tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506143430935419652024-03-05T18:12:00.274-05:00Life @ LaurelJersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-44302783804567480212013-06-24T16:31:00.000-04:002013-06-24T16:33:49.638-04:00Fitness by Pinterest: A Four-Week Exercise ChallengeIf you are anything like me, you've spent a lot of time saving fat-burning, calorie-torching, metabolism-boosting exercises to Pinterest. And I hope you've actually been able to try some of these exercises. <br />
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Me? I can honestly say that of the 79 pins that are on my "feel.the.burn." board, I have tried ... one of them. <br />
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My fitness routine is pretty boring right now. Other than tennis practice once a week and walks with Sloan - and an occasional sit-up/push-up session while watching the Food Network - I definitely don't have much variety in my workouts (if you could even call them that). <br />
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I do belong to a gym, but the ideal time for me to go would be really early in the morning before Sloan wakes up -- and I am just NOT a morning person. We do have a small home gym that I really don't (ever) take advantage of either.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Joe. </td></tr>
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Well, time for that to change. In honor of <i>#motivationmonday</i>, I've decided to get up and get moving with something I'm calling: <b>Fitness by Pinterest: A Four-Week Exercise Challenge</b>. Pulling from all the fitness information I've already saved, I've created a four-week exercise calendar that I'm hoping will get me out of this rut and start making exercise a bigger part of my daily routine. I mean, with something called the "World's Fastest Workout," how hard could this be?<br />
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Stay tuned ...Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-14400646036705338162013-06-12T16:38:00.000-04:002013-06-12T16:38:24.362-04:0010 for 10I almost can't believe these words as I'm typing them, but today our sweet Sloan is 10 months old. 10 months! There's just no way that can be true. I mean, wasn't I just in labor (<a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/02/its.html" target="_blank">for 36 hours</a>) yesterday? Didn't we just get home from the hospital?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 hours young.</td></tr>
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For the record, I'm not wishing for my postpartum days back. Nope. I just -- <i>Warning: major cliche ahead</i> -- can't believe how quickly time has flown by.<br />
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So, in honor of Sloan's 10-month birthday, here are 10 fun facts about this little peach:<br />
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10. She's the first grandchild on both sides of the family. (Just like her mom!) And on my mom's side of the family, she is now the fourth generation of first-born women.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six weeks old at my cousin's wedding in NYC. I can't believe how tiny she was! And it's hard to see here, but my favorite part of this picture is her Dr. Evil pinky wave. Because I'm sure she's dreaming about Mike Myers.</td></tr>
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9. Sloan has already traveled to 9 cities (including one other country). So far, she's proven to be an awesome road warrior. She's impressed the flight crew on plane trips to New York City, Vail, Richmond and Grand Cayman. And luckily she was great company from the backseat on road trips to Greenville, Clemson, Charleston, Asheville and Pine Island, Fla.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveSxe3ECp00YCxttRZsGdB78U1TCoPLAZQDf84HC2Gp3lRC30r49AwSgiQvqkOMsryIHo4Q_cE9Fxkl1lS0hYGCdHSb8MpT_zToOpM4Sd6y91HtQj9KuKh7Qq8geudaBi6owjxQG8X24/s640/blogger-image--486770036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveSxe3ECp00YCxttRZsGdB78U1TCoPLAZQDf84HC2Gp3lRC30r49AwSgiQvqkOMsryIHo4Q_cE9Fxkl1lS0hYGCdHSb8MpT_zToOpM4Sd6y91HtQj9KuKh7Qq8geudaBi6owjxQG8X24/s400/blogger-image--486770036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Sloan getting her passport photo taken. Hands down one of the funniest moments I've experienced in the past 10 months.</td></tr>
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8. I love how quickly she is picking up on things we teach her, like dancing, waving, clapping her hands and giving kisses. She can also give you a "hug" but right now it's really more like a headbutt. (It's a start, right?)<br />
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7. I've already packed up 5 tubs of clothes that she's outgrown. Craziness.<br />
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6. Crawling? Ain't nobody got time for that! If you put Sloan on her belly to try and get her to practice crawling, she will almost immediately flip over. Not interested. Sloan would much rather spend her time chasing after the dog by scooting around in her walker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFd5CTYDFPI-g2lL-OGJrqHzhUVkbylH2dU3kqYbDguaXMNyIbeXuJasJYVxlD7YHPkMnaD6EoNIG8SfPIX8ZkvTUEY0IftkSOFzu_th8BA-nEN9Y7cjGXGttobBdhA_Zqsn0Z0wyyZI/s640/blogger-image-1232520708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFd5CTYDFPI-g2lL-OGJrqHzhUVkbylH2dU3kqYbDguaXMNyIbeXuJasJYVxlD7YHPkMnaD6EoNIG8SfPIX8ZkvTUEY0IftkSOFzu_th8BA-nEN9Y7cjGXGttobBdhA_Zqsn0Z0wyyZI/s400/blogger-image-1232520708.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like I said - not a fan of tummy time. Circa October 2012.</td></tr>
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5. Sloan is definitely showing us that she's willing to try anything. Like petting a stingray, for example.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k1n7u5BRX66yiJVPO7triKwAxiHDcJv-L9zeIPt9RCDNqznIB86C7otD2KxeAlQPIGcmen03tp5G6K7m_KOVy6hnyZJbHsCxfHQib1lRHPhHzkAhUfggbXZXz2BjNF8gdCynsPvw2rI/s640/blogger-image-957687097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k1n7u5BRX66yiJVPO7triKwAxiHDcJv-L9zeIPt9RCDNqznIB86C7otD2KxeAlQPIGcmen03tp5G6K7m_KOVy6hnyZJbHsCxfHQib1lRHPhHzkAhUfggbXZXz2BjNF8gdCynsPvw2rI/s400/blogger-image-957687097.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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4. She already has 4 teeth -- two bottom and two top. Right now there is a super cute gap between her two top teeth. I already miss her gummy smile, but I'm digging the gap-toothed grin, too.<br />
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3. This baby girl loves her naps. And that's certainly something that I don't take for granted!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy-7qT0EIb8Xeuk_vElXlJ4itP8bSGtminZHAH6fHxF7CaTwH1WWXewkw9QXm_SVdPFUepTTkxWYcHzqRYjZJ_JbJbuZj-9yfXJpBZgj3pswSURkB21N-HuSahx7fu_go7VP29YkPLk4/s640/blogger-image--48078421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy-7qT0EIb8Xeuk_vElXlJ4itP8bSGtminZHAH6fHxF7CaTwH1WWXewkw9QXm_SVdPFUepTTkxWYcHzqRYjZJ_JbJbuZj-9yfXJpBZgj3pswSURkB21N-HuSahx7fu_go7VP29YkPLk4/s400/blogger-image--48078421.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you kinda wish there was an adult version of a swaddle wrap? </td></tr>
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2. We already had to cut her hair! Almost two months ago Sloan got her first hair cut. It was absolutely the fastest haircut in history, because I was barely able to snap a few photos.<br />
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1. She is -- hands down, 100 percent, without a doubt -- a daddy's girl. But I wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
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Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-2692799862113497802013-06-10T22:11:00.000-04:002013-06-10T22:22:47.661-04:00Home Improv-isation: Part 2 <br />
About a month ago, I <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/05/home-improv-isation-part-1.html" target="_blank">spilled the beans</a> about how <strike>skilled I am at sewing</strike> fond I am of using tape for DIY projects. If you also lack sewing skills, you'll likely appreciate the following two improv-isation projects.<br />
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I'd been wanting to add a table and some artwork to our foyer for a while, but just hadn't found the right pieces. As luck would have it, within one week I was able to find and create everything I needed!<br />
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<b>Exhibit C - Foyer Table Drape Cloth</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg7mNdSgyOSgNiWFafh-iBChrRPlcz8eoQLqj_eZhnS35ie6g-ApC5sZaM_NZ3cNCa10eFpmE-KfFPN1oWcXJDYbwViMsIP8LzVx9VUKHQ6kIwAzM93BFyl6iqxIdXqRSm38Nn195xqU/s1600/photo+%252853%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg7mNdSgyOSgNiWFafh-iBChrRPlcz8eoQLqj_eZhnS35ie6g-ApC5sZaM_NZ3cNCa10eFpmE-KfFPN1oWcXJDYbwViMsIP8LzVx9VUKHQ6kIwAzM93BFyl6iqxIdXqRSm38Nn195xqU/s400/photo+%252853%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living around the corner from a Goodwill definitely has its advantages!</td></tr>
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I recently found the perfect sized table to put in our foyer. The only problem is that it was begging to be covered, since I bought it secondhand and has some wear and tear (but I can't resist a bargain!). After I bought a burlap-style tablecloth to conceal the table, I decided it needed a little color. Then I remembered that I still had some fabric leftover from our family room curtains. So, I cut a piece to size and then attempted to seal the edges together using fusible webbing.<br />
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Well, I clearly either 1) didn't read the instructions on the box correctly (who has time for that)? or 2) bought the wrong kind of fusible webbing because I absolutely could not get the stuff to work. Rather than head back to the store to try and find the right kind, I decided to instead turn to a trusty friend.<br />
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No, not duck tape. Good 'ol industrial-strength glue. May I introduce you to E-6000.<br />
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<i>This.stuff.rocks.</i> You can use it for all kinds of projects, including on fabric. All I had to do was iron the edges of the fabric over to create a clean edge, and then glue the "hem" that I'd just created. Not even 15 minutes later, I had my drape. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Q6jX6DbG8Q5V3UEXRf6w-8rJLxINEG4iSwq-Egh8olyi4typDvscPT5r3TVgS7lvoWUIKfrEkvXh82Xka3JQ53T4qDmxRnthqTqVWHcPHXo-RWf1sn7uTDc_o29aV48cmYsr8UpcOs/s1600/photo+%252855%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Q6jX6DbG8Q5V3UEXRf6w-8rJLxINEG4iSwq-Egh8olyi4typDvscPT5r3TVgS7lvoWUIKfrEkvXh82Xka3JQ53T4qDmxRnthqTqVWHcPHXo-RWf1sn7uTDc_o29aV48cmYsr8UpcOs/s400/photo+%252855%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's good thing I didn't mess this project up, because I only have a little bit of this fabric left.</td></tr>
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Could I have used duck tape to hold this together? Sure. But I had another project where I knew my trusty companion would be needed. </div>
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<b>Exhibit D - Burlap-covered Poster Frame</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This poster, which is a compilation of Italian postcards, is an awesome daily reminder of our honeymoon in Italy.</td></tr>
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I was at the Ballard Designs showroom last month when I found a pile of what the store was calling "book wraps." Well, to me these looked like reproductions of vintage posters. And there were only $6. SOLD!<br />
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They had a handful of different posters, and the images were either French or Italian. Since we spent our honeymoon in Italy, I grabbed the three that were Italian (a map of the whole country, a map of Rome and the one above) plus a map of the whole world. But then I needed to figure out a way to display the posters.<br />
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I knew I didn't want to go the traditional frame route, but I did give some thought to making some pallet wood display boards. After weighing my options, I decided to do something that didn't involve hammer and nails. (And splinters.)<br />
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All I needed to complete this project was foam core board, burlap, thumbtacks, picture hangers and - you guessed it - duck tape. I'm fairly certain you can figure out how to put it together, but just for fun, here's a picture of the back of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNjMopNkya9plsIZoLOWIIRx85U_fl083u0_S8oQ5pu1GvYDX3EXNHKsoi1dXjHDgAMf6tGDPAGJNsuZBuDf5PUfHNnnbzA3KXixpjayS0crYhN7ttfE0JUyNVOI-vgjcjTJ0Huf6upk/s1600/photo+%252860%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNjMopNkya9plsIZoLOWIIRx85U_fl083u0_S8oQ5pu1GvYDX3EXNHKsoi1dXjHDgAMf6tGDPAGJNsuZBuDf5PUfHNnnbzA3KXixpjayS0crYhN7ttfE0JUyNVOI-vgjcjTJ0Huf6upk/s400/photo+%252860%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should have invested in this stuff years ago. </td></tr>
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And, voila! We finally have some artwork for our foyer. The cool thing about these boards is that now I can easily swap out the posters should I find something else that we want to hang up. I'm already thinking about what I can create and hang up for holidays and special events.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3jQiHm8ruVDLZQs-BrOnNSxE3B4jMctF-bMhgHnYX1eq2Ly-ezkQPkE9ruLi53SA4ZxAvu_X3F5xvsIzOnPuh6wuf6DjY1wQjjTgBE3_q23LEWoZWaY4r2WbhMjwrrTdVTaYpPb403Y/s1600/photo+%252856%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3jQiHm8ruVDLZQs-BrOnNSxE3B4jMctF-bMhgHnYX1eq2Ly-ezkQPkE9ruLi53SA4ZxAvu_X3F5xvsIzOnPuh6wuf6DjY1wQjjTgBE3_q23LEWoZWaY4r2WbhMjwrrTdVTaYpPb403Y/s400/photo+%252856%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Finishing this project and knowing that I could easily swap out the posters down the road inspired me to get cracking on another project that I've been <strike>procrastinating</strike> thinking about. Believe it or not, duck tape was not used at all. But it did involve spray paint ... <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/04/not-so-foolish-40.html" target="_blank">can you guess which project I'm referring to</a>?Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-13854787345146344082013-05-06T23:00:00.000-04:002013-05-06T23:00:16.295-04:00Home Improv-isation: Part 1 It was a busy weekend 'round these here parts. That is to say I am super thankful that the nasty Atlanta weather pretty much let me clear my agenda to tackle a bunch of projects around the house. And I'm also thankful that my husband's semester is over, which means I was easily able to sweet-talk him into helping me finish said projects. (I'm also pretty sure that he doesn't trust me with his drill, so it really doesn't take much convincing.)<br />
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All of the projects that were completed this weekend have one major thing in common ... I had to improvise. Thus, I bring you the latest installment of Life @ Laurel ... Home Improv-isation: Part 1.<br />
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<b>Exhibit A - Dining Room Curtains</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeStdzjGDg-lcbW-SQGzjwxSfhT54LDCz74qlXVfIcAu71hE4t4jXT8T25RejjdcC3rS0hunGExLv6lJH54oI6ARD46rUYuJ47Jbr9FouNJc8feX8lN5KLONGai0-go4_cUfIqcmxd0a8/s1600/photo+(61).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeStdzjGDg-lcbW-SQGzjwxSfhT54LDCz74qlXVfIcAu71hE4t4jXT8T25RejjdcC3rS0hunGExLv6lJH54oI6ARD46rUYuJ47Jbr9FouNJc8feX8lN5KLONGai0-go4_cUfIqcmxd0a8/s400/photo+(61).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the curtains were hung by my husband with care ... in hopes that soon enough I'd get out of his hair ...</td></tr>
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I'd been poking around for a set of dining room curtains for a while now, and finally found some (and on sale!) at West Elm. When I placed my order I learned they were back ordered, but then they actually arrived a lot faster than West Elm promised -- which was great! So, Saturday morning I dug through the small pile curtain rods that came with us when we moved and found one long enough. Awesome.<br />
<br />But ... no mounting brackets to be found. Of course. I had to make a quick run to Target anyway (I mean, seriously, what trip to Target is ever quick?!), so I added mounting brackets to my list. And wouldn't you know it -- you can't just buy curtain rod mounting brackets -- you gotta buy the whole package. Well, I wasn't about to do that. So, I improvised.<br />
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I'd already picked up two packs of hooks for our closets, and as I looked at the pile of goodies in my hands (Yes, hands. I no longer use a basket or cart at Target unless I have Sloan with me. Because if I just use my hands, I actually walk out only with what I intended to purchase.) I realized that these robe hooks would probably be the perfect size for this curtain rod. So I wandered back and grabbed two more packs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGWFCkzh47T3XVY_AVEa2fEkoHR6to4zKV90_QyXGg8LhgqoJrFbyvNuMslG75K6VJ8onIfNhJMOtA43t4S-ZjRpzWXj66vB951xNextOBYIC8hU6mslYXCHoFXM9y8fvndOMJBdxi28/s1600/photo+%252850%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGWFCkzh47T3XVY_AVEa2fEkoHR6to4zKV90_QyXGg8LhgqoJrFbyvNuMslG75K6VJ8onIfNhJMOtA43t4S-ZjRpzWXj66vB951xNextOBYIC8hU6mslYXCHoFXM9y8fvndOMJBdxi28/s400/photo+%252850%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a funny feeling that Julie Nobles is going to like these curtains! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBK1XOQKn2cL9LuPVGeREpnbvGgmu5QIl5Y0URRwQjT2NSLogvzW0WmqaN6WTxRfxQmEz9-oezcqD045lkhhHb4ZcaOqn903xKI8rCtwCjnGC7i7vW5ep9kdQQXntw-SF30l0kPROSWY/s1600/photo+%252851%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBK1XOQKn2cL9LuPVGeREpnbvGgmu5QIl5Y0URRwQjT2NSLogvzW0WmqaN6WTxRfxQmEz9-oezcqD045lkhhHb4ZcaOqn903xKI8rCtwCjnGC7i7vW5ep9kdQQXntw-SF30l0kPROSWY/s400/photo+%252851%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't until I took this close-up that I realized Matt decided that just one screw is all that was needed to hold this in place. Works for me!</td></tr>
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Doesn't look too bad, huh? OK, maybe the close-up looks a little wonky. But, not too shabby for only $3.<br />
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<b>Exhibit B: Breakfast Nook Curtains</b><br />
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I'm a big fan of discount retailers like Joss & Main, One Kings Lane and Zulily. When I was still super sleep deprived during Sloan's infancy, I had a VERY bad habit of shopping online in my sleep. Literally. I'd get up with her for the "zero dark thirty" feeding and pass time looking at stuff online. Then -- oops! I bought stuff. (Too much stuff.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7doVC-yvx0SeFKGOsDNPm8M6c6VlabOE47YmVuIIMnAGBnesMLwYpXHsxT2jUupljrhCig6Pbgn4oiCVySWbvMykCDSaXAwUnmx61DvbRMPpTDCTVHzRnh8LFmsYlie9xzjBpQWkAAU/s1600/photo+%252846%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7doVC-yvx0SeFKGOsDNPm8M6c6VlabOE47YmVuIIMnAGBnesMLwYpXHsxT2jUupljrhCig6Pbgn4oiCVySWbvMykCDSaXAwUnmx61DvbRMPpTDCTVHzRnh8LFmsYlie9xzjBpQWkAAU/s400/photo+%252846%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Like these curtains, for example! For our breakfast nook, I was thinking that a simple valance would do the trick. These are actually curtain panels that originally had little ties at the top for you to tie around the top of a curtain rod. I just cut the ties off, turned the panels horizontal and then folded them down to the right size, then sewed a pocket rod into the fabric to hold it all in place. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl41MWCDdCY84os0_rKi2S43ExIc2mKZt9Cl3CLhh1B-e9F3bEERrpzf5Agyp4NcA2S-jn-c9rTHWX1FvFKJ3Pe7YDR16jHvB2rDGO5gLHSKhlC_bbuKmyupyFsSQ95XvzZmEiy9bg6vQ/s1600/photo+%252858%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl41MWCDdCY84os0_rKi2S43ExIc2mKZt9Cl3CLhh1B-e9F3bEERrpzf5Agyp4NcA2S-jn-c9rTHWX1FvFKJ3Pe7YDR16jHvB2rDGO5gLHSKhlC_bbuKmyupyFsSQ95XvzZmEiy9bg6vQ/s400/photo+%252858%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Wait ... did you think that I actually sewed these? Ha! No - I didn't sew anything. I grabbed the first roll of packing tape I found in the garage and taped these bad boys together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFfL3z6peiCgT1FrkBaSqCRvtFDvFo14hYiK9-rZuJjonhIHhB7q9JGpkW0PGKfQzxbkoCKSRIUYJnTSl4ToMFBXoQgOLB9ftWPSpUtNP2mZRjZpb-a6zv_hOsPLUCkQ534ORwbWYqFs/s1600/photo+%252849%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFfL3z6peiCgT1FrkBaSqCRvtFDvFo14hYiK9-rZuJjonhIHhB7q9JGpkW0PGKfQzxbkoCKSRIUYJnTSl4ToMFBXoQgOLB9ftWPSpUtNP2mZRjZpb-a6zv_hOsPLUCkQ534ORwbWYqFs/s400/photo+%252849%2529.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt said I shouldn't expect this tape to hold for very long. Maybe I actually will be forced to try to sew them together at some point.</td></tr>
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I love the color that this adds to our breakfast nook, and I don't think the tape is visible to the nekkid eye (unless you've read this blog, and then you're in on the secret!). So far, these have been holding up pretty well. However, I can't say the same thing about one of the other projects I "finished."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFjlbpEic99bOzlD5rFJlKNWq0LdYwt9cvtf_IibVoSY5CcX7Vw7_pft2azjOgmQa4WEUBG-qQCx7csEpsI5lJ_DOyQ_APfR-_9QNNrbjEcPCMbSnDj-yYZjqMdXIe41alX8-74Wuso0/s1600/photo+(62).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFjlbpEic99bOzlD5rFJlKNWq0LdYwt9cvtf_IibVoSY5CcX7Vw7_pft2azjOgmQa4WEUBG-qQCx7csEpsI5lJ_DOyQ_APfR-_9QNNrbjEcPCMbSnDj-yYZjqMdXIe41alX8-74Wuso0/s400/photo+(62).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#diyfail</td></tr>
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More to come about that soon -- as soon as I find my duck tape ...Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-29713532886583064642013-04-05T19:16:00.002-04:002013-04-05T19:20:56.868-04:00Not-So-Foolish 40: The Final FourIt’s going to be a BIG weekend in Atlanta, y’all. The Final Four comes to town. The Dome is gonna be rocking and rolling, traffic is going to be amazing(ly awful) and car flags are going to be flying. Personally, I’m not going anywhere near that mess. I’ll be happily watching from my couch, without a true stake in any game. Didn’t fill out a bracket this year. <i>#aintnobodygottimeforthat </i><br />
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So -- this is my FINAL FOUR. The last four posts in my <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/04/not-so-foolish-40.html" target="_blank">Not-So-Foolish 40</a>. And I was thinking we could play a little game. Of the four teams remaining in the men’s NCAA Championship, each one of the mascots could be matched up to an item below. Who is gonna be the first person to match them up correctly?! In case you need them, I've thrown in some hints below. Aaaand ... go!<br /><br /><br />4. Food -- The other day, <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/04/not-so-foolish-40-third-times-charm.html">I mentioned</a> that burgers are probably my favorite food. Loving cheeseburgers probably doesn't qualify me to be a foodie, but I sure do appreciate a chef's skills. And I'm trying to be better about trying new things. Exhibit A: Brussels sprouts. For years I avoided them, and now I can't cook them enough. They will be on my plate for dinner. (That's the second time this week that I've eaten some, in case you were counting.) And as I type this, I am hungry like the wolf.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bjAcuAQAo7cufwOvqiiuNYo_hwGOE2XykPfiBS7_RatXO5aH82upyyE25dF3ZSqtCWTNq70UgqpTe7Grsu7L-A0nxe3kHgsj9wKaALraauXELOHAo1Jf-Mr7JYyV7FLy0LY-csYXJ2E/s1600/goat-cheese-and-brussel-sprouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bjAcuAQAo7cufwOvqiiuNYo_hwGOE2XykPfiBS7_RatXO5aH82upyyE25dF3ZSqtCWTNq70UgqpTe7Grsu7L-A0nxe3kHgsj9wKaALraauXELOHAo1Jf-Mr7JYyV7FLy0LY-csYXJ2E/s400/goat-cheese-and-brussel-sprouts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Goat cheese just makes anything better, right? (<a href="http://domesticfits.com/2012/06/11/sauteed-brussel-sprouts-with-goat-cheese/">Photo and recipe credi</a><a href="http://domesticfits.com/2012/06/11/sauteed-brussel-sprouts-with-goat-cheese/">t here</a>) </td></tr>
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3. C-L-E-M-S-O-N ... T-I-G-E-R-S! -- (I can feel all my Jacket, Dawg, War Eagle, Hokie, Duke, etc. friends out there rolling their eyes.) Yes, my blood runs orange. I have already started brainwashing my child. But I know that hands-down one of the best decisions I have ever made, and will ever make, was to go to Clemson. Waaay too many memories, amazing friendships and life lessons learned. I know my fellow Tigers understand. There's just something in these hills. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9pjx-LaX0Mh5tXlNsEzf0xvNEo_2shNZutQionJLGiRcHaeNaUt9szDrzG3Ncp0zAnV7xJp2JjkKoX1lyfGxIHRsQw63Oc3-3NK3qp-V9G51jaujTi3_fDJSGhjNDzvOUV5ZLHgYf0c/s1600/clemson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9pjx-LaX0Mh5tXlNsEzf0xvNEo_2shNZutQionJLGiRcHaeNaUt9szDrzG3Ncp0zAnV7xJp2JjkKoX1lyfGxIHRsQw63Oc3-3NK3qp-V9G51jaujTi3_fDJSGhjNDzvOUV5ZLHgYf0c/s400/clemson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clemson vs. GA Tech, 2011. Such a fun tailgate! My amazing friends hosted a shower for Matt and I at the game. And the Tigers won, of course. </td></tr>
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2. Mom -- I would seriously be the worst daughter ever if I didn't mention my amazing, wonderful, supportive, caring, and strong mother. I always knew she was cool. Then I grew up and become a mother. And then I realized that she is THE COOLEST. Beyond the coolest -- the woman is practically a saint. Her patience could easily rival that of the pope. I know I'm going to continue to learn more from her, and if I play my cards right with our kids, I'll have as good as a relationship with them as the one that we have. I know I didn't truly appreciate everything that she did for me and our family while I was growing up, but boy do I recognize what she did now. Thank you isn't enough. But I hope it's a start. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoxXxO_RCXtqpWdMhfrL1BiP9nfMSmrQ27M3WkFv8mVYDwBYxQ-O4n5XvXBCG35158WT2jwYruOe_osx0tV_p2PCCEFbb3RtnpiKk9fBlzsQ9Ny2sPgH7KCR1bQUVK5DOt6sR7F9882Q/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoxXxO_RCXtqpWdMhfrL1BiP9nfMSmrQ27M3WkFv8mVYDwBYxQ-O4n5XvXBCG35158WT2jwYruOe_osx0tV_p2PCCEFbb3RtnpiKk9fBlzsQ9Ny2sPgH7KCR1bQUVK5DOt6sR7F9882Q/s400/mom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No resemblance there, huh?</td></tr>
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1. Sweet, sweet Sloan -- Welp, I know that no one is shocked that my daughter has come in at No. 1. I am beyond a fool for her. We are ridiculously thankful for the gift that God has given us. I will not tell you about how perfect, wonderful, beautiful, charming and charismatic she is. Oh, whoops. And I know we're going to have (many) moments of frustration and arguments along the way. But I can already tell you that they will be worth it, based on the sheer joy that she's already brought to our lives. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL2nYQkNK2EY7_9X7VGEAF7W-uReMK94kKI-ArZcrw2EISAfCNgn0BdsVcIFyNY9dvCatbDEHLIOqBktb5WjHt2gTRSZj-PmOy4qTZoBF0RHziFOFdyob6dlZsxcj15PwXOSfphQp3sA/s1600/sloan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL2nYQkNK2EY7_9X7VGEAF7W-uReMK94kKI-ArZcrw2EISAfCNgn0BdsVcIFyNY9dvCatbDEHLIOqBktb5WjHt2gTRSZj-PmOy4qTZoBF0RHziFOFdyob6dlZsxcj15PwXOSfphQp3sA/s400/sloan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>#blessed</i></td></tr>
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Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-54710964398061757152013-04-04T23:42:00.001-04:002013-04-04T23:43:34.385-04:00Not-So-Foolish 40: Elite 8Here we go, friends. We're down to the home stretch -- the last 12 out of my Not-So-Foolish 40. Thanks for sticking with me this week as I bombard your news feed with information that I'm just sure you were dying to know. And now, the Elite 8: <br />
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<strong>12. Post-It Notes --</strong> Have you seen those pictures of people who use Post-Its to create a work of art? Yeah, that's pretty much my desk at work. I'll get a crazy idea or remember a must-do task and jot it down and stick it on whatever open space there is so that I won't forget it. Sticky-Note Organization, I like to call it. Except that there's no real organization to it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sf8nSGL93Bas-06V-QtjCAozKga4rQlvMtC36ra5b2usJUlvHm5VCAQN2D8MbTS_bO-wBRnoeaCzhNsOMjvxdRZj3zgOG_8tHiNViwExxxlFD3sK5sKw08aHcrUIgbOQvj_BShGP_lc/s1600/postit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sf8nSGL93Bas-06V-QtjCAozKga4rQlvMtC36ra5b2usJUlvHm5VCAQN2D8MbTS_bO-wBRnoeaCzhNsOMjvxdRZj3zgOG_8tHiNViwExxxlFD3sK5sKw08aHcrUIgbOQvj_BShGP_lc/s400/postit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, so my desk doesn't look like this. But I totally appreciate the time it took to create it. (Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/post-it-note/">http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/post-it-note/</a>)</td></tr>
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<strong>11. Family & Friends --</strong> I consider myself ridiculously blessed to have friends that I consider family, and family that I consider friends. For years when I moved to Atlanta, my closest family members were a 9 hour drive away. I valued the independence, but I also relied on my close friendships to fill the gaps. I think this also strengthened my family ties, because when I was spending time with my family I soaked in every second. It may sound cliche, but now that I'm a mother I realize that it really does take a village to raise a child. And our village? Full of family and friends. Wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
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<strong>10. Consignment stores</strong> -- I have a confession -- <em>I'm a shopaholic</em>. Shocked? Yeah, didn't think so. But I'm a bargain shopaholic. I love a good thrift shop (including the "Thift Shop" song by Macklemore) or consignment store. In fact, tonight a bunch of my friends and I swapped a ton of clothes and accessories. It was the perfect combination of friends, food, clothes, conversation and wine. (Of course there was wine. Duh.)<br />
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<strong>9. Contacts</strong> -- Remember when it was cool in middle school to wear fake glasses? Never had that problem. I've been a card-carrying member of the Four-Eyes Society since I was 8 years old. But one of the things I am certainly thankful for are my contacts. Game changer for me, for sure. That's not to say that I don't dig the geek-chic trend. I have been eyeing a pair of Warby Parker specs for a few months now ... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8armIH6MNTV8zi1x-wnGkP3oWfg2zg_I3LtNl2xssA0gVCPwJmRj6Ua-wxd4GFR_MeUzl2rXMof3tcmdOwAVnO7yG3qn8uWY_Ikd1FE9c-DsEoZ7f-jkMfc07UQJTgBpMnZutUoSnB-A/s1600/sloan-optical-striped-chestnut-front_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8armIH6MNTV8zi1x-wnGkP3oWfg2zg_I3LtNl2xssA0gVCPwJmRj6Ua-wxd4GFR_MeUzl2rXMof3tcmdOwAVnO7yG3qn8uWY_Ikd1FE9c-DsEoZ7f-jkMfc07UQJTgBpMnZutUoSnB-A/s320/sloan-optical-striped-chestnut-front_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironically, these are the Sloan glasses. That just means I HAVE to get them, right?</td></tr>
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<strong>8. Magazines </strong>-- My first big girl job was working for a small magazine publishing company. That first job fed my passion for information (and interior design and DIY) and taught me a whole lot about the real world, including how the demands of a changing econonmy can flip your world upside down in <em>just.two.minutes</em>. But even though I was laid off from what I would consider was a dream job, I now covet the time that I have to dig into one of my favorite magazines. <br />
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<strong>7.</strong> <strong>Drive-thrus</strong> -- I have absolutely no idea whose invented the first drive-thru, but THANK YOU. <br />
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<strong>6. My Dad</strong> -- This May will mark 6 years since my dad passed away. As I type this, it sounds surreal to say that. Six years. So much has happened in my life in the past six years -- and even though my dad may not have been there to physically share in those moments, I could feel his presense. I try hard not to get upset when I think about my dad (which is <em>all.the.time.</em>), because I know that's not what he would want. He would want me to be happy and to live my life to the fullest the way that he did. At the same time, I know there are others who have a much shorter time to create memories with a parent or loved one, so I'm grateful for the time that I did have with him. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see, hear or think of something that reminds me that my dad is there -- and for me, there is amazing comfort in that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw92nHZnZWvn3bZ9Kjz4V65MNHNDFRvWsq9px8KRiV1ssOQ_VKThxr1bRSN4NqHlAqUT3EnEjeb338v-iUK3AyRo56rm23wG3iUXWc9hy0fb2dWYdQFVw3dAqRAWynTsKjQe72gEJjQI/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw92nHZnZWvn3bZ9Kjz4V65MNHNDFRvWsq9px8KRiV1ssOQ_VKThxr1bRSN4NqHlAqUT3EnEjeb338v-iUK3AyRo56rm23wG3iUXWc9hy0fb2dWYdQFVw3dAqRAWynTsKjQe72gEJjQI/s400/dad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside our house in Charlotte, spring 1984. Man I really wish I could see what's on Eric's shirt! Can anyone tell?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>5. Work-Life Balance </strong>-- Remember yesterday when I said that this has been a rewarding week, both professionally and personally? Are you ready for the scoop? I'm transitioning from working full-time to working part-time! And the only way I can really explain my excitement about this transition? You guessed it -- through hashtags! <em>#pinchme #luckylady #bestcompanyever #pinchmeagain #ouch #okstop #thathurts #bruised #buthappy</em><br />
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Come back tomorrow ... it's the FINAL countdown! <br />
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Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-80661363868028952492013-04-03T22:52:00.002-04:002013-04-03T22:53:57.912-04:00Not-So-Foolish 40 (Third Time's a Charm?)<br />
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I’m back! Did you miss me? I’m sure all 6 of you who read
this totally did. (And by the way, thanks to those of you who are interested
enough to keep coming back for more. Appreciate you!)</div>
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So, it’s Wednesday. The week is halfway over, and for me
this has been a big week both professionally and personally. Don’t worry --
I’ll absolutely fill you in. (Is the anticipation killing you? Not yet? How
about now?) But first … here’s the 8 latest and greatest in my Not-So-Foolish
40: </div>
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(By the way -- if you’re just tuning in, you may want read
<a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/04/not-so-foolish-40.html" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/04/not-so-foolish-40-sequel.html" target="_blank">that</a> first.)</div>
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<b>20. Mood Swings</b> -- No, not the PMS-related ones. That’s the
name of my tennis team. Unfortunately our practice tonight was rained out, and
I am totally bummed out because I love my team, our coaches and being able to
work off some mid-week aggression on the courts. (And last week during a match I hit my first ace. Possibly my first and last, so I wanted to be sure I documented it!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq6iFb3PXfw46mZ6Ymn5tnFcXcm-DLT9x2XeMyaAVq3EV0X9ol6FAvmNozwJXduAmUYKqEmYf1rf1LEsjrWgsfYLwdk1RhIoi2sZsqBXP_EVQ6OyR6au8VOo1W_naYY2_SQpaeix4Dyc/s1600/moodwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq6iFb3PXfw46mZ6Ymn5tnFcXcm-DLT9x2XeMyaAVq3EV0X9ol6FAvmNozwJXduAmUYKqEmYf1rf1LEsjrWgsfYLwdk1RhIoi2sZsqBXP_EVQ6OyR6au8VOo1W_naYY2_SQpaeix4Dyc/s400/moodwings.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End-of-season team dinner. Pretty much an excuse to get everyone together for margaritas. </td></tr>
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<b>19. Breath mints</b> -- See No. 35. My coworkers are probably
the most thankful that I value these.</div>
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<b>18. Yeah! Burger</b> -- I love burgers; they are quite possibly
my favorite food. For my money, this is the best burger joint in town. And I
had dinner there tonight. It was delicious. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F7V5V4yDq2HSSJV3RMXDmTczc9TtWIfTZvY9q2bip0BZZ43L6dS-FnfK95ML122c334lj5jee4YSp6J1OvZIaYa5nvl7C5yFStkKLQziMFN6vlCQ0-FzvIXIOK7Nqlq3kOZ-yMSGD5k/s1600/image+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F7V5V4yDq2HSSJV3RMXDmTczc9TtWIfTZvY9q2bip0BZZ43L6dS-FnfK95ML122c334lj5jee4YSp6J1OvZIaYa5nvl7C5yFStkKLQziMFN6vlCQ0-FzvIXIOK7Nqlq3kOZ-yMSGD5k/s320/image+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much for my diet. </td></tr>
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<b>17. Big Brother --</b> Well, I actually have a little brother.
Actually, he isn’t so little. Wait, that sounds bad. What I’m trying to say is
that he’s all growed up. And I’m proud of him. Love you, bro.</div>
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<b>16. Melatonin</b> -- I’m a pretty light sleeper, and I also have
a hard time turning my brain off at night. When I need to get a solid night’s
sleep, I pop one of these, hand Matt the baby monitor and zzzzzzzzzz …</div>
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<b>15. Music --</b> I honestly cannot think of a day in recent
memory when I haven’t spent a significant amount of time listening to music. I
pop in some earbuds and listen at work. When I get home, I’d much rather listen
to music than put on the news. And if you have any new toons that you think I
should check out, puh-lease let me know! (I’m listening to the new JT as I type
this.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYibB_2wfJS9czI3IWsmkvRjLqgpFkLYKqHoP9_EKgVdY87zAR6_hX18Dq_1tiezdh5PkXKhVaQIwJ0aAG6raiWpUdgO-SSWvW6uPXqj5hMRuK0rUfFwXzdk9On8lDSXQhqx_Z0V2was/s1600/image+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYibB_2wfJS9czI3IWsmkvRjLqgpFkLYKqHoP9_EKgVdY87zAR6_hX18Dq_1tiezdh5PkXKhVaQIwJ0aAG6raiWpUdgO-SSWvW6uPXqj5hMRuK0rUfFwXzdk9On8lDSXQhqx_Z0V2was/s320/image+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this for Christmas a few years ago. Not only does it play records, but it has a radio, CD player , jack for your iPod and .. wait for it ... A CASSETTE PLAYER! Time to bust out all your old mixed tapes, kids. </td></tr>
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<b>14. Microwaves --</b> Seriously, one of the best modern
inventions in my book. Except I will not microwave leftover pizza. Must be
reheated in the oven.</div>
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<b>13. My bonus fam --</b> That’s what I call my in-laws. <i>And.they.rock</i>. I’m putting my bonus mom,
dad and sister at number 13 because I recognize just how lucky I am -- because
we’ve all heard the stories about those who are unlucky in this department. For
those of you who have met them, you know just how outgoing, kind-hearted and
generous they are. Pretty much exactly how I want my children to be. I have
definitely hit the in-law lottery, folks. <i>#nowhammieshere</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzrcJa_yuAHktBVrmrzg22hYJmXYNKlR4yIYzsbalkeepiU8IKOeXYd7jwlu7e1VhhQEKPsay7WMtGKitHcs6iIBVneLio_CESxcA7aADaz3PDUGAmYDO2g8-A9-1mvKU3u6ogX-_4qg/s1600/montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzrcJa_yuAHktBVrmrzg22hYJmXYNKlR4yIYzsbalkeepiU8IKOeXYd7jwlu7e1VhhQEKPsay7WMtGKitHcs6iIBVneLio_CESxcA7aADaz3PDUGAmYDO2g8-A9-1mvKU3u6ogX-_4qg/s320/montage.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-57809406792677804412013-04-02T22:31:00.003-04:002013-04-02T23:49:18.742-04:00Not-So-Foolish 40 (The Sequel)<br />
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<i>#imbackfolks #hopeyouhadagoodday
#todaywasgreatbecausewehadoneofmyfavoritedinners #tacotuesday! </i></div>
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<i>#areyouwonderingwhyimtypinglikethis? #<a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/04/not-so-foolish-40.html" target="_blank">thismightexplainit</a></i></div>
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OK, OK -- enough of that. It’s time for the second
installment in my Not-So-Foolish 40. So, like Simon Cowell says -- off you go:</div>
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<b>33. Daylight savings</b> -- There’s a huge chance that I suffer
from SAD. I feel like a new person now that there’s so much more daylight
after work. </div>
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<b>32. Easter baskets</b> -- I try not to keep candy around the
house, but boy do I love a good reason to stock up. Candy is certainly not the
reason for the season, but who doesn’t like a nice treat every now and then? (And
for the record, I’m resisting the urge to insert a “Treat Yo Self” joke here.
Don’t know what I’m talking 'bout? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsABTmT1_M0" target="_blank">Now you do</a>.) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y1KatdhDK5pmS4qwiVst1o_mYTyGJyAQF964X1ZeQ3uLMz_NmjjeWJ1fdw_gL86eg9arnwkgATLEpDdUH-2trvOFE9uG3taiUSZ-Cysgk52wH8GXtdVcXa0NaqXf7AV85ZA_TH0NxLY/s1600/candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y1KatdhDK5pmS4qwiVst1o_mYTyGJyAQF964X1ZeQ3uLMz_NmjjeWJ1fdw_gL86eg9arnwkgATLEpDdUH-2trvOFE9uG3taiUSZ-Cysgk52wH8GXtdVcXa0NaqXf7AV85ZA_TH0NxLY/s400/candy.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We discovered the bag of red Starburst jelly beans this year. Dangerous!</td></tr>
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<b>31. Frozen lunches</b> -- I’m pretty good about taking lunch to
work, and being able to quickly grab a frozen lunch from
the freezer on the way out the door is such a nice convenience. Not saying they
always taste great …</div>
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<b>30. My iPhone</b> -- It’s a phone, iPod and mini-computer all in
one. I definitely feel nekkid without it. Steve Jobs really knew what he was
doing. </div>
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<b>29. Hairdryers</b> -- Is it weird to be thankful for a hairdryer?
In any case, I am. Sometimes it’s the little things, I guess. </div>
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<b>28. Nutella</b> -- Oh man do I have an obsession with this stuff.
And I don’t think I’d ever really had it until a little over a year ago. Now this
has become a staple on our Costco shopping list. </div>
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<b>27. Newfangled car door remotes</b> -- Have you seen those new
car door remotes/keys that can just stay in your pocket and you just have to
touch the handle to open the door? Makes grocery shopping almost enjoyable. </div>
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<b>26. Pretty flowers</b> -- They just make me happy. That is all. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6q3FucSQkx_PMgqz9Gjg7WkOsCtkLBccIoKA0WH97McuxeFZE0ebPx40Secrnvx-l369Gp0HP7lloN7NGl5oE4MTGQaGh3queItR0BuLXk1UmTtNDsVyjXQE3XemW78b7Bd9KMaCI4s/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6q3FucSQkx_PMgqz9Gjg7WkOsCtkLBccIoKA0WH97McuxeFZE0ebPx40Secrnvx-l369Gp0HP7lloN7NGl5oE4MTGQaGh3queItR0BuLXk1UmTtNDsVyjXQE3XemW78b7Bd9KMaCI4s/s400/flowers.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
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<i>WARNING. I recognize
that the following item is a little TMI, especially for those who aren’t
interested in hearing about my child’s runny nose.</i></div>
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<b>25. Battery-operated snot sucker-outer</b> -- <i>This.thing.rocks.</i> It plays music to
distract her. It quickly gets all the boogies so she can breathe and sleep (and
so we can sleep). It’s <i>#awesome</i>.</div>
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<i>Now back to your
regularly scheduled blog post.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>24. Food Network</b> -- Like I mentioned yesterday, I don’t watch
a lot of TV. When I do have an opportunity to veg out for a little bit (and get
command of the remote), I catch up with all my favorite chefs. </div>
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<b>23. New running shoes</b> -- I don’t like to run. Do not. Ugh.
And as much as I don’t like to run I really don’t like shin splints. But I’ve
signed up for a 5K and after three years of using the same shoes for working
out I decided it was time for some new kicks. (For all my runner/marathon/ironman
friends out there, I salute you. You are amazing.) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBxCDjupI6I9e3jLm0KJB2NnfIWUnDkVk55R98SZC1QyY22IYyf4ZggVvq9Vov-oIUT2EqCZnjsD_Pkl6CAuTOZJhfKiv1YUY1Rh9XeWtgqpJBltXTMuXJNtp_-lCjY3fZjsNI2ttyK0/s1600/image+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBxCDjupI6I9e3jLm0KJB2NnfIWUnDkVk55R98SZC1QyY22IYyf4ZggVvq9Vov-oIUT2EqCZnjsD_Pkl6CAuTOZJhfKiv1YUY1Rh9XeWtgqpJBltXTMuXJNtp_-lCjY3fZjsNI2ttyK0/s400/image+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the clothes make the man, do the shoes make the runner? We'll see, I guess. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>22. Three Amigos</b> -- Not as in the movie, but as in the cheese
dip, salsa and guac trio at one of my favorite restaurants, Tin Lizzies. And I
don’t know what they sprinkle on their chips, but it has got to be a legalized
form of crack. So addictive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>21. My husband</b> -- I could obviously go on and on here, so I’ll
try to be succinct. As busy as this guy is with work and grad school (and the
never ending list of projects he’s helping me out with around the house/yard),
he makes time for his girls and always greets me with a smile on his face.
Something else I really love about him? He is ridiculously nice to strangers –
opening doors, saying hello to people when we’re out on walks, and he is uber
nice to servers at restaurants. He makes me want to be a nicer person. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>20. Boxed wine</b> -- There, I said it. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBfqgNx_LudDE5iOS2Cp4rXv4gOuHasOMMs_bCNqjVPDZDi1KhcU6zFqVe4N5nipKALDSwg6igu3qN5uQIIVZvN7bwoRGR7uM1xzobMh04xz927bd96XoEgQe4ouiQ0GR5SSgJKaovzs/s1600/botabox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBfqgNx_LudDE5iOS2Cp4rXv4gOuHasOMMs_bCNqjVPDZDi1KhcU6zFqVe4N5nipKALDSwg6igu3qN5uQIIVZvN7bwoRGR7uM1xzobMh04xz927bd96XoEgQe4ouiQ0GR5SSgJKaovzs/s400/botabox.jpg" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's good to know that this wine will stay fresh for more than month after it's opened, but I highly doubt we're going to need to worry about that. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-26531520119619664282013-04-01T23:56:00.000-04:002013-04-02T00:07:30.344-04:00Not-So-Foolish 40It's April Fools' Day! Oh wait, you already knew that. And no, I don't have some fantastic prank to share. (I did consider hiding all of the TV remotes and iPad from Matt but didn't get around to doing it before leaving for work, so I'll just save that for next year. Shhh - don't tell him!)<br />
<br />
But as I was reflecting on the fact that it was 1) April 1st and 2) the end of Lent, I realized that it had been close to 40 days since I'd written a blog post. Not exactly a great track record for someone whose 2013 resolution was - and I quote - "<a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/01/better-late-than-never.html" target="_blank">to be waaay better about blogging in 2013</a>." Whoops.<br />
<br />
So, I've decided to challenge myself a little this week. I'm talking multiple blog posts - all in an effort to reflect on 40 things I'd be foolish not to be thankful for. Some are a little silly, some maybe a little sarcastic but I swear some of it is serious. Without further ado, here's my Not-So-Foolish 40:<br />
<br />
<b>40. Faith</b> -- We all go through trying times, and I'm sincerely thankful for my relationship with Him. I've been able to trust that He has a plan for me, even if the details get blurry at times.<br />
<br />
<b>39. Baseball season!</b> -- It's opening day, my friends. One of my favorite days of the year. As I write this, the Braves just clinched their first win of the season. <i>#undefeated #sofarsogood </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqAEUEQLMP1yGGw5JV_d392OnfN2x2gI18BrNZMClg4QlXwgTqG3NIx5YmxbOJuS52mDffCtqqJC8kE6AQZG1U6QqgEYJzkWs22-ZpMv3FNGgadGX4NfVk1dSOFZgdXbMndtlyp8Ccg4/s1600/openingday2009tornadocane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqAEUEQLMP1yGGw5JV_d392OnfN2x2gI18BrNZMClg4QlXwgTqG3NIx5YmxbOJuS52mDffCtqqJC8kE6AQZG1U6QqgEYJzkWs22-ZpMv3FNGgadGX4NfVk1dSOFZgdXbMndtlyp8Ccg4/s400/openingday2009tornadocane.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening Day 2009. Also known as the day it "tornado-caned" at Turner Field. After almost a three-hour rain/hail/wind/tornado watch delay, The Ted almost ran out of beer. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>38. Wireless Internet</b> -- I tried to explain dial-up Internet to my younger cousins a few years ago. I imitated the whole pattern of sounds that our computer used to make when you were logging on. I'm pretty sure they hadn't <i>ever</i> heard anything like the noises that came out of my mouth.<br />
<br />
<b>37. Spray paint</b> -- I love spray paint. It's a cheap, essential tool for any DIYer. And you know you have an addiction when you have a list of spray paint projects saved on your phone. <i>#dork</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCnJ2DgpYRVNSWceX8xBZLh3foXnTsA3B7j05NaPfc1uKf9FtwwmYH_0eWDMbQPmlWILqR55wJGGorJrow1n1AH8wZXX7Yms29WNsoy0rHN2OPLoR-WIuQZuIZLytaEgqyQwKmKrUbFM/s1600/spraypaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCnJ2DgpYRVNSWceX8xBZLh3foXnTsA3B7j05NaPfc1uKf9FtwwmYH_0eWDMbQPmlWILqR55wJGGorJrow1n1AH8wZXX7Yms29WNsoy0rHN2OPLoR-WIuQZuIZLytaEgqyQwKmKrUbFM/s320/spraypaint.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. I'm going to make yet another chalkboard. <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/02/its.html" target="_blank">I have a problem</a>, don't you think?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>36. DVR</b> -- This technological innovation has changed the way I watch TV. Unless it's sports or my Saturday morning Food Network fix, I hardly ever watch a TV show live.<br />
<br />
<b>35. Coffee</b> -- It wasn't until I was laid off from my first big girl job that I realized that I was an addict. No more free coffee every day?! <i>#@$&%!</i><br />
<br />
<b>34. Hashtags</b> -- <i>#seriously #noseriously #imnotkidding #idtypelikethisalldaylongifitwasprofessionallyacceptable</i><br />
<br />
<i>#moretocometomorrow #nightnight!</i>Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-15795371392186566352013-02-17T21:35:00.000-05:002013-02-17T21:46:31.687-05:00It's A ... <div>
"It's a boy!" my husband cried out. It was August 12, 2012, at 10:18 a.m. After 36 looong hours of labor, our "little t" had finally arrived. But wait <i>just.one.second</i>. What did the doctor say?! "Look again, Mr. Taylor." <i>Oh.Em.Gee.</i> IT'S A GIRL! A tiny, perfect (screaming) ball of pink joy! Oh boy -- <i>were.we.surprised</i>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-QpaJK7myENB2_BYE2nFkNpgxgG3g8KnwXM1JQctlKWSjrCCYkBNwDkSDQ0FACryCDHvULa5mty1Bi6C7n36D6J05AHy7mIQnkmT6JG34DWuHLSw9vzsyYjCb0SGYkPGNRQBtpz_8jA/s1600/-+Flower+Girl+-+BW+-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-QpaJK7myENB2_BYE2nFkNpgxgG3g8KnwXM1JQctlKWSjrCCYkBNwDkSDQ0FACryCDHvULa5mty1Bi6C7n36D6J05AHy7mIQnkmT6JG34DWuHLSw9vzsyYjCb0SGYkPGNRQBtpz_8jA/s320/-+Flower+Girl+-+BW+-.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 24 hours old, holding a rose from her Uncle Joey. And even smiling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we found out we were pregnant, Matt and I decided that we weren't going to find out the baby's gender. Yeah, kinda old school of us, but it made the moment she was born that much more amazing and unforgettable. (I personally can't think of a better surprise in life.)<br />
<br />
Both Matt and I were <i>convinced</i> we were having a little dude. On paper, my pregnancy screamed boy. No morning sickness. Not too many crazy mood swings (until month 8, and then I certainly made up for lost time). My complexion even cleared up. And (almost) everyone said I looked like I was carrying a boy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIsFhu87mPAvrZSXmSpDLDvWR9IS-gzLyZMC7bZWVM3M5crCyCZZMTj0MSbskCRRBMN5IVkKvq_xW0gNWOKBke6zwwajb8bCruGTxgL9iP9CaddK7roRzvEXB9-5kthE0lirzmJE0lcs/s1600/26+weeks+bump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIsFhu87mPAvrZSXmSpDLDvWR9IS-gzLyZMC7bZWVM3M5crCyCZZMTj0MSbskCRRBMN5IVkKvq_xW0gNWOKBke6zwwajb8bCruGTxgL9iP9CaddK7roRzvEXB9-5kthE0lirzmJE0lcs/s320/26+weeks+bump.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26 weeks preggo. Probably on my way to get some ice cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Deciding not to learn little t's gender absolutely had its pros and cons. One major pro -- it kept my shopaholic self in check. One major con -- not being able to complete the nursery in advance. But I had some ideas in mind for both a girl's and a boy's room. I actually had pretty much the entire girl's room completed in my mind. So after Sloan entered our lives, it was just too easy to choose a theme -- "You are my sunshine." Because she is. Duh.<br />
<br />
If you've seen the monthly pictures that I take of Sloan, you know that I have a <i>slight</i> obsession with chalkboard paint. So I'm sure it will come as no surprise when I tell you that I made four chalkboards for her room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE0zsv5DSKf86yXuiArMZ8BmvbcM6uriXxuZKOyWh9YjNFiCMIpGtPAiycNUAoSKNp12VWugkIgtPRBwxMBLOsQgn54w0_zFwRWWTb2cTlaxTjwS764ReiEZS0JYVlZu3ArDcMSNbRTA/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE0zsv5DSKf86yXuiArMZ8BmvbcM6uriXxuZKOyWh9YjNFiCMIpGtPAiycNUAoSKNp12VWugkIgtPRBwxMBLOsQgn54w0_zFwRWWTb2cTlaxTjwS764ReiEZS0JYVlZu3ArDcMSNbRTA/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9QJErPkwKrLFp2s59kG2khY-sdYteiTPEy2rXVttFb_8qp0c9_zIV2DEjN_ntEEKWhrBUCjSaXsHn-w0U_RLkOBsUf53UXl_UMHSKKmLBVDbDDczOZv5iXZpEgJBOaFlwj1SgIGxfWw/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9QJErPkwKrLFp2s59kG2khY-sdYteiTPEy2rXVttFb_8qp0c9_zIV2DEjN_ntEEKWhrBUCjSaXsHn-w0U_RLkOBsUf53UXl_UMHSKKmLBVDbDDczOZv5iXZpEgJBOaFlwj1SgIGxfWw/s320/IMG_2317.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuwpx7puIzgOJAHI8-iDsRFVsHwoGrDG84Ewh2o4lhZBm5PXFRWP2r94n3JIDfP3IaciXxwrKBGeXtHjxaB2wl8Pd0QGb4T8uj_-dTfcRK7Ve3KjCrZPXLlYBqzCS02ImQzpXdrbnHcI/s1600/IMG_2318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuwpx7puIzgOJAHI8-iDsRFVsHwoGrDG84Ewh2o4lhZBm5PXFRWP2r94n3JIDfP3IaciXxwrKBGeXtHjxaB2wl8Pd0QGb4T8uj_-dTfcRK7Ve3KjCrZPXLlYBqzCS02ImQzpXdrbnHcI/s320/IMG_2318.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RJ-b4igm1XmYOTnb6jJWel4bhNYnTiMvF9z3OovvqnCeCqwQEjlM-ShxL44dfPMs3E4fimnrZ_9pGkbTZdqbFlvUQbZ9iQzDIy2Aj_sclQ55OK6e8jxSGR15Fa13KlJ9xRIX2E6qxcg/s1600/IMG_2319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RJ-b4igm1XmYOTnb6jJWel4bhNYnTiMvF9z3OovvqnCeCqwQEjlM-ShxL44dfPMs3E4fimnrZ_9pGkbTZdqbFlvUQbZ9iQzDIy2Aj_sclQ55OK6e8jxSGR15Fa13KlJ9xRIX2E6qxcg/s320/IMG_2319.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I haven't done it yet, but eventually I'm going to change these to say things like: "Let the sun shine" -- "Here comes the sun" -- "Black hole sun" <i>(kidding)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also converted an old painting into what I call her "name frame." Pretty easy and cheap to make, too:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Get a big 'ol framed picture from Goodwill, a yard sale, etc.</li>
<li>Deconstruct it</li>
<li>Spray paint the frame yella</li>
<li>Wrap the original glass and picture insert with fabric (held in place with spray adhesive, of course)</li>
<li>Place the big fabric piece back into the frame (sealing the edges with duct tape, just for fun)</li>
<li>Spray paint wooden letters yella</li>
<li>Add white polka dots to the letters</li>
<li>Use craft glue to glue the letters to the fabric-covered insert</li>
<li>Done! </li>
</ol>
<br />
(And as easy as this was, it took me about two weeks to complete. Maybe longer. More about this issue <a href="http://lifeatlaurel.blogspot.com/2013/02/looking-for-some-pin-spiration.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV22n5QiSHeSVXCTGJqDAt7-1GzoLeBtd2qLhbO7rvfcDhEi_cWFL62uhWsDgiI7wk5rNBc9_07-xtKmuny-rYFbfsD9g-tsz501eivKu1yEzCSrM2hVvkITxdoB7ut0lDaif95lAmrU/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV22n5QiSHeSVXCTGJqDAt7-1GzoLeBtd2qLhbO7rvfcDhEi_cWFL62uhWsDgiI7wk5rNBc9_07-xtKmuny-rYFbfsD9g-tsz501eivKu1yEzCSrM2hVvkITxdoB7ut0lDaif95lAmrU/s640/IMG_2306.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this bookshelf! This -- along with a mountain of books -- was a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Taylor. It's from one of my absolute favorite stores here in Atlanta -- Nadeau. If you haven't checked it out yet, GO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I keep saying that one of these days I'm going to learn how to sew. But, until then I'm just going to be extremely thankful that my mom knows how. She made curtains and a canopy for Sloan's room, and I'm thrilled with the way it all turned out -- thanks, Mom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8u_utAYSevdzTpirUhweAYrio1KMAk2k-Xf-lLy-3b0dIyf_D7vOYKE6oRfRa8wFVbkrgkDgw12RKgtzRePtVF9j0-GphKGsz7xCsg4oQ3cZvqIp0JB6crP5A1ryUgSeif421wOlzRdQ/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8u_utAYSevdzTpirUhweAYrio1KMAk2k-Xf-lLy-3b0dIyf_D7vOYKE6oRfRa8wFVbkrgkDgw12RKgtzRePtVF9j0-GphKGsz7xCsg4oQ3cZvqIp0JB6crP5A1ryUgSeif421wOlzRdQ/s400/IMG_2302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crib skirt, sheet and pillow were made at Precious Cargo. For those of you reading in the metro Atlanta area, I highly recommend stopping by there if you ever need a baby gift!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsH-w-CRvFNe4gY9tsvh-THR5___CzQ-3-TXmdHx0ivIago1XHEbRj9fkt1q0B4rL7cjnya85K-CzLQ8UNURGHY7-VyKf1o538M12qFrliojtJpzi29xLTvci40K0IdGb7LlMKUd4_xg/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsH-w-CRvFNe4gY9tsvh-THR5___CzQ-3-TXmdHx0ivIago1XHEbRj9fkt1q0B4rL7cjnya85K-CzLQ8UNURGHY7-VyKf1o538M12qFrliojtJpzi29xLTvci40K0IdGb7LlMKUd4_xg/s400/IMG_2315.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also had a changing pad cover made in the same fabric as the crib sheet and pillow, but it happens to be in the dryer right now. Minor accident this morning, but thrilled to report that it washes up great!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another really easy (and ridiculously cheap) project for Sloan's room was her mobile. It's definitely not a traditional mobile -- because it doesn't really move. But these <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/how-to-make-tissue-pom-poms/index.html" target="_blank">tissue pom-poms</a> are so light that they do bump around into each other when the ceiling fan is on. And they actually do grab Sloan's attention, which is great when it's time to lay her down for a nap. I can give them a little push and she will stare up at them as I quickly exit stage left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQuGd0PVFEVHLlcCfhq8R2TpjQN4NIPd1RwaPXOu81EAV7iPCv8UvBZN33BJYP6mdaIOBVmI6Brnnm1Jhg1KhIlHia87j7vJ5MhEY5qTtWEtXD85buZsPPxFU2MPff9zicSPKqYevPFU/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQuGd0PVFEVHLlcCfhq8R2TpjQN4NIPd1RwaPXOu81EAV7iPCv8UvBZN33BJYP6mdaIOBVmI6Brnnm1Jhg1KhIlHia87j7vJ5MhEY5qTtWEtXD85buZsPPxFU2MPff9zicSPKqYevPFU/s320/IMG_2304.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day I hung these up, Matt not only 1) noticed them, but 2) said he liked them. He even asked where I bought them! Imagine his surprise when I told him they were practically gratis. </td></tr>
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I also have to thank the talented Whitney Lee for making this birth announcement! I hadn't even considered making anything like this (not even with a chalkboard, if you can believe it), and was thrilled when Whitney offered -- it turned out awesome! I even had the perfect place to put it, since I didn't yet have anything to put on this shelf. Well, I suppose I could have put more bows and hats there. But, um, I think we have enough for now, don't you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6QqenbkY3E8rkzjA9aDOMGA6navpsMi1gF19nvnDbMsa5RgsH7mOGDy1YdKygtf-IxrJOUiF25EBWr6KS7Fg324Mc1XL6oUfVihZkwnZ2oYGRKHI0uE0P_UL_YTADghfh1YA_DYy9oI/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6QqenbkY3E8rkzjA9aDOMGA6navpsMi1gF19nvnDbMsa5RgsH7mOGDy1YdKygtf-IxrJOUiF25EBWr6KS7Fg324Mc1XL6oUfVihZkwnZ2oYGRKHI0uE0P_UL_YTADghfh1YA_DYy9oI/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
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So even though I thought we were having a little boy, I'm pretty ecstatic that little t turned out to be a she. And I think her dad is, too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hojWVJEdoEl6kJw20HFQuYzw5EBffqOqmOB_jHXe-qedFlIcGeeQpmcca9OXIr7VPb9rk84DfVjHS7kgNIcy5Q_7dKaKvy0vCl4ac1HegBrSFeOngGtN6noMQrhU9i2NhIVuX74nwak/s1600/-+Sloan+and+Daddy+-+BW+-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hojWVJEdoEl6kJw20HFQuYzw5EBffqOqmOB_jHXe-qedFlIcGeeQpmcca9OXIr7VPb9rk84DfVjHS7kgNIcy5Q_7dKaKvy0vCl4ac1HegBrSFeOngGtN6noMQrhU9i2NhIVuX74nwak/s320/-+Sloan+and+Daddy+-+BW+-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-16482293109785380102013-02-10T18:40:00.000-05:002013-02-10T19:21:53.124-05:00Looking for Some Pin-spiration?<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"Genius is one part inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."</em> </div>
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-- Thomas Edison (1903) </div>
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When Mr. Edison coined the phrase above, do you think he knew that one day there would be this incredible social network that allowed you to collect ideas for recipes, projects, outfits, parties, trips, etc.? Probably not. But to his point, I'm sure that the idea for <a href="http://pinterest.com/jerseybelle/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> came very easily, and seeing the idea come to fruition took much, much longer. And in a way, I can relate.<br />
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I have spent <em><strike>hours</strike> days</em> (Weeks? Ugh. I don't even want to know exactly how long.) just pinning away -- electronically filing hundreds of great ideas that I am <em>for sure</em> going to to use one day. Right? Ha! I'm willing to bet that for every pin I've actually revisited, there are about 50 that I haven't even looked at again. Especially the ones that say "Pin now, read later!" Y'all know what I'm talking about, right?</div>
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<em>"Pinterest is one part perspiration and ninety-nine percent pin-spiration. Or something like that."</em></div>
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-- Lauren Taylor (2013)</div>
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OK, I recognize that Pinterest is an amazing resource; it has motivated me to actually <strike>throw away</strike> recycle the piles of magazines that I used to keep around. (Because, you know, one day I'm really going to need that step-by-step recipe for Baked Alaska. And a blow torch and safety goggles to create the perfect meringue.) So when I actually finished not one, but <em>two</em> Pinterest projects in one day, I was pretty stoked. Now, the key word in that sentence is <em>finished</em>, because each one of them took me weeks, if not months, to complete. Not because the steps were complicated or the materials hard to find. Nope. In my case, it's because I'll have about five different projects going at one time <em>and</em> I don't have all of the materials on hand. Or the right sizes. More about that below.</div>
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<strong>Exhibit A: Old Coffee Table -- New Bedside Bench</strong></div>
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I originally bought this coffee table in graduate school and have hauled it around with me for about 10 years. Not bad for a piece from Target. But, it got to the point where no amount of brown Sharpie was going to restore it to its original glory. So, thanks to Pinterest I realized how easy it would be to convert it into a bedside bench. Here's how this went down: </div>
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Choose your fabric. </div>
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Order your fabric. </div>
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Freak out and wonder if you measured right and ordered <em>enough</em> fabric. (You did. Phew.) </div>
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Wait for fabric to arrive.</div>
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Search for Hobby Lobby coupons.</div>
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Make the drive to Hobby Lobby to get the rest of your materials. (Adhesive spray, 2-1/2 inch thick foam, batting, ribbon, hot glue gun and sticks.)</div>
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Get everything home and hope your husband still has a staple gun and staples. (He did. Double phew.)</div>
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Put all craft materials into a closet in the basement and forget that everything is there until you're looking for something else. </div>
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Pull everything out Superbowl weekend and make a mess all over the basement trying to finish it before family comes over to watch the game. </div>
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Finish the ottoman, then force your Superbowl guests to help you carry it upstairs. (What a nice hostess I am, huh?)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB_xPQ7UlD1VsXvSf1BWIhY5hWZwCYmh60cNgv2t4ge4MwXJpCD1dgUSvvcze5G8hfC0MK6nZ5QPxbTMhyoBkKPEr68o5HG0vTP4I9N0kba_BvHfTX2Ohk8aoQXlNMM_ibhpBjhiiUew/s1600/bench.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB_xPQ7UlD1VsXvSf1BWIhY5hWZwCYmh60cNgv2t4ge4MwXJpCD1dgUSvvcze5G8hfC0MK6nZ5QPxbTMhyoBkKPEr68o5HG0vTP4I9N0kba_BvHfTX2Ohk8aoQXlNMM_ibhpBjhiiUew/s320/bench.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta-da! Four months later, I can check this off the list.</td></tr>
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<strong>Exhibit B: Under-cabinet Necklace Storage</strong><br />
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After we moved to Laurel Drive -- and after I finally found some time to get our bathroom and closet situated -- I realized that with a little more reorganizing I would have a whole cabinet that I could dedicate to jewelry storage. Score. I just needed to figure out how to maximize the space. Enter Pinterest. I realized that with some tension rods, curtain hooks and "s" hooks I would be able to hang my necklaces rather easily and avoid spending time yanking them apart when I'm trying to get out the door for work at 7:15 in the morning. So, all I had to do was to make a quick trip to Target to get what I needed. Easy, right? <em>Wrong.</em> </div>
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I think from the picture below you can figure out how to recreate something like this, so let me just tell you <em>what not to do</em>: </div>
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Don't buy the wrong size tension rods. They need to be slightly longer -- not shorter -- than the width of the cabinet. Duh.</div>
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Don't expect Target to have "s" hooks.</div>
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Don't expect the local in-town hardware store to be open when you need them to be.</div>
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Don't forget for three weeks that you still need the "s" hooks to finish this very easy, simple project. </div>
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Don't buy the wrong size "s" hooks when you finally do remember to stop by the hardware store. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlCwhYLfZZ-oOGy90fRggO-Tn0mSd9hvErYEIeazlKuv_Y7H4At-ZfE3C8OxvuLPckg1Pwxbzhg4J3Bj1qi23AAXD19jqdlM4CmDJWZluqrWrbbt2kezsOx4enWOECrsZEKeA4DHP7rI/s1600/jools.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlCwhYLfZZ-oOGy90fRggO-Tn0mSd9hvErYEIeazlKuv_Y7H4At-ZfE3C8OxvuLPckg1Pwxbzhg4J3Bj1qi23AAXD19jqdlM4CmDJWZluqrWrbbt2kezsOx4enWOECrsZEKeA4DHP7rI/s320/jools.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's see how long this stays all nice and neat!</td></tr>
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As long as you don't do what I did, you'll have a much easier time recreating these Pinterest projects. Two pins down, 1,017 to go! </div>
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Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150614343093541965.post-27128370178683898262013-01-31T23:18:00.002-05:002013-02-09T11:41:51.416-05:00Better Late Than NeverWell, it's January 31st. And when the peach dropped at midnight one month ago, I made a resolution to be waaay better about blogging in 2013. OK, I didn't actually make the resolution at midnight - it was a few days later, but you get my point. So, I guess it's time that I get serious about this blog and start updating it regularly. Better late than never, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDISg7IiPv2OzfIsol40t5LZb0g3j8nqCAefX_53maTOpOxCiTETDhPTqM_rS5YmxEOIrDw8igtJq9GOcILZ7t4a5DDuCRHZz3P1XarMomcVyJ2QxT87cnV-Yc2WxxWzwoJp9vHv2hSyY/s1600/DSCF0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDISg7IiPv2OzfIsol40t5LZb0g3j8nqCAefX_53maTOpOxCiTETDhPTqM_rS5YmxEOIrDw8igtJq9GOcILZ7t4a5DDuCRHZz3P1XarMomcVyJ2QxT87cnV-Yc2WxxWzwoJp9vHv2hSyY/s320/DSCF0395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite photos from our NYE photo booth.</td></tr>
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Are you wondering about the name of this blog? Thought so. Back in September, we moved clear across two zip codes to a new neighborhood, into a home that just so happens to be on Laurel Drive - hence the blog name. (Sidebar: Being named Lauren and moving to Laurel Drive has already been entertaining for me. All of the customer service folks with credit card/utility/insurance companies that I've spoken with have made the <i>exact.same.joke</i>: "Oh, that must be easy for you to remember!" And then I say: "What - my address, or my name?" And oh my do we all have such a good laugh!)<br />
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And here's your disclaimer: This blog will more than likely have lots of updates about our baby girl, and I'm sure I will go on and on (and on and on) about just how adorable she is. Duh. But I hope this blog goes beyond that. Let's use what happens in our daily lives as an excuse to <i>stop.pause.reflect</i> a moment. Because if there's anything that I've learned in the past 6 months, it's that life sure doesn't slow down - no matter how much you might want to freeze time. It's up to you to take a moment and take those mental snapshots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk98M8X5njjtRku4nWfOJ2UsqQTh67srBeTsLyyTZJ7JaVIFcZxe49II4VyzmD1BUSpNfaMMtrwkUpxzhyphenhyphenMk-MTSPCyNgRGapkT6SFkAugssypxRIgwXh94HXzIpJZFqp4mBup5b7JaY/s1600/Sloan+-+4+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk98M8X5njjtRku4nWfOJ2UsqQTh67srBeTsLyyTZJ7JaVIFcZxe49II4VyzmD1BUSpNfaMMtrwkUpxzhyphenhyphenMk-MTSPCyNgRGapkT6SFkAugssypxRIgwXh94HXzIpJZFqp4mBup5b7JaY/s400/Sloan+-+4+weeks.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sloan - 4 weeks young. I love how giant this bow looks on her in this picture. I should post a recent photo of her with the bow on so you can gauge just how much she's grown. Head in the 99th percentile - beauty AND brains!</td></tr>
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I hope that everyone who reads this blog gets to laugh (a lot), cry (a little) and laugh some more right along with us. And if you're reading this - thanks. Thanks for being interested enough in our little corner of the world to stop by.<br />
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Now y'all come on back now, ya hear?Jersey Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451874088971283967noreply@blogger.com0