tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8325174218774900772024-03-13T08:01:09.335-05:00Vanilla BeanJessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-3080364192037854362013-09-13T10:23:00.002-05:002013-09-13T10:23:28.439-05:005 on FridayIt's finally cooled off here in STL and this weekend has fall written all over it. I love it! We've got a ton of running around to do, but I'll definitely be making some time for the fabulous fall patio weather. It's been awhile since I've done a 5 on Friday....here's what's been on my mind lately:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q5hyJMHDdI/UjIhSDEBc7I/AAAAAAAAD1Q/N6vbCLT_b_E/s200/5+on+Friday+-+logo+option1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
1/ It's amazing how much things change in just one week. Last Friday, our house looked like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68z79MXDkQQ/UjMm4o0TZ8I/AAAAAAAAD2g/hSTHlJCXd3I/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68z79MXDkQQ/UjMm4o0TZ8I/AAAAAAAAD2g/hSTHlJCXd3I/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And, as of last night, we were able to have our <a href="http://instagram.com/p/eLVKxuMeR4/#" target="_blank">First Tour</a>. It was so exciting to go inside and take measurements for curtains, figure out where furniture can go and where we need new stuff. We also feel much better that our first purchase will actually fit...<br />
<br />
2/ We made our first official "big" purchase: a new couch. We got an awesome deal at the new <a href="http://www.westelm.com/" target="_blank">West Elm</a> store (which is also awesome, by the way). It's so soft and velvety. I can't wait to curl up on it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4n8BTP-bTGU/UjIhrtukEYI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/HxSTZuZXXd8/s1600/Couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4n8BTP-bTGU/UjIhrtukEYI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/HxSTZuZXXd8/s400/Couch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3/ The worst thing about this whole process is that we had to put our "girls" in long term boarding. They are safe and being taken care of...just not getting all the love and attention they are used to getting. We're going to see them this weekend for some bath and play time. They are going to love all of the green space and lakes in New Town -- they'll be here with us soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZiLlquamfo/UjIiEjkJ5VI/AAAAAAAAD1g/kRgJcWYS6Hk/s1600/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZiLlquamfo/UjIiEjkJ5VI/AAAAAAAAD1g/kRgJcWYS6Hk/s400/dogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
4/ Mr. VB and I were asked to take part in a local fundraiser and <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/2013/09/steppin-up-to-redesign-challenge.html" target="_blank">ReDesign Challenge</a>. We have to turn the three windows below into a unique and usable piece for the home. We can't buy anything new and basically can only use the materials in the windows (we can use nails and tools). The piece is then auctioned off at a fundraiser (along with other pieces by local artists, designers and architects). We're a little nervous because we've seen what's been created in the past, but we're up for the challenge!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u2GzZp8zss/UjIiiBLqCWI/AAAAAAAAD1w/Op3RseVg4kY/s1600/windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u2GzZp8zss/UjIiiBLqCWI/AAAAAAAAD1w/Op3RseVg4kY/s400/windows.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
5/ Everyone says how stressful it is to sell and build a home -- and we've definitely been stressed the last six months. We decided to take a little R&R and we're heading down to Rosemary Beach, FL next week. It's a little community similar to the one we are building in, but it's on the ocean. We found a little condo overlooking the town square and right above the local coffee shop. We got a rack for our bikes, so we'll be able to bike around town, down to the beach and to the nearby communities. I'm looking forward to nothing but beach, biking and lounging around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7mfmVpCHdk/UjIi2RmGcQI/AAAAAAAAD2A/IAlcnLuRlX4/s1600/Rosemary-beach-real-estate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7mfmVpCHdk/UjIi2RmGcQI/AAAAAAAAD2A/IAlcnLuRlX4/s400/Rosemary-beach-real-estate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNQLWHxflCg/UjIi2NGEYfI/AAAAAAAAD18/n-z9RptMjmc/s1600/rosemary-beach-florida-440x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNQLWHxflCg/UjIi2NGEYfI/AAAAAAAAD18/n-z9RptMjmc/s400/rosemary-beach-florida-440x330.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-78070018433922166252013-08-30T12:01:00.001-05:002013-08-30T12:01:06.661-05:00Pottery Barn Tivoli KnockoffI've been quiet for a couple weeks -- these classes I'm taking are kicking my butt! With work and school, on Mondays and Wednesdays I have 15 hour days, which has been an adjustment. But, I'm loving it. If you follow me on Instagram, I've been sharing some photos from class (exciting, I know).<br />
<br />
I'm a pro at ripping pages out of magazines and organizing them in books and binders. Mr. VB can attest to that. So, when our teacher told us we would be doing that for class, I was in heaven. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_AG645YWH8/Uh-7sBKuFxI/AAAAAAAADzw/ZdrcI1d53Rc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_AG645YWH8/Uh-7sBKuFxI/AAAAAAAADzw/ZdrcI1d53Rc/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Leafing thru old copies of Elle Decor isn't taxing, but the hours of drawing, measuring, scaling and math for my architectural graphics class are. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GJbY-Oro00/Uh-7xZp_0wI/AAAAAAAADz4/zI85Kc-Uc-Q/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GJbY-Oro00/Uh-7xZp_0wI/AAAAAAAADz4/zI85Kc-Uc-Q/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll try to get myself whipped into shape over the long Labor Day weekend, I promise!<br />
<br />
Since I don't have much else to share here, I thought I would share a post I did on our company's blog, <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Behind the Red Door</a>. Mr. VB recently made a table for a previous client of ours. It's a knockoff on Pottery Barn's Tivoli table. <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/2013/08/pottery-barn-tivoli-table-knock-off.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the process.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYLsZsnE8C0/UiDOxyTqseI/AAAAAAAAD0I/iz6vwM84IMg/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYLsZsnE8C0/UiDOxyTqseI/AAAAAAAAD0I/iz6vwM84IMg/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery Barn Tivoli Knockoff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Have an awesome Labor Day weekend! It's hot, hot, hot here in STL. We'll be spending every minute at the pool!<br />
<br />
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-73870722389874133542013-08-16T11:55:00.001-05:002013-08-16T11:55:04.552-05:005 on Friday: A Thankful Friday<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prSwUpQPUoQ/Ug5TtnM_FmI/AAAAAAAADx0/y2RmpoYewUU/s1600/5+on+Friday+-+logo+option1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1/ We have a hole! It only took us 55 frustrating days to start and numerous threats that I would start digging myself. But, it's been a busy week on our lot! As long as the weather cooperates, we're on-track to be framed out by Sept. 1.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeTI7gPkccY/Ug10hlUvwYI/AAAAAAAADww/r_ZleHif0w8/s1600/Building+a+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeTI7gPkccY/Ug10hlUvwYI/AAAAAAAADww/r_ZleHif0w8/s400/Building+a+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QJGZzZpnvI/Ug1yPUnHHKI/AAAAAAAADwg/jktlEkutSlg/s1600/Building+a+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8jrPEhDAJ4/Ug5Uo23EUgI/AAAAAAAADyA/AVYbyzvjYKs/s1600/IMG_0444.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8jrPEhDAJ4/Ug5Uo23EUgI/AAAAAAAADyA/AVYbyzvjYKs/s400/IMG_0444.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QJGZzZpnvI/Ug1yPUnHHKI/AAAAAAAADwg/jktlEkutSlg/s1600/Building+a+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
2/ My mom bought her first can of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Look how happy she looks! Of course, I had to tweet it. I've been obsessed with ASCP for over a year...so, the interaction that followed totally made my day. I <b>just know </b>Annie was sitting in her little cottage in Oxford, cup of coffee in hand. Doing a little tweeting before she started painting her next project. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOy872Sju2I/Ug108yXBAYI/AAAAAAAADw4/JOWT6ue76ts/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOy872Sju2I/Ug108yXBAYI/AAAAAAAADw4/JOWT6ue76ts/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3/ Last year, Mr. VB and I participated in a handful of local festivals and fairs, selling our tables and restyled and vintage home decor. But, with the move this year, we've had to put it all on hold. I totally forgot that we were chosen for an Etsy Pop-Up Shop in Oct. This week we received some of the pre-show promo...it's curated by Jessie Miller, a contestant on HGTV's Design Star! We decided that no matter what, we've got to make it happen. We've got alot in storage we can pull out and we'll be doing some last minute searching over the next several weeks to add even more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3bmewHFjXI/Ug12tpIt04I/AAAAAAAADxE/h7SjLlYF8zo/s1600/postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3bmewHFjXI/Ug12tpIt04I/AAAAAAAADxE/h7SjLlYF8zo/s640/postcard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKi7YOZ7FEM/Ug12t1qRJZI/AAAAAAAADxQ/vlP5Uexuv80/s1600/postcard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKi7YOZ7FEM/Ug12t1qRJZI/AAAAAAAADxQ/vlP5Uexuv80/s640/postcard3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
4/ At the same time, we were contacted by someone from the very first show we did. She bought a console table from us and now wants another one! We couldn't turn down a returning customer. Here's the inspiration:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk4eud0j8CY/Ug5Xe5U15wI/AAAAAAAADyQ/cXvlKhSzBCg/s1600/img88o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk4eud0j8CY/Ug5Xe5U15wI/AAAAAAAADyQ/cXvlKhSzBCg/s400/img88o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The table is 7 feet long...so, Mr. VB wanted to find a single piece of wood. We lucked out this week and f<span class="userContent">ound the perfect piece. It's a very large piece of
white oak that was harvested about 50 years ago in Ohio. It's supposed
to be close to 100 years old! (You can follow along with those adventures <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RedDoorFurnitureCo?ref=hl" target="_blank">here</a>).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcHXBT5y7M8/Ug13CZtfrCI/AAAAAAAADxU/eTnlU-vc4Vk/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcHXBT5y7M8/Ug13CZtfrCI/AAAAAAAADxU/eTnlU-vc4Vk/s400/photo(6).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5/ To round out all of the craziness...I'm heading back to school! Well, I'm just taking a couple of interior design classes. I thought it would help out as we progress with the house. Who knows where it could lead...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYlSP0fnd8Q/Ug13hXMjyQI/AAAAAAAADxk/HpgrVn9W3Gw/s1600/DSC05050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYlSP0fnd8Q/Ug13hXMjyQI/AAAAAAAADxk/HpgrVn9W3Gw/s400/DSC05050.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Have a great weekend!<br />
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-66643923023524115012013-08-14T12:11:00.000-05:002013-08-14T12:11:03.038-05:00Wayback Wednesday: Zucchini Bread Throwdown'Tis the season. For zucchini. If you've been searching for THE best zucchini bread recipe, your search is over. Today, I'm digging into the VB archives and bringing out one of our most popular posts: the <a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2009/08/zucchini-bread-throwdown.html" target="_blank">Zucchini Bread Throwdown</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQRaHZemBGQ/Ugu5JtuXWRI/AAAAAAAADwQ/caix6vxp-74/s1600/mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="best zucchini bread recipe" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQRaHZemBGQ/Ugu5JtuXWRI/AAAAAAAADwQ/caix6vxp-74/s400/mom1.jpg" title="best zucchini bread recipe" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">America's Test Kitchen vs. Paula Dean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Written by Mama VB, it's a squash-to-squash competition between America's Test Kitchen and Paula Dean.<br />
<br />
Who will win? <a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2009/08/zucchini-bread-throwdown.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out!Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-72371235982238027792013-08-13T19:08:00.001-05:002013-08-13T19:08:27.869-05:00A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have a hole!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvlZ_pixZI0/UgrJT6MFiXI/AAAAAAAADv4/DdxdIbSK5X0/s1600/DSC05042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvlZ_pixZI0/UgrJT6MFiXI/AAAAAAAADv4/DdxdIbSK5X0/s640/DSC05042.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Is this considered "getting ahead of myself?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcMcISwmpGs/UgrJ214p9rI/AAAAAAAADwA/ZzDcC5A51nI/s1600/DSC05041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcMcISwmpGs/UgrJ214p9rI/AAAAAAAADwA/ZzDcC5A51nI/s640/DSC05041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-4682574154185642182013-08-09T07:06:00.001-05:002013-08-09T07:06:22.895-05:005 on Friday: Best Interior Design Reads of the WeekI tell you what...TGIF! It's been one of those weeks. That's turned into one of those months! If you don't follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/jessigoodhart" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, here's a peek at our shenanigans last weekend. (Which, evidently involved lots of beer, waffles and a goat). On a side note, I'm going thru fried chicken withdrawals.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edy2rdz-b9E/UgP57XgyzLI/AAAAAAAADtQ/8zchQC3AyzM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edy2rdz-b9E/UgP57XgyzLI/AAAAAAAADtQ/8zchQC3AyzM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a>So, I'm back for another <a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/2013/08/five-on-friday-blue-white-edition.html" target="_blank">5 on Friday</a>. I'll be working on a new project to share soon (involving liming wax. yay!) Until then, I've got interior design on the brain. Not just for the new place, but I'm taking a couple classes this fall that I'm excited about.<br />
<br />
Despite everyone being on vaca and taking a blogging break, I found a ton of great posts out there this week. Here's my top 5. I hope they inspire you as much as they have me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/2013/08/five-on-friday-blue-white-edition.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKfQ2eHo4sQ/UgQ6KFVyqbI/AAAAAAAADu4/ratUQ60caPw/s1600/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1/ Because I'm Addicted: <a href="http://becauseimaddicted.net/2013/07/how-to-mix-and-match-art-wall-video.html" target="_blank">How to Mix & Match Art Wall</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJNE6p9WIao/UgQ0y9kGTrI/AAAAAAAADug/r9jS6qV9PKI/s1600/mixandmatchwallart7_zps0eadebf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJNE6p9WIao/UgQ0y9kGTrI/AAAAAAAADug/r9jS6qV9PKI/s400/mixandmatchwallart7_zps0eadebf8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Mr. VB really wants a gallery wall going up our staircase and I'm all for it. Most of our artwork is in classic black frames...but, I'm loving the mix of black, silver, gold, wood, black & white, color, mixed media, etc. that I've been seeing lately. I'm hoping to pull something like this off for our wall.<br />
<br />
2/ La Dolce Vita: <a href="http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2013/08/defining-design-eclectic-interiors.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fladolcevitablog+%28La+Dolce+Vita%29" target="_blank">Defining Design: Eclectic Interiors</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3UCCgNW3y40/UgQwKTrYp7I/AAAAAAAADtw/Wzd74O2ugYI/s1600/eclectic+frames_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3UCCgNW3y40/UgQwKTrYp7I/AAAAAAAADtw/Wzd74O2ugYI/s400/eclectic+frames_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eclectic Interiors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Paloma does a great job of helping you dive into creating an eclectic room in this article. It's a look I'm hoping to achieve in our house. The number one tip: it's all about layers! This look works good for couples who have different tastes...it doesn't matter! Mix it up -- it's more personal that way and truly "yours."<br />
<br />
3/ Joy the Baker: <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2013/08/into-color/" target="_blank">Into Color</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcJHTG3rWPI/UgQxj4lmkII/AAAAAAAADuE/oG_yenZMEP0/s1600/9302744993_70c0ae9a2c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcJHTG3rWPI/UgQxj4lmkII/AAAAAAAADuE/oG_yenZMEP0/s640/9302744993_70c0ae9a2c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What an awesome workspace! Joy give step-by-step instructions on how she painted her walls (actually, it's a video) and I loooove how she uses her own artwork as the focal point. Mr. VB and I are pretty much against buying anything "cookie cutter" to hang. We try to stick to our own photographs, artwork we pick up on vacation, or something we've created. Our rule of thumb, it has to mean something to us. And, because it was on clearance at Target isn't a reason.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4/ Apartment Therapy: <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/day-6-lets-learn-about-color-apartment-therapys-style-cure-193099?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+Main" target="_blank">Let's Learn About Color</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5oyxNhTM2g/UgQzacD3pXI/AAAAAAAADuQ/MsOCEVwc6I4/s1600/51bd3824d9127e2580001f6e._w.540_s.fit_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5oyxNhTM2g/UgQzacD3pXI/AAAAAAAADuQ/MsOCEVwc6I4/s400/51bd3824d9127e2580001f6e._w.540_s.fit_.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Learn About Color</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a biggie for me right now! My <a href="http://pinterest.com/jessig/wheelhouse-decor/" target="_blank">Pinterest board </a>for the new place has lots of color...when we tend to lean towards light blues. It's going to be a huge step -- but I really want to brighten things up! This post broke down the feelings different colors have and explains the 80/20 rule.</div>
<br />
5/ The Mustard Ceiling: <a href="http://themustardceilingblog.com/2013/08/tell-me-tuesday-bam-or-slam-colorful-sofas.html" target="_blank">Bam or Slam: Colorful Sofas</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVuBGesiUSI/UgQ1bAdsn3I/AAAAAAAADuo/71pyIfsABYo/s1600/TiltonFenwick_HamptonShowhouse_03_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVuBGesiUSI/UgQ1bAdsn3I/AAAAAAAADuo/71pyIfsABYo/s400/TiltonFenwick_HamptonShowhouse_03_small.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Sofas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What color is your sofa? Ours is <strike>khaki</strike>. <strike>Sand</strike>. <strike>Light tan</strike>. Blah. Our walls will be white. Ivory Lace, actually. We've already reached our budget, and while I enjoy painting furniture, I don't enjoy painting walls. The cutting in. The tape that doesn't work. The splatters and spills. My solution: a colorful sofa! BTW: The Mustard Ceiling also has a great recap of last week's Haven conference. I would love to go next year!<br />
<br />
Do you have any good design reads for the past week? Let me know!Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-7767929054861448982013-08-05T19:48:00.002-05:002013-08-05T19:48:45.719-05:00A Case of the MondaysMondays are the worst. Today really kicked it up a notch, though. <br />
<br />
I was coming off an amazing anniversary dinner with Mr. VB and a fun, weekend trip to Memphis. He's going back to working nights and I'm going back to Breaking Bad marathons.<br />
<br />
They STILL haven't dug the hole for our house. And, it's supposed to rain all week.<br />
<br />
To top it all off, I consumed way more fried chicken, waffles and pulled pork than one person should reasonably eat in a 36-hour period. <br />
<br />
Blah.<br />
<br />
Then, this happened....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpuACjqmpqU/UgAG3uYqCeI/AAAAAAAADrY/lgqoDLwYgdM/s1600/00606_6nsYdc21BWa_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpuACjqmpqU/UgAG3uYqCeI/AAAAAAAADrY/lgqoDLwYgdM/s640/00606_6nsYdc21BWa_600x450.jpg" width="640" /></a> This pretty little thing listed on Craigslist for $50. No lie.<br />
<br />
I emailed the seller in less than 30 seconds. I told her I was in love and had to have it. Is it still available? PLEASE CALL ME!!!<br />
<br />
I waited and waited. I checked my email and waited some more.<br />
<br />
I looked at the pics online again. I ogled the cute details. I imagined having parties and my friends complimenting me on my fab vintage beverage cart. I would laugh and tell them it's just a little something I found. Would they like another drink? The ice is in the bucket on the bottom shelf.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj5iBi8G_r0/UgBDWlaJ2UI/AAAAAAAADs0/cbIRKktzsRo/s1600/00W0W_lDrzqqgzKAc_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj5iBi8G_r0/UgBDWlaJ2UI/AAAAAAAADs0/cbIRKktzsRo/s400/00W0W_lDrzqqgzKAc_600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I checked my phone to make sure it was turned on. WHERE WAS SHE??!? Did she already sell it? Or, did she come to her senses and realize that this is the cutest little vintage bar cart in the whole entire world and that she couldn't possibly part with it?<br />
<br />
I mean, LOOK AT IT! I already knew what I wanted to put in those three bottle holders. GIVE IT TO ME, IT'S MINE!<br />
<br />
It wasn't fair. You can't post something on Craigslist and then 5 minutes later decide you want to keep it.<br />
<br />
It's cruel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irNssQmK5yw/UgBD4gh9mSI/AAAAAAAADtA/ACKjflTmWEQ/s1600/00p0p_2Roy4O7jLQV_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irNssQmK5yw/UgBD4gh9mSI/AAAAAAAADtA/ACKjflTmWEQ/s640/00p0p_2Roy4O7jLQV_600x450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cp-_3o_6yw/UgBDWalEg5I/AAAAAAAADs4/LNgcvyhnP1o/s1600/00p0p_2Roy4O7jLQV_50x50c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Then...my phone rang. It is mine. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<b>{insert high-pitched squeal here}</b>Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-52234638876817727862013-07-31T22:38:00.001-05:002013-07-31T23:01:57.263-05:00A Wedding Anniversary LetterDear Jeff (aka Mr. VB),<br />
<br />
Today is a great day. We are finalizing the details on our new home -- it's all staked out and hopefully we'll break ground in the next couple of days! The beginning process has taken longer than we thought...but it will go so fast now.<br />
<br />
You've been working alot lately and we haven't been able to spend alot of time together. I miss you.<br />
<br />
I just finished packing a suitcase for our weekend getaway. We're heading down to Memphis for a few days and I CANNOT wait. I've got my usual checklist of things we must do. I want some good BBQ and wanna try chicken and waffles. We've got to see the ducks at the Peabody and I think the pastry shop there has French macaroons. It seems like forever since we've sat outside and listened to some great live music. And, I found an architectural shop close by. Wouldn't it be cool to find an old door there for the headboard you want to make for us?<br />
<br />
And -- most importantly, today is our seven year wedding anniversary. Seven years. So much has happened in that time. We've laughed. We've danced and celebrated. We've argued and cried. We've experienced great loss. And, we've been blessed in many ways.<br />
<br />
You are truly my best friend. There's nobody else I would rather spend time with. We were friends way before that fateful trip to the wineries, when, after five years, we confessed our love for each other.<br />
<br />
Our wedding was beautiful. It's funny...but, when I think back, it's not the typical things that stick out in my mind. <br />
<br />
Do you remember calling me a couple hours before the ceremony to tell me you decided to wear your blue shirt? Instead of the white shirt we planned. I said, "If you wear that blue shirt, I won't marry you." You wore the white shirt. Later, you told me that there was only one reason you went to Hawaii...and it wasn't for a vacation.<br />
<br />
You put the flowers in my hair and tied the sash on my dress. We drove down to the beach together.<br />
<br />
It was hot. But perfect. No usual afternoon rain. There was a beautiful sunset. <br />
<br />
Do you remember my lei? It was made of tuberose. The scent was incredible. I could wear that forever.<br />
<br />
And you cried.<br />
<br />
Everyone was so tired from the time difference. Instead of going back to the house we rented, we went to Sharky's. Just you, me, Dad, Annie and Bart. And we celebrated. <br />
<br />
If you look closely at some of our pictures, there's a bruise on your face. From bending down to take pics of the gecko we named "Lil Jeffy."<br />
<br />
The next day we went snorkeling. Remember the tide? It was strong and picked you up and dragged you across the volcanic rock. I remember thinking, "Well...there he goes. That was short." You got the first scratches on your wedding ring on those rocks.<br />
<br />
So, here we are. Seven years later. So much ahead of us.<br />
<br />
Marriage is hard. Thank you for all you do for us. Thank you for cooking dinner when I just sit in a chair, drink wine and ask when it will be done.<br />
<br />
Thank you for not getting mad when I buy four vintage suitcases. For no reason. Or, when I use our silverware to open a can of paint.<br />
<br />
Thank you for overlooking my complete inability to own a matching pair of socks. And, for some reason, now for you to not own a pair of matching socks.<br />
<br />
Thank you for saying "I don't see any gray hair. You're crazy." every time I am yelling and showing you my gray hair. <br />
<br />
We waited a long time to be together. It's not always perfect. But, I'm willing to give it a go for at least seven more years :-). <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL05Vo-1G1U/UflAb2Of03I/AAAAAAAADng/qz_pCBNcJLA/s1600/39629_1377289641304_3570273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL05Vo-1G1U/UflAb2Of03I/AAAAAAAADng/qz_pCBNcJLA/s640/39629_1377289641304_3570273_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIhBSk8QvCg/UfnCo5zrQ5I/AAAAAAAADn0/q5UWgjBhBEo/s1600/file059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIhBSk8QvCg/UfnCo5zrQ5I/AAAAAAAADn0/q5UWgjBhBEo/s640/file059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVButPatKKY/Ufk-kqtaYtI/AAAAAAAADm4/o5r6u2D-lFo/s1600/39629_1377289521301_4261002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVButPatKKY/Ufk-kqtaYtI/AAAAAAAADm4/o5r6u2D-lFo/s640/39629_1377289521301_4261002_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cr1CkkVwvg/UfnCpeoEMII/AAAAAAAADoA/9TjLFSn1j6g/s1600/file064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cr1CkkVwvg/UfnCpeoEMII/AAAAAAAADoA/9TjLFSn1j6g/s640/file064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yD1WdTFqWnU/UfnCpqzQsFI/AAAAAAAADoI/RPWK5i35z4g/s1600/file096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yD1WdTFqWnU/UfnCpqzQsFI/AAAAAAAADoI/RPWK5i35z4g/s400/file096.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujTiA6M5jsE/Ufk-jxisRzI/AAAAAAAADmo/KsmRXPgHgEk/s1600/2476_1027152168086_7616529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujTiA6M5jsE/Ufk-jxisRzI/AAAAAAAADmo/KsmRXPgHgEk/s640/2476_1027152168086_7616529_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9e6BNO--qw/Ufk-kHsWRvI/AAAAAAAADnI/f59NiWcXI50/s1600/35946_1377289761307_3872362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9e6BNO--qw/Ufk-kHsWRvI/AAAAAAAADnI/f59NiWcXI50/s640/35946_1377289761307_3872362_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiuWsT0EHGw/Ufk-kUAKBDI/AAAAAAAADmw/Q3H7Hkk6f1w/s1600/39629_1377289481300_8036394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiuWsT0EHGw/Ufk-kUAKBDI/AAAAAAAADmw/Q3H7Hkk6f1w/s640/39629_1377289481300_8036394_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUvjsTg_gDo/UfnQsRV_fjI/AAAAAAAADoo/oQ75S5ddkFE/s1600/2476_1025061155812_7893882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUvjsTg_gDo/UfnQsRV_fjI/AAAAAAAADoo/oQ75S5ddkFE/s640/2476_1025061155812_7893882_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrohU-r5fkM/UfnQsF937mI/AAAAAAAADoc/62Mq_oF7oLk/s1600/2476_1025061395818_4255098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrohU-r5fkM/UfnQsF937mI/AAAAAAAADoc/62Mq_oF7oLk/s640/2476_1025061395818_4255098_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4smI77JUVeU/UfnQsWsRNeI/AAAAAAAADoY/OgVzXuqAVGE/s1600/2476_1027154408142_2028166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4smI77JUVeU/UfnQsWsRNeI/AAAAAAAADoY/OgVzXuqAVGE/s400/2476_1027154408142_2028166_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4hD4x7jlH0/UfnXc3L7yfI/AAAAAAAADo4/6VJHU5Y77Ss/s1600/2476_1025061235814_2856178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4hD4x7jlH0/UfnXc3L7yfI/AAAAAAAADo4/6VJHU5Y77Ss/s400/2476_1025061235814_2856178_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRL_Uk7DGXE/Ufk-j1618jI/AAAAAAAADmk/1VYbokvyLEA/s1600/2476_1027147967981_3304441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRL_Uk7DGXE/Ufk-j1618jI/AAAAAAAADmk/1VYbokvyLEA/s640/2476_1027147967981_3304441_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltq1_B_Akek/UfnCohnem4I/AAAAAAAADn4/FIECRGZvKMI/s1600/file012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltq1_B_Akek/UfnCohnem4I/AAAAAAAADn4/FIECRGZvKMI/s640/file012.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-73246108842117412662013-07-26T07:50:00.000-05:002013-07-26T07:50:36.975-05:005 on FridayThis being mostly a food and DIY blog, I thought I would mix things up a bit for today's 5 on Friday. When it comes to beauty products, I don't have alot of "must haves." I'm not loyal to a certain brand or product. However, there's a handful of items that I truly do love. So, here's my:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gg_-FNuGMFQ/UfCSb_g0EQI/AAAAAAAADmA/FX0u2HfnhZc/s1600/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th0x0nYZkWw/UfAPLKgQmaI/AAAAAAAADlY/EShmIO9BJOA/s1600/5+for+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th0x0nYZkWw/UfAPLKgQmaI/AAAAAAAADlY/EShmIO9BJOA/s640/5+for+Friday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1/Au Lait Body Milk from <a href="http://www.scottishfinesoaps.com/au-lait-bath-body-c-5_15/au-lait-body-milk-220ml-p-13" target="_blank">The Scottish Fine Soaps Company</a></b><br />
I discovered this more than a decade ago at <a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/" target="_blank">TJ Maxx</a>. It's light weight, smooth and silky. And has THE BEST scent. Rose, violets, sandalwood. The scent lasts forever and feels so fresh. And, it comes in a cute milk glass jug (perfect to reuse as a vase for fresh flowers).<br />
<br />
<b>2/Sephora lip gloss collection</b><br />
My mom gave me this collection last Christmas and I love it. I'm a lip gloss girl...I must have one within arms reach at all times. All of these colors gave the perfect light tint. I have one in my desk drawer, a couple in my purse, one in the car, one on my night stand...this collection makes sure I'm never wanting for a tinted lip coloring. Ever.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3/<a href="http://usa.loccitane.com/shea-butter-foot-cream,82,1,29469,261662.htm" target="_blank">L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Foot Cream</a></b><br />
Every Christmas, Santa puts a tube of this in my stocking. When I'm having a particularly hard day, I bring this to Mr. VB, who proceeds to give me an awesome foot rub. I don't take advantage of this service...a tube lasts me from Dec. 25-Dec. 25. <br />
<br />
<b>4/The hair tutorials from Kate at <a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/p/hair_17.html" target="_blank">The Small Things Blog</a></b><br />
I stumbled upon this blog thanks to Pinterest. I've been sporting her loose waves and barely there curls for the last several months. I always wondered how celebs got that look and Kate does a great job of showing it step by step.<br />
<br />
<b>5/<a href="http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/5860/224/Products/Thickening/thickening-hairspray/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Bumble and bumble thickening hairspray</a></b><br />
I have very thin, fine hair. Hair products and sprays inevitably weigh it down. It's probably where I am most picky. I love this hairspray...it doesn't weigh my hair down. Gets me the hold I want. And, isn't sticky.<b> </b>Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-78059961118428417802013-07-25T07:18:00.003-05:002013-07-25T07:18:53.438-05:00Vanilla Bean Blogiversary!Five years ago today I started this blog. My vision was to create a place where Mr. VB and I could chronicle and share our <a href="http://youtu.be/rqQ47VmzI2E" target="_blank">cooking adventures</a>. Over time, we discovered a love of DIY, decorating, painting and building furniture. And, we've shared it all here. Thanks for reading and being a part of it!<br />
<br />
What's a blogiversary without a cake? It's just a blog.<br />
<br />
Since we are in the middle of summer, I wanted to make something that incorporated one of the best summer fruits: blackberries. There's a small farm near our apartment that boasts fresh blackberries. I stopped in and got what I think are the largest berries I've seen in my life.<br />
<br />
I kind of winged it on the recipe. You'll notice I didn't include any measurements below. It's a trifle -- layering cake, whipped cream, liquor and berries can hardly get messed up without proper measurements. Just use your best judgement. It will be awesome. Trust me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tJ3Z9DS7Cs/UfBn9R2-SoI/AAAAAAAADlw/PfrLc82iYjo/s1600/DSC05020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summer Blackberry Orange Trifle" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tJ3Z9DS7Cs/UfBn9R2-SoI/AAAAAAAADlw/PfrLc82iYjo/s640/DSC05020.jpg" title="Summer Blackberry Orange Trifle" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="hdr">
<h2>
Summer Blackberry Orange Trifle</h2>
<div class="servings">
<i>Adapted from Nigella Kitchen: Recipes from the Heart of the Home (Hyperion, 2010)</i></div>
</div>
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<ul>
<li>Orange pound cake (I used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/orange-pound-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">this orange pound cake recipe from Ina Garten</a>)</li>
<li>Cointreau or other orange liqueur (we had Patron Citronge on hand)</li>
<li>Juice of 1 orange </li>
<li>Whipped cream</li>
<li>1 cup of fresh blackberries </li>
</ul>
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<ul>
<li>Cut the cake into cubes and drop 4-5 pieces in a mason jar (or whatever glass serving dish you are using). Drizzle with orange liqueur.</li>
<li>Then squeeze the juice from the orange, drizzle
this over the liqueur-soaked cake.</li>
<li>Arrange the blackberries over the top of the cake and add some whipped cream.</li>
<li>Repeat layers until your jar is filled. </li>
<li>Try to show restraint long enough to take pics of your lovely creation. </li>
<li>Make additional jars of trifle for <strike>yourself</strike> company.</li>
</ul>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-32415651266542879522013-07-23T22:26:00.001-05:002013-07-31T07:43:26.810-05:00From a First-Timer: Three Tips for Using Miss Mustard Seed's Milk PaintAs promised, here are my lessons learned, or three tips, for getting started with using <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint</a>. I'm not going into a ton of how-to detail below...MMS and others out there do a great job of giving milk paint tutorials. The tips below highlight the biggest "pains" (for lack of a better word) I had. I'm just the average furniture painter...with some projects under her belt. Looking to branch out. So, here we go... <span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">1. Watch Miss Mustard Seed's video tutorial. Alot.</span></h2>
I watched the <a href="http://youtu.be/T-HMfRMKHUc" target="_blank">first tutorial</a> three times. Okay...maybe four. But, that last time was solely just to hear that catchy little intro music she has. The videos are helpful and reassuring...mixing your own paint can be scary. And, the texture is unlike any other paint.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> It's best to be prepared... </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">2. Use a mason jar to mix your paint.</span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">At first, I tried the "mix in a plastic cup" method. There's a couple possible reasons why this wasn't working for me. I put in waaaay too much water. Like a 3 (water)-1 (milk paint powder) ratio. Due to the lack of a nice wooden stick like MMS uses, I used a knife to stir the paint. Then the end of my favorite wooden spoon (may it RIP). I'm also a very impatient person. After mixing for what seemed like 5 agonizing hours, I still had this:</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dN9SNSdOWg/Ue83vATrAvI/AAAAAAAADjo/onORNF0FOs0/s1600/DSC04967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dN9SNSdOWg/Ue83vATrAvI/AAAAAAAADjo/onORNF0FOs0/s400/DSC04967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
So, I put the proper amounts (1:1 ratio of milk paint powder and warm water) in a mason jar and shook away. I added a tad bit more water (technically, the suggested ratio is 1 part powder to 1 1/2 parts water). MUCH better. While the texture of milk paint is alot different than other paints (it's grainy), it was smooth, mixed and much easier to paint on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pl3DIGT8m1c/Ue84qW3KpKI/AAAAAAAADj0/TFZVRjlEMVQ/s1600/DSC04983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pl3DIGT8m1c/Ue84qW3KpKI/AAAAAAAADj0/TFZVRjlEMVQ/s320/DSC04983.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cute jar you won't see a trifle in later this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
3. Throw caution to the wind.</h2>
For the most part, once you put milk paint on, you don't know what's going to happen. While MMS does have a <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/products/" target="_blank">bonding agent</a> that prevents the chippiness; for me, the purpose of buying this paint WAS the chippiness. The paint on your piece might chip and flake off easily. There might not by any chipping at all. Or, there might be a little. With a some effort. But, that's what makes it so fun.<br />
<br />
The dresser below was stained and looked like it had a layer of poly on it. I didn't sand it. I barely cleaned the dust off it. In some areas (mostly the sides), the chippiness took alot of work with a putty knife (and even then, I barely had any). There were areas on the top and on the dresser drawers where the paint cracked and were easier to chip off with the putty knife. It wasn't an easy scrape...it took some work. But, I know that was just this piece. Other people have different results. Which is the cool part about this paint.<br />
<br />
Also, once the milk paint was dry and adequately flaked off, I was freaking out a bit. I used the color Tricycle. It was a dull red. I was a little mad. Look at the drawers below. Dull!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rtf8DZrU-ig/Ue9BBQqyMjI/AAAAAAAADk8/cnu6U0c5GUI/s1600/DSC04977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rtf8DZrU-ig/Ue9BBQqyMjI/AAAAAAAADk8/cnu6U0c5GUI/s400/DSC04977.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I finished the piece with <a href="http://www.anniesloanunfolded.com/" target="_blank">Annie Sloan's</a> dark wax...simply because I had some on hand. MMS has a <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/products/" target="_blank">whole line</a> of finishing products that I look forward to using soon. I should have known from my experience with chalk paint, that once the wax is applied, the real transformation begins.<br />
<br />
The colors popped. The chippiness stood out. And, the entire piece is sooo smooth.<br />
<br />
I was in love.<br />
<br />
{Please standby for an obscene amount of photos of the same dresser. It's mandatory}. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGilNYWx72M/Ue87XzqM5QI/AAAAAAAADkE/qMISpiSU-PQ/s1600/DSC05007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGilNYWx72M/Ue87XzqM5QI/AAAAAAAADkE/qMISpiSU-PQ/s400/DSC05007.jpg" title="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZKQGVaSmYo/Ue87X-yZXaI/AAAAAAAADkU/IbY_QqSdyj4/s1600/DSC05008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZKQGVaSmYo/Ue87X-yZXaI/AAAAAAAADkU/IbY_QqSdyj4/s640/DSC05008.jpg" title="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdy6hd5vbfY/Ue87XxBdpsI/AAAAAAAADkI/4McCmzcnZxc/s1600/DSC05010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdy6hd5vbfY/Ue87XxBdpsI/AAAAAAAADkI/4McCmzcnZxc/s400/DSC05010.jpg" title="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial Tricycle" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Tricycle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3hrMFNTt98/Ue87YxpNzFI/AAAAAAAADkc/Fo_z9ETrsUM/s1600/DSC05012.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial Tricycle" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3hrMFNTt98/Ue87YxpNzFI/AAAAAAAADkc/Fo_z9ETrsUM/s640/DSC05012.gif" title="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial Tricycle" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_unvLX91e4/Ue87YitYdII/AAAAAAAADkg/AYxpQ9kztMs/s1600/DSC05013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_unvLX91e4/Ue87YitYdII/AAAAAAAADkg/AYxpQ9kztMs/s400/DSC05013.jpg" title="Miss Mustard Seed Tutorial Tricycle" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Tricycle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, that's it! Here's the before and after. Technically, this piece is slated to be in our closet (Mr. VB thinks it's a shame). I'm starting to think so too.<br />
<br />
If you haven't jumped onto the milk paint bandwagon yet, I hope these tips help you! I would love to hear your thoughts on your first time with milk paint!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXcfjaKQ7i8/Ue87jc3QpCI/AAAAAAAADks/iwKOeRS_slM/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXcfjaKQ7i8/Ue87jc3QpCI/AAAAAAAADks/iwKOeRS_slM/s640/Untitled-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://cityfarmhouse.com/2013/07/inspiration-exchange-linky-party-10.html" target="_blank">City Farmhouse</a><br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PAINT-PARTY-BUTTON.jpg" /></a></center>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The 36th Avenue"><img alt="The 36th Avenue" src="http://www.the36thavenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-36th-Party.png" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-530752484796587612013-07-22T22:12:00.000-05:002013-07-22T22:12:03.685-05:00Sneak Peek at First Milk Paint ProjectIt's late and I <i>finally</i> finished my first piece of furniture using <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint</a>. I'm so excited to share pics and lessons learned (because, there were alot...if I had Miss Mustard Seed's phone number, I would have given her a call!) -- but, my bed calls. I'll be putting my thoughts and better photos together this week, but here's a sneak peek:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Before & The Process </b></h3>
(Erm...don't pay attention to the dust. What dust?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPhjXhnWGqU/Ue3xgLrS72I/AAAAAAAADjQ/ZM-6gO-mZXo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPhjXhnWGqU/Ue3xgLrS72I/AAAAAAAADjQ/ZM-6gO-mZXo/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
After</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92qDoiFvt4g/Ue3xsX80qdI/AAAAAAAADjY/q4Kq8C_TH3U/s1600/DSC04991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Tricycle" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92qDoiFvt4g/Ue3xsX80qdI/AAAAAAAADjY/q4Kq8C_TH3U/s640/DSC04991.jpg" title="Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Tricycle" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-40146390314547217712013-07-19T14:13:00.000-05:002013-07-19T14:36:00.849-05:005 on FridayOne of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Running from the Law</a>, recently started posting 5 on Friday: five things that are on your mind, things you've been busy with, stuff you are loving -- right at this moment. This is the perfect series for me, since I've always got about 15 projects going at one time! So, here's my first 5 on Friday:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UlDXH_ePjw/UelsZDjr9_I/AAAAAAAADh4/yWGfWq2xCtQ/s1600/5onFridayLogo-Final-forblogsidemenu_edited-1_zps7fcf6068.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
{1}</h3>
I've been wanting to try my hand at <a href="http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint</a> for awhile. I finally picked up a bag of Tricycle (red) to use on our dresser (I'm trying to bring some color into our new house). But first, I practiced on a stool. After watching the tutorial video <strike>3</strike> 4 times, I finally got enough courage to try it. It didn't turn out how I imagined (no wonderful chippiness that typically comes with milk paint). My measurements were a little off...so, I'll be back at it again this weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNBYxrgFbuc/UelweNNZ9qI/AAAAAAAADiI/TvgsKArjhWs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNBYxrgFbuc/UelweNNZ9qI/AAAAAAAADiI/TvgsKArjhWs/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
{2}</h3>
Mr. VB has been working practically around the clock. Second shift (5:30 p.m.-4 a.m.), seven days a week. Which means I see him a total of about 6 hours a week. It totally sucks. Last week, he got an unexpected day off and we spent all of it lounging by the pool. It was wonderful. I'm hoping we get to do that again this weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9n-jbb2DXA/UelxpNNhirI/AAAAAAAADiU/9K8y8tJl_IE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9n-jbb2DXA/UelxpNNhirI/AAAAAAAADiU/9K8y8tJl_IE/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
{3}</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year, we started a little side business, <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.com/" target="_blank">Red Door Furniture Co</a>. Jeff makes <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.com/TABLES.php" target="_blank">awesome tables</a> out of old doors and I've discovered a love of painting and restyling home furnishings. We've sold our items at local festivals and fairs -- but, our ultimate goal would be to have our own space some day. This little retail space is available just a couple miles from us...isn't it cute? I love the old hardwood floors and exposed brick wall. It would be PERFECT for a our dream store front.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qicrCEsDrEM/Uel0_SoTrrI/AAAAAAAADiw/QSJSNevy0Nk/s1600/Storefront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qicrCEsDrEM/Uel0_SoTrrI/AAAAAAAADiw/QSJSNevy0Nk/s640/Storefront.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
{4}</h3>
I've been addicted to Caprese Salads lately. With the heat on the rise in STL, I'm thinking tonight's dinner will feature this and a glass of wine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMq9eUNzIAI/UemD3zyPQcI/AAAAAAAADjA/6NrXqG5HCNI/s1600/caprese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMq9eUNzIAI/UemD3zyPQcI/AAAAAAAADjA/6NrXqG5HCNI/s400/caprese.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/caprese-salad/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
{5}</h3>
I'm completely biased, but the sunsets in New Town during the last month have been spectacular. I love hopping on my bike, heading down to the lake and sitting on the little brick wall to watch the sun go down. It's so peaceful and quiet -- I'm absolutely in love with it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO65tEkUC90/Uelyi3_svnI/AAAAAAAADik/L3lyHljfl0U/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO65tEkUC90/Uelyi3_svnI/AAAAAAAADik/L3lyHljfl0U/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Check out other 5 on Fridays at <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/2013/07/five-on-friday-link-up_19.html" target="_blank">the good life blog</a>. Have a great weekend!Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-2700480301465225282013-07-11T21:24:00.002-05:002013-07-19T14:18:18.201-05:00Side Table MakeoverI knew that despite living in a cramped apartment for 3 months, there was going to be no way I could not paint. Something. Heck, the very last thing I packed in my Jeep was my stash of Annie Sloan paints & waxes. I even strategically arranged our storage area...the things I intend to paint are all accessible.<br />
<br />
First (and easiest to reach) was a little side table I picked up at Goodwill a few years ago on the cheap. It was either $6 or $12. I painted it cottage white and distressed it. It spent several happy years in our living room. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udxJiCahtb4/Ud3t8I9DZDI/AAAAAAAADc4/c3nZaFf2ddk/s1600/Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udxJiCahtb4/Ud3t8I9DZDI/AAAAAAAADc4/c3nZaFf2ddk/s400/Before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to go with Aubusson Blue and Antibes Green, because: 1) I have like a gallon of Aubusson. And, 2) while I've always been a little scared of Antibes, I've been seeing it alot lately and it's growing on me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'll admit, my first attempt wasn't great. I didn't quite achieve the look I was going for. (What that look was, I still don't know).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0j0WumV5pjc/Ud9n18dPWlI/AAAAAAAADec/7SCDUp4F1RY/s1600/photo(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0j0WumV5pjc/Ud9n18dPWlI/AAAAAAAADec/7SCDUp4F1RY/s400/photo(5).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My sister hated it. Mr. VB gave it the ol' stink eye every time he walked past it. Even Allie and Marley wouldn't look at it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQCw7o_dffQ/Ud9oG-l1dlI/AAAAAAAADek/yBrbBgM5eXw/s1600/Cottleville-20110628-00546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQCw7o_dffQ/Ud9oG-l1dlI/AAAAAAAADek/yBrbBgM5eXw/s320/Cottleville-20110628-00546.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2QFBbvjWdg/Ud9oHqt34aI/AAAAAAAADes/dyzhVneh18s/s1600/DSC01848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2QFBbvjWdg/Ud9oHqt34aI/AAAAAAAADes/dyzhVneh18s/s320/DSC01848.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I knew I had to try again.<br />
<br />
I stuck with the Aubusson on the outside, with a surprise of Antibes inside. A coat of dark wax gave it the old and antique look (and tones down the green).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9A4-fmPLwA/Ud3unsV6_GI/AAAAAAAADdY/lDVEmOwDqBk/s1600/Sidetable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9A4-fmPLwA/Ud3unsV6_GI/AAAAAAAADdY/lDVEmOwDqBk/s400/Sidetable2.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8nNzpQWYkY/Ud3uoo3Qk8I/AAAAAAAADdg/YTM504FxGeg/s1600/Sidetable4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8nNzpQWYkY/Ud3uoo3Qk8I/AAAAAAAADdg/YTM504FxGeg/s400/Sidetable4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I distressed it a bit so a little Antibes peeks thru in different spots. That's what I love about painting furniture and ASCP...it's pretty hard to mess up. And, if you do, just start over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jbYybG3LF0/Ud9j02X9RKI/AAAAAAAADeA/HdlBKIFC2Mk/s1600/Knob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jbYybG3LF0/Ud9j02X9RKI/AAAAAAAADeA/HdlBKIFC2Mk/s400/Knob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMSkFId7H14/Ud3umEKYs9I/AAAAAAAADdU/en7hquqp7uA/s1600/Sidetable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bMSkFId7H14/Ud3umEKYs9I/AAAAAAAADdU/en7hquqp7uA/s640/Sidetable.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEoseEzVRZI/Ud9f7UDUfbI/AAAAAAAADdw/zE1EQL0rhlI/s1600/After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEoseEzVRZI/Ud9f7UDUfbI/AAAAAAAADdw/zE1EQL0rhlI/s640/After.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up is a dresser similar to Miss Mustard Seed's below. I have one almost identical. I haven't tried her milk paint yet, but can't wait. I love the chippy look it gives to furniture. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qV6IgrcSj4/Ud9mw8WF8UI/AAAAAAAADeQ/XELTI8pSnqk/s1600/Mustard-Seed-Yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qV6IgrcSj4/Ud9mw8WF8UI/AAAAAAAADeQ/XELTI8pSnqk/s400/Mustard-Seed-Yellow.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Linking to: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/anything-blue-friday-week-18.html" target="_blank">Anything Blue Friday</a> at The Dedicated House.Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-4172196882865734442013-06-28T10:51:00.002-05:002013-06-28T10:51:49.267-05:00Living Room Inspiration Part 3 Finally...the last of my living room inspirations. It's been fun pulling together the different palettes...but I think this one is my fave. I used the <a href="http://letschipit.com/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=OPT%20PPC%20DIY&ppc=google&kw=chip+it&mkwid=sjBrtWhzn&pcrid=11133750658&pkw=chip%20it&pmt=e&gclid=CNOZnsyLh7gCFcZAMgodSHEA-A" target="_blank">Sherwin-Williams Chip-It</a> color tool to help create the different color schemes. Just upload a pic of your rug, curtains or fave painting, and it will put together a palette based on the colors found in the photo. How cool is that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l45JI3UUy4g/Ucy5DnPJG3I/AAAAAAAADcE/qtgGzjbYck4/s647/LR3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l45JI3UUy4g/Ucy5DnPJG3I/AAAAAAAADcE/qtgGzjbYck4/s640/LR3.png" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, to recap, here's what we have so far:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPtPk361fD4/Uc2uUNivoEI/AAAAAAAADcc/XZJQIFWzEmk/s647/Untitled-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPtPk361fD4/Uc2uUNivoEI/AAAAAAAADcc/XZJQIFWzEmk/s640/Untitled-3.png" width="491" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNNpIy-fRb0/Uc2uVGKgdbI/AAAAAAAADck/qFyb9PpsLPM/s647/LR2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNNpIy-fRb0/Uc2uVGKgdbI/AAAAAAAADck/qFyb9PpsLPM/s640/LR2.png" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We'll be making decisions here in the next couple of months and I can't wait to show you what we decide to go with (I have a feeling I'll be taking something from each of the inspiration boards above).<br />
<br />
I'll be posting my inspirations over at the<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/" target="_blank"> Lettered Cottage</a>...go take a look at the other restyled spaces! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/one-room-three-ways-link-party/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeX7y1ew8sM/Uc2trgMAaXI/AAAAAAAADcY/XjTIw4zxhhc/s320/Restyled_Space_Link_Party.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-6734909120155235822013-06-27T11:31:00.000-05:002013-06-27T11:31:06.650-05:00Living Room Inspiration Part 2While we are still waiting on the final blueprints for our layout, here's generally the space we'll have to work with: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0giy3rcOao/UcxHzUpJ3TI/AAAAAAAADb0/oOfz_j-icbs/s612/myimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0giy3rcOao/UcxHzUpJ3TI/AAAAAAAADb0/oOfz_j-icbs/s640/myimage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room area is 19'x12'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the most part, we'll just be updating the living room with a new couch, chairs and rug. The living room will be smaller than our previous one and we have four other pieces to work in (either made by Mr. VB or given to us): <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=226260267513972&set=a.133944646745535.26906.133321673474499&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Recycled boat wood table</a> (also pictured below)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=174360216037311&set=a.133337293472937.26640.133321673474499&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Side table made from vintage Paris door</a> (pictured below)</li>
<li>Hutch (pictured below) and <a href="http://reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/2012/11/painted-sideboard-reveal.html" target="_blank">sideboard</a> from my mother-in-law</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
One color I've always avoided is red. I would love to add some bold curtains and bright chairs to the mix. So.....here's my second living room inspiration!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y65xGptp_ZQ/UcuOaet4AtI/AAAAAAAADbk/c51-FKr440c/s1600/LR2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y65xGptp_ZQ/UcuOaet4AtI/AAAAAAAADbk/c51-FKr440c/s640/LR2.png" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
How do you feel about red?Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-84768056747629260422013-06-26T12:25:00.000-05:002013-06-26T12:25:27.877-05:00Living Room Inspiration Part 1I've got decorating on the brain. It keeps me up at night. When not at work, I'm constantly looking thru magazines and tearing out favorite designs or looks. We go back and forth on what we imagine our rooms to look like. Our house is slated to be done by mid-Octoberish, which means I have a little more than three months to get my crap together! So, when I saw that one of my favorite bloggers, Layla from <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/" target="_blank">The Lettered Cottage</a>, was hosting a One Room, Three Ways link party later this week, I knew it was the perfect chance to work thru some ideas.<br />
<br />
Below is the first inspiration board for our living room. We tend to lend towards light, airy colors (light blues and greens) and we're trying to go more bold this time around. This is a baby step towards bringing more color in!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXcb-dfUQ3U/UcooAi85aLI/AAAAAAAADak/nEx2dPJLsVI/s1600/Untitled-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXcb-dfUQ3U/UcooAi85aLI/AAAAAAAADak/nEx2dPJLsVI/s640/Untitled-3.png" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
Tomorrow I'll share a little more about pieces we'll definitely be incorporating into our living room (stuff we already own) and some of our "sticking" points.Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-69909820156185886342013-06-25T20:34:00.002-05:002013-06-25T20:34:53.287-05:00Strawberry Rhubarb BarsJam. Pie. Bars. Vodka slushies. Around this time of year when I was growing up, there was always some sort of strawberry rhubarb treat sitting around. I remember going with my Grandma Gloria to a friends house who had rhubarb coming out of her ears. The plant and stalks were big and thick and I would have to pull so hard that eventually when I unearthed it, I would go reeling backwards and fall on my butt.<br />
<br />
Now, I waddle that same butt down to the local farmers market. Where it's all cut and trimmed for me. Not quite the same...but, the end result is still pretty damned tasty.<br />
<br />
Case in point: <a href="http://amandeleine.com/2013/05/08/strawberry-rhubarb-bars/" target="_blank">Strawberry Rhubarb Bars</a>. The recipe below is from <a href="http://amandeleine.com/" target="_blank">Amandeleine</a>. While there's plenty of strawberry rhubarb bar recipes out there, I chose this one for one reason: she tied them to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. No reason to waste any more time looking for strawberry rhubarb recipes. I can now focus on the vodka slushie ones.<br />
<br />
This bar has a pie-like bottom layer. Crumb like topping. And a delicious Greek yogurt/strawberry rhubarb middle layer. The only thing that's missing is some whipped cream or ice cream. And one of those slushies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rzyjehnjmw/UcpA7t6SWEI/AAAAAAAADa4/gnmr3Trt72g/s1600/DSC04880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rzyjehnjmw/UcpA7t6SWEI/AAAAAAAADa4/gnmr3Trt72g/s400/DSC04880.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qlZ0U-cHYrg/UcpA_y2o8HI/AAAAAAAADbI/a-ZV1L5JFw0/s1600/DSC04882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qlZ0U-cHYrg/UcpA_y2o8HI/AAAAAAAADbI/a-ZV1L5JFw0/s400/DSC04882.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aubkfKWc5R8/UcpBAu8EVHI/AAAAAAAADbQ/hprquRdUFi8/s1600/DSC04894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aubkfKWc5R8/UcpBAu8EVHI/AAAAAAAADbQ/hprquRdUFi8/s400/DSC04894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKps9uTDV7M/UcpA_UwkyPI/AAAAAAAADbA/RwY8IxH-ch8/s1600/DSC04896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKps9uTDV7M/UcpA_UwkyPI/AAAAAAAADbA/RwY8IxH-ch8/s400/DSC04896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-76624761664771853762013-06-21T11:04:00.001-05:002013-06-21T11:04:59.426-05:00Kickin' Off SummerSummer is here! After much huffing and puffing, we are finally all moved in to our temporary
place as we build our home. This will be the first weekend in months
that we don't have yard work. Aren't packing, cleaning or prepping to
sell the house. We somehow managed to smash a 4+ bedroom house into a 1 bedroom apt. (let's just say the garage is stuffed). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxpL7WsEyk4/UcNiKvYm8OI/AAAAAAAADZ4/qBF-76v8TqQ/s1600/4a2f718ed61711e2a8c722000a9e01c6_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxpL7WsEyk4/UcNiKvYm8OI/AAAAAAAADZ4/qBF-76v8TqQ/s400/4a2f718ed61711e2a8c722000a9e01c6_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not, this was at the end of an 11-hour moving day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This summer is all about getting to know the new community we're building in, New Town at St. Charles (I'll be talking more about that later). We lucked out and found an apartment within walking distance<b>. </b>The community is based on the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Design and New Urbanism. We can walk to the local market and post office. There's lakes, bike trails and tons of outdoor spaces to play. The restaurants and shops are all just a short walk or bike ride away. So, first up...<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Town,_Missouri#cite_note-2"><span></span></a><br />
<br />
<b>Operation Bike</b><br />
Walking around on foot will get exhausting (just ask my sister)...so, we're in the market for something a little speedier. I have my eye this little guy:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbyAdediWCg/UcNd8wrzjnI/AAAAAAAADZc/lbFDYE8v5tQ/s1600/dutchi3_marine-detail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rbyAdediWCg/UcNd8wrzjnI/AAAAAAAADZc/lbFDYE8v5tQ/s400/dutchi3_marine-detail1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Garden</b><br />
We're a little late in the game, but we'll be getting a garden going this weekend. Because most of the yards in New Town are small, there's a community garden area where residents can rent raised garden beds. I've been a little addicted to Caprese Salads lately, so I can't wait to get my own tomatoes and basil growing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zYTDngtgdY/UcNfL6Ey5KI/AAAAAAAADZo/sSMSTVCbw18/s400/IMG_0798.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newtownatstcharles.com/OrganicFarm_SitePhotos_TheFarm.aspx" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Outdoor Concert</b><br />
Summer is all about outdoor concerts and New Town has monthly concerts in its amphitheater. On Saturday, we'll be packing up our cooler and heading on up for Jeff's favorite of the summer: reggae fest. And I plan on making one of my fave summer cocktails: a Spanish drink called Tinto de Verano (meaning red wine of summer). It's like sangria...but alot less work! Simply mix red wine and sparkling lemonade in a tall glass. Serve over ice and enjoy.<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xh6NLqsctLk/UcR0WMi2qsI/AAAAAAAADaU/SHYUadb8s6U/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xh6NLqsctLk/UcR0WMi2qsI/AAAAAAAADaU/SHYUadb8s6U/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mistysmornings.com/2011/06/savoring-summer-saturdays-tinto-de.html" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Strawberry Rhubarb Bars</b><br />
I grew up in MN. Where rhubarb is as abundant as the lakes. I was a little shocked to learn that Jeff has never tried it. I've been scouring Pinterest and <a href="http://pinterest.com/jessig/summer-menu/" target="_blank">have a list of strawberry rhubarb crisp/bars recipes to choose from</a>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBzLZsf8KuY/UcNi-YnV-0I/AAAAAAAADaE/BlcdtCtkut8/s1600/rhubarb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBzLZsf8KuY/UcNi-YnV-0I/AAAAAAAADaE/BlcdtCtkut8/s1600/rhubarb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catsue.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/rhubarb-upside-down-cake/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're packing alot into the first weekend of summer...what's on your agenda?<b> </b><br />
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-20091091045477205842013-06-06T12:56:00.004-05:002013-06-06T12:56:36.903-05:00Why I'm going with feedly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsfcR7hfNRM/UbDHXOUzKKI/AAAAAAAADXk/7etQwustMeE/s1600/Feedly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsfcR7hfNRM/UbDHXOUzKKI/AAAAAAAADXk/7etQwustMeE/s640/Feedly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In less than one month (July 1 to be exact), Google Reader will be retiring. Worried about how I would still stay connected to all of my favorite blogs and sites once it went down, I came across <a href="http://www.feedly.com/" target="_blank">feedly</a> in my research. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/technology/personaltech/three-ways-feedly-outdoes-the-vanishing-google-reader.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">It's being billed as the top go-to for Google Reader users</a>. I signed up for it last week. I'm still kicking the tires, but so far, I'm loving it. Here's why:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>It's easy to get started</b></h3>
Transferring my current reading list from Google Reader to feedly was simple. Upon signing up, feedly automatically asked if I had Google Reader feeds I wanted to import. With just a couple short clicks, it brought over all of my beloved blogs and daily reads. It also brings over tags and favorites.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
feedly looks great </h3>
It's more visually appealing. I'm loving the different layout options (like magazine, cards and full article views) and bright pics it pulls from the blog posts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XHDwPqbxto/UbDIHsKrXzI/AAAAAAAADXw/etRCjOWRkg4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XHDwPqbxto/UbDIHsKrXzI/AAAAAAAADXw/etRCjOWRkg4/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">feedly views include magazine, cards, full article and list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Add new blogs in a click</h3>
Come across a new blog you want to follow? When you are on a website that feedly recognizes has a blog, a small feedly logo appears in the bottom right of your screen. Just click on that and you can easily add the blog feed to your feedly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg-I9g7cMUI/UbDI6I6sXrI/AAAAAAAADX4/4JI78ej05IE/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg-I9g7cMUI/UbDI6I6sXrI/AAAAAAAADX4/4JI78ej05IE/s640/button.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USbxwP7mPjM/UbDJH8fd4WI/AAAAAAAADYA/NYj2QEuH4VU/s1600/add+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USbxwP7mPjM/UbDJH8fd4WI/AAAAAAAADYA/NYj2QEuH4VU/s640/add+blog.jpg" title="feedly" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easily add new blogs to your feed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Stylize/use feedly to your tastes</h3>
feedly lets you add categories, bookmark posts to read later, and share posts/ideas on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. You can also bring in your Twitter and Facebook pages feed to see what's going on there --- all on your feedly page.<br />
<br />
If there are other feedly users out there, I would love to hear your faves about it. If not, what do you plan to do when Google Reader goes down? Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-6501754369827999112013-06-05T19:25:00.003-05:002013-06-05T19:25:59.998-05:00Bahn Mi Turkey BurgerAs an avid Food Network watcher, there's been alot of talk of bahn mi's in the last year or so. I had my first taste of this Vietnamese meat-filled sandwich during our trip to Chicago when we stopped by <a href="http://www.saigonsisters.com/" target="_blank">Saigon Sisters</a>. If you've yet to jump on the bandwagon, basically, it's a crispy baguette stuffed with fresh veggies and steamed or slow roasted meats. Definitely not short on flavor.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oc76VD2DYAo/Ua_M8vj9wzI/AAAAAAAADXU/BujFCapEo-k/s1600/08banh.1-1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oc76VD2DYAo/Ua_M8vj9wzI/AAAAAAAADXU/BujFCapEo-k/s640/08banh.1-1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/04/07/dining/08banh.5.ready.html" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, when I ran across this Weight Watchers recipe for Bahn Mi Turkey burgers I knew I wanted to give them a try. Turkey burgers can be a bit bland (and are usually a tough sell for Mr. VB), but these didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Bahn Mi Turkey Burgers<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Courtesy of <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers</a></i></span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYlE6ks06do/Ua_MTiVBZAI/AAAAAAAADXM/I9TgNu9cig4/s1600/Bahn+Mi+Burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bahn Mi Turkey Burger" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYlE6ks06do/Ua_MTiVBZAI/AAAAAAAADXM/I9TgNu9cig4/s640/Bahn+Mi+Burger.jpg" title="Bahn Mi Turkey Burger" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bahn Mi Turkey Burger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
8 pts.+ per serving<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
2 spray(s) cooking spray <br />1 cup(s) packaged coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) <br />1/4 cup(s) English cucumber(s), julienned or sliced super thin <br />1 Tbsp fresh lime juice, or to taste <br />1/4 tsp kosher salt <br />1 pound(s) uncooked 93% lean ground turkey <br />2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, finely chopped <br />1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce <br />1 Tbsp ginger root, grated or finely chopped <br />2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), finely chopped <br />4 tsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise <br />1 tsp chili sauce, sweet variety <br />4 item(s) light, English muffin, toasted<br />
<br />
<u>Instructions</u><br />Coat a large griddle, outdoor grill rack or stovetop grill pan with cooking spray; preheat to medium-high.<br /><br />In a medium bowl, combine slaw mix, cucumber, lime juice and salt; toss to coat and set aside.<br /><br />In a large bowl, combine turkey, cilantro, soy sauce, ginger and garlic; divide mixture into four balls and then gently press each one into a 4-inch patty.<br /><br />In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and chili sauce.<br /><br />Grill or broil patties until internal temperature of burgers reaches 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.<br /><br />Spread half of each English muffin with 1 1/4 teaspoon chili-mayonnaise; top with a burger, a scant 1/3 cup slaw mixture and a muffin top. Yields 1 burger per serving. Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-61582073375097552342013-06-03T18:51:00.001-05:002013-06-03T18:51:23.237-05:00Looking Back at the Top 3 Decor ProjectsAs soon as we put down the money for our lot back in
December, I started a design inspiration book for our new house. Between that
and my Pinterest board, I’ve now got hundreds of images to comb thru as we
narrow down the look for our new home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0C_7wooaAo/Ua0qd1waLnI/AAAAAAAADW0/PowWDHdicaM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0C_7wooaAo/Ua0qd1waLnI/AAAAAAAADW0/PowWDHdicaM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been doing so much looking ahead, I realized last week
that I hadn’t taken the time to reflect on what was really happening. We're not just moving...we're leaving! While we’ve
only been in this house for a little over three years, a lot has happened in
that time. We’ve hosted and shared holidays, chili cook-offs, beer tastings, BBQs,
baby showers and other special occasions with family and friends. We celebrated
new jobs and job promotions. Anniversarys and birthdays have come and gone. We
launched a new venture. We’ve mourned the loss of family members. We’ve worked
through personal challenges of our own. And, it’s all been done under this
roof. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve also done a TON of remodeling and design projects
around the house in that time. It was hard to narrow them down, but here’s my
top three:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2010/02/pull-up-seat.html" target="_blank"><b>Powder Room Remodel</b></a><br />
This was one of our first and remains one of my favorite. I love the bright,
beachy feel (even though it is a dark room). We decorated it with shots from
one of my favorite beach vacations and the starfish from our wedding. I was
just learning the ropes with painting and distressing furniture and the vanity
has a barely worn look. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5x63UnuLKA/Uaz_tE1BN1I/AAAAAAAADWY/JUqSYjtjIsg/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Powder Room Redesign, Vanilla Bean" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5x63UnuLKA/Uaz_tE1BN1I/AAAAAAAADWY/JUqSYjtjIsg/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" title="Powder Room Redesign, Vanilla Bean" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2012/04/sun-porch-revamp-part-1.html" target="_blank"><b>Screened Porch Oasis</b></a><br />
I’m definitely going to miss having a big screened in porch. It’s my favorite
place to drink coffee and read. And it’s typically the first place I head after
work for happy hour. We did this on a major budget. A coat of paint freshened
up the floors and old cushions and pillows were given new covers. We used drop cloths
as curtains and an old wicker set was spray painted to bring it back to life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsqrzLttdpc/Uaz_uDbB27I/AAAAAAAADWg/wZguvjqlbmw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsqrzLttdpc/Uaz_uDbB27I/AAAAAAAADWg/wZguvjqlbmw/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2010/10/backyard-reveal.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2010/10/backyard-reveal.html" target="_blank"><b>Backyard Fire Pit</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll admit…I had little to do with this project. The heavy lifting. The heat. Probably
more heavy lifting. I tried not to pay too much attention, in case I would
feel guilted into such undesirable work. Jeff totally transformed this area of
our backyard. It’s a great retreat in the fall for s’mores and bonfires.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGEfJD_WFkg/Uaz_rvmnZXI/AAAAAAAADWQ/5S3KmCDjlPI/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGEfJD_WFkg/Uaz_rvmnZXI/AAAAAAAADWQ/5S3KmCDjlPI/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2009/09/room-with-view.html" target="_blank">Honorable mention: Painted Fireplace</a></b><br />
Not much work went into the fireplace -- just slapped on some paint -- but it made a huge impact. I tend to lean more towards beachy, bright and airy rooms. The maroon brick fireplace stuck out like a sore thumb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QoANJjjpY8/Ua0p_FLQLlI/AAAAAAAADWs/vOuDoX1vJkM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QoANJjjpY8/Ua0p_FLQLlI/AAAAAAAADWs/vOuDoX1vJkM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-72235322145546690102013-05-31T14:46:00.001-05:002013-05-31T14:46:13.602-05:00Flashback Friday: Building a Raised Garden & a Mini GetawayI've been doing more packing and waiting around for utility inspections than I care to share here. So, I thought I would do a flashback today. Thanks to Pinterest, our DIY raised garden is the most popular post we've done. You can check out how we built ours (for under $200) <a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-raised-garden-bed.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-mFs2uflIg/Uaj6KSqppmI/AAAAAAAADWA/t8YXxcoGuSA/s1600/DSC01649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Raised Garden" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-mFs2uflIg/Uaj6KSqppmI/AAAAAAAADWA/t8YXxcoGuSA/s400/DSC01649.JPG" title="DIY Raised Garden" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We did manage to sneak away last weekend to Chicago for a few days. We took Amtrak (about a 5 hour ride) from STL to Chicago's Union Station. It was our first time on the train and we loved it. We were both able to kick back, drink some wine, and enjoy the view. (It beats only <strike>me</strike> one of us getting to do that if we drive).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN4viacv4jw/UaUfDfS3S1I/AAAAAAAADVw/3eRJByIS7h0/s1600/train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN4viacv4jw/UaUfDfS3S1I/AAAAAAAADVw/3eRJByIS7h0/s400/train.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising along</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVNvz7BBDJ4/UaUfB7Sqa5I/AAAAAAAADVM/8ZbP3aUKX9c/s1600/Springfield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVNvz7BBDJ4/UaUfB7Sqa5I/AAAAAAAADVM/8ZbP3aUKX9c/s400/Springfield.JPG" width="400" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springfield, Ill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As all good mini-vacas should, our Chicago to-do list mostly consisted of food we had to eat. As you can see, we take this very seriously...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</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;"><img alt="Gino's East" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbF2Wn-IL60/UaUfBk1gWyI/AAAAAAAADU8/Zmr0A4x_PSY/s400/Jeff+Trav.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Gino's East" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fist sized t-rav at Gino's East</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-FF0xth-cc/UaUfBbIJQAI/AAAAAAAADU4/feeydiDpiWc/s1600/Jeff+sandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-FF0xth-cc/UaUfBbIJQAI/AAAAAAAADU4/feeydiDpiWc/s400/Jeff+sandwich.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second best sandwich of his life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also did a TON of walking.Which, unfortunately, didn't counteract all of the pastrami, Italian beef sandwiches, deep dish pizza, toasted raviolis, crab balls and french macaroons that I consumed. And <a href="http://www.illinoisbeer.com/westloopcbf/" target="_blank">beer</a>. I just kept telling myself that the next couple weeks of packing, moving a crap-ton of heavy boxes and lifting furniture will just melt those Chicago carbs away!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CovCw4IZn1k/UaUfBtOc5JI/AAAAAAAADVE/sBrxUb8gK-o/s1600/River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CovCw4IZn1k/UaUfBtOc5JI/AAAAAAAADVE/sBrxUb8gK-o/s400/River.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoQdqc37Ggs/UaUfC9eysVI/AAAAAAAADVc/OdoCL7TSMJk/s1600/bean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoQdqc37Ggs/UaUfC9eysVI/AAAAAAAADVc/OdoCL7TSMJk/s400/bean.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt4fNidX1Vw/UaUfCgF1WHI/AAAAAAAADVY/o-sVgJRq5ao/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt4fNidX1Vw/UaUfCgF1WHI/AAAAAAAADVY/o-sVgJRq5ao/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eoLzR5a0zg/UaUfC0amicI/AAAAAAAADVg/UaBsIQWiPvo/s1600/skyline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eoLzR5a0zg/UaUfC0amicI/AAAAAAAADVg/UaBsIQWiPvo/s400/skyline.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago from Navy Pier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-42267683599524239372013-05-22T18:42:00.002-05:002013-05-22T18:42:57.878-05:00On the Move...Again!After a nearly 12 month slumber, I'm excited to bring the Vanilla Bean blog back to life. It's been a crazy-busy year for us. We started <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">new endeavors</a> that had us constantly creating, building, painting, sewing, and selling. However, our future plans are going to put a screeching halt to most of that work. (More on that below). I get <strike>cranky</strike> bitchy if I don't have a creative outlet. And, quite frankly, I miss the VB blog.<br />
<br />
So, here we are. To bring you up to speed, here's where we stand today...<br />
<br />
We're moving! Again. Back in 2009, <a href="http://jgvanillabean.blogspot.com/2009/08/all-moved-in.html" target="_blank">we made the move to a larger house</a>. While we love this current house, we're in a different frame of mind now. What we didn't quite think about back then is that more house = more of everything. More cleaning. More yardwork. More bills. More rooms we don't actually use. <br />
<br />
Last summer we tentatively made the decision to move. We started stalking the community we wanted to move to. During the winter, we made some updates we knew had to be done. We made a deposit on a lot to build on. On April 21st, we had an open house (and the first time we let any prospective buyers in). Two hours later we were under contract!<br />
<br />
I just recently came across the term "right sizing." I like it so much better then "down sizing" -- which is depressing to me. Our current house isn't right for us. The one we'll move into in October is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr17mnEnbwk/UZ0ASlY9L3I/AAAAAAAADT8/Ay_HQtDeSaw/s1600/House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr17mnEnbwk/UZ0ASlY9L3I/AAAAAAAADT8/Ay_HQtDeSaw/s640/House.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually, we'll be going from 5 bedrooms to two. A much smaller backyard. And moving to a close-knit community where we can walk to the local market, pool, shops and dining. (I'll share more on where we've decided to move soon!)<br />
<br />
Right not, we're waiting to close on our house. Once we hand over the keys, we hope to start building (a 3.5-4 month process). While we build, we've found a tiny one-bedroom apartment. We lucked out and got one within walking distance to where we are building. We'll be able to watch the entire process. Start enjoying our new neighbors and community. And, when it comes to finally moving in, going from a one bedroom to two bedroom won't be such a shock. Here's a peek at where we'll be in the next few months:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKD8ZAOx07lAZtJhiadnqI2A6JOK7BteuufpsjDQSVdqYyKg8-EV8Ws-ddfjltWrmMENdOYSlpez6_G2u3mA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
As you can see, there's no room to build tables. Little room to paint and sew (Although, I'll be doing as much as I can). But, it's where we'll make all of the design and decorating plans for our new house. I cannot wait! And, since we'll have no yard work and little upkeep, we'll be doing alot more cooking to keep busy.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for an exciting summer and fall! Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-832517421877490077.post-46987585270277837222012-10-30T08:09:00.002-05:002012-10-30T08:09:54.853-05:00Join Me Behind the Red DoorIt just dawned on me that I haven't invited all of my Vanilla Bean followers to join the VB household for our newest adventure. After toying around with the idea for nearly a year, in April Jeff and I launched an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/reddoorfurnitureco" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> featuring one-of-a-kind tables we make from salvaged doors. Our little online shop also includes unique found, handcrafted and reclaimed items for your home. <br />
<br />
It's been a busy six months, but we are blogging about everything at <a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Behind the Red Door</a>. We would love to have you hop on over and follow us! We're still writing about DIY projects and tutorials, travels and trends -- we're just keeping it more focused. Next month, we'll be rolling out a monthly recipe series that I'm really excited about.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reddoorfurnitureco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9btTU0g32OU/UI_O7t9DH5I/AAAAAAAACp8/TLuILf2W6vQ/s640/Behind+RD.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We hope to hear from you soon!<br />
<br />
Jessi & Jeff (Mr. VB)Jessihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02552519821853569677noreply@blogger.com0