tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65685570577647885302024-03-14T03:34:07.722-07:00Life with ThreeMichelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-2420384968208042942009-07-08T05:23:00.000-07:002009-07-08T05:29:57.874-07:00Kiss My Face Kids **GIVEAWAY**<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIKNLROHFLKyR2FHaxGy-xIauY0a_33RmF0rBixUhenPXo6GNULGxQpk-E-f7P2Ln_79TJg27vXC09RsikLzpKA6G6OyAMUE7slsHkyQL1Azf1hB6xtD8guS1dd7jzQ12vRTl_TJ9MdYm/s1600-h/kissmyface2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356064611766796770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIKNLROHFLKyR2FHaxGy-xIauY0a_33RmF0rBixUhenPXo6GNULGxQpk-E-f7P2Ln_79TJg27vXC09RsikLzpKA6G6OyAMUE7slsHkyQL1Azf1hB6xtD8guS1dd7jzQ12vRTl_TJ9MdYm/s320/kissmyface2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've got a great <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/07/kiss-my-face-kids-giveaway.html">giveway </a>up and running over at <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/">Chic Critique </a>today. It features the new Kiss My Face Kids line of bath and body care products -- all of which totally rock. Be sure to <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/07/kiss-my-face-kids-giveaway.html">head on over </a>and check it out! :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-59893866957448293182009-06-25T06:32:00.000-07:002009-06-25T06:34:35.579-07:00Relief for Tender TootsiesSummer is here and sandal season is in full swing.<br /><br />Since moving to Georgia 10 years ago, I’ve amassed a sizable collection of adorable sandals and peep-toe shoes.<br /> <br />This time of year, a stroll through the shoe department at a place like Target, for example, leaves me swooning. So, many trendy, chic summer shoes at uber-affordable prices.<br /><br />Problem is – some of these shoes, while I swear they were the “most comfortable shoes I’ve ever tried on” before I left the store, turn out to be not-so-comfortable once I get them home and wear them in real life. <span style="font-size:85%;"> <em><span style="color:#000099;"><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/06/relief-for-tender-tootsies.html">(read more at Chic Critique)</a></span></em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-45699391622697051032009-05-27T04:31:00.000-07:002009-05-27T04:33:20.932-07:00Hey, Jane Did it Again!<p>A few months ago I <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/02/why-jane-iredale-is-my-new-bff.html">reviewed Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Base</a> mineral foundation.</p> <p>And, I pretty much fell in love with it. I still stand by <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/02/why-jane-iredale-is-my-new-bff.html">that review</a>. The PurePressed Base is foundation perfection.</p> <p>As I mentioned at that time, the reason I ended up trying the PurePressed Base was because the product I was originally looking for — Jane Iredale’s Liquid Minerals Foundation — was being discontinued.</p> <p>But, turns out, I was misinformed.</p> <p>Shortly after my post went live, I was contacted by Jane Iredale marketing and assured that Jane has never had any intention of discontinuing her Liquid Minerals Foundation.</p> <p>And, can I just say? Thank goodness.</p><p>Because y’all, I’ve been using <a href="http://janeiredale.com/bases_lm.html">Liquid Minerals</a> for the past few months and I LOVE it. <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/05/hey-jane-did-it-again.html"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >(read more at Chic Critique)</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-33636832241770467702009-05-24T11:50:00.001-07:002009-05-24T16:52:39.239-07:00More Thrifty Finds<a href="http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/2009/05/todays-thrifty-treasures.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339477047018938002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl5UV58cAmkg1hg_y92QIDhE94_hdbF8PeYFVfO5VJ_Zq0ppGlJ2uGaPFYcaym7mR_Ljsi6k2FkQiC13jsgiNaSiK0EU_BAlKfTWEXqWRLXoWIc4E7WQw-a3olTOu9HqeHU9fiSwiZPbD/s320/Thrifty+Treasures.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>So, I fall off the face of the earth for a while and come back only to have <em>another</em> post about yard sales. </div><div></div><br /><div>I'm sorry. </div><br /><div>I just couldn't help myself. </div><br /><div>I'm addicted. </div><br /><div>Check out what I found this week:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuHqC2HtxI8WnpbsA_v5Y4q0MwHM4_U4H9kF6ggIsw3sLVwELP9PrzyD0VxoNkKVJ-vVlErk0QFXfMSXyx8VGTG-Cbrl6VK8c1Hs-wlu84nupPts3U0O0u7rKCnMCezmTPlrAKNmL_u6Y/s1600-h/IMG_2188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339470364359849570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuHqC2HtxI8WnpbsA_v5Y4q0MwHM4_U4H9kF6ggIsw3sLVwELP9PrzyD0VxoNkKVJ-vVlErk0QFXfMSXyx8VGTG-Cbrl6VK8c1Hs-wlu84nupPts3U0O0u7rKCnMCezmTPlrAKNmL_u6Y/s320/IMG_2188.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been pining for a yellow purse for a long while now. It just seemed like such a frivolous investment. But, at $5, this Nine West purse fits the bill perfectly. I love it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp_CBkcVscBJvEfXiKd8ZQXWFgTYolQUlqqAgMUAsxmfU2yuUBziYZgwszQfhk8M5MIg40QkDNkNn8qKfwGw0AGNiAYXcsDcb_FmLY1BjgZZJibB4bvnVB7iDtG3I9Hrmy7_usbzbjV4s/s1600-h/IMG_2176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339470381980012818" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp_CBkcVscBJvEfXiKd8ZQXWFgTYolQUlqqAgMUAsxmfU2yuUBziYZgwszQfhk8M5MIg40QkDNkNn8qKfwGw0AGNiAYXcsDcb_FmLY1BjgZZJibB4bvnVB7iDtG3I9Hrmy7_usbzbjV4s/s320/IMG_2176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>I found this little table lamp for $2. I'm on the fence about whether or not to paint it. It's perfect at night, though. It lights up a dark part of our hallway with the warmest glow.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad50PBogEj_8ZSHTJqKQmRRd9rHLvjoTOT56S0BbN5WRFqoKZNviYWUX2oixGgZFzuug1dXUI6614K5cSVeFBguBM-0Q93X1iY6g_ajax2ucZpmCSXmlUR-G33bbHbiE-y1m3H_S3R1gR/s1600-h/IMG_2179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339470378359858594" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad50PBogEj_8ZSHTJqKQmRRd9rHLvjoTOT56S0BbN5WRFqoKZNviYWUX2oixGgZFzuug1dXUI6614K5cSVeFBguBM-0Q93X1iY6g_ajax2ucZpmCSXmlUR-G33bbHbiE-y1m3H_S3R1gR/s320/IMG_2179.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While this bird cage isn't as elaborate as the one <a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2009/05/like-box-of-chocolates.html">she found </a>last week (which I fell in love with, btw), it's still adorable. And for $1, how could you go wrong?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrm5vi-gKEzW-VThN2QmfYKnAQn0554T9c-SGw2ry0DOAQW5qkPBCJ5waBNGnWcKc5Q_nANydmC9wXs-Z8wqzvqoGkCFSXGS0mIUqz726UBbZY5PEoe8NFXvu-o5cH7JOOkNqXfclwMC1i/s1600-h/IMG_2187.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339470368210981730" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrm5vi-gKEzW-VThN2QmfYKnAQn0554T9c-SGw2ry0DOAQW5qkPBCJ5waBNGnWcKc5Q_nANydmC9wXs-Z8wqzvqoGkCFSXGS0mIUqz726UBbZY5PEoe8NFXvu-o5cH7JOOkNqXfclwMC1i/s320/IMG_2187.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This little canister set me back 50 cents. I'm using it on the counter in my <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2009/03/200-bathroom-makeover.html">revamped bathroom</a>. Later that day I stumbled across a set of three of these canisters that retailed for $42!<br /><br />But, my top find of the day was more wicker for my porch. </div><br /><div></div><div>Y'all remember the <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2009/04/yard-sale-finds.html">wicker settee that I picked up and repainted </a>for one side of the porch? Well, the other side of the porch needed some seating, as well. Imagine my delight when I walk up to this yard sale and spot this (sans cushion). </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgM6DulSF5rc-KT9uCIQD4LFfQXOh05M1_pPjfaGadVFOyqYfbFUU1DCooBDlcs2i4cLHicxYO4P32Q5LxovTJjmu7_CRorbYUuZ6_j295EH50sRF57zjElUpI8p_ucfIIPIvA76ol1nR/s1600-h/IMG_2182.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339475153363270162" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgM6DulSF5rc-KT9uCIQD4LFfQXOh05M1_pPjfaGadVFOyqYfbFUU1DCooBDlcs2i4cLHicxYO4P32Q5LxovTJjmu7_CRorbYUuZ6_j295EH50sRF57zjElUpI8p_ucfIIPIvA76ol1nR/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It even had a match, but another woman was laying claim to that one. So, I asked how much the seller wanted for one. When she said $5, I nearly choked. The wicker is sturdy and substantial. It was a steal at $5. I would have loved two of them, though.</div><br /><div></div><div>So, I walked around the sale a little more and guess what comes out of the house -- another one of the wicker chairs! The seller sees me staring in disbelief and asks if I want it. Are you kidding?! $10 for the pair. The steal of the century.</div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDS46j-P8XR_80g8JhYsiBEYeNnBDeE-mxqNHkU3pksZC7ZIiWLs0l4K9ct5hg2d0NR7LMQujr6VkckoNP16UKlY8Y7t7xrKhmAdH8rFbIKKMTLN1d2r6g5L68PHRnWVmyQ9FovqzLY2W/s1600-h/IMG_2184.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339475142831288706" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDS46j-P8XR_80g8JhYsiBEYeNnBDeE-mxqNHkU3pksZC7ZIiWLs0l4K9ct5hg2d0NR7LMQujr6VkckoNP16UKlY8Y7t7xrKhmAdH8rFbIKKMTLN1d2r6g5L68PHRnWVmyQ9FovqzLY2W/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I don't even think I need to paint these. I love the rustic finish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl8B_ZMB9AqTjaVujFAkKLLp_O90dg37AaO1iYcXg4Tkx0wVFdy-PMAA613NHDDmssRQ9phz5FnFo2LYAdDr0WaTOsEHGS0_tBtNd2QoMvwO95SIvlE_8TnG7oREW_H3ISc4N6DWMRMBQ/s1600-h/IMG_2185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339476518135708434" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl8B_ZMB9AqTjaVujFAkKLLp_O90dg37AaO1iYcXg4Tkx0wVFdy-PMAA613NHDDmssRQ9phz5FnFo2LYAdDr0WaTOsEHGS0_tBtNd2QoMvwO95SIvlE_8TnG7oREW_H3ISc4N6DWMRMBQ/s320/IMG_2185.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Two matching cushions from Home Depot made them good to go.</div><br />Now, go see the treasures everyone else discovered this week over at <a href="http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/2009/05/todays-thrifty-treasures.html">Southern Hospitality</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-86136207987645215642009-04-30T03:07:00.001-07:002009-04-30T06:18:40.680-07:00Yard Sale FindsSo, I finally got around to taking a few pictures of my yard sale finds as of late -- including the famed $15 wicker settee for the front porch.<br /><br /><br />Naturally, I forgot to take a full shot of the settee before I painted it (that would have required too much advance planning), but this close-up should give you an idea of the color it was before -- kind of a light taupe:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5y1Uq2xOeDIp1SxdqftRipIJZNBdrcDUOwbC-zOfHEuse3gHfh2vCXnxr2IR3_bFNX6_NM12CgOkzAGsV8IxLzJQuOdu_JqyZGKikcmLHdzRrAqz2udTD6MBWkEgqzKIRDA6n3wIg5xL/s1600-h/IMG_2013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330426253195699074" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5y1Uq2xOeDIp1SxdqftRipIJZNBdrcDUOwbC-zOfHEuse3gHfh2vCXnxr2IR3_bFNX6_NM12CgOkzAGsV8IxLzJQuOdu_JqyZGKikcmLHdzRrAqz2udTD6MBWkEgqzKIRDA6n3wIg5xL/s320/IMG_2013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>After I cleaned it up and removed as much of the old paint as possible, I primed it and repainted it a chocolate brown. I also went ahead and added a new cushion:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wHZh3dApfxjNbJ1sT2RKlGOagcONrtoWh-W0I0nLFdsK0PUBT1624A8r_QVVwEA-0Xmw2EkvJmhKJq9CvgjTqJag6wf_zLAEVx5BTEVKq5wPuA2u5beqMTa7n29ksdypr6ox_wnJOjom/s1600-h/IMG_2027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330426256672039778" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wHZh3dApfxjNbJ1sT2RKlGOagcONrtoWh-W0I0nLFdsK0PUBT1624A8r_QVVwEA-0Xmw2EkvJmhKJq9CvgjTqJag6wf_zLAEVx5BTEVKq5wPuA2u5beqMTa7n29ksdypr6ox_wnJOjom/s320/IMG_2027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlkBEvAJdtn6kzGQy-q-UvIf1SqfAldmBXqK8dz9bYtuhiWbB98yKGIpOPXKzFJk9pceFSEAGUbZHw7yfQq0xPaygGUZSOgCJViiQYZKVzOwo9Bhe0-iuo7rvV-IDpIDbof-Iz8a75J1K/s1600-h/IMG_2028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330426263227933522" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlkBEvAJdtn6kzGQy-q-UvIf1SqfAldmBXqK8dz9bYtuhiWbB98yKGIpOPXKzFJk9pceFSEAGUbZHw7yfQq0xPaygGUZSOgCJViiQYZKVzOwo9Bhe0-iuo7rvV-IDpIDbof-Iz8a75J1K/s320/IMG_2028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>And this little side table? Another yard sale find -- $7 -- which I painted to match:</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPxNJrJR8ovtjr2chl3LooUUMwzXkpKwedF5S5BHefJtxwTBMMTGtc0iuxr-9THKd5anGobUPM3th0U0uLpPHgM1_VKclgE_kfLUw-RbF72jWem47Y9yR8qdiVhDlNDvc2CPB963Xd0XV/s1600-h/IMG_2030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330426266747506866" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPxNJrJR8ovtjr2chl3LooUUMwzXkpKwedF5S5BHefJtxwTBMMTGtc0iuxr-9THKd5anGobUPM3th0U0uLpPHgM1_VKclgE_kfLUw-RbF72jWem47Y9yR8qdiVhDlNDvc2CPB963Xd0XV/s320/IMG_2030.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Spray paint, my love for you knows no bounds.<br /><br /><div></div><div>I also mentioned that I've found some decorative accessories for my great room bookshelves. Here's a closer look:</div><br /><div></div><div>Woven box -- 50 cents:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzUwgav7kXC4ZnTxy6D6c-QOQ9BZymMrUfWDeI-Z7Rf1KVhyLf1HmwSVKjKD8rZOjkwx2fWrajUL2xsEyxa0cQLerXFlElE8hB9tzfLdBn1mXa4gEhz9uvBAfPu-SaVLNeyEthtc84kul/s1600-h/IMG_2035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330428282288350914" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzUwgav7kXC4ZnTxy6D6c-QOQ9BZymMrUfWDeI-Z7Rf1KVhyLf1HmwSVKjKD8rZOjkwx2fWrajUL2xsEyxa0cQLerXFlElE8hB9tzfLdBn1mXa4gEhz9uvBAfPu-SaVLNeyEthtc84kul/s320/IMG_2035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cool wood tray -- $1:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYNioYfzfouQQday39Ky_uGqKloKfUKw3IzPores6fTFH0KosOrngd-7c_0wvESDeMcyF626YHU6j_ghUUTC61pP88wYKScsQ0GLpjWdOMLTZMGSvFeRRBg83ckFxXjLdANNqY42zZPE4/s1600-h/IMG_2036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330430865072881634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYNioYfzfouQQday39Ky_uGqKloKfUKw3IzPores6fTFH0KosOrngd-7c_0wvESDeMcyF626YHU6j_ghUUTC61pP88wYKScsQ0GLpjWdOMLTZMGSvFeRRBg83ckFxXjLdANNqY42zZPE4/s320/IMG_2036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Set of decorative plates -- $5:</div><br /><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40gN4b3S7lvScFBrrhqnuJrLIB4tGJ1Iv59a63Gy6w147SWIHECodnDLLLZtrFQ-vYmYoEyLI19WXfNhxWhIhDlx1DcsQky1l7Vr0bA2DypvInDa5lAdSwf47mvJaWnl6T78WqrEJJzFH/s1600-h/IMG_2031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330428290024521730" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40gN4b3S7lvScFBrrhqnuJrLIB4tGJ1Iv59a63Gy6w147SWIHECodnDLLLZtrFQ-vYmYoEyLI19WXfNhxWhIhDlx1DcsQky1l7Vr0bA2DypvInDa5lAdSwf47mvJaWnl6T78WqrEJJzFH/s320/IMG_2031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Adorable little vase -- I love the bird detailing -- $5:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ3trNLK4w-Tldj7fCQlNa_40zkDJaceZJ6XRiv8GyZeAulrL_2BqIFVTCtKW4Pv6YuJF2G0RRD6Vsosf0hlaO4iUa0Djkl0dj54dF1wo8LHQqDDEcMiD9RGQnhk_XBbbc_alSit2Rhvi/s1600-h/IMG_2034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330428283724180274" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ3trNLK4w-Tldj7fCQlNa_40zkDJaceZJ6XRiv8GyZeAulrL_2BqIFVTCtKW4Pv6YuJF2G0RRD6Vsosf0hlaO4iUa0Djkl0dj54dF1wo8LHQqDDEcMiD9RGQnhk_XBbbc_alSit2Rhvi/s320/IMG_2034.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />And, I bought four jars full of wine corks for 25 cents each. It probably seems like a bizarre purchase, but I saw someone do a flower arrangement with corks instead of pebbles in the vase. I might use these for that, or I might just stick them in an apothocary jar. Either way, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than buying all that wine and saving the corks myself. :) (That's my youngest playing Vanna White in the back, btw.)</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1wU5uYjqOYlllYZXgx5ugW2yImxo0Oh9C7FLHQBj-xQL7ID9Yk6Q5PGZU6zquGha3ClgNU4_-8RUJUWsWcz_48FoyINbRa6TxHM_Fk5JiZrysThMpQgOPGjE_CuiLWrpl6bkGsS2wRLQ/s1600-h/IMG_2037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330428294031165874" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1wU5uYjqOYlllYZXgx5ugW2yImxo0Oh9C7FLHQBj-xQL7ID9Yk6Q5PGZU6zquGha3ClgNU4_-8RUJUWsWcz_48FoyINbRa6TxHM_Fk5JiZrysThMpQgOPGjE_CuiLWrpl6bkGsS2wRLQ/s320/IMG_2037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, one of the most unexpected finds. Now, I really had no intention of purchasing <em>shoes</em> at a yard sale. But y'all. These were brand new BCBG Girls ballet flats. For $3. And, I must say, I pink puffy heart them:</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MYSwlrIzoFzm9dpN-ou9UMqQerJQzfuV1I0kOkg6suXk11J1AksxA3jTM5jeALjJOujHWmnC2jtAIdccCBnWPM8xcGKm9QtTVimP7GM6mGT5v-fnp5scYOOKzKg_ok4eeYmD1JCt86rt/s1600-h/IMG_2042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330430868816687682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MYSwlrIzoFzm9dpN-ou9UMqQerJQzfuV1I0kOkg6suXk11J1AksxA3jTM5jeALjJOujHWmnC2jtAIdccCBnWPM8xcGKm9QtTVimP7GM6mGT5v-fnp5scYOOKzKg_ok4eeYmD1JCt86rt/s320/IMG_2042.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div>I know. I probably crossed the line with the shoes.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they were so cute.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, did I mention, they were only $3?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-91117811184841657022009-04-29T03:29:00.000-07:002009-04-29T03:32:41.435-07:00How to Choose a Sunscreen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA9FxLvryCqtQVRQaBlsQ6ERHvInLYeMnu2HzSuppWxTcaemk-JMYjre0NA7VWqOKNJ5EYLToqt7VOKnomiz-mk83Un9SihlJR7leWRgEbNUBM7QxQcxYcVaOyb0ydajKpNC1FnnoPss3/s1600-h/j0438376.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330059032227625106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA9FxLvryCqtQVRQaBlsQ6ERHvInLYeMnu2HzSuppWxTcaemk-JMYjre0NA7VWqOKNJ5EYLToqt7VOKnomiz-mk83Un9SihlJR7leWRgEbNUBM7QxQcxYcVaOyb0ydajKpNC1FnnoPss3/s320/j0438376.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have a confession to make.</div><div><br />I only began applying sunscreen daily within the last couple of years.</div><div><br />I have olive skin, which means I tan without even trying. Burning has never been an issue for me. And, for years, I never gave sun damage a second thought.</div><br /><div>Until I turned 30 and looked in the mirror.</div><div><br />Ah. There it was. All my hours of sun worship taking up residence on my face in the form of hyper-pigmentation and even a few wrinkles.</div><br /><div>All that to say, I’ve been on a bit of a mission to preserve what’s left of my skin. Which brings me to the point of this post: not all sunscreens are created equal. <em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;">(<a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/04/how-to-choose-a-sunscreen.html">read more at Chic Critique</a>)</span></em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-38668143564090399962009-04-28T19:24:00.001-07:002009-04-28T20:22:31.267-07:00Organizational Help for Moms<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwmiGsGENM03mDFhpajSUJPSBRb3qOthV-zKYixEZ0Pa6nAhyphenhyphenhg7I6DQpUDacnSyrWUFdQBItxC47mEytKmsGr5ADtRCsd73rBOLbIj00-L60d5IgHt4vn2f3_8v9f9zXaMfnDyBZLI82/s1600-h/6a00d83451c5ac69e2010536531929970c-800wi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329933076254907442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwmiGsGENM03mDFhpajSUJPSBRb3qOthV-zKYixEZ0Pa6nAhyphenhyphenhg7I6DQpUDacnSyrWUFdQBItxC47mEytKmsGr5ADtRCsd73rBOLbIj00-L60d5IgHt4vn2f3_8v9f9zXaMfnDyBZLI82/s320/6a00d83451c5ac69e2010536531929970c-800wi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Organization has never been my strong suit.</div><div></div><br /><div>In fact, I've spent most of my adult life in search of an organizational system that will allow me to manage all of the random details of daily life. I've tried everything from the <a href="http://shopping.franklinplanner.com/shopping/catalog/category.jsp?displaychildren=true&id=cat960026&product=PlanningPagesRefillsForms&sc=google&n=FC_Planner_Group&c=Keyword-GOOGLE&s_kwcid=franklin%20planner2794995336&gclid=CPCn55eFlZoCFR4hnAodx3XzNw">Franklin Planner</a> to the Palm Pilot. Each new system was met with only short-lived success.</div><div></div><br /><div>When I became a mother, things on the organizational front went from bad to worse. I had trouble managing the details of one life -- now I'm faced with trying to juggle the details of four. My most recent attempt of tracking it all was a large wall calendar, but even that became cluttered and was impossible to carry around (making it difficult to schedule appointments when I was away from home).</div><div></div><br /><div>But then I read about the <a href="http://www.momagenda.com/">momAgenda</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>The <a href="http://www.momagenda.com/">momAgenda</a> was created for moms by a mom. Creator Nina Restieri put over a year of research into creating an organizational tool for mothers everywhere.</div><br /><div></div><div>I've been using the momAgenda for a few months now, and I can tell you it's the best format I've ever used. I keep it open on my desk to the week at a view layout.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMxSW9yvIYEZRYbJd4OkoGc4yRAcYwzTqMY4uTZ8b1eE2jTokOz8385jl77rkXwIqb9D6qOtd7qKoXoJQmUfEuggJpFsUHyj2qQ2qeUzwb-VDteOLqm5Mm3t92KqfZRhuTOXYJbsuRPZF/s1600-h/momagenda%2520family%2520pad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329932464725056674" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMxSW9yvIYEZRYbJd4OkoGc4yRAcYwzTqMY4uTZ8b1eE2jTokOz8385jl77rkXwIqb9D6qOtd7qKoXoJQmUfEuggJpFsUHyj2qQ2qeUzwb-VDteOLqm5Mm3t92KqfZRhuTOXYJbsuRPZF/s320/momagenda%2520family%2520pad.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>Not only is there space to record the my own daily appointments, but there are blank spaces below for each child. So, I can track Jilly's school program, Josh's playdate and Grace's doctor appointment, without the day looking like a scribbled mess. (I even have a box left over and, if I'm feeling particularly spry, I can fill in blog post ideas for the week.) At the bottom of the page, there's room to write the dinner menu for each day. </div><br /><div></div><div>The momAgenda also gives a month at a view, has space for addresses and phone numbers, even sections for party and vacation planning.</div><br /><div></div><div>See? All the important info in one central place -- that I can also take with me if the need arises. </div><div><br /></div><div>Organizational perfection. It's what works for me.</div><br /><div></div><div>For more great ideas to make your life easier, head on over to Works for Me Wednesday at <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/">We are THAT Family</a>.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-91346126886898937562009-04-28T05:55:00.000-07:002009-04-28T06:31:44.829-07:00What I Learned This Week: How to Shop a Yard Sale<a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/04/what-i-learned-this-week-volume-13.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329733501623885650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdRQcUS6avmjbcGH3gINCn__BBb0kxsNnjM2zyWRrcNg6ZCdo45TUAs0wsIgwvcxlQxaGdAzHvQQYuMCjtM-XUQFeecyzaka_viFEd0vu-c5IaRjil5yk-K1E33yHsSbJuw4wt638qg-X/s320/what-i-learned-this-week.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>It all started with <a href="http://www.remodelingguy.net/?p=597">this post</a>.</div><div></div><br /><div>In an effort to "spruce up" my front porch entryway, I went on a mission to find some wicker seating. </div><div></div><br /><div>But, I'm cheap. </div><div></div><br /><div>So, inspired by the likes of <a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/">her</a> and <a href="http://www.livingwithlindsay.com/">her</a>, I started looking for front porch wicker in other places, which eventually led me to a yard sale.</div><div></div><br /><div>Now, I'd never really been to a yard sale. I always figured it was someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">else's</span> junk -- why would I want to buy that? But, turns out that a wicker settee was being advertised as part of a local upcoming sale.</div><br /><div></div><div>I went. I bought the settee for $15 (which I've since repainted and re-cushioned -- it looks awesome). And my eyes were opened. </div><br /><div></div><div>You can uncover quite a few "treasures" at yard sales.</div><br /><div></div><div>I'm in the process of re-doing the shelves in my great room. I needed some decorative accessories, and I've found a handful for literally pennies. It's kind of like a big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ol</span>' treasure hunt. </div><br /><div></div><div>And, it's kind of addictive.</div><br /><div></div><div>Even though I'm a yard sale neophyte, I have learned a thing or two over the past few weeks that might be helpful for the yard sale beginner. </div><br /><div></div><div>1. <strong>Don't drive around looking for signs.</strong> Unless you want to waste a lot of time. The best way to find out about yard sales in your area is to check out the classified section of your local paper and also Craig's list. </div><br /><div></div><div>2. <strong>The early bird gets the worm.</strong> The old adage holds true. While it doesn't leave you a lot of room for price negotiation, it does guarantee the best selection.</div><br /><div></div><div>3. <strong>Yard sale shopping is NOT like mall shopping.</strong> When you see something at the mall that you're not completely sure you're going to buy, you can walk away and think about it. I learned the hard way that that is not the approach you want to take at a yard sale.<br /></div><div>I saw two beautiful decorative wall accessories, but I wasn't sure where I would put them. I walked away to "think about it." And, you guessed it. When I came back five minutes later they were gone. Since then, I've thought of, oh, 50 million places I could have hung those. </div><div><br />If you see an item that you <em>may</em> be interested in, pick it up and hold onto it until you make your final decision.</div><br /><div>4. <strong>Bring small bills.</strong> Particularly if you're into price negotiation (which, honestly, I'm not). But, if you're going to negotiate someone down from $10 to $6, don't go ahead and pay the $6 with a $10 bill. That's just tacky.</div><br /><div></div><div>I'm sure there are some more experienced yard sale shoppers out there. What are your best tips?</div><br /><div></div><div>And, to find out what other people have learned this week, be sure to head over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/04/what-i-learned-this-week-volume-13.html">Musings of a Housewife</a>!</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-17660776576777134042009-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:002009-04-15T07:03:58.149-07:00Lacura Skincare: Fountain of Youth at a Bargain PriceI always figured I’d be the kind of woman who would happily embrace the aging process.<br /><br />You know, the type who insists “age is just a number” and who celebrates every single laugh line as the sign of a life well lived.<br /><br />But then, I hit my 30s.<br /><br />That was when Father Time began marching across my face in the form of age spots, fine lines and laugh lines that stick around long after I stop smiling.<br /><br />And I’ve got to admit, it kind of freaked me out. <span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"><em><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/04/lacura-skincare-fountain-of-youth-at-a-bargain-price.html">(read more at Chic Critique)</a></em></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-55207157383794910222009-04-01T04:19:00.001-07:002009-04-01T04:20:53.093-07:00Spring Wardrobe Essential: The White Button-Down ShirtRead any list of the “must-have” pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe and you’ll always find the white button-down shirt near the top.<br /><br />But until recently, I never owned one.<br /><br />The reason for this is two-fold.<br /><br />First, I have young children. Wearing a crisp, white shirt is akin to wearing a sandwich board that screams, “Please, use me as your human hand towel for the day.”<br /><br />Secondly, I’ve always considered buying a white shirt (and wearing one, for that matter), well…kind of boring. It’s so much more fun to buy a trendy peasant top or a spring sweater in a candy-colored hue. White shirt? Dull in comparison.<br /><br />But a couple weeks ago, I finally picked one up. <span style="font-size:85%;"> (<em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/04/spring-wardrobe-essential-the-white-button-down-shirt.html">read more at Chic Critique</a></span></em>)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-71032886325039710522009-03-31T18:14:00.000-07:002009-04-01T04:00:59.748-07:00WFMW Backwards Edition: Laundry Staining<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xcrzJNAhe7eeEKSOSL7Ws_Fhf2bgSYTTgL2mvsD9SSE-6mkDbdXQ5fJhWyTM7uyHAMnufyxEvJtZtqZUcGLISi-st-SJt5kBapEBPaTs1vZsc0XZ8yLEPcqPp3LG2gdeXuaeUFzxBGjF/s1600-h/wfmwbannerKRISTEN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319531812448013138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xcrzJNAhe7eeEKSOSL7Ws_Fhf2bgSYTTgL2mvsD9SSE-6mkDbdXQ5fJhWyTM7uyHAMnufyxEvJtZtqZUcGLISi-st-SJt5kBapEBPaTs1vZsc0XZ8yLEPcqPp3LG2gdeXuaeUFzxBGjF/s320/wfmwbannerKRISTEN.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I was so excited to learn that this week's edition of <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2009/03/wfmw-backwards-edition.html">Works for Me Wednesday </a>is the "backwards edition," where I ask y'all for help with a problem.</div><br /><div></div><div>Because I <em><strong>desperately</strong></em> need help with this little laundry issue I'm having. </div><div></div><br /><div>Every now and then, I'll pull some clothes out of the wash only to discover they have blue stains on them. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1P-YIoJ4GzP96wGQNIyRm4wWRsx2Mth2U8EUGXWneKDCJTiIk0RxH1RpySIn4Friw3yTqm5b-96hur_77wW-1ldiRLQ1iqR9R1zrdPeiRINd_ZluHlTUOK8Huxo28geq4BmAeAnzICv/s1600-h/IMG_1708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319527823372655906" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1P-YIoJ4GzP96wGQNIyRm4wWRsx2Mth2U8EUGXWneKDCJTiIk0RxH1RpySIn4Friw3yTqm5b-96hur_77wW-1ldiRLQ1iqR9R1zrdPeiRINd_ZluHlTUOK8Huxo28geq4BmAeAnzICv/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcZ2CQYcT6IUpvR9hAnlqTwzpDWOqNnhyphenhyphenSIQALttTK4pGh9eGkCwE1N663OkCQzHQ6s4Cke8Rb_kcgEcU4h0Wh6FcZXqb1O5j1QG9fRmy_tkILIuLjh9E7FIo9eXPWjWmUju_-bIQRfPY/s1600-h/IMG_1748.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319527370776579778" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcZ2CQYcT6IUpvR9hAnlqTwzpDWOqNnhyphenhyphenSIQALttTK4pGh9eGkCwE1N663OkCQzHQ6s4Cke8Rb_kcgEcU4h0Wh6FcZXqb1O5j1QG9fRmy_tkILIuLjh9E7FIo9eXPWjWmUju_-bIQRfPY/s320/IMG_1748.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>The stains are impossible to remove. Nothing I've tried (even my beloved <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2008/10/laundry-lifesaver.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carbona</span> Color Run Remover</a>) has touched them. I'm pretty confident the stains are not the result of another piece of clothing "running" because I don't think a color run would spot stain like that.<br /></div><br /><div>At first, I thought it was the laundry detergent. So, I switched to a clear-colored liquid detergent and made a point to add the detergent only after all the clothing was completely submerged in water (so the detergent wouldn't hit dry clothing and spot stain). But, that hasn't fixed the problem.</div><br /><div>I'm completely stumped -- and a little irritated. It always seems my favorite items of clothing -- or even worse, my daughter's school uniform -- fall victim to the blue spots.<br /></div><br /><div>Does anyone know what is going on here and how I can stop it from happening?</div></div><br /><div></div><div>Thanks in advance for trying to help a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sista</span> out.</div><br /><div></div><div>And, after you solve my little issue -- be sure and head over to <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/">We are THAT Family </a>and check out the <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2009/03/wfmw-backwards-edition.html">dilemmas other people are having this Wednesday</a>. They need some input from smart peeps like you! :)<br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-79204550803712866692009-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:002009-03-30T05:17:19.037-07:00The Dogwood Tree<div>Hard to believe just a few short weeks ago a freak storm system blanketed our backyard in white fluffy snow:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB_HScUkutiwYbZ45QICdhGOFYrnGhV6axUpvtaS8uGxF_Qb3q4DIdZZSdYOIg59EIKfEgZ5sSQdIqgm-4sn4E9QCgs7DB0LhJ-0Agm0llTP0sMfOT_qEecYyfi4eOh4vjVsm0D10-opc/s1600-h/IMG_1644.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318798431179028322" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB_HScUkutiwYbZ45QICdhGOFYrnGhV6axUpvtaS8uGxF_Qb3q4DIdZZSdYOIg59EIKfEgZ5sSQdIqgm-4sn4E9QCgs7DB0LhJ-0Agm0llTP0sMfOT_qEecYyfi4eOh4vjVsm0D10-opc/s320/IMG_1644.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, the tree branches are covered in white again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwg8cgCT8u488608RBF-2d79pu6HAYc-U9VS6VeTvBghEnISOyWrOwdvwt-w7rf5r-n_cc10UwK5heXewx1v8HVLwszfYRuKgOwGzydAC_El0A6mMsH9Cz_Su2SYZw8GIwfBX6kq2yAmQ/s1600-h/IMG_1724.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318798437761370242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwg8cgCT8u488608RBF-2d79pu6HAYc-U9VS6VeTvBghEnISOyWrOwdvwt-w7rf5r-n_cc10UwK5heXewx1v8HVLwszfYRuKgOwGzydAC_El0A6mMsH9Cz_Su2SYZw8GIwfBX6kq2yAmQ/s320/IMG_1724.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Only this time, the white is of the springtime variety:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwhFre_FYI64iYtyf8pfbRZB23ZL41nnmUT3iRDXenm0aLPvCnLBsGkOWkRd6zXcnIui9ku6oaYRt-snpfKIpO1_hLw5rIpWlL9FDZbuj_j1CQtPazk7Iovr173U6wWMaV_TmR0JZ7-85/s1600-h/IMG_1723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318798442745363682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwhFre_FYI64iYtyf8pfbRZB23ZL41nnmUT3iRDXenm0aLPvCnLBsGkOWkRd6zXcnIui9ku6oaYRt-snpfKIpO1_hLw5rIpWlL9FDZbuj_j1CQtPazk7Iovr173U6wWMaV_TmR0JZ7-85/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpatZuRi8Z4BbwNA6_3r2doqM8MXVZY9EjRvJSJPKHM9YdRdBG6DKyqd9CHDcaFA-EPWh5beNiInSZ2dCBIRQ3WLh-h2u589EpKAqbURc_vCxmu0sUbKscJTObRR1leGc6evQloCGF3oGp/s1600-h/IMG_1726.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318798445417764402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpatZuRi8Z4BbwNA6_3r2doqM8MXVZY9EjRvJSJPKHM9YdRdBG6DKyqd9CHDcaFA-EPWh5beNiInSZ2dCBIRQ3WLh-h2u589EpKAqbURc_vCxmu0sUbKscJTObRR1leGc6evQloCGF3oGp/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There's nothing quite as beautiful as when the dogwoods bloom in Georgia. They bloom around Easter each year, which always makes me think of the following story. It's a great visual reminder of all we celebrate this time of year.</div><div><br /><em><strong>The Legend Of The Dogwood Tree</strong><br /></em><em></em></div><div><em>As a child I heard this tale.</em></div><div><em>Long ago during the days that Jesus</em></div><div><em>was here on earth in the form of man</em></div><div><em>there were many dogwood trees.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>The dogwood was comparable in</em></div><div><em>size to the oak tree and other</em></div><div><em>monarchs of the forest. Because of its </em></div><div><em>firmness and strength it was</em></div><div><em>selected as the timber for the cross, </em></div><div><em>but to be put to such a cruel use</em></div><div><em>greatly distressed the tree.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle</em></div><div><em>pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it: </em></div><div><em>"Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings,</em></div><div><em>never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough </em></div><div><em>to be used as a cross. Henceforth it will be slender, </em></div><div><em>bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the </em></div><div><em>form of a cross two long and two short petals.</em></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uZ5cl0cNJo4hAMYKo2yk0F6RQHuwhwOSCsHfS5ivBEND_n34JSyF_15F2hgzL-9Krw4cBFx5juHPp961wHumbrD1XO7rdmJlHy9dW3m8sdmbUnJ42csy6ThSELeHPR7VFfeHAHVphulu/s1600-h/IMG_1744.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318951467454965618" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uZ5cl0cNJo4hAMYKo2yk0F6RQHuwhwOSCsHfS5ivBEND_n34JSyF_15F2hgzL-9Krw4cBFx5juHPp961wHumbrD1XO7rdmJlHy9dW3m8sdmbUnJ42csy6ThSELeHPR7VFfeHAHVphulu/s320/IMG_1744.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>In the center of the outer edge of each petal </em></div><div><em>there will be nail prints brown with rust and stained with red </em></div><div><em>and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, </em></div><div><em>and all who see this will remember."</em></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZkYwfkKbyafPeLLxbm8HQEXczIV5T79DaoNKz2aX9IJ6F2LA6X_Dj5XOH2jm2oClP5AHEGLDsZnkRIIw6EIc3vTgSkEU5e6iiKMEKPOUwZbL-ezXb2yiqXFA-iA94gRQEVs3SgQ8W7q7/s1600-h/IMG_1743.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318951472497922962" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZkYwfkKbyafPeLLxbm8HQEXczIV5T79DaoNKz2aX9IJ6F2LA6X_Dj5XOH2jm2oClP5AHEGLDsZnkRIIw6EIc3vTgSkEU5e6iiKMEKPOUwZbL-ezXb2yiqXFA-iA94gRQEVs3SgQ8W7q7/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>~ Author Unknown<br /></em></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-26302763191304614532009-03-18T06:01:00.000-07:002009-03-18T06:06:57.118-07:00Designer Duds for a SongEvery year my husband and I attend a black tie charity gala. And every year I find myself asking the same agonizing question:<br /><br /><em>“What am I going to wear?” </em><br /><em></em><br />I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned it before — I’m cheap. It causes me great physical pain and emotional anguish to drop $200 on a cocktail dress I’ll only wear — at best — a handful of times. And, with the economic situation being what it is, it was pretty much a given I’d spend zippo on a new frock this year.<br /><br />But, turns out, I did snag a new dress for the gala. It was a black, long-sleeved number that hit right about the knee and had a great plunging neckline. I love its versatility — I easily dressed it up for this event, but can also wear it more casually on a day-to-day basis.<br /><br />Here, see for yourself. This is my husband and I before heading to the gala:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7k6cxg2bSRRat-G4Gew2SN1-67J46yslFqc_8_eL2yCh7tnyDZytgusi_OkQ7ZNjcEoqr7pm6Eaqv1s7nxEVNLPJdQt_165t0ITegEKk4dLiZSQbrhZtQxPgB2FXCF2xVXrQVyk0cg8J/s1600-h/IMG_1702.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314512408346928194" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7k6cxg2bSRRat-G4Gew2SN1-67J46yslFqc_8_eL2yCh7tnyDZytgusi_OkQ7ZNjcEoqr7pm6Eaqv1s7nxEVNLPJdQt_165t0ITegEKk4dLiZSQbrhZtQxPgB2FXCF2xVXrQVyk0cg8J/s320/IMG_1702.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So…wanna know where I got it? Wanna know how much I spent?<br /><br />Okay. Lean in a little.<br /><br />Closer.<br /><br />Seriously — this is top secret. <span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><em><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/03/designer-duds-for-a-song.html">(read more at Chic Critique)</a></em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-61813060666419043922009-03-09T17:40:00.000-07:002009-03-10T04:05:01.478-07:00$200 Bathroom MakeoverIt's the big reveal.<br /><br />I mentioned last week that I've been hard at work redecorating my master bathroom on a shoestring -- $200 to be exact. So, it's time to share some before and afters. Here's the view before I started the redo:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOPOgSH1ZDsLwhSmNbzCp7Y2Hq4lfwZabS0x38WIGfDasNZH3w0q74H6azYQv96IphyphenhyphenPgcMict23ui2reddonizwvTkY9I1E7_UYksCOfDFHV1e50BrtbLqS09TAdXJ1vXYb-Lcr5Jzov/s1600-h/IMG_1628.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310070959848848434" style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOPOgSH1ZDsLwhSmNbzCp7Y2Hq4lfwZabS0x38WIGfDasNZH3w0q74H6azYQv96IphyphenhyphenPgcMict23ui2reddonizwvTkY9I1E7_UYksCOfDFHV1e50BrtbLqS09TAdXJ1vXYb-Lcr5Jzov/s320/IMG_1628.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And after:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OWkJU2f6En0qIlZTqvpPSG-zXl2Zcc1uiGMV09MOpgZMqZ8DvjkcCDx4f5K8hKzUsDLekbYBMb9V4BfMMWKGz8aKnSiLO73mBpF6Vrg9OSNRPs67ElMOUXSgxadbMT26xAKEeQjT0BWK/s1600-h/IMG_1462.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310071827935496194" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OWkJU2f6En0qIlZTqvpPSG-zXl2Zcc1uiGMV09MOpgZMqZ8DvjkcCDx4f5K8hKzUsDLekbYBMb9V4BfMMWKGz8aKnSiLO73mBpF6Vrg9OSNRPs67ElMOUXSgxadbMT26xAKEeQjT0BWK/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the main components of the "redo" involved adding some fabric to the room. Normally, I'd try to find some remnant fabric, but I absolutely fell in love with a fabric shower curtain from Kohl's. I managed to get it on sale and proceeded to get the most mileage out of it that I could.<br /><br />First, I made a "skirt" for under the vanity. I ended up sewing it, as it involved the kind of sewing I tend to be fairly decent at -- straight lines.<br /><br />Here's what it looked like before:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL2KKYA7NI0tRZh1dCb8XXrIbRAWqQC6TGueJMC7XvaYGRLDhD26VziYdzNoJIQV5rMJU5Nz2j01jsArhyphenhyphenstzyMFXfPq0nqSCKdwmZoh-xX3bVJEHkuB1MKeRzdCSDREfwizi_QUlnzv2/s1600-h/IMG_1632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310070966019134690" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL2KKYA7NI0tRZh1dCb8XXrIbRAWqQC6TGueJMC7XvaYGRLDhD26VziYdzNoJIQV5rMJU5Nz2j01jsArhyphenhyphenstzyMFXfPq0nqSCKdwmZoh-xX3bVJEHkuB1MKeRzdCSDREfwizi_QUlnzv2/s320/IMG_1632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And after:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKNcDjvi9ToWJJdfgKgIb34n6i32QdzVIOXD7YnEPPlvbkD02FDJfUh_ND8V2QzSbpyv5BeZfDs_uw1vU_0PeI3vlePS1I4L6CksxnfP24xX72DcQxB4yMkLOYYz05kuxxspOsjzZnPf2/s1600-h/IMG_1456.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310074789371033042" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKNcDjvi9ToWJJdfgKgIb34n6i32QdzVIOXD7YnEPPlvbkD02FDJfUh_ND8V2QzSbpyv5BeZfDs_uw1vU_0PeI3vlePS1I4L6CksxnfP24xX72DcQxB4yMkLOYYz05kuxxspOsjzZnPf2/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Isn't that candle centerpiece on top cool? I picked that up on sale at Kohl's, too.</p><p>Next, I took part of the shower curtain and did a "<a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/search/label/window%20mistreatments?updated-max=2008-02-28T21%3A42%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=20">mistreatment</a>" on the window:<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltW2emCB_5D4hGLm93snYRPQmt3E15IzkwppFg42HePUCYWPmH81Q1SJWHvL9Nu7dyNO9XBlyWlq5FWt9kOEw4M64qY-ltkeV8zAQJpCsbby7UiBh4kIOWDVeOqi22RQvMADT_qa1jZjm/s1600-h/IMG_1457.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310074793639394322" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltW2emCB_5D4hGLm93snYRPQmt3E15IzkwppFg42HePUCYWPmH81Q1SJWHvL9Nu7dyNO9XBlyWlq5FWt9kOEw4M64qY-ltkeV8zAQJpCsbby7UiBh4kIOWDVeOqi22RQvMADT_qa1jZjm/s320/IMG_1457.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The weird thing about our house is that we have a ton of switches and outlets. A ton. There are some light switches that I still have no clue what they turn on. Anyway, we had a very odd grouping of outlets on the facing wall when you walked into the bathroom. I'm not sure if you can see so well in this picture. They're above the obnoxious looking radio and half camouflaged by the calendar my husband stuck up there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5RCpnVBkPj2jgl1p9wTWRRP6a3QzsC02kqib7zH8sL6Cl4hQY9bhpthuApAQZAw5Ggqkq6XHwzCbaeeO8XDY4KchSMY5zzYoodJvCp5GiCqui4JRihz8eBp4axrVwlXYf6o2xK0dbHHT/s1600-h/IMG_1633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310070975168745666" style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5RCpnVBkPj2jgl1p9wTWRRP6a3QzsC02kqib7zH8sL6Cl4hQY9bhpthuApAQZAw5Ggqkq6XHwzCbaeeO8XDY4KchSMY5zzYoodJvCp5GiCqui4JRihz8eBp4axrVwlXYf6o2xK0dbHHT/s320/IMG_1633.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My mom had the great idea of taking some shower curtain and making a hanging tapestry to hide the outlets. (Again, just my kind of project -- straight sewing lines.) I also got rid of the super-cheap shelving unit and moved in a wicker piece that I had in my daughter's room. And, remember <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-i-learned-this-week-you-can-make.html">those cheap pictures I made</a>? You can see them in the next couple shots, as well:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlevUqEr4FdCmcbGIikyVR3Ez6pNeGTCkIU55ozXJKw3EZPsXYjbuJUIvziD1QxgiQSmCU07IsGVCi5KZu9X5qH42wUiaOvdKXgJDntH-qP2PDFt8-2mQi0G3Pj94ih6C_e5SSzv8QGfl/s1600-h/IMG_1455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310071844483366402" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlevUqEr4FdCmcbGIikyVR3Ez6pNeGTCkIU55ozXJKw3EZPsXYjbuJUIvziD1QxgiQSmCU07IsGVCi5KZu9X5qH42wUiaOvdKXgJDntH-qP2PDFt8-2mQi0G3Pj94ih6C_e5SSzv8QGfl/s320/IMG_1455.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSNJcsXvquW1kuTdaD2qlOVGmbTXk95LegZ_J04Ri5iiOmNQwQjo0qn52Gyw9F7_kbKi-6erbshtwUH4XPw-bOabqT2YvwfPD8ca_YFfX38rP3YC2ZEAQwLdkMR2-1yrRIsMoOnDFgcDz/s1600-h/IMG_1458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310074799520707202" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSNJcsXvquW1kuTdaD2qlOVGmbTXk95LegZ_J04Ri5iiOmNQwQjo0qn52Gyw9F7_kbKi-6erbshtwUH4XPw-bOabqT2YvwfPD8ca_YFfX38rP3YC2ZEAQwLdkMR2-1yrRIsMoOnDFgcDz/s320/IMG_1458.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also made some other "cheap" artwork by taking a Japanese fan that my father-in-law acquired on a trip around the world years ago. The fan was sitting on a shelf in my great room, but was kind of lost up there. I got a shadowbox frame for 50% off at Hobby Lobby ($17) and pinned the fan open inside:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgfzBClzf7sZLiQrbGlnFhLoI6gA4Jb1FpjX0tptRkxQ4jvgW_-eUfmcZnYe2jxmZVb84RhDErrD2peA5DCOHzSnhB1s_N_Nu1Z-Wc49pmJ8Y-IixnBMocns3347S-xaFdTwyXRvdWG42/s1600-h/IMG_1454.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310071841233786258" style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgfzBClzf7sZLiQrbGlnFhLoI6gA4Jb1FpjX0tptRkxQ4jvgW_-eUfmcZnYe2jxmZVb84RhDErrD2peA5DCOHzSnhB1s_N_Nu1Z-Wc49pmJ8Y-IixnBMocns3347S-xaFdTwyXRvdWG42/s320/IMG_1454.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is a picture of the unfinished bathroom shelving unit:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-sIhyulpGV1p8EXWDnyG9zQRuh4Ll72SVgGiANJMp_uTVJZpqIC_LqHK1sk_NtT7c4Hpd1DqCP5EknGLjYFuNlhA_olPcKam52hg5LqjbTyeBB3zS_Svnf0UwcqlU31I5OtuV_LLekNU/s1600-h/IMG_1636.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310070984324291826" style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-sIhyulpGV1p8EXWDnyG9zQRuh4Ll72SVgGiANJMp_uTVJZpqIC_LqHK1sk_NtT7c4Hpd1DqCP5EknGLjYFuNlhA_olPcKam52hg5LqjbTyeBB3zS_Svnf0UwcqlU31I5OtuV_LLekNU/s320/IMG_1636.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And, a few shelves later:<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8FMBIPXwznANtWBSq2791iVQe5irGuZcmXv_13nfRx_bVm0qDr7WmPUagBfe-gJ8jqcn17zbeBKjdBjLxowZjHFhf70Rgv1vBUmAewOtyaD-WtzSe5mkI_keN7SslP3yGzIKhO0jDLoi/s1600-h/IMG_1453.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310071837067206722" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8FMBIPXwznANtWBSq2791iVQe5irGuZcmXv_13nfRx_bVm0qDr7WmPUagBfe-gJ8jqcn17zbeBKjdBjLxowZjHFhf70Rgv1vBUmAewOtyaD-WtzSe5mkI_keN7SslP3yGzIKhO0jDLoi/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The great thing about these shelves is that I managed to fill them by pretty much "shopping the house." I bought the bamboo boxes on the bottom shelf (clearance $8.99 each). Other than that, everything else was something I already had. The shelves aren't perfect -- but they'll do for now.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>On the opposite side of the tub, I had this odd little alcove. Here's what it looked like before:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHApbPOYjgU56Dhw6NMXctFNAPGVZd4Ou6xoOsHt4_KjcLQbHbaShMNJMLNq11Vp89eoVgAZwPyWN7_-XYHbnmERGE-g_SPyRAxQMfvh6dpULOCyzj8o9lQKlm8mpqpPZk6RiqfgCFNTx/s1600-h/IMG_1634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310070975743189330" style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHApbPOYjgU56Dhw6NMXctFNAPGVZd4Ou6xoOsHt4_KjcLQbHbaShMNJMLNq11Vp89eoVgAZwPyWN7_-XYHbnmERGE-g_SPyRAxQMfvh6dpULOCyzj8o9lQKlm8mpqpPZk6RiqfgCFNTx/s320/IMG_1634.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(That's the baby tub sitting inside the big garden tub, btw. Klassy, no?)<br /><br />I shopped the house for a few accessories to replace the weird towel basket below and replaced the flowers in the hanging basket with some faux foilage I also had laying around:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcrV7NxoubwePYXSTRie-D3cpeFm9eLI4hPiS9TjkV1_o-4DpwUBs-vPgU_vq7oZdnuQb9ffkayFT3sRl3O4jZ-W31iLTOSvBG3kvnjic5uaDUmN2FPCx4N-trkQ2g67aY_pCooFHBpAF/s1600-h/IMG_1451.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310071831538295042" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcrV7NxoubwePYXSTRie-D3cpeFm9eLI4hPiS9TjkV1_o-4DpwUBs-vPgU_vq7oZdnuQb9ffkayFT3sRl3O4jZ-W31iLTOSvBG3kvnjic5uaDUmN2FPCx4N-trkQ2g67aY_pCooFHBpAF/s320/IMG_1451.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Three supa-fab new bathroom rugs finished it off.<br /><br />Here's the final cost breakdown:<br /><br />(3) Bathroom rugs @ $20 each<br />(1) Bathroom centerpiece @ $30<br />(1) Shower curtain @ $35.90<br />(2) Bamboo boxes @ $8.99 each<br />(1) Shadowbox frame @ $17<br />(2) <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-i-learned-this-week-you-can-make.html">Framed art prints </a>@ $3.50 each<br />(1) Wooden dowel for hanging tapestry @ $1<br />(1) Pressure rod for vanity skirt @ $10<br />(4) New shelves for unit $32<br />(1) piece of faux greenery @ $2.50<br />(1) Turquoise vase @ $10.49<br /><br /><strong>GRAND TOTAL: $223.87</strong><br /><br />Even though I went a little over budget, I realized I could totally transform a room for a lot less than I would have thought possible. Which really, is quite a revelation for me. </div></div><p></p><p>So that's what I learned this week (actually, what I learned over the last few weeks). To see what everyone else learned, head on over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Jo-Lynne's place </a>for the <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/03/what-i-learned-this-week-5.html">What I Learned This Week </a>carnival!</p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-56139960989565013582009-03-04T05:55:00.001-08:002009-03-04T05:57:52.046-08:00TLC for Dry Winter HandsI don’t know about you, but at this point in the winter season, my hands have pretty much had it.<br /><br />Cooler temperatures, windy conditions, indoor heating and a lot of contact with dishwater is the perfect recipe for dry, cracked and inflamed hands. So today, I’m sharing two of my all-time favorite products for giving those weary winter hands a little TLC. <span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"><em><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/03/tlc-for-dry-winter-hands.html">(read more at Chic Critique)</a></em></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-58038755643755602932009-03-02T18:28:00.000-08:002009-03-03T05:59:35.946-08:00What I Learned This Week: You Can Make Artwork on the Cheap<div>I've been watching too much <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGTV</span>.</div><div></div><br /><div>That happens every now and then. </div><div></div><br /><div>I can always tell when my watching gets a little out of hand because that's when I start dreaming up all sorts of "home decorating" projects -- as if I'm some sort of female <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/david-bromstad/bio/index.html">David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bromstad</span></a>. All of a sudden I'll walk into a room and the fact that we don't have say, window treatments, will really start to bug me. So, <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2008/11/big-reveal.html">I begin figuring out how I can get the job done with minimal money spent</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>The latest victim of my unbridled creativity: our master bathroom. It's pitiful. It has looked pretty much the same way it has looked since we moved in eight years ago. There's no decor theme -- it's pretty much a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mish</span> mash of whatever I happened to throw in there. It's bland and pretty boring. </div><div></div><br /><div>But, over the last week, I have worked diligently to transform it! I'm thrilled with the results, which I promise to share later in the week (I just need to finish a few last minute things before I post the after pictures). Long story made short: I gave myself a budget of $200. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now, that might seem like a lot, but the bathroom had a shelving project that had been incomplete for eight years, so I knew a fair portion of my budget would go toward finishing that.</div><br /><div></div><div>Once I got the major things done, I found I had little left over for finishing touches like artwork. So, I figured out how to make some artwork on the cheap. It's not rocket science (I'm no <a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/">Nester</a>), but here's what I did -- and I bet it's something you could do, too!</div><br /><div></div><div>I chose an Asian-inspired theme for the master bath. The color palate was going to include a lot of earth tones and neutrals, with some green and turquoise mixed in. So, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this set of six <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">notecards</span> in the Target $1 section:</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebnl6SdnNQnW0QnhGME8s-osLwH-22_XcckpTB8GpoArjCq4GMmWN6IRbbo-wlFtM9U3cRmRyDG3U-LbDhovZ3Kai_wppYqfV_MnQk24YoiAittrByR7kJNQPUX_FRrDZ7aammnQmNAiv/s1600-h/IMG_1412.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308792652524962130" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebnl6SdnNQnW0QnhGME8s-osLwH-22_XcckpTB8GpoArjCq4GMmWN6IRbbo-wlFtM9U3cRmRyDG3U-LbDhovZ3Kai_wppYqfV_MnQk24YoiAittrByR7kJNQPUX_FRrDZ7aammnQmNAiv/s320/IMG_1412.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I loved the design and started to think about how I could use the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">notecard</span> as the basis for some artwork. I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Walmart</span> and bought two 8x10" frames for $3 each.<br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YH5etDfUmwsLb0a5mcAUdGJO8w8BfjeOZPwdHnoDhPhVS6oGix-yPkzzwIZPdRRzYII3vkm0g0Sr-Q8VYpeRI8x0D_7Ng1Kgw1FV4VmK2YGrexXOu3ugL610PUfYZ8hvjVVqyqkP9b1b/s1600-h/IMG_1404.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308792656995634546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YH5etDfUmwsLb0a5mcAUdGJO8w8BfjeOZPwdHnoDhPhVS6oGix-yPkzzwIZPdRRzYII3vkm0g0Sr-Q8VYpeRI8x0D_7Ng1Kgw1FV4VmK2YGrexXOu3ugL610PUfYZ8hvjVVqyqkP9b1b/s320/IMG_1404.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next, I opened the card and cut the front from the back. I made sure to keep the dark brown piece close by -- I was going to use that later.<br /></div><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxULNIbeWwvrB7C0ybp0QZOCsO1Vhdg4EE3m1rR7zS48HdBIxFWLHR8mhoPXykQe3Ae3ocPaylIgDr9cJmVOmRamFirh5BLQCKUhOddWjssFT0PhhXqIv7kS1-I7JVPq7Ok4PyiXUXQ8X/s1600-h/IMG_1413.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308792664029351298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxULNIbeWwvrB7C0ybp0QZOCsO1Vhdg4EE3m1rR7zS48HdBIxFWLHR8mhoPXykQe3Ae3ocPaylIgDr9cJmVOmRamFirh5BLQCKUhOddWjssFT0PhhXqIv7kS1-I7JVPq7Ok4PyiXUXQ8X/s320/IMG_1413.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, I cut the front of the card into two pieces. I liked the gold bird better, so that was the part I wanted to use.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24u-7OIOoTUCgMtDhDe2eKHvaAR8UlSVHldCTUQOUJP6PM84rC1d6-R_sLiyNREPnXf-kzGnmIwAoF9wEFP8TmvGm7tF_VKqGvt1EVN_lNWcL65M7DuRjgpI4vhWSznWX2d3H2K7Xdyr_/s1600-h/IMG_1414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308792660130365186" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24u-7OIOoTUCgMtDhDe2eKHvaAR8UlSVHldCTUQOUJP6PM84rC1d6-R_sLiyNREPnXf-kzGnmIwAoF9wEFP8TmvGm7tF_VKqGvt1EVN_lNWcL65M7DuRjgpI4vhWSznWX2d3H2K7Xdyr_/s320/IMG_1414.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><div>Then I grabbed some scrapbook paper that featured the colors I was using in the bathroom. Because I was making two pictures, I used two 12x12" sheets of paper, which cost a whopping 33 cents each at Hobby Lobby.</div><br /><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBMr8jmyMIc7Wmz7oBwJleQ6dxnG5K93VPMnBkAm8FCLIeAaI-UBxm2rkrHVhiDVx1pgnl2729NGZuWK2hqxQKv-W2ZOndqemM60a1-jxkzfE6yIDr1GYX_dQrLLKDSY87CMOoCt9gBhu/s1600-h/IMG_1411.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308793012731498242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBMr8jmyMIc7Wmz7oBwJleQ6dxnG5K93VPMnBkAm8FCLIeAaI-UBxm2rkrHVhiDVx1pgnl2729NGZuWK2hqxQKv-W2ZOndqemM60a1-jxkzfE6yIDr1GYX_dQrLLKDSY87CMOoCt9gBhu/s320/IMG_1411.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I cut the paper to fit the frame. I then used the dark brown part of the card to frame the gold bird piece:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MgfI5qyzbG_kvrWxNiNbGbUtWpPXDDragZkI16pA5oIFZKnw7RyTG3TCZsx-jp0vCeaIIewe-PJu-broybBv-iVxYckt3dOxrEgbJcDqQ907VGhjW6KgNVbCMw2roaq35DzDEiCf1u0r/s1600-h/IMG_1415.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308793016940259682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MgfI5qyzbG_kvrWxNiNbGbUtWpPXDDragZkI16pA5oIFZKnw7RyTG3TCZsx-jp0vCeaIIewe-PJu-broybBv-iVxYckt3dOxrEgbJcDqQ907VGhjW6KgNVbCMw2roaq35DzDEiCf1u0r/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, I just stuck it in the frame. Piece of cake.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCm9UYG0Lhq8IbbZMvO9R3tm-k4PpmhP7dZvcf1-yJuG2VG7XRdo3fYDOV1u0yNHqwvPIfOSgNkpRy3NbDfal4g144ZEqCSImj7igLys6ZwcCsQuhfAXXp2bnn0xjrPnXRwqkSkPJDHej/s1600-h/IMG_1410.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308793019692101330" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCm9UYG0Lhq8IbbZMvO9R3tm-k4PpmhP7dZvcf1-yJuG2VG7XRdo3fYDOV1u0yNHqwvPIfOSgNkpRy3NbDfal4g144ZEqCSImj7igLys6ZwcCsQuhfAXXp2bnn0xjrPnXRwqkSkPJDHej/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I actually made two of these pictures, one for each side of our bathroom counter. They work perfectly.<br /><br />Oh, and one last thing. If you do decide to do a similar project, be sure and remove the picture stand from the back of the frame. This will make it lay flatter when you hang it on the wall. All you need to do is wiggle a flat-head screwdriver under the hinge that attaches the stand. It pops right off:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgqOaxVl52pLuiubwyCYWltPv0tM5oma_VVMW-c7-3fRI5Zq1nqVt_Jn-RdUbdHsv1ExN60Cua5kofnlooCtAEAp5HA4835NSLWw6ME9c2mc0Kv5AXCeoDpRWvPLyWvAlNx8353Gea4N6/s1600-h/IMG_1420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308793022420601026" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgqOaxVl52pLuiubwyCYWltPv0tM5oma_VVMW-c7-3fRI5Zq1nqVt_Jn-RdUbdHsv1ExN60Cua5kofnlooCtAEAp5HA4835NSLWw6ME9c2mc0Kv5AXCeoDpRWvPLyWvAlNx8353Gea4N6/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVOhyvu2VFytkKgqFVR5xw6tH-6knhdllblRCXQu0cy8kf-QsjqEaorsFznPFx88iEn07pIM4HAiinc2Q_KR7sthu41mqXF8R8PyzedxkatVzO1LBV7GHtOPW3WfQ4laz3cDozcwm3ykE/s1600-h/IMG_1421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308793021245971810" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVOhyvu2VFytkKgqFVR5xw6tH-6knhdllblRCXQu0cy8kf-QsjqEaorsFznPFx88iEn07pIM4HAiinc2Q_KR7sthu41mqXF8R8PyzedxkatVzO1LBV7GHtOPW3WfQ4laz3cDozcwm3ykE/s320/IMG_1421.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, that's what I learned this week. How to create great looking artwork for a song. These pictures cost me about $3.50 each.<br /><br />Now, go visit <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife </a>to see what <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/03/what-i-learned-this-week-4.html">everyone else learned this week</a>!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-30727351122077570292009-03-01T18:20:00.000-08:002009-03-01T18:52:55.138-08:00Back from the BreakAnd so, I'm back.<br /><br />What I had feared would be a difficult week away from the computer actually turned out to be exactly what my weary soul needed.<br /><br />As my good pal <a href="http://www.shejusthadtosayit.com/">Soliloquy</a> pointed out, <em>"I know you will hear from the Lord. We always do when we just shut up for a pair of minutes!"</em><br /><br />Amen to that.<br /><br />Blogging has blessed me in so many ways. It's a fantastic creative outlet for me. I love and cherish the relationships I've built with all of you. I've learned so many things that have enhanced my life in one way or another.<br /><br />But.<br /><br />There's the other side of blogging. <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/">Kimba</a> <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/02/building-my-priorities.html">wrote about it </a>beautifully last week when I was on blog break. I stumbled upon her post tonight and what she said sums it up perfectly:<br /><br /><em>"But, to paraphrase something written by a friend, there is a great danger in blogging especially for anyone who thrives on success and creativity. The danger is that we cannot differentiate between the good that comes from creating, connecting and providing and the evil that comes from being pulled away from the family and into a cycle of NEEDING to succeed for our own egos.<br /></em><br /><em>There is a powerful push and pull between the good and bad. I believe that applies to anything that has the power to pull us away from what should be our primary priorities, whatever those happen to be."</em><br /><em></em><br />That, I'm ashamed to say, is where I was. Stuck in the middle of that push and pull. And -- don't misunderstand -- it's not like I have it all settled now. It's a constant struggle for me to keep my priorities in check. One week off has not set me on the right path forever. But, I'm going to make a few changes to try and keep life in check, because -- if nothing else -- this past week has reminded me that I'm a wife and mother first and foremost.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-45737306687963087642009-02-22T18:42:00.001-08:002009-02-22T19:02:52.002-08:00Unplugging...Well, I'm taking a little break.<br /><br />I seem to have lost my "blog mojo" over the past couple of weeks. My "real life" priorities feel a little askew. I'm distracted. I'm not focusing on what I need to be focusing on. My soul just hasn't been at peace. And, I can't seem to figure out where this blog should fit in.<br /><br />I've been thinking a lot about this verse lately:<br /><br /><em>I am the Lord your God,</em><br /><em>who teaches you what is best for you,</em><br /><em>who directs you in the way you should go.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>If only you followed my commands,</em><br /><em>your peace would have been like a river,</em><br /><em>your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Is. 48:17-18</em><br /><br />I need a little peace and direction. So, in order for me to hear God's voice, I'm going to need to unplug for the week. I won't be blogging, and I won't be reading (though I will be checking email every few days.) It's going to be really difficult for me because I love to see what y'all are up to, but I really need to use this time to get back on track. <br /><br />Have a great week y'all and I can't wait to catch up with you next week!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-77232584005560084412009-02-18T06:35:00.000-08:002009-02-18T06:40:08.177-08:00Why Jane Iredale is my new BFFI’ve been a little slow to jump on the mineral makeup bandwagon. The reason is two-fold:<br /><br />1. I’m super self-conscious of the hyperpigmentation/sun damage on my face. I prefer a liquid foundation with significant coverage — allowing me to pretty much paint myself a perfect complexion each morning. Despite the claims, loose powder mineral foundations don’t seem to provide the kind of coverage I need.<br /><br />2. On the few occasions when I have given mineral powder foundation a whirl, it never seems to last very long and — even worse — I see the makeup “settling” into fine lines.<br /><br />But, I do love the concept of mineral makeup. After all, I apply foundation all over my face and it sits on my skin all day long. I’d much prefer to use a formulation that is free of preservatives and synthetic ingredients.<br /><br />So, I did a little research and discovered that Jane Iredale made a liquid mineral foundation. Hooray! The best of both worlds! I went to the <a onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/outbound/www.janeiredale.com/');" href="http://www.janeiredale.com/">Jane Iredale website</a>, <a onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/outbound/iredale.know-where.com/iredale/');" href="http://iredale.know-where.com/iredale/">searched for a local retailer </a>and headed in to get color matched. <span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">(</span><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/02/why-jane-iredale-is-my-new-bff.html"><span style="color:#ff0000;">read more at Chic Critique</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">)</span></em></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-15237833318272622392009-02-12T12:03:00.000-08:002009-02-22T19:08:33.819-08:00How to Make Cute Hair Clips *With Giveaway*<div align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">***Congratulations to commenter #7 </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00477125807236567140"><span style="color:#ff0000;">mah-meee </span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">from </span><a href="http://raisingashley.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Raising A&C</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">! You're the lucky winner! Be sure and check your email so I can get the hair clips out to you asap. Thanks to everyone for playing along! ***</span></strong></em></div><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong>I'm updating this post to link up to <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2009/02/this-really-really-works-for-me.html">Works for Me Wednesday</a>. After you finish reading it, be sure and check out all the other great tips at <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/">Shannon's place</a>!</strong></em><br /><br />So, earlier this week I confessed that when it comes to styling my daughters' hair, I'm pretty much <a href="http://lifewiththree.blogspot.com/2009/02/tales-of-folicly-challenged.html">all thumbs</a>.<br /><br />But, after re-reading that post, I realized that I neglected to fill you in on the one secret weapon in my hairstyling arsenal. I mentioned it, but I didn't elaborate.<br /><br />So, I'd like to introduce you to the flower clippie:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKmZSGecsjFM7kwRbc9tsSLOvjbajlCEOGJfvz2jumABBAuf3DYt-zd17deFn50AC6dB49f1PtC9TkREQ2KNXMmRcFoG4ExyDMBGHvhwge0rjhpV82Rs8YeDz6KLBypAlUoHtwip_idCj/s1600-h/IMG_1598.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302090992312852930" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKmZSGecsjFM7kwRbc9tsSLOvjbajlCEOGJfvz2jumABBAuf3DYt-zd17deFn50AC6dB49f1PtC9TkREQ2KNXMmRcFoG4ExyDMBGHvhwge0rjhpV82Rs8YeDz6KLBypAlUoHtwip_idCj/s320/IMG_1598.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I like to call it the "smoke and mirrors approach" to styling hair. You see, my daughters' fine hair may never boast impressive volume or curl -- but any ol' style can be dramatically improved with a flower clipped on top. I present Exhibit A:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGjAnLsKAZGbEjd-RZaU4RC7s-Lw5-Z2BO8keww3IRr5CpgeOzy_c2CvIPfjvBQu8fxazpyOyI0yDafhu5KqdNR8PuUSGbRji-XVZaMOI4TW7PKoKzYwBItD4J7gH2hfL38TrUdjxX9Iw/s1600-h/IMG_1366.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302099728799560162" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGjAnLsKAZGbEjd-RZaU4RC7s-Lw5-Z2BO8keww3IRr5CpgeOzy_c2CvIPfjvBQu8fxazpyOyI0yDafhu5KqdNR8PuUSGbRji-XVZaMOI4TW7PKoKzYwBItD4J7gH2hfL38TrUdjxX9Iw/s320/IMG_1366.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And Exhibit B:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqBzEdSZLp-mmkhaDF5nDg7YG99-QHWoAo4qSt0fyWlGAbG5TEteNgzVHLREGf52a8-HM2BxMXoHq0gALRwdo-JwBlMJEO49mn9OtlM5YPe-xdEK9flKWM1iMTI5xJRvkcuQl9h5Qv0_e/s1600-h/IMG_1601.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302099729742415170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqBzEdSZLp-mmkhaDF5nDg7YG99-QHWoAo4qSt0fyWlGAbG5TEteNgzVHLREGf52a8-HM2BxMXoHq0gALRwdo-JwBlMJEO49mn9OtlM5YPe-xdEK9flKWM1iMTI5xJRvkcuQl9h5Qv0_e/s320/IMG_1601.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />See? You don't notice the hair, only the flower. Sneaky, huh? And here's the best part, you don't even have to spend $10 a clip. I made these for literally pennies. Here's what you need:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRmMK580aVMxbc6xtqLsLteO0HqKTxNj-b2_xKmX16c4DuMUpIDettwU61eAsE-MWbGrk4bVnESD431navlolxowPafhpkCzlzC8WylzDNbw8qvYGrHLbUm4viktL22CkP6Zby5LqaERR/s1600-h/IMG_1560.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302081999827532146" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRmMK580aVMxbc6xtqLsLteO0HqKTxNj-b2_xKmX16c4DuMUpIDettwU61eAsE-MWbGrk4bVnESD431navlolxowPafhpkCzlzC8WylzDNbw8qvYGrHLbUm4viktL22CkP6Zby5LqaERR/s320/IMG_1560.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />faux flowers, ribbon, brads, alligator clips (available at beauty supply stores), and a hot glue gun. I pick my flowers up at the dollar store. They don't have to be silk. They don't have to be expensive. Cheap will work just fine.<br /><br />The first thing you want to do is pull the flowers off the plastic stems. Then, remove the center portion of the flower. If the flower petals are just one or two "ply," so to speak, remove a few extra flowers. We'll stack them, one on top of the other, to make them look fuller.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyN5Ac5Qp3koSecvQ03RV5k4rK29EHbdoTzD2VJwawVSkDJaNlk9H5nkq2JtxwghK_V2YO5qSQ2NL9Ziuf8FvT6ycRY-rRV_5zPULWb76OjuPQZUt7EtRKNGrELbytYE63C2wJhTXVNia/s1600-h/IMG_1564.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302082004356588322" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyN5Ac5Qp3koSecvQ03RV5k4rK29EHbdoTzD2VJwawVSkDJaNlk9H5nkq2JtxwghK_V2YO5qSQ2NL9Ziuf8FvT6ycRY-rRV_5zPULWb76OjuPQZUt7EtRKNGrELbytYE63C2wJhTXVNia/s320/IMG_1564.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, go get yourself some brads:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaon6bfXQx_50MZHhTG1yZIslaPPOUXBNBnz_OgfPofMjcQvdSobokH-4_uedlfV4r5a_DvMOxNYdcZSSNLeR-25dbW_RBebnEmvVVRmPY_godYfe7QLYLGRc9g9InROM15IDmoec7TeVA/s1600-h/IMG_1566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302082005616748546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaon6bfXQx_50MZHhTG1yZIslaPPOUXBNBnz_OgfPofMjcQvdSobokH-4_uedlfV4r5a_DvMOxNYdcZSSNLeR-25dbW_RBebnEmvVVRmPY_godYfe7QLYLGRc9g9InROM15IDmoec7TeVA/s320/IMG_1566.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You can pick brads up at a craft store. There are a ton of different styles. Choose whatever you like. I happen to be partial to the silver rhinestone variety.<br /><br /><br />Next, stack your petals. I used four single-ply flowers below. Then, run your brad through the center and secure.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLgbur0M7_JwKEJlwzhBqCH3lephwiDQNEHQUjO_2wqVzIkBXW7-h6yEimsPBBZGXxWpMCbRGBnXQqoLe33U4LfznWPhFuX24niNqlOCnrPWDtcQtQa-l95f8kDSdWc1x2YLefuVcw_9-/s1600-h/IMG_1568.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302083297496872898" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLgbur0M7_JwKEJlwzhBqCH3lephwiDQNEHQUjO_2wqVzIkBXW7-h6yEimsPBBZGXxWpMCbRGBnXQqoLe33U4LfznWPhFuX24niNqlOCnrPWDtcQtQa-l95f8kDSdWc1x2YLefuVcw_9-/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now, set that aside and forget about it for a second.<br /><br /><br />This is an alligator clip. Notice that there is a definite top and a bottom. The bottom is the straight side.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuGeK9PuYFWNqdleJ_v8e_PORUghHlU5cFs08o4gJAtiY1ui2f2KrXu9Qg3tYWuxPJwio18sluEXGHESSjyqkmMd0Ye9qNbAue_eESp8FxREIftehEtPBVaJFwYycpNUNJH2pkNtAfRRf/s1600-h/IMG_1571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302083299690663698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuGeK9PuYFWNqdleJ_v8e_PORUghHlU5cFs08o4gJAtiY1ui2f2KrXu9Qg3tYWuxPJwio18sluEXGHESSjyqkmMd0Ye9qNbAue_eESp8FxREIftehEtPBVaJFwYycpNUNJH2pkNtAfRRf/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Hold the clip upside down (so the bottom edge is now facing the ceiling) and open the clip. Apply hot glue to the inside of the top of the clip (which is now functioning as the bottom). Then, take some ribbon and set it on top of the glued part like so:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OpGv_7KG5rsKi9xcP9N_G8OZANImDoHwDSZG0yxD2gT4gvqsfryS9xtcKPU8GiSTlvXmBNGf8rp66aLdqaM91AbIr6Al5Cje84nXO1lm8yOKvdOGOm-Srvo4I5JH-IlXqo9q9wrGwY91/s1600-h/IMG_1573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302083306177276306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OpGv_7KG5rsKi9xcP9N_G8OZANImDoHwDSZG0yxD2gT4gvqsfryS9xtcKPU8GiSTlvXmBNGf8rp66aLdqaM91AbIr6Al5Cje84nXO1lm8yOKvdOGOm-Srvo4I5JH-IlXqo9q9wrGwY91/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Now, flip the clip back over so the bottom of the clip is back on the bottom. Apply more hot glue to the outside of the top of the clip, and fold the ribbon around the top of the clip to stick.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNXQtC7t9mMI5OiPJCseAO_yMRL3oONcOj25Wc55xIWJOo0VcN8acoqYbb6zDGTOgiFfOfPzMyLJRV68h_uyx5-OgGXsTGLhZKGdcFQk6x6v8NRSpWfg_Zn0P_Q8_mvGUTNhJV8gm3l6K/s1600-h/IMG_1574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302104719474524066" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNXQtC7t9mMI5OiPJCseAO_yMRL3oONcOj25Wc55xIWJOo0VcN8acoqYbb6zDGTOgiFfOfPzMyLJRV68h_uyx5-OgGXsTGLhZKGdcFQk6x6v8NRSpWfg_Zn0P_Q8_mvGUTNhJV8gm3l6K/s320/IMG_1574.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>By the way, be very careful when you do this. You can get a pretty decent burn from getting hot glue on your fingers. (That's the voice of experience speaking.) Now, apply some hot glue to the bottom of the clip (the solid silver part only):</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U_4AqfQfEAacHQERuzXgDhx2W1h2SED9X2n_2VtrWJLVQtQDqeuHFhcAUIipHUpUngaPZ7vODHea3SDkkgiFyvJeBNPg4_MTllv1Fc23tROufraI7lLzRhKJDjwHYTqnBscF3I8P8V7T/s1600-h/IMG_1575.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302104717625606242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U_4AqfQfEAacHQERuzXgDhx2W1h2SED9X2n_2VtrWJLVQtQDqeuHFhcAUIipHUpUngaPZ7vODHea3SDkkgiFyvJeBNPg4_MTllv1Fc23tROufraI7lLzRhKJDjwHYTqnBscF3I8P8V7T/s320/IMG_1575.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div>And wrap the ribbon around like so:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRp7YS1CrHaHvztTVtn75SmGS_WU8AywTuabsVNU_7HCQdu8dTibANXljDQkSxpYU-OaQgrFN3Yx23MTL3WRneOVxYV_GjTsmoUDTBzWfy4oVpp5i3tnzLZFP_g9pI97r-u3x5JdzHg9Q8/s1600-h/IMG_1576.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302083304254385666" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRp7YS1CrHaHvztTVtn75SmGS_WU8AywTuabsVNU_7HCQdu8dTibANXljDQkSxpYU-OaQgrFN3Yx23MTL3WRneOVxYV_GjTsmoUDTBzWfy4oVpp5i3tnzLZFP_g9pI97r-u3x5JdzHg9Q8/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Trim off any extra ribbon. Now you're home free. All that's left to do is hot glue the flower onto the top of the clip. Viola!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_7D_DvkEO1yuACJwpazvXhXiPUiv-2jQX9k_YKhRk93HEay2-3qOJ_LKoRPoONMvWlcKbUwSw3xznGhtTsALiBhVzqGfEvDzHxWHmoDP6R34Z3PaZ9c3mhCTWzt92ysWXIL29cBX0mEr/s1600-h/IMG_1578.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302090978757779170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_7D_DvkEO1yuACJwpazvXhXiPUiv-2jQX9k_YKhRk93HEay2-3qOJ_LKoRPoONMvWlcKbUwSw3xznGhtTsALiBhVzqGfEvDzHxWHmoDP6R34Z3PaZ9c3mhCTWzt92ysWXIL29cBX0mEr/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You can do the same thing with larger flowers, by the way. Remove the center and stack a few layers of petals. The only difference here is you're going to hot glue the layers together, instead of using a brad:</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zoAGkrqsjzL8IasiOJk0fWGEHRUVCidijPBkqJrZNbJnwPDtrw9alKW73vESCQEub12M2uo40XPKLlQlxuve_ds0Cbr0cCxXaDL10FU5z6L6zLBJDzG-5KxQrdXaJQzp4irqOopL_B-X/s1600-h/IMG_1580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302090987605775106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zoAGkrqsjzL8IasiOJk0fWGEHRUVCidijPBkqJrZNbJnwPDtrw9alKW73vESCQEub12M2uo40XPKLlQlxuve_ds0Cbr0cCxXaDL10FU5z6L6zLBJDzG-5KxQrdXaJQzp4irqOopL_B-X/s320/IMG_1580.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, cut the "peg" end off the the flower center (so it will lay flat) and hot glue that puppy right onto the center of the petals.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtJlw-QcmfhPsDlikmPahJ29dcctch3W0XkTbKZYOWSKHJAxO7bN9UrcIa0TAHhwzD37fvZl19zITBLkkK58EVrxGjM4uJbLH0pUaO-maKwqlc76vtycMIY55ONCbGYu1sCxMLQt4iP2A/s1600-h/IMG_1581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302107791452623954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtJlw-QcmfhPsDlikmPahJ29dcctch3W0XkTbKZYOWSKHJAxO7bN9UrcIa0TAHhwzD37fvZl19zITBLkkK58EVrxGjM4uJbLH0pUaO-maKwqlc76vtycMIY55ONCbGYu1sCxMLQt4iP2A/s320/IMG_1581.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRLf-I4rirJ3VKKP9mVsQQeWNs3vkhfp7SLgZTc-ZP2zpt917JXgl1uRPYjX-NRnFwdelMHngO_5gs483ekS8i616iY1xC6UMre9M1nA0KCFhkBQNbayG3T01voJR3icfX0cL_0Jej3n-/s1600-h/IMG_1584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302107796511355202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRLf-I4rirJ3VKKP9mVsQQeWNs3vkhfp7SLgZTc-ZP2zpt917JXgl1uRPYjX-NRnFwdelMHngO_5gs483ekS8i616iY1xC6UMre9M1nA0KCFhkBQNbayG3T01voJR3icfX0cL_0Jej3n-/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpt6xp07yhPh0wf41FX8EqKvnj1u488-nn0-yCVUv-8Lih3RrJxPT6ezfcknZZfWUxo2ziLpUVldq7jvDPFtFX1Snu54ySA1hHuT46TtaUE_zu5YkXlM-TdZYS24Gv1dnwNvwulKChyphenhyphenEL/s1600-h/IMG_1585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302107795392320546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpt6xp07yhPh0wf41FX8EqKvnj1u488-nn0-yCVUv-8Lih3RrJxPT6ezfcknZZfWUxo2ziLpUVldq7jvDPFtFX1Snu54ySA1hHuT46TtaUE_zu5YkXlM-TdZYS24Gv1dnwNvwulKChyphenhyphenEL/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div>Then, just hot glue the flower to your ribbon-covered alligator clip. Piece of cake.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Hey, how 'bout a giveaway? I'll make two sets of small flower clips and three larger gerber daisy clips for one lucky winner. Let's keep it nice and simple. Just leave a comment below. I'll close comments a week from today (Friday, February 20th at 11:59 p.m.) and use the random number generator to select a winner. </strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div>Good luck and happy clip making!</div><strong></strong><br /><strong><div><br /></div></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-66388270248098859182009-02-09T19:31:00.000-08:002009-02-10T06:37:03.110-08:00What I Learned This Week: The Anatomy of a Blizzard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmz4cIgRGQrMm8UmcdhTrkAOmLWIsc3X6BS4BSKonqj3Nwa4zoDP0BLvbJ0CqdfEd6LodaXbn4RcD8rcZL4mhGhK0aDWAsc7vBLGOosGfnt_WGUpa301EiLxcAN1Bh3xdIYRZp5eGOI5W/s1600-h/snow_shovel2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301171185518898738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmz4cIgRGQrMm8UmcdhTrkAOmLWIsc3X6BS4BSKonqj3Nwa4zoDP0BLvbJ0CqdfEd6LodaXbn4RcD8rcZL4mhGhK0aDWAsc7vBLGOosGfnt_WGUpa301EiLxcAN1Bh3xdIYRZp5eGOI5W/s320/snow_shovel2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em>"Cleaning up after children is like shoveling in a blizzard."</em></div><br /><p align="center"><em>-- Anonymous</em></p><div></div><br /><div>Ever feel that way? That's where I've been lately. Toys are strewn everywhere. Laundry is piled up to the ceiling. There seems to be no end to the dishes. No matter how much I manage to clean up, there's always another mess waiting for me.</div><br /><div></div><div>Last Saturday, hubs took the kids out to play, and I spent two hours cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom. It was sparkling-beautiful by the time I was finished. </div><br /><div></div><div>And then, the family returned for lunch. </div><br /><div></div><div>In 10 minutes, I watched as a whirlwind tore through my beautiful kitchen. Coats were shed, food taken out, dishes piled up. When it was all said and done, I felt like crying. </div><br /><div></div><div>Sometimes it's hard to shake the feeling that I'm losing the battle <em>and</em> the war.</div><br /><div></div><div>So, I've been giving a lot of thought to blizzards this week. And, I've come to a few realizations that have made coping with these small "life blizzards" a little easier.</div><br /><div></div><div>1. <strong>Blizzards last only for a season.</strong> Unless you live in Antarctica, blizzards happen in winter. Then, they disappear for the rest of the year. In much the same way, the blizzards of chaos overtaking my home these days are also temporary. With three kids age 6 and under, I happen to be receiving a lot of snowfall right now. But, it helps to remember it won't last forever.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div>2. <strong>When the weather is extreme, accept the fact that life won't be perfect.</strong> Blizzards bring sub-zero temps, wicked wind, messy roads and slow travel time. That's the nature of a blizzard. When I'm facing a "life blizzard," there are going to be uncomfortable moments. There are going to be moments of inconvenience. I'm not going to be able to accomplish all I want/need to do. It's the nature of the beast. I need to stop fighting it and temporarily lower my standards. Then, go back and review #1.</div><br /><div></div><div>3. <strong>Before you roll up your sleeves, wait for a break in the storm.</strong> This might be obvious but, overwhelmed with the chaos, I find myself breaking this rule. I wouldn't try to clear the driveway at the exact moment snow is falling the hardest. That would be counter-productive. In the same way, when chaos is the order of the day at my house, that is <em>not</em> the time to be tackling a big organizational project (unless I want a one-way trip to insanity.) It's best to have my husband take the kids for the day, hire a babysitter, or schedule a play date at someone else's house. Then, use that quiet time to get things cleared away.</div><br /><div></div><div>4. <strong>Sometimes, you just have to set aside your shovel and jump in. </strong>We don't get a lot of snow in Georgia. So, on the odd occasion when a storm does come our way, the last thing we think about is clearing the driveway. Instead, we head out to play. Remember #1? Blizzards don't last forever. There are times when, really, it just pays to embrace the chaos. My kids won't always be this young. They won't always want to play with me. When I scan my family room and see 500 toys strewn across the floor, I can bemoan the mess, or I can take the opportunity to temporarily "give up," jump in and play with my kids. I can't let my need to "fix the chaos" overwhelm me to the point where I can't occasionally cut loose and have fun.<br /></div><br /><div>So, that's what I've learned this week. Interested in what other folks learned? Head over to <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife </a>for the <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/02/what-i-learned-this-week-at-blissdom.html">What I Learned This Week Carnival</a>.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-33911595553157641792009-02-09T04:47:00.000-08:002009-02-09T06:17:13.984-08:00Tales of the Folicly ChallengedWhen God was giving out fantastic hair genes, I somehow ended up at the end of the line.<br /><br />My hair is fine and stick straight. Any "bend" or body I might have in my hair is the direct result of sleeping on it wrong.<br /><br />It's taken me 30 years to come to terms with my hair. I've finally managed to find a cut that works pretty well, and I've accepted that I'm never going to have a mane like Julianne Moore's (as depressing as that fact may be).<br /><br />But, this post isn't about my hair woes. It's about my children's.<br /><br />You see, my husband's hair is the exact same texture as mine. That means, genetically speaking, our kids never stood a chance. Great hair just wasn't going to be in their future.<br /><br />For Josh, this isn't really a big deal. A little gel, a small tousle, and he's good to go.<br /><br />But, my poor daughters.<br /><br />They're stuck with straight, fine hair and a mother who doesn't know what to do with it. To top it off, Jilly's hair has so many cowlicks, it's impossible to find a straight part.<br /><br />Thus, my hairstyle repertoire consists of the following:<br /><br />* Ponytail<br />* Pigtails<br />* Headband<br />* Braids<br /><br />That's not too shabby, but here's the problem -- we live in the South. And Southern mothers take little girl hair <em>very seriously</em>. Glance around any holiday gathering or school function and you'll spot a sea of adorable curls, loops and bows.<br /><br />How do I cope with the hair pressure?<br /><br />Well, I pretty much resigned myself to defeat.<br /><br />My hairstyle apathy reached its lowest point last year, when Hubs and Jilly were attending the annual Sweetheart Ball.<br /><br />None of the styles in my repertoire exactly scream "special occasion." I didn't know what to do. So, I did nothing. Nada. I ran a comb through her hair and sent her out the door with nary a bow, headband or curl.<br /><br />I'm still not sure what I was thinking.<br /><br />So, this year I committed to do better. I did a little online research on hairstyles for little girls. Do you know there are blogs dedicated solely to showcasing new hairstyles for your little princess?<br /><br />Styles like <a href="http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/2009/02/hearts-take-two.html">this</a>, <a href="http://hair4myprincess.blogspot.com/2008/10/lacing-with-wrapping.html">this</a>, and -- oh my stars -- <a href="http://hair4myprincess.blogspot.com/2009/01/candy-stripes.html">this</a>.<br /><br />I must have spent 2 hours reading those blogs in awestruck amazement. Who knew there were so many style options? Who knew there were so many little girls who would sit still that long?<br /><br />So, I set my sights high. I began a full hour and half before Saturday's party. We washed, combed, added product, heated up the curling iron, and by 45 minutes into it, I was in a full-fledged panic. My "<a href="http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/2009/02/hearts-take-one.html">woven heart design</a>" didn't turn out (despite a practice run the day before). My Plan B -- <a href="http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/2008/06/so-cute-it-will-make-your-hair-curl.html">a head full of curls </a>-- wasn't even an option. Jilly's hair stubbornly refused all but the slightest bend.<br /><br />So, I had to do some quick thinking. Thankfully, I had made 2 sets of flower clippies (to "dress up" my tried and true pigtails) the day before. Here's what we did:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloGx3RQKdVWCPjbYEr-LoD9RVMgjpO4ArzckWSC98h2Wsi_y2AlwHvuFQyUJa-GLKOXb9lusIPGCZkjWXsYQhOQQ_IXSx4AETMT5sdrGxAUw_5vgfKZx0WpLZ76Xb2qL2c9dVlgXjSBm_/s1600-h/IMG_1535.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300785811513633266" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloGx3RQKdVWCPjbYEr-LoD9RVMgjpO4ArzckWSC98h2Wsi_y2AlwHvuFQyUJa-GLKOXb9lusIPGCZkjWXsYQhOQQ_IXSx4AETMT5sdrGxAUw_5vgfKZx0WpLZ76Xb2qL2c9dVlgXjSBm_/s400/IMG_1535.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's a little "flower girl-ish," but it's light years better than last year.<br /><br />And, for the record, I'm not giving up. I even took my standard braids to new levels for church yesterday:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2EsGHFVXc5_JAkmFZu0-cJe5b_HBvamc3ejAmSxlOVINC3Y-KiVGAqEcUL3MJjAaeNX_sirNcnzNQJWHZjGohOWxKY_eXizHMSCLJP0G9GGiTj6V-DoG9o202It2OR7xXoEMv-nLepIA/s1600-h/IMG_1550.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300787625698974338" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2EsGHFVXc5_JAkmFZu0-cJe5b_HBvamc3ejAmSxlOVINC3Y-KiVGAqEcUL3MJjAaeNX_sirNcnzNQJWHZjGohOWxKY_eXizHMSCLJP0G9GGiTj6V-DoG9o202It2OR7xXoEMv-nLepIA/s400/IMG_1550.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With a good deal of practice, I just might be able to come to terms with that girl's mane.<br /><br />And, with a little luck, it won't take anywhere close to 30 years.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-80093974375834564432009-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:002009-02-04T07:24:08.637-08:00iPosture: Your Personal Posture Coach<em><strong>Hey, I'm over at Chic Critique today offering <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/02/iposture-your-personal-posture-coach.html">help to the slouchers of the world</a>! </strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong>Chic Critique is coming up on it's one-year blogoversasry, btw, and we want to know if we're on the right track. If you've been a regular reader of Chic Critique, or pop over there on occassion, would you be willing to help some sisters out? We've set up a <a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/02/survey.html">super-brief survey</a>. Your answers will help us figure out where we take Chic Critique next. And it will only take a few minutes. Muchos gracias!</strong></em><br /><br /><br />Today, I’m going to share a simple beauty tip that will make you instantly look five pounds thinner, while also helping you to appear more confident and self-assured.<br /><br />Are you ready?<br /><br />Here it is: Stand up straight.<br /><br />Good posture can cover a multitude of sins. It’s one of the first things people notice about you. When we slouch, we not only reduce our height, but our chest appears smaller, our belly “pooches,” and we can even experience lower back pain.<br /><br />Standing up straight should be simple. But, it’s not.<br /><br />I should know. I am, like many women, a habitual sloucher.<br /><br />For the sake of illustrating a point, I managed to dig out a couple of candid shots of myself taken at my daughter’s birthday party. <em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"><a href="http://www.chic-critique.com/2009/02/iposture-your-personal-posture-coach.html">(read more at Chic Critique)</a></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-35027614954535988772009-02-03T06:15:00.000-08:002009-02-03T06:44:09.705-08:00What I Learned This Week -- A Random Sampling<a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/02/what-i-learned-this-week.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298577286697155394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0JqX_u6RdMAZY3S9EwGrSLhG42ubN_1FjiAHpm8V-LG1czl0hXhxAJNOiR-0CEKuzjr8dwXHbBHV2jqy8sHnTj1jELudB3O9iIcJ4uSr9Ah9_tXW6egH5wDNfPU7srUQou7wn8VNCEgv/s400/what-i-learned-this-week.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Once again, <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife </a>is hosting the <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/2009/02/what-i-learned-this-week.html">What I Learned This Week carnival</a>. No big revelation for me this week -- randomness is the order of the day:</div><div></div><br /><div>1. <strong>It's a lot harder to be a Kindergartner nowadays.</strong> Jilly (6) came home from school the other day, a proud member of the "100 Club." That means she can write to 100, can count to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s, and can read 100 site words. Add that to the fact that they were studying sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks last week. Huh? My education feels so inadequate. I'm pretty sure I was just working on telling left from right when I was in Kindergarten (something I still manage to mix up, btw). I can't wait to see the type of work she'll be bringing home in 3rd grade. I'm sure the math alone will make me break out in hives.</div><br /><div></div><div>2. <strong>Gun laws just don't make sense.</strong> Did you know that if you want to apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit in Georgia all you have to do is fill out the paperwork and undergo a background check? No firearms safety class required. Put another way: You don't have to have fired a gun before to carry one on your person. If you're hunting deer, however, you are required to take a firearms safety course. Does anyone else find this deeply disturbing?</div><br /><div></div><div>3. <strong>I'm an Internet addict.</strong> The computer is a huge distraction for me. Somehow, even when I'm just "checking my email" I manage to waste 30 minutes. :) I've discovered that I can accomplish quite a bit when I <em>turn the computer off</em>. So, I've made a decision to join <a href="http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/">Meredith</a> in <a href="http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/2009/01/hello-my-name-is-meredith-and-i-have.html">unplugging</a> at least once a week. </div><br /><div></div><div>4. <strong>And I've got another addiction.</strong> Despite all my efforts to start "going green," I can't give up the paper towels. I'm killing trees right and left around here. I'm not proud. I. Just. Can't. Stop.</div><br /><div></div><div>5. <strong>Conquering kid boredom is as easy as making a list.</strong> A lot of times, when the kids are looking for something to do, I find myself suggesting the same things over and over. (Kind of like I seem to make the same recipes over and over.) But, while cleaning out the craft/activity closet the other day, I realized we have a ton of different activity options. I made a list of every single one. Now, when the kids are bored, I reference the list for something new and exciting to entertain them. Hmmm. Maybe I need to do that with the recipes, too. </div><br /><div></div><div>That's pretty much it. Now, go find out what everyone else learned this week over at <a href="http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/">Musings of a Housewife</a>. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6568557057764788530.post-4679132861751183942009-02-01T17:56:00.000-08:002009-02-02T05:13:25.606-08:00Breakfast Battles BegoneMy kids have never been big breakfast eaters.<br /><br /><br />Really, they're not big eaters in general.<br /><br /><br />While my oldest has come a long way from where she was, the other two still tend to be picky. They eschew meat, they turn their noses up at vegetables. And then, I start to worry. Because really, what kind of nutrition are they getting?<br /><br /><br />So, I've been known to resort to drastic measures.<br /><br /><br />That's right. I'm one of those mothers who has hidden spinach in her Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies and sweet potatoes in her Spaghetti <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bolognaise</span>.<br /><br /><br />What can I say?<br /><br /><br />A mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.<br /><br /><br />The cookbook that taught me everything I know about increasing the nutritional value of everyday recipes is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneaky-Chef-Strategies-Healthy-Favorite/dp/0762430753/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233541770&sr=8-1">The Sneaky Chef </a>by Missy Chase <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lapine</span>. It came out several months before that "other" hide-the-vegetables-in-the-food book -- and really, I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lapine's</span> is far superior. I've made dozens of her recipes and nearly all of them have been hits.<br /><br /><br />Which brings me back to breakfast.<br /><br /><br />Any nutritionist will tell you that a high-protein breakfast is the best bet for your little one. But, the day my kids eat eggs for breakfast will be the day pigs begin to fly.<br /><br /><br />So, I give them cookies and milk instead.<br /><br /><br />These Breakfast Cookies are my kids' all-time favorite. I make a double batch and they're gone within two days (partly because I can't stop eating them either). They're whole grain, high protein (thanks to ricotta cheese) and contain half the sugar of kids' breakfast cereals.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLrWnvYtk02jI1vEkj3Q9rGfUCGaQeG6A6lJlOjwBXYJRb83qJ5uXyINDyQYXWAlVBesXGTdcip_2Vt3-aAUHDSI77-9vJf3y4TobDNlwFUl4tNmSspqIjsdU0fPyizPeeC7nSV9_XO5l/s1600-h/IMG_1471.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298019247971249074" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLrWnvYtk02jI1vEkj3Q9rGfUCGaQeG6A6lJlOjwBXYJRb83qJ5uXyINDyQYXWAlVBesXGTdcip_2Vt3-aAUHDSI77-9vJf3y4TobDNlwFUl4tNmSspqIjsdU0fPyizPeeC7nSV9_XO5l/s400/IMG_1471.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />They're easy to make, a hit with the kids and don't have one trace of spinach. Promise.<br /><br /><strong>Breakfast Cookies</strong><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Recipe courtesy of The Sneaky Chef by Missy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lapine</span></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br />2 cups whole grain cereal flakes (such as Wheaties or Total)<br />3/4 c. Flour Blend (1/4 c. each of white flour, whole wheat flour and wheat germ)<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1 tsp. cinnamon<br />1 large egg<br />1/2 c. brown sugar<br />1/4 c. canola oil<br />2 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />3/4 c. low-fat ricotta cheese<br />Cinnamon sugar for dusting<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray with oil).<br /><br />Using a rolling pin, gently crush the cereal (in a sealed plastic bag) into coarsely crushed flakes. Alternatively, you can quickly pulse the cereal in a food processor.<br /><br />In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Flour Blend, crushed cereal, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, oil, vanilla and ricotta cheese. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Drop single tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, leaving about an inch between cookies. Flatten cookies with the back of a fork and then sprinkle tops generously with cinnamon sugar (or just sugar if your kids don't like cinnamon flavor). Bake about 18 to 20 minutes, or until nicely browned and crispy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">around</span> the edges.<br /><br />Serve with milk or hot cocoa.<br /><em>Makes 16 to 18 large cookies.</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.lifewiththree.blogspot.com/">Life with Three</a></div>Michelle@Life with Threehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02770928322306445408noreply@blogger.com8