to hire any work out. He's just plugged along in the midst of 50+ hour work weeks, being an awesome, available daddy, playing on worship team, volunteering at church and taking care of numerous other household tasks. He's just so amazing!</div>
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Stay tuned for more updates!</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-71264735095304464882014-06-17T10:42:00.000-04:002014-06-17T13:31:13.499-04:00Eyebrow Raising- Bumbling My Way to a Highbrow Existence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkwPZ1_rC_8/U6BOUO3c8XI/AAAAAAAAEVg/dBVU1prabFI/s1600/tumblr_mhdpywIou81rqqnhno1_400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkwPZ1_rC_8/U6BOUO3c8XI/AAAAAAAAEVg/dBVU1prabFI/s1600/tumblr_mhdpywIou81rqqnhno1_400.png" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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I'm told when I was three years old my mother found me crying in the mirror. When asked what was the matter I tearfully told her "I don't have any eyebrows!!!" Ah, well, when you are as fair as I am, visible eyebrows are illusive. They are even more illusive after a few sunny, summer days in the garden.</div>
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I have friends who have the opposite problem-- feeling if they don't keep their thick, dark brows in check they might just take over their face. </div>
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I'm ashamed to admit that in the not-so distant past I succumed to a makeup artist at a salon who told me brow tinting would beautifully define my face. She even offered to do it for free with a brow wax. "Sure!" I said. "Why not?!"</div>
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I'll tell you why not. In just minutes I looked like Groucho Marx. I ran home and scrubbed and scrubbed to no avail. Nick came home and blurted out, "What happened to your face?" It was feeling all too much like the scene from Anne of Green Gables when Anne was told by a peddler she met on the road his dye would turn her hair "A beautiful shade of raven black," but instead transformed her hair into a green tinged train wreck.</div>
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So, I learned my lesson. Oh vanity of vanities!</div>
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I've just always admired good, strong brows. Take Brooke Shields, for example. Her name is almost synonymous with beautiful, eye defining, face shaping, natural brows. They aren't perfectly manicured, but there is clearly some definition and upkeep taking place with these beauties.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58WpG-s3Jeg/U6BFNmUQsKI/AAAAAAAAEUo/fPTlz2tqXi8/s1600/brooke-sheilds-80s_20111212_1790427409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58WpG-s3Jeg/U6BFNmUQsKI/AAAAAAAAEUo/fPTlz2tqXi8/s1600/brooke-sheilds-80s_20111212_1790427409.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div>
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Other beautiful brow examples-</div>
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I'm sure I'm not the only one who fell into the 90's trap of over plucking. Thankfully, pencil thin brows have come and gone and more natural shapes are en vogue.</div>
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Eyebrows just have so much power to alter your face. Here's a funny chart of brows gone wrong. Have you been guilty of any of these shapes? I know I have! I once plucked such a high arch that I looked constantly surprised.</div>
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And here's an interesting article-- <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/power-brows-can-change-your-entire-face" target="_blank">14 Before-And-After Photos That Prove Good Eyebrows Can Change Your Entire Face</a>.</div>
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Since my brows are so fair, I can get away with a brow wax every few months and only have to tweeze once a week or so for upkeep, but if your brows are thicker and require more work, that could get expensive. Here is a good rule of thumb <a href="http://theuntrendygirl.com/3-steps-to-perfect-brows.html" target="_blank">guide</a> for brow tweezing. </div>
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This chart below helps to identify good brows for your face shape:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UuXtAI39E/U6BJvQwvmEI/AAAAAAAAEVA/AQEs8Bf4rqM/s1600/7d418f4b-bbca-4b27-a48f-8e988a0fc669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UuXtAI39E/U6BJvQwvmEI/AAAAAAAAEVA/AQEs8Bf4rqM/s1600/7d418f4b-bbca-4b27-a48f-8e988a0fc669.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
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I was once told that, regardless if your brows are dark or light, filling them in with some brow powder makes them look more polished and neat. My mom turned me on to <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/anastasia-beverly-hills-five-item-brow-kit-120-value/2971870?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=205&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_C" target="_blank">this brow kit</a> and I can't say enough good things about it. It comes with a stencil, which is so helpful in evenly applying the powder. It's a bit on the pricey side, but you truly use so little in each application that I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever have to buy a refill.</div>
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So, how about you? Have you mastered a good look for your face or are your brows a source of consternation? Any tips or ideas to help a sister out?</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-918256110044538432014-06-07T22:27:00.002-04:002014-06-07T22:32:52.027-04:00Decor through the Decades<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been wanting to do a post on design through the decades for quite a while. It wasn't until Nick went out of town on a work trip this past week that I actually had some time to buckle down and research and write during the evenings. You see, I just have the hardest time not spending time with him when he's home and the kids are down for the night. ;)<br />
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So, without further ado, I present to you my interpretation the home design from the 1940's to the 1980's. Please bear in mind, the style boards I've put together have a modern take to them. I wanted to create looks that could easily be executed in present-day homes without looking dated or like the set of a movie, so I added a few pieces to each board that are decidedly 2014 looks. Almost every piece displayed can be purchased, or something similar can be purchased, online.<br />
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I realize there are many design styles in any given decade, but I have done my best to highlight some of the more popular and noteworthy looks of each era. Keep in mind, the most en vogue looks of a particular time period often take years to trickle down to the average home. Since furnishings and decor items are collected over time, most real homes possessed, and possess, looks from several decades at one time.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1940's-</span></b></div>
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I'll start of with one of my favorite decades! The 1940's were largely set in wartime, on the heels of an economic depression. The design style present during this time was modest, traditional and romantic. Patriotism was at its peak. People couldn't stomach being extravagant in their home decor when young, American men were dying on foreign soil. There was a coziness to homes during this decade because it was a place of comfort and solace during a tumultuous time. Lines were soft and details were both utilitarian and sweet. While putting this look together, I realized just how much I have, unconsciously, gravitated towards this style in my own home decor. </div>
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<a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/lighting/pendant-fixtures/rhondes-6.html" target="_blank">light</a>//<a href="http://paintings-art-picture.com/paintings/archives/303/fight-or-buy-war-bonds" target="_blank">poster</a>//m<a href="http://www.ifurn.com/uttermost-fifi-wall-mirror-12530-b.html" target="_blank">irror</a>//<a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/sofas/sofa-gilt-wood-frame-fabric-leleu-french1940s/id-f_715838/" target="_blank">sofa</a>//<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1014003&gclid=CjkKEQjwh7ucBRD9yY_fyZe398gBEiQAAoy4JJ6qo_X2xADoE9Ck9TexJtxUkjLpI5XXc99kVPmGQ1nw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details" target="_blank">radio</a>//<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/floral+fiesta+curtain.do" target="_blank">curtains</a>//<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kitchenaid-Azure-Artisan-Stand-KSM155GBAZ/dp/B00FOWJRAS" target="_blank">mixer</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190263480/1940s-maroon-red-satin-slippers-5-narrow?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=1940's+slippers&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">slippers</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1950's-</span></b><br />
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Another favorite decade of mine. The 1950's were very much a deviation from the modesty of the 40's. The war was over and people were ready to settle down, have families and show off their new-found prosperity. It was a hopeful time. Furniture lines became cleaner and sleeker with the heyday of Charles and Ray Eames' design work and the permeation of Danish modern design in America. Color schemes became brighter and colorful appliances, newly available in more than just white, were all the rage. Towards the end of the 50's you also saw an influx of celestially inspired decor, or atomic design, as space exploration and the race against the USSR heated up. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ALmt7IZyAY/U5NVDoTmC5I/AAAAAAAAESQ/MEsozkfD3Hc/s1600/1950's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ALmt7IZyAY/U5NVDoTmC5I/AAAAAAAAESQ/MEsozkfD3Hc/s1600/1950's.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/sofas/large-1950s-italian-curved-sofa/id-f_1081498/" target="_blank">sofa</a>//<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/35649/2378017/1623398?or=1&carousel=category3_Wall%20Mirrors&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_term=35649_1623398&adwords_producttargetid=106239147675&device=c&keyword=&utm_campaign=Wall+Decor+%28New%29&utm_content=PLA%7CL2+%3D+Mirrors%3B+L3+%3D+Wall+Mirrors%3B+Activation+Score+%3D+Low+Activation%7Cmkwid%7CiutgILcf_dc%7Cpcrid%7C43868000235&gclid=CjkKEQjwh7ucBRD9yY_fyZe398gBEiQAAoy4JDqkZYz4CNN-3gqWX9l9dpMKcqpdmlBDb43DNVE6M8Lw_wcB" target="_blank">mirror</a>//<a href="http://bigchill.com/products-page/refrigerators/original-big-chill-retro-refrigerator/?gclid=CjkKEQjwh7ucBRD9yY_fyZe398gBEiQAAoy4JD_RjDmLwUymByc2WV-bsO8lNQaqlFFrwN9Y0cTI7Onw_wcB" target="_blank">fridge</a>//<a href="http://www.inaluxe.com/" target="_blank">print</a>//<a href="http://www.meteorlights.com/lampshade-styles/attachment/xl-atomic-2-tier-lamp-shade-lit-2/" target="_blank">lamp</a>//<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/alston-slate-curtain-panels/f56557" target="_blank">curtains</a>//<a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=18240945&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Affiliates-_-VigLink-_-11389065" target="_blank">pillow</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191027350/vintage-crams-imperial-12-world-globe?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=globe++blue&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">globe</a>//<a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/women/ripley#whiskey-tortoise" target="_blank">glasses</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1960's-</span></b></div>
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The 1960's was an era of rebellion against the establishment and youthful exuberance. Design became more playful and less formal. The Brady Bunch and their astroturfed,<br />
California ranch reigned supreme on the airwaves each week. Floral patterns and mismatched colors took center stage in homes, along with unconventionally shaped furniture and architecture. Plastics, produced via new manufacturing techniques, and the endless possibilities this flexible medium offered opened the door to more unconventional and creative design. What we know today as the Mid-Century Modern school of design gathered even more steam and a trend towards simplicity and de-cluttered spaces was reflected in streamlined decorscapes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ygQluubCdfA/U5Ng3UyKFXI/AAAAAAAAESw/xAB5pgHW568/s1600/1960's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ygQluubCdfA/U5Ng3UyKFXI/AAAAAAAAESw/xAB5pgHW568/s1600/1960's.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/sofas/adrian-pearsall-walnut-trim-couch-1960s/id-f_1050844/" target="_blank">sofa</a>//<a href="http://www.chasingpaper.com/products/sunburst-more-colors-available" target="_blank">wallpaper</a>//<a href="http://hivemodern.com/pages/product344/modernica-nelson-bubble-saucer" target="_blank">pendant light</a>/<a href="http://www.insound.com/CR8005A-Cruiser-Orange-Turntable-Crosley-Turntable/P/INS113495/" target="_blank">/turntable</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182887230/2014-collection-mid-century-scandinavian?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=mid+century+side+table&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">side table</a>//<a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2MH1F39674&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-Women%27s+Fragrances-_-9SIA2MH1F39674&ef_id=U1-PqQAABIMToSR2:20140607174415:s" target="_blank">sheepskin</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190617603/vintage-1960s-mod-yellow-sheer-mini?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=1960's+dress+shift&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">dress</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176092581/east-german-pottery-vase-veb?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=east+german+vase+brown&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">vase</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1970's-</span></b><br />
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In reaction to the candy coated, shellacked aesthetic of the 1960's, the 1970's design style gravitated back to nature. Homes were adorned in earth tones, wood paneling and natural fibers. The outside came in and hanging plants and terrariums became popular. Comfort became equally as important as style, as evidenced by the movement of wall to wall carpeting, often of the shag nature, and sound-proofing popcorn ceilings. I've been in a number of truly 70's style homes and can't help but dislike how dark they all feel. However, it's interesting to see that many 1970's trends are coming back, against the backdrop of open, white walls and airy, minimalist homes. I find I like the design style much better in its reinvented state.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkdrqT5bjKI/U5O-NreuVrI/AAAAAAAAETQ/pmxSfp16XhE/s1600/1970's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkdrqT5bjKI/U5O-NreuVrI/AAAAAAAAETQ/pmxSfp16XhE/s1600/1970's.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/loveseats/1970s-italian-tufted-leather-small-sofa-ambienti-bernini/id-f_773532/" target="_blank">sofa</a>//<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/citrus+ikat+curtain.do?&refType=&from=Search" target="_blank">curtains</a>//<a href="http://warp-weft.com.au/pot-hanging-range/" target="_blank">turquoise planter</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/CleopatraJMacrame" target="_blank">pink planter</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187372496/vintage-fondue-pot-orange-fondue-pot?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=fondue+pot&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+fondue+pot&ga_original_query=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">fondue pot</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/184511718/mid-century-wooden-hexagon-side-table?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=hexagon+side+table&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+hexagon+side+table&ga_original_query=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">side table</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189449547/anatolian-turkish-handmade-kilim-pillow?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=brown+cream+pink+pillow+kilim&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">pillow</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1980's-</span></b><br />
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The 1980's were characterized by Reaganomics, big hair and financial success (or at least the appearance of financial success). The nouveau riche of this decade spared no expense to deck their homes out in gilded, often gaudy, decor. It was difficult for me to put this board together, because I find so many of the looks of this decade tacky. Maybe it's just because I was a child during this time. In combing through 80's decor styles, one thing I can appreciate is the nod they gave to the 1920's Art Deco movement and the juxtaposition of pastels and black. The 80's saw a wave of decor trends that ran the gamut-- from Miami Vice to Southwestern inspired. Floral chintz fabrics and lace took center stage as the decade wrapped up-- giving way to another shift in design towards the more grounded looks of the 1990's.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaXFCQHOWkk/U5OBHNGtOKI/AAAAAAAAETA/dwMK0RwTYSo/s1600/1980's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaXFCQHOWkk/U5OBHNGtOKI/AAAAAAAAETA/dwMK0RwTYSo/s1600/1980's.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/sectional-sofas/1970-1980-three-piece-sofa-edited-de-sede/id-f_735169/" target="_blank">sofa</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191928096/12-x-20-solid-apricot-pale-peach-lumbar?ref=market" target="_blank">peach pillow</a>//<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/metallic-chevron-pillow-cover-gold-t1093/" target="_blank">gold pillow</a>//<a href="http://redmodernfurniture.com/2014/01/10/pair-of-brass-italian-arc-floor-lamps/" target="_blank">lamp</a>//<a href="http://www.architonic.com/pmsht/manhattan-waldorf-collection-cole-and-son/1016926" target="_blank">wallpaper</a>//<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Crisanto-Octagon-Mirror/2518880,default,pd.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=google_pla&utm_content=2518880&s_cid=pla0000001&kpid=2518880" target="_blank">mirror</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157520199/papercraft-unicorn-head-mount-paper?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=unicorn&ga_ref=auto4&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">unicorn</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155795203/vintage-1980s-silver-plated-cleopatra?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=80's+cleopatra+necklace&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">necklace</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187839197/flamingo-original-watercolor-painting?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=abstract+watercolor+pink&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">painting</a></div>
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Beyond the 1980's, it's hard for me to define or interpret where style has gone. Perhaps it's easier to see patterns the farther away you get from them. Or perhaps, having lived these more recent decades as an adult, I am too aware of the many iterations of design styles in each year, let alone decade.<br />
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I can remember there being a lot of country looks happening in the 90's, also some 1930's inspired lines in sofas, lamps and tables. The 90's definitely started off in cooler color pallets with a lot of dusty blue, teal and sea foam green, morphing in the mid 90's into burgundy and hunter green plaids and giving way, at the start of the 2000's, to lots and lots of variations of browns, tans and reds.<br />
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on where decor styles have been and where they are going. Ultimately, there is never really anything new under the sun and what you see as fresh and new now has its origin in a bygone era. I love history and I love design, so I find this sort of thing fascinating. What about you? Do you have a favorite, historical design period? Do tell!<br />
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And now I must go decompress from the creative frenzy going on in my brain! Good night!</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-52362087310998275612014-06-03T09:57:00.000-04:002014-06-03T09:57:36.195-04:005 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TtijruYMN4/U43TVUGh7sI/AAAAAAAAERQ/E-5jmMPwNlA/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TtijruYMN4/U43TVUGh7sI/AAAAAAAAERQ/E-5jmMPwNlA/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This past weekend we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary by taking a little day trip to Northwestern Arkansas. A lot has kept us busy since we moved to Joplin a little over a year ago, namely a new old house in need of some serious TLC and the arrival of a new baby, so we haven't had the chance to do much exploring. We loaded up our little third wheel, Killian who was along the ride for the milk, and had a leisurely breakfast on the square in Bentonville, AR. We then went to the <a href="http://crystalbridges.org/" target="_blank">Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art</a>-- a true, world-class gem, nestled in the Ozarks. The museum is fabulous and the grounds are gorgeous. We had planned to drive to Fayetteville from there, but we only had a sitter for Collin until 3pm, so we stopped off in Rogers, AR had a fantastic pizza lunch in the historic downtown area and visited an antique shop. I can't wait to do more exploring. It truly is a beautiful area and the rolling hills make for such a lovely drive.</div>
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Each year, on our anniversary, we have the tradition of buying a vintage bud vase. It's fun to hunt down something unique and special to commemorate one more year of God's goodness. People have asked if each one has a certain significance to it. Not really. We simply look for something that catches our eye. I love having a visual of our years together and can't wait to someday look at a collection of over fifty or sixty!</div>
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What about you? Do you have an anniversary, birthday or holiday tradition in your family?</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-43618743944535974452014-05-30T15:20:00.003-04:002014-05-30T15:20:41.866-04:00Riley Clay Duds for the SummerOne of my favorite brands, Riley Clay, is now a Mostaza Seed sponsor. They were kind enough to send over some of their wares and we are loving them! These tri-blend tees are super high quality and extra soft. We haven't experienced any shrinkage after a number of washes and, most importantly, this brand does such an awesome job of delivering a positive message in a fashionable way. Check their line out on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/greythread?ref=pr_shop_more#" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, or if you live down South, in or near Georgia, you can drop by their brick and mortar shop at 118 Main Street SW, Gainesville 30501.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgu5vPs-Kug/U4jWbkZiMeI/AAAAAAAAEQs/W75uOYVOAHs/s1600/SUMMER+BLUES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgu5vPs-Kug/U4jWbkZiMeI/AAAAAAAAEQs/W75uOYVOAHs/s1600/SUMMER+BLUES.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/185597776/great-love-adult-tank?ref=related-0" target="_blank">1</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176921382/he-first-loved-us-triblend-tee?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">2</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129467240/jesus-saves-basball-tee-kids?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">3</a></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-75379824455008217072014-05-29T18:07:00.002-04:002014-05-29T18:07:26.415-04:00Paint by Number Murals<div style="text-align: center;">
There is an artist in British Columbia, by the name of Bill Blair, who creates entire murals inspired by the 1950's Paint by Number kit creations. Here are a few examples of his work. I am completely in love with the look. It's approachable and kitschy and nostalgic and totally fun!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lk3fLrYZmJE/U4eWjBjm6cI/AAAAAAAAEPk/Rgsx4mf0TTM/s1600/2c6a159816789316a9b98b2c5e1b5945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lk3fLrYZmJE/U4eWjBjm6cI/AAAAAAAAEPk/Rgsx4mf0TTM/s1600/2c6a159816789316a9b98b2c5e1b5945.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VM0jP3rg9Tk/U4eu49pymNI/AAAAAAAAEQA/TD7v19uA0iY/s1600/6092926827_bb3d2fd97c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VM0jP3rg9Tk/U4eu49pymNI/AAAAAAAAEQA/TD7v19uA0iY/s1600/6092926827_bb3d2fd97c_z.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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A bit of history, In 1951 Palmer Paint introduced the Craft Master brand which sold over 12 million kits. This public response induced other companies to produce their own versions of paint by number. The Craft Master paint-kit box tops proclaimed, "A BEAUTIFUL OIL PAINTING THE FIRST TIME YOU TRY." Following the death of Max Klein in 1993, his daughter, Jacquelyn Schiffman, donated the Palmer Paint Co. archives to the Smithsonian Museum of American History (Wikipedia).</div>
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There are a few bloggers who have tackled the same look in their homes. Up for the mammoth challenge? Check out their work <a href="http://easterkiwi.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/paint-by-number-wall-mural/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://averymodestcottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/project-vintage-paint-by-number-mural.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.katiespencilbox.com/2011/11/paint-your-wall.html" target="_blank">here </a> for inspiration and tips.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZYE8OdCUTk/U4evcekN9cI/AAAAAAAAEQI/aOw6FG-aN3s/s1600/IMG_5644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZYE8OdCUTk/U4evcekN9cI/AAAAAAAAEQI/aOw6FG-aN3s/s1600/IMG_5644.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0agINImNND4/U4etpmjVYxI/AAAAAAAAEP0/h5Tvk-92acA/s1600/paint+by+number+mural+in+nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0agINImNND4/U4etpmjVYxI/AAAAAAAAEP0/h5Tvk-92acA/s1600/paint+by+number+mural+in+nursery.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-18915390209845600142014-05-27T18:07:00.000-04:002014-05-27T18:20:27.771-04:00Collin's Surgery Story<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTh8RKQaOB0/U4T6Acohg-I/AAAAAAAAEOs/8t0oh6HaJyw/s1600/IMG_9191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTh8RKQaOB0/U4T6Acohg-I/AAAAAAAAEOs/8t0oh6HaJyw/s1600/IMG_9191.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a whirlwind the past couple of weeks have been. Collin had his tonsils/adenoids out and tubes put in his ears and the ensuing recovery, coupled with a teething baby and-- oh yeah-- the same toddler who had surgery wanting to wear big boy undies a week later, which spurred full-on potty training, has had me a bit preoccupied. Whew! Praying for a more uneventful season ahead. Pretty please!</div>
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I thought I'd take the time to share a bit about Collin's surgery experience. I found reading about other people's stories helpful in the lead-up to his tonsillectomy. I know each child is different and older children have different experiences, but I can share what our little guy went through and hopefully help other parents of toddlers know what to possibly expect.</div>
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I'll preface this all by saying, every day there are parents who walk through much more serious, life altering/threatening surgeries with their kiddos. I am fully aware and thankful that this is the context in which we found ourselves at the hospital. Such a small procedure in the grand scheme of things.</div>
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I'll back up a bit. From this fall onwards, Collin suffered one cold after another. He would get over his sickness and seemingly get sick again in less than a week. He had multiple ear infections, lots of congestion and nighttime coughing. Some of it was allergy related, but what we didn't know at the time, was that his tonsils and adenoids were hugely inflamed and there was a vicious cycle of re-infection going on. He went through three rounds of antibiotics and nothing cleared up the fluid in his ears. He always seemed to have bags under his eyes and his speech wasn't as articulated or clear as other children his age. Come to find out it was because he couldn't hear us well through all that ear fluid! At night you could hear his grown-man-snoring down the hall, during the day there was a lot of Darth Vader mouth breathing. </div>
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It was clear we needed to address the issue. We took him into an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and it was confirmed that his tonsils, on a scale of 1-4, were a 4. Basically kissing. I managed to shine a flash light down his throat once, no easy feat when dealing with a squirmy 2.5 year old, and what I saw both scared me and grossed me out! It's a wonder he could even eat-- let alone breathe! Poor buddy!</div>
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So, it was determined he needed to get his tonsils and adenoids out and have tubes put in his ears for drainage. We scheduled the surgery for after our Seattle trip so that we wouldn't be dealing with recovery while traveling and blocked out a whole week of time where I had nothing planned so that he could leisurely recover at home.</div>
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I'm sure there are whole children's books dedicated to tonsillectomies, but we were fortunate enough to stumble upon something in our home library- a little vignette in Richard Scarry's Busytown <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-What-People-All/dp/0394818237/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401224273&sr=1-1&keywords=Do+People+Do+All+Day%3F" target="_blank">"What do People Do All Day"</a> about a bunny who goes to the hospital and gets her tonsils out. We talked a lot about what would happen at the hospital and all the yummy ice cream and jello he'd get to eat when he woke up from surgery. He was excited about the idea.</div>
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Typically they schedule these types of surgeries for first thing in the morning, in order of youngest to oldest, because the patient is not allowed to eat or drink anything for twelve hours prior to the operation. This can be hard on little ones. We got to the hospital and checked in at 6:30 AM, but he didn't get wheeled off for surgery until around 9:30 AM. I did not expect to have to wait that long and it was difficult keeping him from climbing the walls of the observation room where we waited. Plus, his blood sugar was low from having not had anything to eat since dinner the night before. Thankfully, there was a TV in the room and that kept him marginally entertained until they came and got him.</div>
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I will add, at this point, that Nick was able to come with us to the hospital in the morning and stay until about the time they took Collin, but he had to go back into work for a bit after that point. His vacation days are limited and if he took the full day off, it would mean shaving a day off of our August vacation or Christmas trip. I knew we'd be bummed about that in the future, so we decided I'd manage without Nick there.</div>
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I totally got a lump in my throat as they wheeled Collin off to surgery in a little wagon. He waved and smiled and said "See you later!" having absolutely no clue what was coming.</div>
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I went upstairs to a private waiting room with Killian, who decided he wanted to eat sooner than normal. This turned out to be a God sent. I'll explain why later.</div>
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After only 30 minutes, the doctor who performed the surgery came up to tell me Collin was out of surgery. He told me things went really well and that they found a ton of gunk, the consistency of honey, in his ears which had probably been there for a few months. Eww! Again, it's a wonder the child could even hear me and I was thinking I may have been a little hard on him for not coming when I called him on many an occasion. After five minutes, I was able to go down to the recovery center as he came out of anesthesia.</div>
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I could hear screaming and crying down the hall and right away knew it was him. Oh my heart hurts just remembering this! I steered Killian in his stroller right up to the bed on wheels (is there a name for these?) where Collin was hooked up to every kind of contraption (IV in his hand, heart monitor stickers on his chest, pulse monitor on his toe). He was a jumbled mess of cords as he lunged towards me. Poor little guy was completely out of it, totally disoriented and hurting. His face was puffy and there was some dried blood around his mouth/nose/ears. His eyes must have been taped shut because his lashes were all stuck together and funky looking. I just held him and rocked him, singing "Snuggle Puppy of Mine" (his favorite book/song) over and over. When he didn't calm down after fifteen minutes or so, they asked if I was okay with them giving him a smidge of Morphine. "Yes, absolutely!"</div>
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That took the edge off and eventually he fell asleep on me. Here is where I thank the Lord that Killian wanted to nurse sooner than normal. There was no way I could have tended to the baby during this intense time with Collin. It's as if he knew it would be a good time to take an hour and 45 minute nap, in the midst of all the crying and screaming and beeping and movement in the recovery center. Yep. The moment I picked Collin up, Killian snuggled his face into the side of his stroller and took a nap! I am so thankful! That was, beyond a shadow of a doubt in my mind, the Lord.</div>
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Soon Collin perked up enough to have a popsicle. At that point we were still waiting in the recovery center to be given a room in the children's wing. Things got progressively better. Collin decided he was hungry enough to have some pudding, ice cream and lots of juice. Nick was able to stop by on his lunch break and took off a little early at the end of his work day.</div>
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We finally got a room and Collin took a decent nap. They typically keep kids under 3 years old overnight for observation since dehydration is such a danger in young ones, but Collin had been eating and drinking really well all day so they decided to let us go that evening. We were super happy about that. When the nurse took the IV out of his hand he told her she should put his "Owie in the da garbage!"</div>
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They told us to give him Tylenol every 4 hours or to alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 4 hours. These meds, as long as they were in his system, were enough to manage the pain. Nothing stronger was needed. I asked the nurse if we should give him meds in the middle of the night, but she didn't think it was necessary to wake him (more about this later).</div>
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The first day home was great. He seemed to be almost his normal self. I was thinking. "Wow, what an easy experience for us!" Famous.last.words.</div>
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There are a few things I think might be good for parents of toddlers to know when going into a similar situation. Sorry if they are a bit all over the place!</div>
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1. Bring an iPad or tablet to the hospital, loaded with new apps. If you don't have one, borrow one. It's great for them to have something to play that is new or normally off limits/allowed on a limited basis. This was really helpful for us in distracting him from the pain and using it as a bribe to get him to drink. Have some new DVD's, quiet games, books and stickers for them to play with at home. Grandma sent him a prize box full of individually wrapped gifts for him to open when needed. Again, this was great for bribing him to drink.</div>
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2. The doctors and nurses will tell you this, but I will say it too. Push, push, push liquids! It's less important that they eat. They will eat when they get hungry enough, but it's super easy for them to become dehydrated and if they are, you won't be allowed to go home or if you are already home and your child isn't drinking, they make you go back to the hospital for an IV. The doctor said to bribe him with new toys, special drinks, smoothies, popsicles, juices, chocolate milk, etc... Whatever will keep him hydrated. We had to follow him around, filling up his cup and prompting him to take more sips.</div>
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3. Days 2,3, and 4, post surgery, were the hardest for us. We quickly learned that mornings would be beastly if we didn't go in and pre-empt the craziness by giving him meds once in the middle of the night. He'd wake up screaming in pain and drooling because it hurt so much to swallow. I couldn't get him to drink or take meds at that point because he was too far gone. So, since I was already up at some point during the night feeding Killian, I'd just slip into Collin's room, have him drowsily sit up, and I'd then squirt meds into his mouth via syringe. He'd roll over and go straight back to sleep.</div>
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4. If they get tubes put in, you'll have to put drops in their ears twice a day. This ended up being quite the battle. I don't know if it's because it hurt him or if the drops were cold and felt weird. Either way, it was another necessary evil and we would just wrestle him down to the ground to put them in since no amount of coaxing or bribing helped and the process takes two seconds tops.</div>
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5. Don't plan any outings or activities for the first 5-7 days. Be willing to cancel plans if they aren't feeling well beyond that. Even if they seem to be back to normal, their bodies are still recovering and need rest. Protect their healing time. For reference, his surgery was on a Tuesday morning and he didn't go back to preschool until the next Wednesday.</div>
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5. Run a humidifier in their room at night to keep the throat from drying out.</div>
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6. Be ready for their breath to smell like death for a week or so. It's part of the recovery process. By death I truly and fully mean dog poo. It's awful:(</div>
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7. Some soft foods and beverages that were well received by Collin were: Hawaiian Rolls, chicken noodle soup, popsicles, ice cream, jello, pudding, rice, applesauce, small curd cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mashed potatoes, quesadillas, avocado, apple juice, milk. This is not a week to be concerned with healthy eating, in my opinion that's not the battle you need to fight. Eating and drinking is the battle. It will be much easier if they are excited about all the treats they don't normally get.</div>
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8. If you are having a hard time getting them to take liquid meds, try the Tylenol Meltaways. These were great for those instances where he was being difficult.</div>
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Hopefully this was helpful. I feel like I used the word bribe a lot. Ha! It's literally the only way we made it though. We are two weeks out and he is doing great! He's back to his normal self. He's been off the meds for a week. His speech is clearer, his complexion is rosier, he no longer snores or mouth breathes, his nose isn't runny, his hearing is better. I cannot tell you how happy we are to have made the decision to do this. It's rough at the beginning, but so worth it!</div>
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Feel free to comment with questions or suggestions you might have as well!</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-27604276609940339582014-05-12T16:46:00.001-04:002014-05-12T16:46:52.070-04:00Plants in the Bathroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">We're getting closer to bathroom completion and it's fun to start thinking about last minute touches. Since it will be such a light, bright room, i</span>t would be a shame not to include some greenery in there.<span style="text-align: start;"> The moisture in the air will be good for the plants and it will, undoubtedly, improve our air quality! I did a quick search on Pinterest and these images are my inspiration!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CS0LDQOsmEc/U3EwPcQd9UI/AAAAAAAAENs/LQi6-rnF30c/s1600/tumblr_lwtonlPizo1qjxia2o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CS0LDQOsmEc/U3EwPcQd9UI/AAAAAAAAENs/LQi6-rnF30c/s1600/tumblr_lwtonlPizo1qjxia2o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://theaestate.tumblr.com/post/14822484630/rustic-chic-bathroom" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIEbZoYb1Yg/U3Eupt1DgdI/AAAAAAAAENY/lEAknIJwM7U/s1600/52016e8874c5b65959000756._w.540_s.fit_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tIEbZoYb1Yg/U3Eupt1DgdI/AAAAAAAAENY/lEAknIJwM7U/s1600/52016e8874c5b65959000756._w.540_s.fit_.jpg" height="640" width="416" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/plants-in-the-bathroom-198989" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igFPkMmYgmo/U3EuqFtO3cI/AAAAAAAAENU/9NVPo69c7cU/s1600/green_pockets_maruja_fuentes_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igFPkMmYgmo/U3EuqFtO3cI/AAAAAAAAENU/9NVPo69c7cU/s1600/green_pockets_maruja_fuentes_3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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How cool are <a href="http://mocoloco.com/archives/011140.php" target="_blank">these</a> fish scale planter tiles? </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aul-jXjkSoA/U3Eup36Nb6I/AAAAAAAAENQ/DU4fswpuLu0/s1600/Isabelle-Palmer-The-House-Gardener-Gardenista-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aul-jXjkSoA/U3Eup36Nb6I/AAAAAAAAENQ/DU4fswpuLu0/s1600/Isabelle-Palmer-The-House-Gardener-Gardenista-10.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/required-reading-the-house-gardener-isabelle-palmer" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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I think hanging plants are a good option for our bathroom since it's small and I'd rather not have things within reach of the boys. What do you think of plants in the shower? Kind of odd, but cool, no?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsomEMhXPlw/U3Ey53CB0EI/AAAAAAAAEN4/ZIqaI6VtZz8/s1600/14Michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsomEMhXPlw/U3Ey53CB0EI/AAAAAAAAEN4/ZIqaI6VtZz8/s1600/14Michelle.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/10/north-of-south-and-east-of-west-an-oasis-of-warmth-and-style-in-minneapolis.html#more-185035" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-12738345312402721182014-05-06T12:43:00.001-04:002014-05-06T12:46:22.669-04:00Reupholstery Reveal- From Dowdy Tuffet to Chic Ottoman<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember this fun little thrift store find?</div>
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Well, it has been completely transformed! The original plan was to reupholster it myself with fabric, but after seeing Collin smash graham crackers into the button holes and smush his runny nose into it a time or two, I decided a wipeaple fabric would be best. </div>
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I knew my lack of upholstery skill was no match for vinyl, so I called up a guy whom my friend recommended. He works at an upholstery shop, but also does jobs on the side from home. His pricing was very reasonable and the cost for two yards of <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/ug-958/marine-vinyl-sky-blue" target="_blank">marine vinyl</a> was minimal.</div>
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I am so happy with the results! The next upholstery project will be one of the two current living room chairs. Still looking for reasonable, utility grade velvet for the chair pictured. Stay tuned!</div>
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P.S. If you'd like to see more current shots of our home's interior along with some interior design tips, I recently did an interview over at aannagreer.com, you can check it out <a href="http://www.aannagreer.com/blog/how-to-make-your-style-a-reality-an-interview-with-stephanie-bradac" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-16978347433570367732014-04-29T09:59:00.001-04:002014-04-29T09:59:52.098-04:00Bathroom Progress and New Design Directions<div style="text-align: center;">
If you've been following for a while, you may remember me first blogging about our upstairs bathroom remodel <a href="http://mostazaseed.blogspot.com/2013/04/upstairs-bathroom-remodel-inspiration.html" target="_blank">last summer</a>. Well, it's taken quite a while to get to the point where we are at. That's the reality when your hubby is doing all the work himself. He works 50+ hours a week so it all has to happen on weeknights and weekends and we've often had other things going on. It just takes a little longer when you aren't hiring out the work. </div>
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I am so proud of Nick. He has completely redone all the electrical wiring, installed a ceiling vent fan, redone the plumbing, gutted it down to the studs, re-dry walled the walls and ceiling and put all the prep in place for tiling. I'm sure I'm leaving certain steps out. Did I mention stud? ;) </div>
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I'll post a full montage of photos when we finish, but for now, check out our floor that our friend Lane helped him do last week. I'm loving the 2 inch black hex tile! Super happy about this choice for flooring. Oh and the red stuff is not blood, it's a flexible sealant of sorts called Red Guard.</div>
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Over the months, my design ideas for this space have changed a bit. Originally I wanted to use a lot of mint green in this room. Now, I've decided to make citron yellow and a warm, orangey red our primary colors. I've already ordered our shower curtains from West Elm (we'll need two to wrap around the claw foot tub). <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/stripe-shower-curtain-citron-b986/?pkey=cshower-curtains&cm_src=shower-curtains||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">These</a> are them and I was able to snatch them up while they were on sale:</div>
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The walls will be white subway tile up halfway with white paint up the second half. Super light and clean. I'm also planning on using my collection of amber, antique medicine bottles for knick knacks and perhaps a hanging plant in the corner. A black industrial gooseneck light will go over the medicine cabinet which is, by the by, a cool shade of dove gray!</div>
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I can't wait to put it all together and have a bathtub to bathe our kiddos in again. Currently Killian gets sink baths and Collin gets showers, which he hates! </div>
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All in good time. Stay tuned for the results!</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-12834111695061833782014-04-26T16:01:00.000-04:002014-04-26T16:01:04.502-04:00Spring Family Pics<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend we had some family pictures taken by the talented Emily of <a href="http://emilystuder.com/" target="_blank">Emily Ann Photography</a>. Here are a handful of our favorites!</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-44371107819763010712014-04-24T09:52:00.000-04:002014-04-26T21:55:49.955-04:00Vintage Inspired Children's Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I lived in Spain, one of my favorite pastimes was to sit on a park bench and watch Spanish mamas take their kids out after siesta. There is a certain subculture in Spain, mainly the upper/more tradition rooted class or commonly known as <i>pijos</i> (preppy people), that still dress their children to the nines for everyday activities. From knee high socks and knickers to cute, 50's style baby doll dresses and tailored pea coats when it's the slitest bit cool out. Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about:</div>
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While I love this idea, I realize it's not entirely practical and know that a boy who doesn't get to wear long pants until he's ten would not fair well in the American school system. That being said, I think there is something timeless and sweet to these outfits and think vintage inspired fashions can be infused into more modern-playground friendly clothing for your littles. So, I've come up with a few vintage-inspired wardrobe options for your kiddos this summer. I look forward to creating inspiration boards for the rest of the seasons as well!<br />
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<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1007532&vid=1&pid=953382002" target="_blank">1</a>//<a href="http://www.target.com/p/cherokee-infant-toddler-boys-henley-tank/-/A-15101350#prodSlot=medium_1_1" target="_blank">2</a>//<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/buy/non-footies/oshkosh-boys-stripe-shortall-424a222-28630656" target="_blank">3</a>//<a href="http://www.zappos.com/converse-kids-chuck-taylor-all-star-hi-little-kid-jungle-green?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_p_ab_1" target="_blank">4</a>//<a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/boys-clothing/accessories/ties_bow_ties/PRDOVR~68453/68453.jsp" target="_blank">5</a>//<a href="http://www.zappos.com/herschel-supply-co-settlement-kids-navy-red?ef_id=UP2KfAAATqPs1UdM:20140424133346:s" target="_blank">6</a>//<a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Boys-1H-12yrs-Swimwear/26058-GRY/Boys-1H-12yrs-Elephant_Reef-Swim-Trunks" target="_blank">7</a>//<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7549&vid=1&pid=945956012" target="_blank">8</a>//<a href="http://www.sears.com/toughskins-boy-s-slim-straight-jeans/p-040VA53374812P?prdNo=24&blockNo=24&blockType=G24" target="_blank">9</a>//<a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/usstore/p/boys-clothing/boys-clothing/boys-shoes/slip-on-sneaker-2015848-AF" target="_blank">10</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.jcrew.com/girls_category/jewelryaccessories/hatsscarvesgloves/PRDOVR~A8970/A8970.jsp?color_name=natural" target="_blank">1</a>//<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1011740&vid=1&pid=944446002" target="_blank">2</a>//<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1007350&vid=1&pid=948413002" target="_blank">3</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159969094/cream-pink-flower-floral-vintage-girls?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">4</a>//<a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Girls-1H-12yrs-Shoes-Boots/Sandals/39120/Girls-1H-12yrs-Crossover-Sandals?NavGroupID=11" target="_blank">5</a>//<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128533734/coin-purse-sailor-cat-on-blue?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">6</a>//<a href="http://www.dagmardaleystore.com/product/sunsuit-tangerine-dot" target="_blank">7</a>//<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1007531&vid=1&pid=952366012" target="_blank">8</a>//<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=948514012" target="_blank">9</a>//<a href="http://www.wrenandjames.com/product/gingham-pinafore" target="_blank">10</a></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" async data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-50925046090189928582014-04-19T16:19:00.002-04:002014-04-24T09:53:19.936-04:00Thoughts from the Trenches of Toddlerhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are in the trenches these days with our firstborn. He is two and a half years old, full of curiosity and spunk and as stubborn as all get-out. For every sweet, special moment there are many, many tantrums and sharing talks. Contrary and oppositional are two words that come to mind. Lots of crying and stomping and funny little outbursts on his part and disciplining and reiterating and reassuring and holding on our part these days. One of Collin's favorite expressions, which lands him into trouble over and over again, is "Don't say no (to) me." Yes, he is parroting back what we say to him. Not cute. As I write this, Nick is upstairs talking him down from the rafters.<br />
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I don't know why this surprises me. They are called the terrible twos for a reason. One thing I know, what today seems like difficult, headstrong tendencies will be, given some harnessing and good choices on his part, the very character traits will someday make him a leader. Just praying I start to see the latter sooner than later.<br />
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I'm learning it's hard work walking the line as parents. It would be much easier to let things slide or swing the opposite direction and try to use anger and fear to control our kids (because, believe you me, their behavior can be angering), but neither of these approaches get to the heart of the issue. By letting them do whatever they want we deny them the mercy of learning respect and how to deal with consequences in the arena of childhood, where the stakes aren't as high as they are in the real world. Conversely, by bulldozing and controlling, we teach them to respond to us out of fear, not out of a desire to maintain relationship and trust. In the end we will have done them a great injustice if we do not enter into their situations willing to sift through the issues and walk these growing pains out alongside them.<br />
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Isn't that the way God parents us? He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. He disciplines those he loves, yet keeps no record of wrong against us. He is not surprised when we sin, but graciously welcomes us back over and over. He does not force us to love and obey Him. How many times do I wish I could just force Collin to be a certain way!?<br />
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He also does not take it personally when we choose poorly or walk away from Him. I'm pretty sure God would never say, "You are a disgrace to our family!" I think it can be hard not to feel as if our children are little representations of us. It's embarrassing when you have to drag them down the hall at preschool because they refuse to stop playing with the toy farm. It's not fun when they yell at another child or refuse to share. It feels personal. It feels like everyone is watching and judging our parenting skills based on those brief moments. And guess what? They might be! I, for one, am all too guilty of thinking I knew what it took to parent a child before having children of my own or thinking our sweet little angel baby would never talk back to us. Eating lots and lots of previous thoughts these days;) But, ultimately, I don't want the weight of people's perceived opinions of mom and dad on the shoulders of my kiddos. That is not a sustainable way to good behavior, that does not produce a lasting heart change.<br />
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Not having a guaranteed reward for our hard work as parents is hard. One thing I am learning is this- Even if we did absolutely everything right, if we read every parenting book on earth and only fed them the purest of organic food and successfully shielded them from certain negative influences while allowing others in order for them to develop backbone and taught them to play the harp and help old ladies cross the street and took them out to feed the poor on weekends, we still would not be promised successful children-- that they would love us and Jesus and make an positive impact in the world. The sweet baby you hold in your arms, night after night might end up in jail for killing someone someday. We have no gaurantees.<br />
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I am constantly blessed by several dear older saints in the faith whose children have walked away from God. They do not give up on their kids, just like the Prodigal son's father never stopped watching for him, but they are also not consumed with what they could have done differently. They are lovingly confident that he who began a good work in their children will see it through unto completion. I am challenged to have faith like this!<br />
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The best father of all, God, has scores upon scores of wayward children who have and are continually making poor choices, sinning and distancing themselves from Him and that does not mean He could have done something differently or better. He paid the ultimate price by dying on a cross for them-- taking upon himself the punishment for their sins. Who are these wayward children? We are those wayward children! We have free will. We are free to walk away and just as free to run to Him. If we weren't free to rebel, then how true would our "choice" to love Him be?<br />
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You know what else is hard? Realizing that even if all of our wonderful work "paid off" and they did turn out to be Rhodes scholars and curers of cancer who passionately love Jesus, we couldn't take the full credit for that either. Why? Because it's not all about us... but man is it easy to swell up with pride when things are going well!<br />
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It's not about how awesome or horrible we are as parents. While this is frustrating, because boy do we invest a lot of blood sweat and tears and prayers into our little ones, it's also liberating. It's liberating to not have to go at this parenting thing alone. It's liberating that we are <i>partnering</i> with God-- stewarding the little lives He has given us.<br />
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By shifting the focus off of ourselves we help our children recognize their need for a savior outside of mommy and daddy or themselves. They will see God's character displayed when their earnest, yet flawed, parents seek to be like God, not pretend to <i>be</i> God. The greatest gift we can give them is modeling that it is all about Jesus-- that we need Him just as much as they do! That we make mistakes and fall just like they do and this does not change God's love for us, and likewise their mistakes do not change our love for them.<br />
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So, in the meantime, we do not give up sowing into the soil of their hearts and lives. We do not abandon them to their own, inherently sinful nature, we discipline in love, we reinforce positive behaviors and allow natural consequences to happen, we continually seek to get to the heart of the matter and parent in grace in the efforts to maintain relationship and trust. We walk the tension of holding fast and lightly to what God has given us in these babies and then we rest. We rest in the knowledge that we have the most perfect example of a parent in our Heavenly Father who will guide us when we do not know what to do, who will refresh us when we are weary and who will restore all things in His time. And when the ornery toddler finally gives up fighting and falls asleep in a heap on the bed. You kiss their cheek, close the door and go downstairs to laugh about it with your spouse because this too shall pass... Until they are teenagers!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-46671869276138695692014-04-15T22:22:00.001-04:002014-04-15T22:22:56.901-04:00Laundrypalooza and a Giveaway Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was laundrypalooza. I decided to call it something fun to make my most loathed chore more enjoyable. A crazy weekend and Monday on the heels of a crazy week (and also some procrastinating) made for a clothes pile of epic proportions. Poor Collin had to wear chambray shorts to bed because all of his jammies were dirty and I had resorted to wiping up Killian's spit up with dish towels. Mom fail! </div>
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So, today I put on my big girl pants (oh wait... those were dirty too), I put on my big girl leggings that I typically wear as long underwear when it's cold out and I did five large loads including sheets towels and diapers. They are now all done and almost all put away. I won't go into the boys rooms right now and risk waking them just to put the last load in their drawers, but man do I feel good. </div>
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I tell myself that if my laundry room wasn't a creepy basement, if it had a chandelier in it or cool concrete countertops like <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/273241902364938744/" target="_blank">this</a> in it I'd be much more apt to want to spend time near my washer and dryer, but let's be honest. The novelty of my cute laundry room would wear off pretty quickly and I'd be back to loathing.</div>
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After letting it get this bad (and you may think five loads is nothing... especially if you have more than two children) I am determined to set a system in place. What works for you? Do you have a laundry day? I kind of feel like if I don't do a load a day, things spiral out of control. How do you keep on top of things in your home? I do so long to get better at it.</div>
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Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway! Allie is the winner of the gold and white iPhone case. Message me via FB to claim your prize. Happy Tuesday everyone! </div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067870193659803250.post-47705471633231677212014-04-11T12:48:00.000-04:002014-04-11T12:50:42.163-04:00Happy Weekend and a Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi sweet friends,</div>
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Do you have much planned for the weekend? We always seem to do a lot of projects on Saturdays and then church on Sunday morning, a chili dinner with friends and small group on Sunday night. On Monday I'll be doing a stations of the cross type prayer night with the ladies at my church. I'm super excited. We have a great team of women behind each station and my husband is even helping by building a cross out of cedar. He is chiseling each beam by hand and when I asked why he didn't just use a saw he said, "It's kind of important for me to do it this way... It means something." Gah, I love him and his heart for Jesus.</div>
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I love this shot, even though it's super blurry:)</div>
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Since the fall Collin has been battling lots of ear infections, coughs, colds and now enlarged tonsils. I'm taking him back to the Dr. today because I finally got him to open up wide enough to look down his throat and his tonsils are so big they are almost touching his uvula. Poor baby! Our ped is most likely referring him to an ENT to discuss getting his tonsils out and tubes put in. Your prayers for him are appreciated. Have any other of you moms out there ever dealt with these procedures with a toddler? How did they handle it? You insights are appreciated!</div>
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Well, I thought it had been a long time since I'd given something away on here, so I'm offering up a brand new Mobillivng iPhone 5 case. It's a hard case with diagonal gold and white stripes and this particular style is discontinued. Super cute! If you are anything like me, your case takes a beating and needs to be changed out from time to time. Swap yours for this springy/summerish number!</div>
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To for entries, follow me on both my Instagram accounts:</div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/sbradac" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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and<br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/mostazaseedgraphics" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mostaza-Seed-Designs/252741548285" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a></div>
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and leave a comment on here that you follow in all three places.</div>
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Winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, April 15th.</div>
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Good luck and happy weekend!</div>
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Steph</div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15457224500698735361noreply@blogger.com5