tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035963302485469052024-03-05T17:40:01.843-05:00House PourElz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-74466993873206450792012-02-28T05:59:00.000-05:002012-02-28T05:59:00.192-05:00Oh Mickey You So Fine<br />
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I mentioned last week our haul from Ikea. Most of it was for our living room improvements, but I did snag a Micke desk from Ikea while there. It was actually a huge hassle. I decided that I wanted the all white lacquered looking one, rather than dark wood tone + white + stainless steel or white + pale birch wood (which looked like the 70s threw up in my opinion). I just liked the simplicity. When we got to the warehouse part though, there were no all white Micke's in the correct bin!! Oh hell no! I didn't drive 2 hours up there to be told to come back the next day. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/micke-desk__0123725_PE279858_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/micke-desk__0123725_PE279858_S4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60180036/#/90214308">Via IKEA</a></div>
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Luckily Rob is a super sleuth and found one Micke in the wrong bin... but it was a bit banged up. So obviously that meant that Rob had to put on his serious haggle face and start demanding a discount. As a side note, Rob is the BEST haggler in the world. On our trip to Tunisia he haggled some knock off coach/fossil watches down from 100 pounds to about 8. Yeah. Anyways, he got the random Ikea worker we snared in to take the desk to the As-Is section and they took off 27% of the price. I don't know why they chose exactly 27. I'm not complaining though. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo5wN8kiryjh1w4nzR0lOytsRter3ODTvg1SpTRRvZGhIGYmR6t3Z0fZzIWFLwj10SGMQijOd5tQg_-PZeJ26vow_3ynlMxagVXWCa98m8j0AasYK3RBNd0eXqA8gBBhPL7kgbP74SK4/s1600/IMAG0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo5wN8kiryjh1w4nzR0lOytsRter3ODTvg1SpTRRvZGhIGYmR6t3Z0fZzIWFLwj10SGMQijOd5tQg_-PZeJ26vow_3ynlMxagVXWCa98m8j0AasYK3RBNd0eXqA8gBBhPL7kgbP74SK4/s640/IMAG0535.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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(Damage Shot)</div>
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Instead of the desk costing us $69.99, it cost $54.00. I then used a $3 credit we had there to get it to $51. I know, BIG SPENDER! But every bit helps. Plus, the banged up bit is on the underside of the desk against the wall. No one will ever know... except House Pour readers. Booyah. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGYC8zRBr3JgEu03ggxzSFJMda37HNQZL9yZQuL5jRnJRdMd9HXBxvLLS95H0m3cWv7MXnwqw94IRaIeh9aGPFJ0ryDcGjy0Ngu6mPcYpCkmJSUmLYctJo0Dzu6KmL8EMCw2aHlt7ebA/s1600/IMAG0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGYC8zRBr3JgEu03ggxzSFJMda37HNQZL9yZQuL5jRnJRdMd9HXBxvLLS95H0m3cWv7MXnwqw94IRaIeh9aGPFJ0ryDcGjy0Ngu6mPcYpCkmJSUmLYctJo0Dzu6KmL8EMCw2aHlt7ebA/s640/IMAG0537.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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(Teeny sliver missing... which is shoved against the wall so only the hobbits will notice it.)</div>
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We'd originally planned on buying two kitchen cabinets and then DIY-ing a surface over top of them so it all looks like a built in. Well, our Restore decided to go crazy on us these past few months and suddenly jack their prices up by about $100. I am NOT paying $120 for a banged up kitchen cabinet. So, Ikea it was. We wondered all the around that store trying to figure out the best desk to make/diy/hack. In the end, just buying an actual desk was cheaper/quicker. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtv12Mjny0q0t6xNtspfek1ckIxhptj54MFeUD8uFKQmEYNtTO3Jl_rQ1rcez3RkLTuzGzqz0SYzEhG-zeDjS1Cano1sE1PI__eBlRL49eWO7TgeOQQMyeFlHO4Pl53PzMk3yu14cofk/s1600/DSC04032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtv12Mjny0q0t6xNtspfek1ckIxhptj54MFeUD8uFKQmEYNtTO3Jl_rQ1rcez3RkLTuzGzqz0SYzEhG-zeDjS1Cano1sE1PI__eBlRL49eWO7TgeOQQMyeFlHO4Pl53PzMk3yu14cofk/s640/DSC04032.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Long stories are over now. We put it opposite the queen sized bed in our guest room.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w64I88MopuFHL2FdRPPhIY6auJdVQAcypVtjxM2kDIe7erHvdYHDQ9HBe7lZy5mIAWHcexE3RXElqe-IG0wMom6E2VZZDuao-VgvQ92A_OPEGUf0npzGmVit0CCSSwMSjgrLydtldKI/s1600/DSC04035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w64I88MopuFHL2FdRPPhIY6auJdVQAcypVtjxM2kDIe7erHvdYHDQ9HBe7lZy5mIAWHcexE3RXElqe-IG0wMom6E2VZZDuao-VgvQ92A_OPEGUf0npzGmVit0CCSSwMSjgrLydtldKI/s640/DSC04035.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I would have taken a better 'whole room angle shot', buttt this is what the rest of the room looks like thanks to constant flooring installation:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fXTdq67xHdzxtqe88FN9PDRH4MrFx2SNmvk36pRmPqRw3yTREzjgQ5kvl6-6GLzEe361bZzdpxzqYZCRnGFPHap0yKZ6TBTAIgpH08NRR-UP_iinMH7Is5cjKJ5jm6-sintz_gfb3Cs/s1600/DSC04040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fXTdq67xHdzxtqe88FN9PDRH4MrFx2SNmvk36pRmPqRw3yTREzjgQ5kvl6-6GLzEe361bZzdpxzqYZCRnGFPHap0yKZ6TBTAIgpH08NRR-UP_iinMH7Is5cjKJ5jm6-sintz_gfb3Cs/s640/DSC04040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of which, we're done with the hallway now. This is us waving a pathetically tiny flag in not very spirited excitement. Flooring is BORING! It's time consuming and not at all interesting to show people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1A0u2v95_r45hUNHWi3IwJkrUa85zFws46MXGaJtoMnpEqHkArJN181bkrjS_zF12oXNoZMsbar1H8Qeg19kHB0rFJbB6tZKJGoSC5RC3ooDhexlWWUc6yie2cfPLsr210yRhsCmEdw/s1600/DSC04044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1A0u2v95_r45hUNHWi3IwJkrUa85zFws46MXGaJtoMnpEqHkArJN181bkrjS_zF12oXNoZMsbar1H8Qeg19kHB0rFJbB6tZKJGoSC5RC3ooDhexlWWUc6yie2cfPLsr210yRhsCmEdw/s640/DSC04044.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Oh hey, that driftwood looks like it's in a bit of suggestive position. Sorry for driftwood porn there..... So anyone think I got a good deal with the desk? Does it look smexy?! I know it's not what I had envisioned, but I get lazy sometimes. </div>
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<br /></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-65506958139131135582012-02-24T06:42:00.004-05:002012-02-24T16:44:11.798-05:00Make Your Own DIY Drum Pendant Light<span style="text-align: left;">Whoa we had some serious mojo going this weekend with the extra day on Monday to work! I've got about 3 weeks of posts backed up so I'm considering rolling in more than 3 posts a week (which is what I normally strive for). Anyways, as a warning, this tutorial is extremely picture heavy!</span><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">I just want to give a shout out to my man Rob. When we bought the house in October he made his visiting father put up our light in the mancave because he didn't know how... now he is an electrical god basically. He built this pendant from scratch using random parts he found at the Home Depot. The great thing is that it cost <b>less than $9</b> for the entire pendant! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">In the end, it turned out to be fairly easy thanks to some advice from the lighting guy at Home Depot. So easy that you can do it too! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QOOdwcxSsVj9h_GXJ3NpiBcCZPNIdejR2zqwjF-B-KsJDAXFeb564cpLZbOCjRDqjyAshHB3wGOXKhTcIjF6Hfzp2oVoVlNEzyIbPzpI8FoFPG2njQVCKKqKNZa6apebRBCJftVAqrw/s1600/DSC04080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QOOdwcxSsVj9h_GXJ3NpiBcCZPNIdejR2zqwjF-B-KsJDAXFeb564cpLZbOCjRDqjyAshHB3wGOXKhTcIjF6Hfzp2oVoVlNEzyIbPzpI8FoFPG2njQVCKKqKNZa6apebRBCJftVAqrw/s640/DSC04080.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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(again, ignore the flooring and free poop dresser... too heavy for me to move!)</div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">TUTORIAL:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">First, you'll need a few things:</center><center style="text-align: left;">1.) Lamp piece. These are the replacement heads that are on lamps, it has an on and off switch, but most importantly has two bolts for black/white wires and a screw in spot for your light bulb. This was about $3.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiwCS41nLaBhwAazV7iebI6U3KN6FfINOmdtc-06OY5a2zxETUHHuOJtqsgUwguZCzL0f-Rit1wWcOXF9aMY3MfrCREJuoAWzCZm1YuLYhia0NpaZY-xdHfAsAHre4EiVpiC0kr7GRCE/s1600/DSC03975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiwCS41nLaBhwAazV7iebI6U3KN6FfINOmdtc-06OY5a2zxETUHHuOJtqsgUwguZCzL0f-Rit1wWcOXF9aMY3MfrCREJuoAWzCZm1YuLYhia0NpaZY-xdHfAsAHre4EiVpiC0kr7GRCE/s640/DSC03975.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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2.) Something to connect your pendant into. In our case, we were connecting it to our Ikea 365+ track lighting system. We bought the line voltage converter that Ikea sells for $5.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY6gGDdhO2pdmgcjEbkAjEpbIWjegRxSPI81ZGLDy62flX6kqQ-spx3FejFmAHftrHFSYRben6wnWabtfrm_3MPEk0aZMNW0r6-RgJbBtxiUmd-KUS1riAqKgxe64VFdGHgFjdaaVYyQ/s1600/DSC03979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY6gGDdhO2pdmgcjEbkAjEpbIWjegRxSPI81ZGLDy62flX6kqQ-spx3FejFmAHftrHFSYRben6wnWabtfrm_3MPEk0aZMNW0r6-RgJbBtxiUmd-KUS1riAqKgxe64VFdGHgFjdaaVYyQ/s640/DSC03979.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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3.) Wire. We bought 4 ft. of black/white electrical wire in a silvery color for .44 cents a foot. You will not need a grounding wire (green) if you're using a track system like us (it's already grounded). IF you needed grounding wire (green wire) than you could simply buy a grounded extension cord (the ones with 3 prongs at the end) and cut off the plug end and use those wires! It is cheaper (and more aesthetically pleasing-- no one wants an orange wired pendant light) to buy it from the foot though. Ours was $1.25ish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R-jTdaI4gn2LdNl5Xsty5vZ-zT79rBl1XoBdGPbZcUb3H7gZvKi4GVRTcehSXLc7dLWaFRPxWyOeeiLf3dgwhNA5LHyKlt61hCjwZs1I0aKgFE_xR68BVZE0e_5fg4XoG8U6fLQlRt0/s1600/DSC03995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R-jTdaI4gn2LdNl5Xsty5vZ-zT79rBl1XoBdGPbZcUb3H7gZvKi4GVRTcehSXLc7dLWaFRPxWyOeeiLf3dgwhNA5LHyKlt61hCjwZs1I0aKgFE_xR68BVZE0e_5fg4XoG8U6fLQlRt0/s640/DSC03995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Also wire cutters, light bulb (max of 120w), and a drum pendant (any size. Ours was "medium" at 15 in. diameter). </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Now you have to pull the plastic sleeve off the ends of the wires and seperate the two wires a bit at the ends (so you can feed them in their own slots). Rob was fancy and used scissors. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvh7oDpSTYGiKXO6ywH0R-3LdTSRbH5pDtgBsHaJOssemYfpfPaAN2GX-uNNAzbxnV9pWMBkzMIzruLT3LEmL176GIEVZgTNaLcLNNbdfnRpDkLyhNykMQs8VnnZSxbrpNqy3itasKpo/s1600/DSC03981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvh7oDpSTYGiKXO6ywH0R-3LdTSRbH5pDtgBsHaJOssemYfpfPaAN2GX-uNNAzbxnV9pWMBkzMIzruLT3LEmL176GIEVZgTNaLcLNNbdfnRpDkLyhNykMQs8VnnZSxbrpNqy3itasKpo/s640/DSC03981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, you need take the sleeve off your ugly gold lamp part and put your newly exposed wires into them. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PART: Your lamp part has two screws you'll clamp/screw down onto the wires. They are color coded to go with a specific wire. The white cord goes under the silver screw and the black wire goes under the brass screw. If you're using the silvery cord we used they aren't colored. Therefore, the ribbed wire goes under the silver screw and the smooth wire under the brass screw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL8o2lyqP8sP9v_03GQuHao-kPgii2NosiRXDfaC-yWh9hJw01whFe_eTyHhGsTbaaPJNA8dLhiFSBRYBcj_wigbfG3oJO9PlnGQI1lSX7UpAXD0eoNBtgCpu1uqHb9nxy8KR122OsQE/s1600/DSC03982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL8o2lyqP8sP9v_03GQuHao-kPgii2NosiRXDfaC-yWh9hJw01whFe_eTyHhGsTbaaPJNA8dLhiFSBRYBcj_wigbfG3oJO9PlnGQI1lSX7UpAXD0eoNBtgCpu1uqHb9nxy8KR122OsQE/s640/DSC03982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Slide the wire in place under the screw, then tighten with a screw driver. Rob pulled on them a bit after this step to make sure they were held tight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTka3m9UJeXRtLaCCJt38xE23RPkywQGKDKFKXJsmKUTqGxHZCtOYgcF3bTuFDOE-o37PBgh8yDSwU2CfUFijgij5fWw7o543FOBuYtniU6IwfA_LqDen_lNi8jyEj1bhV5BX6vZlLmY/s1600/DSC03983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTka3m9UJeXRtLaCCJt38xE23RPkywQGKDKFKXJsmKUTqGxHZCtOYgcF3bTuFDOE-o37PBgh8yDSwU2CfUFijgij5fWw7o543FOBuYtniU6IwfA_LqDen_lNi8jyEj1bhV5BX6vZlLmY/s640/DSC03983.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Ta-Da! This is what it will look like when done correctly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgLJQFSsVWjXRqbKIlCDKVrKmClWI_j1WZvp8tLsDGMvqf2ThPecsAkgrftZ4uOX2OZlx_h_QTXm5EPMohJpPACEY7EJC_2rt-o_wdCQVwoevAk3xxZbZEVThXLakAqSn9LTznESKb88/s1600/DSC03988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgLJQFSsVWjXRqbKIlCDKVrKmClWI_j1WZvp8tLsDGMvqf2ThPecsAkgrftZ4uOX2OZlx_h_QTXm5EPMohJpPACEY7EJC_2rt-o_wdCQVwoevAk3xxZbZEVThXLakAqSn9LTznESKb88/s640/DSC03988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, slide your goldy sleeves back on your lamp part.
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Lastly, tighten the screw at the top onto your silvery cord. This keeps it tight and puts any weight you'll have on the pendant, on the screw at the top rather than your handy screw work on the inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCFTT5Z7rJm9GN5-Vr2JMmXcWoh08jL9V24N2ONcsFiVctyYpDrNgAlrgSqUjt6i_BmhWyqsfGsRKXLF9HRrtMd047n7vSVKPnabYFtzOUCi9_QSpB89e6LQA55FcXg90Zo2Mz9B_nEE/s1600/DSC03993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCFTT5Z7rJm9GN5-Vr2JMmXcWoh08jL9V24N2ONcsFiVctyYpDrNgAlrgSqUjt6i_BmhWyqsfGsRKXLF9HRrtMd047n7vSVKPnabYFtzOUCi9_QSpB89e6LQA55FcXg90Zo2Mz9B_nEE/s640/DSC03993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, attach your wires to the pendant voltage track converter or straight to the ceiling wires depending on how you're wiring your pendant up. It works the same way it did before, black wires go in the specific color coded spot and so do the white wires. If you're wiring it to the ceiling it's even easier since you twist the white wires to the white and the black to the black. Easy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKtW_bDmmHeo2O-Pz-2QNzMfozUltcT_FBLNfpKfFkB-P3xYO9A4E17S1BC9gDLoDzigETZhGmZOduAIuWdAhTOp1Fe4gHGYx8lNN55b5S2zaTMuQ8dm-W1sIE2Qt4_zhuI6oao4S2AA/s1600/DSC04013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKtW_bDmmHeo2O-Pz-2QNzMfozUltcT_FBLNfpKfFkB-P3xYO9A4E17S1BC9gDLoDzigETZhGmZOduAIuWdAhTOp1Fe4gHGYx8lNN55b5S2zaTMuQ8dm-W1sIE2Qt4_zhuI6oao4S2AA/s640/DSC04013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Now it is looking more like a pendant right?</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbo1d05ip3C_uSSgfLDdqA7nzjdJOuvB1a_BJBS-R0E7HEZD7j1GQBEbXozFJhmu6Ye8u_4cEDgVrH-kMnJ2nkRssmpJ898uSmVwz-RiuCioQZblCklKjOmiCUNCH34EY4AzX9mbNj2c/s1600/DSC03998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbo1d05ip3C_uSSgfLDdqA7nzjdJOuvB1a_BJBS-R0E7HEZD7j1GQBEbXozFJhmu6Ye8u_4cEDgVrH-kMnJ2nkRssmpJ898uSmVwz-RiuCioQZblCklKjOmiCUNCH34EY4AzX9mbNj2c/s640/DSC03998.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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So you need to give it a test run. TURN OFF YOUR POWER TO THE ROOM YOU'RE INSTALLING THE LIGHT. Sorry, that's very important. Oh, and put a light bulb in it. We used a halogen E26. LOVE!! Such a pretty clear light. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeduCsxgx682QiOX2D29lwBGmHWM2NeJUWPr4-kei3yP721IIat0jgvR2ZlILIqe0Lu-OT8LKHGnmvshgE2HpaCxN2HuU-5JACmXiYsoJhGdRhvv_Uo712KBKrD9RPP8z2bxzFgv0rBg/s1600/DSC04000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeduCsxgx682QiOX2D29lwBGmHWM2NeJUWPr4-kei3yP721IIat0jgvR2ZlILIqe0Lu-OT8LKHGnmvshgE2HpaCxN2HuU-5JACmXiYsoJhGdRhvv_Uo712KBKrD9RPP8z2bxzFgv0rBg/s640/DSC04000.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Anyways, install it or pop it in your track system. Turn your power back on. Turn your light on. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQCzWXl1vBlxCPzqu7GTzbr_fBLTRgyMPF-Igkay2ktXWjxxuXx_EufCSdtTpZ6rXddb24uT4rRFqqFWcx-VcqvE6eurEbHJhXrX6dO0n1BvVJgFZtSrE_r26D98DMN_VYBcMRzhY3jY/s1600/DSC04003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQCzWXl1vBlxCPzqu7GTzbr_fBLTRgyMPF-Igkay2ktXWjxxuXx_EufCSdtTpZ6rXddb24uT4rRFqqFWcx-VcqvE6eurEbHJhXrX6dO0n1BvVJgFZtSrE_r26D98DMN_VYBcMRzhY3jY/s640/DSC04003.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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IT LIVES!!! Woo! Make sure it's the right length and turn the power OFF again. Take your new fixture down because now you need to add the shade. Find any drum shade at walmart/target/etc. We found a Christmas one at Lowes on sale for $3.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VDFaWSKxeI9njMeHsiK8slJ_ypQPZUDwh62aFfwEc1KLP3He15ldExlBd_DCIK3Kq6zFQO-dd6y8vXdh912twFs6_VpFCdAtP643HNimn9SN_9vRFTASVwdfsPCD8sqycYtLwtTggs0/s1600/DSC04009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VDFaWSKxeI9njMeHsiK8slJ_ypQPZUDwh62aFfwEc1KLP3He15ldExlBd_DCIK3Kq6zFQO-dd6y8vXdh912twFs6_VpFCdAtP643HNimn9SN_9vRFTASVwdfsPCD8sqycYtLwtTggs0/s640/DSC04009.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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You can attach the shades two ways. One is to hack saw a small opening through the metal ring at the center of the spider bits on the shade and slide the cord in. The other way (the one we chose) is to uninstall the wires from the track connecter (or ceiling) and simply slide the shade onto the cord.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdmxapFGEM5GItQAmI7KDkiZc00jm3bWT1N8biIP80a4WEj_DVMDSyC5I9HlQWL4wWg4AojMclD0n5oQLAxVT4SiZzdp4LzEhUeR6d0BtDPOQjS0HY1NXKh0wqyXjIHinNDP8UvXNtiE/s1600/DSC04011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdmxapFGEM5GItQAmI7KDkiZc00jm3bWT1N8biIP80a4WEj_DVMDSyC5I9HlQWL4wWg4AojMclD0n5oQLAxVT4SiZzdp4LzEhUeR6d0BtDPOQjS0HY1NXKh0wqyXjIHinNDP8UvXNtiE/s640/DSC04011.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Reinstall and then turn the power back ON.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j97UlzSgmZha54Oo2-vwcytfw6tdAs4LIdcmmCjBdfkGt7T_kUhlIvvZfBbCZ-e7R5sI9MgS0FJ_R8qdf1az1bgcKa5xvGLsK572_7V-bEkkkg_UvR5Q9VZwI9Yp-4kBKbJofLv6bv8/s1600/DSC04017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j97UlzSgmZha54Oo2-vwcytfw6tdAs4LIdcmmCjBdfkGt7T_kUhlIvvZfBbCZ-e7R5sI9MgS0FJ_R8qdf1az1bgcKa5xvGLsK572_7V-bEkkkg_UvR5Q9VZwI9Yp-4kBKbJofLv6bv8/s640/DSC04017.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">As a final step, we peeled off the ugly Christmas ribbon. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0SWfwWziZgTWDlkYPKZOZTNQ2XRigNtKSNQK-AQpQmjlAPQTO3Swx2XNC4898fqWc3PTeEUPdwJ4CCF3bTm4yqiEsjRjxYXTpWMtKFBFwkj035GGWm14alYvCJ-efGJ30XhjncwJkxw/s1600/DSC04071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0SWfwWziZgTWDlkYPKZOZTNQ2XRigNtKSNQK-AQpQmjlAPQTO3Swx2XNC4898fqWc3PTeEUPdwJ4CCF3bTm4yqiEsjRjxYXTpWMtKFBFwkj035GGWm14alYvCJ-efGJ30XhjncwJkxw/s640/DSC04071.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Enjoy your extremely cheap pendant light! But as always, do electrical work at your own risk. This is a DIY job and I can't guarantee your house won't blow up. Hopefully mind won't ;)</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Edited to add: Hmm apparently you do need a grounding wire thanks to some insight by Rob's engineering dad... we're going to work on it and get back to you this weekend with a newer, safer, tutorial! Don't blow up your houses just yet! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-69716156741138676942012-02-23T07:06:00.000-05:002012-02-23T07:06:00.067-05:00Living Room Lighting Revamped. Oh Yeah.<span style="text-align: left;">I found some old pictures on my harddrive from when we first moved in. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTDjM2tppWh7_OEDqDAOBfpiwKlaw4wv3j-8mWPLr5m35FRjgstm84uyUTk4yOmzHRA0T-sRI3IdL-oXu4cAlWZ95mEg6BmMZbbqYM5tgAH9hYzZ4h0O4QOTova6K5VMcwOs8Pq_huec/s1600/DSC03307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTDjM2tppWh7_OEDqDAOBfpiwKlaw4wv3j-8mWPLr5m35FRjgstm84uyUTk4yOmzHRA0T-sRI3IdL-oXu4cAlWZ95mEg6BmMZbbqYM5tgAH9hYzZ4h0O4QOTova6K5VMcwOs8Pq_huec/s640/DSC03307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXKPwm3t7XHNkoPyj0yBm3qzaSgsPMDkNejHSqaAZl57GFsSp27MKJj-J2XiCg_Xu-Om5YIb4KQNnCAv2vvt3jjAd-AeRj38CR4Ny0Mu3CZO0vXXyavLpCyraJq8kE1EqFveCK4x5Reg/s1600/DSC03310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXKPwm3t7XHNkoPyj0yBm3qzaSgsPMDkNejHSqaAZl57GFsSp27MKJj-J2XiCg_Xu-Om5YIb4KQNnCAv2vvt3jjAd-AeRj38CR4Ny0Mu3CZO0vXXyavLpCyraJq8kE1EqFveCK4x5Reg/s640/DSC03310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really hate that fan. It cast such a harsh yellow light. Anyways, with the addition of our new flokati rug, the ikea 365+ track system and Rob's handmade pendant....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJgHnEkJu734Z188f2f4bYfI40TnqDnN68B8McRdP06bkvvKDEG9OUmNP2V-DLGQAGXInjXpxHyvt3V_i0rOhCagGNoBTAzXvH8fWZj2CPTuHYeNLnpJF0KMZHAjKksXgMfYWORhVWro/s1600/DSC04073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJgHnEkJu734Z188f2f4bYfI40TnqDnN68B8McRdP06bkvvKDEG9OUmNP2V-DLGQAGXInjXpxHyvt3V_i0rOhCagGNoBTAzXvH8fWZj2CPTuHYeNLnpJF0KMZHAjKksXgMfYWORhVWro/s640/DSC04073.JPG" width="428" /></a>
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I LOVE the new rug. The cats love it too -- not in a litter box kinda way (yay) but in a "this rug makes me feel like I'm hunting in the serengeti" kinda way. They play together on it. Or nap. It's so soft and squishy on my toes too. :) It definitely warmed up the room. Leather can be cold so I think they balance each other out. Oh and Rob removed the coffee table. He's always hated it and it was looking cluttered in there anyways. </div>
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If you're wondering what that box in the lower corner is, it's flooring. We have the flooring for the living room stockpiled next to the TV. It's heavy and Rob keeps whining when I ask him to move it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOURvNArNJQc71vLSCnXpD4IwF5faNv9zGkcOQ5zGclMdCWdFmUokPsr-HLA2PetqVPqVOOOQ5563AdsfYDd4_4mQWuf_Jv-M_DvhQMKAp4UgobSuxCcujDyRvdhMtqx317qdB2pZLGs/s1600/DSC04068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOURvNArNJQc71vLSCnXpD4IwF5faNv9zGkcOQ5zGclMdCWdFmUokPsr-HLA2PetqVPqVOOOQ5563AdsfYDd4_4mQWuf_Jv-M_DvhQMKAp4UgobSuxCcujDyRvdhMtqx317qdB2pZLGs/s640/DSC04068.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Lightingwise-- We had to do the track on a diagonal to get the pendant over the table. An L shape wouldn't have worked with the track lengths.</div>
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I'm going to do a tutorial on Friday for that pendant. It cost us $9 to build! It looks a bit little in these pictures but in real life it's a good size. Anything bigger would have competed too much with everything else going on in the room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmrQ6tjpyt_eaILyxkomJeAC2F4zrQWLIv6wJAV-sIsRxqXpQHauDuTDgOE2w6tmp3GBgD72NNT3N_lHYrTqkdnaZVxqq5WSPXtHISTC4bSTX2PHvH5E88-D8r8zyJLrcAlM6_yvdQzs/s1600/DSC04071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmrQ6tjpyt_eaILyxkomJeAC2F4zrQWLIv6wJAV-sIsRxqXpQHauDuTDgOE2w6tmp3GBgD72NNT3N_lHYrTqkdnaZVxqq5WSPXtHISTC4bSTX2PHvH5E88-D8r8zyJLrcAlM6_yvdQzs/s640/DSC04071.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Behind the table is our free poop dresser. Again, it's heavy and I can't move it myself... or with Rob. It's going to take three people. So, excuse the dresser and the pile of flooring while you look at these next photos! ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkS9x3ysKjXDM3_mzZq1tw1TvJAu9VI0s4rruRnWRqwOXvGeucQ21eb-WH5lVaIgwowKBkuDxBHPvBxhu_iBVU7iCKKJkACogh8OzEqgkyfHIGGAFLIc6LO7R4SjFvOg-WYZZGEVc_Ug/s1600/DSC04080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkS9x3ysKjXDM3_mzZq1tw1TvJAu9VI0s4rruRnWRqwOXvGeucQ21eb-WH5lVaIgwowKBkuDxBHPvBxhu_iBVU7iCKKJkACogh8OzEqgkyfHIGGAFLIc6LO7R4SjFvOg-WYZZGEVc_Ug/s640/DSC04080.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Bringing it back to the whole point of this post, the track lighting was a good compromise for Rob and I. I definitely did not want another track light in the house. I wanted a pendant light to be swagged over the table and some wall lights over the couch instead. However, this lights the room SO well. The halogen lights are crisp and wonderful, and I still get my pendant. Yay for happiness all around. Plus, the track light is fairly subtle. It's not in the pictures, but in real life you just don't notice them up there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_y58e-w77L8mKCZ_P9_MEyfADDqe3SjpvRKFy6IwzRZHA09N95-eZD53yAY3QouABkQptRfoT5wZyKIR_LpqOatKHx2BsegnKqOsxNo6b5PNymWCwuH6L3LGgxp2m7I7vJzGt2rldF4/s1600/DSC04083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_y58e-w77L8mKCZ_P9_MEyfADDqe3SjpvRKFy6IwzRZHA09N95-eZD53yAY3QouABkQptRfoT5wZyKIR_LpqOatKHx2BsegnKqOsxNo6b5PNymWCwuH6L3LGgxp2m7I7vJzGt2rldF4/s640/DSC04083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Dang, forgot those mirrors were still there on the wall, ignore those too)</div>
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Okay, so in all, the lighting system was not cheap. The track parts, track, spot lights and connectors totaled over $160. Luckily, the pendant only cost $9. Unluckily, we found out after we installed it that Home Depot sells a similar system for half the cost :( But, the Ikea one is a bit more unique... and Rob didn't want to uninstall it and drive 2 hours away to return it. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. I'm just glad the ugly fan is gone! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhU2pV1Immz6BfKQCYPoJquT1A_pk0_sgo5W4d_t_KUXAWvryw79R0VHS6muUqIo8f1OmhCk6QZD7PEaaV3Vh4S74FgE_g03-F2iPEM4In29NZBTys9dAF0awOLPYISnYky3hV8C0WfU/s1600/DSC04085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhU2pV1Immz6BfKQCYPoJquT1A_pk0_sgo5W4d_t_KUXAWvryw79R0VHS6muUqIo8f1OmhCk6QZD7PEaaV3Vh4S74FgE_g03-F2iPEM4In29NZBTys9dAF0awOLPYISnYky3hV8C0WfU/s640/DSC04085.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Now that I look at this I realize there are a few changes I'm going to make pronto. First, I'm going to take out the side table with the palm tree on it. The palm is an outdoor plant anyways, I'm just waiting for warmer weather. It can go lurk in another room. It's just too cluttered in that corner. It needs breathing space! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Secondly, </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcLtLT4sMtQ4rBXaHBvtotMmpwnjjcxsaO9J9Eul-f9dBSVxABngzu4C-ph_Ie-nhWEUkqIELxFwjREt-sf0E2ZGPhlvlNvNWe6kRs6jS7oFh0TEVi35WiHeOCHaOePj6JDZ9WDIn_hs/s1600/DSC04069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcLtLT4sMtQ4rBXaHBvtotMmpwnjjcxsaO9J9Eul-f9dBSVxABngzu4C-ph_Ie-nhWEUkqIELxFwjREt-sf0E2ZGPhlvlNvNWe6kRs6jS7oFh0TEVi35WiHeOCHaOePj6JDZ9WDIn_hs/s640/DSC04069.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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The shelf behind the table looks crazy busy so it's going as well. I can't seem to like it anywhere in the house... it might be time to let it go. And I know that basket on the table is weird too. It used to be on the coffee table but that got moved so it landed there temporarily. </div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">It's funny how pictures show what needs to be changed. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Regardless, how do you like the new bought and homemade lighting?</center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-19438794351161527252012-02-21T06:59:00.009-05:002012-02-21T06:59:00.387-05:00Softness, No More Nakieness, and Lightness.<br />
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In 2012 we took a little trip to the mighty <strike>mississipp</strike> Ikea. We didn't take any bacon either... or beans. And we were no where near New Orleans. Anyways, we decided to relegate a small corner of our income tax money to help the house. So of course we went to Ikea, our favorite place on earth. Here is what we got:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/flokati-rug-high-pile__51237_PE150722_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/flokati-rug-high-pile__51237_PE150722_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ikea Flokati 4.7' x 6.7' for $79.99</div>
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This has been on my bucket list as you know (link to my want of flokati here). I kept stroking it all the way through Ikea. Sooo soft. This will go in the living room under the couches. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/enje-roller-blind__0137786_PE296543_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/enje-roller-blind__0137786_PE296543_S4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two Ikea Enje Roller blinds - $24.99</div>
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These are for the living room as well. We have been opening and closing the curtains since we've lived here and it's getting old. I just want to walk around naked without showing the neighbors for heavens sake! These should help with that. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/micke-desk__0123725_PE279858_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/micke-desk__0123725_PE279858_S4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Micke Desk - normally $70 but I got it for $54. </div>
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Meet my new sewing table! I have looked high and low over Lexington for a table I can make-over but no luck. Everything is either too big or too small. I looked into putting two cabinets together and putting a top on it but this was a much cheaper option. Plus it's sleek and shiny. It really looks quite sexy. Rob has already built this so you'll be seeing it soon ;)</div>
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Lastly, and most importantly, remember our living room? And the whole lighting quandary? (<a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-more-lights-help.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNJbLfB8Hbf0YgZv3oBdyXpd7SjeQUJZbEYfPDlL2b6Z78cQbEGBkf22YAgy-HXjuWtjKDysMeqDlLWa8fmBrjXlxRSgHTXQmi7KrYqCpcLGXuRirGUGYML0cpok8LgLA1G13GgIQE9s/s640/DSC03582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNJbLfB8Hbf0YgZv3oBdyXpd7SjeQUJZbEYfPDlL2b6Z78cQbEGBkf22YAgy-HXjuWtjKDysMeqDlLWa8fmBrjXlxRSgHTXQmi7KrYqCpcLGXuRirGUGYML0cpok8LgLA1G13GgIQE9s/s640/DSC03582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, we discovered something we think is perfect:</div>
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<a href="http://st.houzz.com/simages/256751_0_4-0746-modern-ceiling-lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/256751_0_4-0746-modern-ceiling-lighting.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=16461180" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=16461180" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/images/products/ikea--sanda-line-voltage-adapter__0089921_PE223230_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/images/products/ikea--sanda-line-voltage-adapter__0089921_PE223230_S4.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ikea--sanda-track__0089919_PE223228_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ikea--sanda-track__0089919_PE223228_S4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/13807/">Via IKEA</a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">The Ikea 365+ lighting system. It's a track light yes, which I'm sick of, but you can put both spotlights AND pendants on it. We're still working on the pendant, but we got the track system parts we need!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">This will enable us to light up all corners of the living room without sacrificing the look of a pendant over the dining room table I've been pining over. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">As for the pendant, we've picked up the parts from Home Depot and Lowes. It will be a DIY and it's sooo cheap. Sorry to leave you hanging (har har) but I am going to keep that a secret for now in case our living room blows up. :)</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Now we just need to build and install it all... </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-29832579697793723362012-02-20T08:26:00.004-05:002012-02-20T08:26:00.684-05:00Twin Kitties<span style="text-align: left;">I've got a secret. For the past month we've been trying to find Loki a friend to play with during the day while we're gone. We fostered a little white girl kitten for two weeks but she was too skittish. Last week though, the Lexington Humane Society put all their 6 months+ cats on sale for $5 each. </span><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">What can I say? We like bargains... even with live creatures? We headed down and found the perfect cat. He's so laid back and chill. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXwIv4OPidcmEWVSif2b4rCsdKqCrV43qeFDrgc_GTG1fAH3jmBQY5y7Fm3zF0eb7dRZvZnwlUYz-g0unhYVcgIicLTF5kclBE2Ox7q7uX5lGfWuoAQON9DY9E1R3m6-UF2JFebWPqxg/s1600/DSC03950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXwIv4OPidcmEWVSif2b4rCsdKqCrV43qeFDrgc_GTG1fAH3jmBQY5y7Fm3zF0eb7dRZvZnwlUYz-g0unhYVcgIicLTF5kclBE2Ox7q7uX5lGfWuoAQON9DY9E1R3m6-UF2JFebWPqxg/s400/DSC03950.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">We named him Gable. After Clark Gable (who was mainly in black and white films... and hot. He was Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind!).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Him and Loki are fast friends now (a week and a half later). He is my sweet buddy who loves to be held constantly. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">There is just one problem, </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/419439_10150517246841899_675216898_9092043_398333488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/419439_10150517246841899_675216898_9092043_398333488_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">They look just alike! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431679_10150517243126899_675216898_9092036_1037825757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431679_10150517243126899_675216898_9092036_1037825757_n.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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(ignore the skanky living room)</div>
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They're both 6 months old. Now we don't feel so guilty leaving them alone during the day as much, all they do is play! Then when we get home they snuggle :) </div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-36013029648300277712012-02-17T08:07:00.000-05:002012-02-17T08:07:00.312-05:00Friday Miscellany<div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">I didn't have last weekend to wrap up any projects thanks to our impromptu trip to Chicago, so today you get a peek at all the unfinished projects that are lurking around our house. Woo!!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Vixqs_lmGLleQ4GN5O8zm8k52ifgocvwEhrsAyYpSyHOaw7J2adpQ9SUei5ZKAvxEDNQlEsM2sa0WVDemI1bclVqCFVgHXBG4EIxeg3AsFe1fUyi8wL9h1epkCROi7q6r9rw4ZY818/s1600/DSC03849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Vixqs_lmGLleQ4GN5O8zm8k52ifgocvwEhrsAyYpSyHOaw7J2adpQ9SUei5ZKAvxEDNQlEsM2sa0WVDemI1bclVqCFVgHXBG4EIxeg3AsFe1fUyi8wL9h1epkCROi7q6r9rw4ZY818/s640/DSC03849.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Okay so this isn't exactly a project, but my dead mums from this fall are alive! My dad cut them down to nubs and now they are green and fluffy!.. well one pot is, I might have killed the other (a second time). Also, 10 points if you spotted the cat tail!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxihtNHdPk5gK6DAOimpQEwD7rgFEnh9AL_-1WxdSTg5WIq5Uecr8NufgAm_psFA5-zL5Y-WmaphnOqSi3XS3j7KB_2tkc_3JU2wRdmxL6pIS7kVg_B_sTVKEu3-0JVRoyQYhL-KM0Hw/s1600/DSC03877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxihtNHdPk5gK6DAOimpQEwD7rgFEnh9AL_-1WxdSTg5WIq5Uecr8NufgAm_psFA5-zL5Y-WmaphnOqSi3XS3j7KB_2tkc_3JU2wRdmxL6pIS7kVg_B_sTVKEu3-0JVRoyQYhL-KM0Hw/s640/DSC03877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I might have been overly ambitious with this one. I thought "YEAH I CAN SEW NOW" so I got stuff to make a super simple blanket with pom trim.... then realized I don't know how to take the black thread of my machine. Fail. It's wadded up on the dining room table waiting for me. (The sewing machine hasn't made it to the guest room yet because I am too broke to even go to a thrift store and find a $10 table-- wow, that's bad).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjMkpAbuh53ZeLnsNZ62w7LRXPLBVe8sEVh3qZYvrixJNECF2uD2AM3Y9dkcWl3901IIbclrImhVpLsgqsXuPF3GeskSvXcBqTDvDn-sKu6Hb4o94TOv9zwTT3D0UXay60kVtdKOV6bs/s1600/DSC03894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjMkpAbuh53ZeLnsNZ62w7LRXPLBVe8sEVh3qZYvrixJNECF2uD2AM3Y9dkcWl3901IIbclrImhVpLsgqsXuPF3GeskSvXcBqTDvDn-sKu6Hb4o94TOv9zwTT3D0UXay60kVtdKOV6bs/s640/DSC03894.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The flooring installation came to a screeching halt two weeks ago when Rob reached the stair landing. Vinyl floors don't have stair noses!! Good thing for us to learn... when we already have one room done! We peeled off the carpet on the first step though and ours has a proper wooden bull nose. We think we've ninja'd out a way to use it without having to put in a super ugly brass one. Hopefully Rob can work on it again this weekend. HINT HINT.<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Free poop dresser gets extreme botox. It is now primed and painted Feildstone (again, broke so reusing paint) but I don't have pictures of it... and the doors are lumpy. I got mad at sanding for hours so I said fuck it (pardon my french but I did say it!) and painted over it. Now it's lumpy. I'm thinking about decoupaging maps to it... </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/13792342578326192/">Via pinterest</a></div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">...To disguise the lumpiness. I could sand it still, but I already dropped the f-bomb! I could also add some thin wood stuff. Or beadboard. I like the map idea best, but do you think it's too busy? Often I see brightly painted furniture and think it looks pretty... but then my house would look like a rainbow and I might find a unicorn lurking somewhere. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Random side note: So I literally just lost my balance and fell into my bathtub while on a bathroom break from writing this post (10pm Thurs. night). Rob came running upstairs when he heard a loud crash. I ripped the curtain off the rail, and bent my fingers back trying to catch myself. I'm totally fine. It hurts but I am hurting more from laughing! HA what a clutz. </center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-4562549100362169362012-02-15T07:36:00.000-05:002012-02-15T07:36:00.781-05:00Chicago Trip Pictures<div>
Aside from all the excitement concerning my ring, I really loved our trip to Chicago. City breaks are so much fun when you're stuck in the dull of winter. </div>
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Awesome Pizza place. </div>
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We didn't bring a marker so we couldn't put our name on the walls :(</div>
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<center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Anyways, awesome fun!</center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-6004633333589122622012-02-14T11:20:00.001-05:002012-02-14T11:21:44.133-05:00I am Engaged!<div>
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Sorry for the delay in posting... Rob took me on a surprise secret trip to Chicago this weekend and I'm still recovering! </div>
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Early Saturday morning he dragged me out of bed and had me pack "warm" clothes. Then he gave me an envelope marked #1 and we hit the road! The envelope had a few lines of driving instructions, stay on I75 til exit 285, for example. Every time we reached the last line in the envelope, I got a new one, with new instructions. </div>
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Each envelope had a little something in it, like a free back rub coupon, lottery ticket, hotel information/picture, etc. It was so exciting when it was time for the next envelope! I still had no clue where we going until envelope 4, when we were outside Indianapolis and I noticed we went under an I-65 sign that said "Chicago". I guessed it right then! :) I had thought we were going to Perfect North, a ski lodge in Indiana. </div>
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I'll show pictures of Chicago tomorrow, but today, I'll go with the engagement story. </div>
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Saturday night we went out to the end of Navy Pier (where it was totally freezing cold and I might have complained a bit about walking all the way to the end of it) where he handed me a sixth envelope!<br />
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I loved it!! Such a romantic way to ask!! And the setting was gorgeous. </div>
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Then we hurried inside after taking these pictures, it was 3 degrees F! </div>
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I love my ring too, simple and a twist on the traditional with the little diamonds under the big one :)</div>
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(side note, it is VERY hard to take a good picture of a ring!)</div>
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<center>So Happy!!!</center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-71819915224899978482012-02-10T08:02:00.000-05:002012-02-10T08:02:00.356-05:00No More Lights, Help!<div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">Where have all the good lights gone?!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">We're trying to replace the ugly ugly ceiling fan in the living room but we can't find a single thing we agree on. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNJbLfB8Hbf0YgZv3oBdyXpd7SjeQUJZbEYfPDlL2b6Z78cQbEGBkf22YAgy-HXjuWtjKDysMeqDlLWa8fmBrjXlxRSgHTXQmi7KrYqCpcLGXuRirGUGYML0cpok8LgLA1G13GgIQE9s/s1600/DSC03582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNJbLfB8Hbf0YgZv3oBdyXpd7SjeQUJZbEYfPDlL2b6Z78cQbEGBkf22YAgy-HXjuWtjKDysMeqDlLWa8fmBrjXlxRSgHTXQmi7KrYqCpcLGXuRirGUGYML0cpok8LgLA1G13GgIQE9s/s640/DSC03582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: center;">This picture is (obviously) from Christmas and before the Hutch. I drew it in to remind you ;)</center><center style="text-align: center;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">The only thing we've vaguely liked (okay I've liked) is the Eden pendent from CB2. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.cb2.com/is/image/CB2/EdenPendantLampF8?$web_zoom$&wid=337&hei=337" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.cb2.com/is/image/CB2/EdenPendantLampF8?$web_zoom$&wid=337&hei=337" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cb2.com/pendant-lamps/lighting/eden-pendant-lamp/f4773">CB2</a></div>
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Seen here all hiked up like we'd need it to be:</div>
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<a href="http://welcometoheardmont.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://welcometoheardmont.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030666.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://welcometoheardmont.com/2011/02/master-closet-phase-5-the-big-reveal/">Via </a></div>
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But it's not LOVE. </div>
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Our problem is that I've heard the Eden pendant has only meh light-output. Our living room is 18x18 and needs a bit of oomph and oh-my-gosh-is-that-the-rapture-or-just-your-light shazam?! It also has to be a ceiling hugger... we walk underneath it every day. I'm not against a good looking ceiling fan either... they seem to have lots of wattage abilities. </div>
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So, has anyone seen any flushmount/semi flushmount/ or adjustable pendant lights that would fit in with our room? .... I should clarify that we are broke, no $973888846 figures please ;)</div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-70588486349322325572012-02-08T07:51:00.000-05:002012-02-08T07:51:00.660-05:00(Ugly) Curb Finds<div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">My neighbors are all home improve-ing right now. No snow = buy new furniture time? I don't know. Either way, I've snagged two cool (to me) pieces of furniture this last week from the curb. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">The first is this little oak nightstand. Nothing wrong with it, the finish is a bit dry is all. Well, that and it's ugly. I can fix that though. I plan on adding some small legs to give it height, and knocking off the curvy bit on the bottom. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3h90Dmw5XSHnefGqNi4ih929iQY6_uYAr4jMe58yHjQd6tNub6t5b7LykubbDndNqm6as08dOnrcuLh1D0jn7bBB7g9rCYW1Zxf8sMIzEavzvtQZCwZbl49KRRgWPaUoc1Iwz99plnU/s1600/DSC03935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3h90Dmw5XSHnefGqNi4ih929iQY6_uYAr4jMe58yHjQd6tNub6t5b7LykubbDndNqm6as08dOnrcuLh1D0jn7bBB7g9rCYW1Zxf8sMIzEavzvtQZCwZbl49KRRgWPaUoc1Iwz99plnU/s640/DSC03935.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWs97t7A_Q32vohO0dnZ3ylP9nmjmJGy0_i8hrEd81v8Tf-ytDFHUuX2-UsForPMrHwa3YWr121IEO9p5q4TCtyhqPKlZWSzJWAVeCg895HfHXenCYvU_-69x326A6J2fJFajQwtuNnA/s1600/DSC03936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWs97t7A_Q32vohO0dnZ3ylP9nmjmJGy0_i8hrEd81v8Tf-ytDFHUuX2-UsForPMrHwa3YWr121IEO9p5q4TCtyhqPKlZWSzJWAVeCg895HfHXenCYvU_-69x326A6J2fJFajQwtuNnA/s640/DSC03936.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>The living room is a bit of a junky backdrop, sorry, the boxes of flooring are everywhere... and free furniture is everywhere too. Oops. </center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">The second free thing we lugged back home is this dresser. Rob absolutely loathes it. </center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U7PbpEtptmm4NtvVZJ7bcXUjXCjIYGU-Ul50NTGmG-toWlwsKOEhmaQYe54WbMkZcF3pOyYgmzHIjTKsZ6xe1jkg8i2ciV2Z_2Y8vg0M8tFVswWfyTYtQZtK0O9qVdw-Yg2F5DDlKcQ/s1600/DSC03931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U7PbpEtptmm4NtvVZJ7bcXUjXCjIYGU-Ul50NTGmG-toWlwsKOEhmaQYe54WbMkZcF3pOyYgmzHIjTKsZ6xe1jkg8i2ciV2Z_2Y8vg0M8tFVswWfyTYtQZtK0O9qVdw-Yg2F5DDlKcQ/s640/DSC03931.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Yeah, it's hideous. Poop brown and matte silver. Mmmm. Rob refused to bring it home, til I begged and pleaded for awhile. Then threw a temper tantrum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7t86FavHLlm40uTVKTPuSVUeXM9bZVSXdpjGJe03i6Y1aBp_GtHu9l1tZol4rclb72uU67mDPVC3qdrH-VpEqz46rbKBF1O4QSdQFJFHKRAkc9x14IHhJRJKWFxWgCUKrGlb3CRqQEM/s1600/DSC03932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7t86FavHLlm40uTVKTPuSVUeXM9bZVSXdpjGJe03i6Y1aBp_GtHu9l1tZol4rclb72uU67mDPVC3qdrH-VpEqz46rbKBF1O4QSdQFJFHKRAkc9x14IHhJRJKWFxWgCUKrGlb3CRqQEM/s640/DSC03932.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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It's FREE storage though! Rob think I'm going to turn into a hoarder. I couldn't explain it very well last night to him. Even if we shove it in a closet, it's still cheaper than installing shelving for extra storage. He thinks I have no limit to what I'll bring home just cause it's free. But like, if we found a free king bed. I'd leave it since we already have a king sized bed that I love. We could always use another dresser though. Does that make sense? No? Oh well.<br />
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Plus, that little door compartment will be good for storing stacks of fabric for my meeeeellion pairs of barbie jeans I'm going to sew now that I'm a Sewing Master. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oKJJwKWeAcVn_iJo4OWRn5C-YtkIgIHZQNynEVe7fvXfqYrcuHQNDfrZIc4FJ3swQgYBIkwo-cWRB_AJGwnouELu6-Be7ppHjHtSuOaTVJI9z9Tuhjg9dTcR8ksunr3E1zawEK6BmEA/s1600/DSC03933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oKJJwKWeAcVn_iJo4OWRn5C-YtkIgIHZQNynEVe7fvXfqYrcuHQNDfrZIc4FJ3swQgYBIkwo-cWRB_AJGwnouELu6-Be7ppHjHtSuOaTVJI9z9Tuhjg9dTcR8ksunr3E1zawEK6BmEA/s640/DSC03933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I'm planning on filling in all those details on the doors (and throwing that hardware away). That way the doors won't be so over the top cutesy country. And sanding it, a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">It's DIY gone bad. I'm glad the neighbors bought new furniture... they don't have the skills to redo their own... think I'm mean? Look at it in the light!!!</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuogKQb6Hy1ORRAk1habFjjjGaR3MfehTttEN5fJeYhmEPyOmcA3o34Q_82Ku5YBTJFxdKpl_KeajGTn2dg8GzCkKsqQ5P_qAmA2T2rAGFKb0lDMvGZne9KgJcI8Uox7Ut1JZ-ubAbN20/s1600/DSC03939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuogKQb6Hy1ORRAk1habFjjjGaR3MfehTttEN5fJeYhmEPyOmcA3o34Q_82Ku5YBTJFxdKpl_KeajGTn2dg8GzCkKsqQ5P_qAmA2T2rAGFKb0lDMvGZne9KgJcI8Uox7Ut1JZ-ubAbN20/s640/DSC03939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<center><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></center><center><span style="text-align: left;">LOOK AT THE DRIPS! The whole thing is drippy. Ahhhh. </span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-86345463883638792802012-02-06T04:49:00.000-05:002012-02-06T04:49:00.575-05:00My First Sewing Project: Pillow!<div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">Last week I started playing with my sewing machine. My Nana sat down with me for hours and taught me the basics. We used all 8 of the feet that came with my machine (which is awesome by the way, <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/12/very-happy-weekend.html">here is the post about getting it for christmas</a>). Once I had some confidence, she taught me how to cut and pin the pieces for an envelope pillow, and then I sewed it! Oh and I only used the one normal foot for the pillow obviously :) </center><center><br /></center><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQXjks_X474pFIBv8ysVkk3AVmbKxzWyo3zxtnWtrbWAxMkwNJLB8vNGdpEViK70LfxPGk1rCvazDWy_70SNsIGLTD4mLd4PPPSPREALVlpHRy3hms8JoPBfxp2LHkBuR19o-ytysnHI/s1600/DSC03921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQXjks_X474pFIBv8ysVkk3AVmbKxzWyo3zxtnWtrbWAxMkwNJLB8vNGdpEViK70LfxPGk1rCvazDWy_70SNsIGLTD4mLd4PPPSPREALVlpHRy3hms8JoPBfxp2LHkBuR19o-ytysnHI/s640/DSC03921.JPG" width="428" /></a>
</center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">It's the ikat-ish black and cream polka dot one :)</center><center><br /></center><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HWLNjrbv0_kGkiI3uFrX3OgCQjOELRCaw0m8gn4GXASWLUTd3X47X1A0xDmSyCbs_y_1RjHeRcIAL1WHXQYG2sIn1bKfor7P8cDeE7rdWK8092LmSkaIUzrUMhPR-3at2F2_R7Gi6FA/s1600/DSC03911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HWLNjrbv0_kGkiI3uFrX3OgCQjOELRCaw0m8gn4GXASWLUTd3X47X1A0xDmSyCbs_y_1RjHeRcIAL1WHXQYG2sIn1bKfor7P8cDeE7rdWK8092LmSkaIUzrUMhPR-3at2F2_R7Gi6FA/s640/DSC03911.JPG" width="640" /></a></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Honestly it wasn't that hard. I had bigged it all up in my mind and now I feel like I could sew anything! Even a coat or a thousand pairs of jeans for barbie! HA just kidding. Maybe another pillow ;) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VPMWHBWcCkK4rq_qerutSEkD2mxj3Tt87tr-CNMmQ6SLaClrhQa0DBvwbwThI4EdHsl1VKjMXm3rQRz4W47UbjcDkJTDjkWF3NqH7FXTWFGrvSwzoFtTSAbLs4kGpIkOwEV1zc7Q4TM/s1600/DSC03915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VPMWHBWcCkK4rq_qerutSEkD2mxj3Tt87tr-CNMmQ6SLaClrhQa0DBvwbwThI4EdHsl1VKjMXm3rQRz4W47UbjcDkJTDjkWF3NqH7FXTWFGrvSwzoFtTSAbLs4kGpIkOwEV1zc7Q4TM/s640/DSC03915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a bit of a tight fit, I used one of my $1 down pillow inserts. I washed them all two weekends ago (finally) and they poofed up into giant balls. I had to punch this one for a while to get it to go back down in size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwvAl34lo5X09Q83ZYkkBK83OLeuVP8gHDXZtg9RV0pKO1w7f5vFfU6P65wX_JOjoGOtmU4sOICvLDcm4MTUW_5gHVHjDC7ROnRAM0Kea8s_eBLEGHdx_9h68Ck3LFKPW3d9fTXvN99Y/s1600/DSC03916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwvAl34lo5X09Q83ZYkkBK83OLeuVP8gHDXZtg9RV0pKO1w7f5vFfU6P65wX_JOjoGOtmU4sOICvLDcm4MTUW_5gHVHjDC7ROnRAM0Kea8s_eBLEGHdx_9h68Ck3LFKPW3d9fTXvN99Y/s640/DSC03916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did a little trick my Nana taught me for the corners. I ran two perpendicular lines to form the initial corner, then went back and laid a diagonal line cutting across the corner. Somehow, using ancient voodoo magic, that made it have sharp corners.<br />
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Also, don't be judging the tiny scrap of black paint on my nails!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sFBQGf6hQF5Uicpv2L3LSnzSw3iGcTnkt-URctTWGb3evfZetExO8kJnj6cI-uBHrpex9XzmiLatDCzr6CcROpR5nc_5qXZTFMrzFSPJqrHs981goSsQ-9xgsXpfnL-MqV1-ho5ivk0/s1600/DSC03919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sFBQGf6hQF5Uicpv2L3LSnzSw3iGcTnkt-URctTWGb3evfZetExO8kJnj6cI-uBHrpex9XzmiLatDCzr6CcROpR5nc_5qXZTFMrzFSPJqrHs981goSsQ-9xgsXpfnL-MqV1-ho5ivk0/s640/DSC03919.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I love the print. It's Moda... it has a crazy name like puttin' on the ritz or something but I threw the receipt away and I forgot. I can check my account at fabric.com though. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiwUKq68fnSyGYc9CU8BMK-xVaXTswE7iF9HjZXlHHZRrxbcUOis_Y7CExw3Vc_BqLK4K8lhRNy87Nvjote8koVfHVrITFBID5-5nnMBvJ77IfGZ2KtUPJDAQV82r6xL72SxPIl3fgYc/s1600/DSC03922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiwUKq68fnSyGYc9CU8BMK-xVaXTswE7iF9HjZXlHHZRrxbcUOis_Y7CExw3Vc_BqLK4K8lhRNy87Nvjote8koVfHVrITFBID5-5nnMBvJ77IfGZ2KtUPJDAQV82r6xL72SxPIl3fgYc/s640/DSC03922.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">So, how did I do for a first timer? :) </center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-750710225899130712012-02-03T07:30:00.000-05:002012-02-03T07:30:04.794-05:00New Pillows in the Master Bedroom<div>
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Rob's sister Lizzie sewed two pillow covers for us this Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0WX-SmZ3wq7ufJvDWOdNkQBD2J_fpJvxNr_7KhifGSvY7vdAdUVUX6S1LOGuQAYPpgDFy4XTvarXkxt8FOZOGjF4xtS7qDX7NyziS_sS3nPkr9y4II7DxTguGR1uKk5mcKPiWm1vHh0/s1600/DSC03833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0WX-SmZ3wq7ufJvDWOdNkQBD2J_fpJvxNr_7KhifGSvY7vdAdUVUX6S1LOGuQAYPpgDFy4XTvarXkxt8FOZOGjF4xtS7qDX7NyziS_sS3nPkr9y4II7DxTguGR1uKk5mcKPiWm1vHh0/s640/DSC03833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> What an amazing gift. I was tickled PINK when I opened the package in the mail. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xIE2UmUM-RPNu8Ws3RIAVJUAgn0NJJc9rHkZE2cRPHDT0atQlXdOO5Xno7sJBrmlRxPhn6YE1XSIqbszzZSDifV0h_zra7jWaz0fBSLHQvDsYQbC7HVy1HzTy-bSFGtAUASdCwrHtao/s1600/DSC03836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xIE2UmUM-RPNu8Ws3RIAVJUAgn0NJJc9rHkZE2cRPHDT0atQlXdOO5Xno7sJBrmlRxPhn6YE1XSIqbszzZSDifV0h_zra7jWaz0fBSLHQvDsYQbC7HVy1HzTy-bSFGtAUASdCwrHtao/s640/DSC03836.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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They're made using two premier print fabrics and a waverly Rob's mom and I found on their recent visit back in October. I love being reminded of their trip. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7VXVqDQWHMm6PB-RZDtjzOiJH2SxxatZHw7B9D-_e0qi_6KyG04wDEclrbTEipVBpziG5tloHTZC505mISdgxap5sgkOlwz5h_f3Jvt6nS_p-9qsb0QEsX6Th9ZOWYHbABe_XaXaUVw/s1600/DSC03838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7VXVqDQWHMm6PB-RZDtjzOiJH2SxxatZHw7B9D-_e0qi_6KyG04wDEclrbTEipVBpziG5tloHTZC505mISdgxap5sgkOlwz5h_f3Jvt6nS_p-9qsb0QEsX6Th9ZOWYHbABe_XaXaUVw/s640/DSC03838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also love how creative they are-- I never expected her to use the fabrics like this. It's SO much better than how I'd imagined it would be. I was worried they wouldn't mesh well together but look how pretty!!! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqCRL5OSb9d3m4wu8jOEiN_YP5am3kWmGux-n2KojfTKnwH31lU_Hy_Mt1hpwgusNlr-eyPYrtdoXyejfvIamKgAB3Pm7JFdRJJ2aQXVLZwuqa2oMygeWd-c-snJOsIEFk8heWQJ4BHs/s1600/DSC03839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqCRL5OSb9d3m4wu8jOEiN_YP5am3kWmGux-n2KojfTKnwH31lU_Hy_Mt1hpwgusNlr-eyPYrtdoXyejfvIamKgAB3Pm7JFdRJJ2aQXVLZwuqa2oMygeWd-c-snJOsIEFk8heWQJ4BHs/s640/DSC03839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The barber Premier Print in particular is nice, she outlined the bird!! Skills!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW9N2hFSpRWeXvsaMUYSBTLLJVcAFGL4u-zSrBiZZ7VjxKuE5eyvVw4OEbjvDwEIFNu0ubcArlsF3bTHv8N3okh5wFcKTuvdnu-74uV4Yy0fCeb_hQIe1YtsdyuZRyq3JTflgw0ZIeiU/s1600/DSC03841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW9N2hFSpRWeXvsaMUYSBTLLJVcAFGL4u-zSrBiZZ7VjxKuE5eyvVw4OEbjvDwEIFNu0ubcArlsF3bTHv8N3okh5wFcKTuvdnu-74uV4Yy0fCeb_hQIe1YtsdyuZRyq3JTflgw0ZIeiU/s640/DSC03841.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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We put them on the couch in the little reading nook of the bedroom. Here's a picture that sorta explains where it is. The door to the room is to the right of the book cases. And no, I didn't make the bed for you :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW887h4far6__f49rngqeVNkAfr1wBS0fzPDt09ipYjEChV-hO4HTag31tI7zfii1lzvO8B632lCYX7Rub2zF92mQIi3fTEY85mGGZCoSNGiI2DtjKXvwKj_Y2FDhF4kIACfHJTVS0hOc/s1600/DSC03846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW887h4far6__f49rngqeVNkAfr1wBS0fzPDt09ipYjEChV-hO4HTag31tI7zfii1lzvO8B632lCYX7Rub2zF92mQIi3fTEY85mGGZCoSNGiI2DtjKXvwKj_Y2FDhF4kIACfHJTVS0hOc/s640/DSC03846.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-70042506095830793712012-02-01T08:54:00.001-05:002012-02-01T09:54:03.763-05:00Less than $30 GIANT Map Art!<div>
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I've been loving the trend of maps in the home lately! So Rob and I decided to find ourselves our own giant map art. But we ran into a wall with the prices. Yikes!</div>
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Awesome Ikea map... that is ridiculously over priced at $150. Eventually, we had to buy our own poster map and mount it ourselves. </div>
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I can't remember who did this (I found it again via pinterest) but this is what originally sparked the idea for us to use map pins in our giant map to remember where in the world we've been too (and Carmen). </div>
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After a month or two of gathering supplies, it's finally done!! In the end it cost us less than $30, and it's SO easy to replicate! So I'm going to tell you how we did it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l2Zucl8UNFtji2wjKGitW19RDHTsuvBTU__kiioL8NXJRmBmhQwoHdbP47YQ2AikItdTDQbgsfWMjBjQrtoS1upzZjQiz5a93B_6Tpq5lVpHlJgnkogJ3goc3PsnMreX8zNc9PjHHAU/s1600/pinterest+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l2Zucl8UNFtji2wjKGitW19RDHTsuvBTU__kiioL8NXJRmBmhQwoHdbP47YQ2AikItdTDQbgsfWMjBjQrtoS1upzZjQiz5a93B_6Tpq5lVpHlJgnkogJ3goc3PsnMreX8zNc9PjHHAU/s640/pinterest+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Source List:</div>
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--The map came from Barnes and Noble. They have a section of map posters... if you dig through them and look at each one, the un-laminated ones are ~$7. They have the "antique" map and the normal one. We got the antique looking one since the colors were softer. We got ours for $4 though since I found a 30% off coupon. Always check retailmenot.com! </div>
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-- The molding came from Lowes. It's the simple foam core baseboards. They come in 8 ft. sections for about $4.50. You'll need two 8ft sections. </div>
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-- The paint is chalkboard paint. It was the only black paint I had on hand! I ended up really liking the matte look it gave though. If you don't have black paint, you could pick up one of those $1 bottles of craft paint. </div>
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-- Green Guard Home foam insulation sheet-- from Lowes. It's in the duct work and insulation aisles. We got the 1in. thickness. It comes in MASSIVE sheets for just $13, you'll have to cut it in the store to get it home. It's too big for cars and too light to put in the back of your truck. </div>
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-- Hot glue, glue gun, and picture hanging kit. </div>
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It came to around $26 for us. </div>
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Tutorial: </div>
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Step 1: Lay the map on the foam board. Cut around the map, leaving an inch on the outside.</div>
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Attach the map to the foam insulation board with thumb tacks in the very tippy top edges. You'll cover these up with the molding and use that inch of foam to hot glue the molding to. </div>
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Step 2: Molding time. We used mitre box and hand saw. They are like $10 at Walmart. Measure the molding to wherever on the map you want. We left the sun trim showing since Rob liked it. Cut all corners at a 45 degree angle and they'll fit together just fine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRuR_mHOJGOstIIbpwdhjEPNQye6nLNVztcj1qq_DCdYp4MHOePZSHZ3nKS_nVzVm8WyiYuTc_HK0nyRMBwWhYFX8ElpoE3x5GjMeY3ciHwKK4Tja8Fkl2RgfZupE5kibOWwIJXFbBHs/s1600/DSC03783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRuR_mHOJGOstIIbpwdhjEPNQye6nLNVztcj1qq_DCdYp4MHOePZSHZ3nKS_nVzVm8WyiYuTc_HK0nyRMBwWhYFX8ElpoE3x5GjMeY3ciHwKK4Tja8Fkl2RgfZupE5kibOWwIJXFbBHs/s640/DSC03783.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Step 3: Paint the trim. Once dry, hot glue the corners together. It's like caulking... with hot glue. Once dry, slide hot glue along underneath the molding too. Let dry again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SuV_r4-KSLKB3plhhiD_YuLHTgXkn6mnT-GPqsr-7rwvh0StggH0-R4rjfMM8djK9gUgpk8k1oLc74oaoZ0XicQ2eC38jFmWoPidB86hs9lbcRLWzl3DF2SfbUOsITs6AIuLJAaHf8Y/s1600/DSC03863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SuV_r4-KSLKB3plhhiD_YuLHTgXkn6mnT-GPqsr-7rwvh0StggH0-R4rjfMM8djK9gUgpk8k1oLc74oaoZ0XicQ2eC38jFmWoPidB86hs9lbcRLWzl3DF2SfbUOsITs6AIuLJAaHf8Y/s640/DSC03863.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's okay if it's slightly wonky.</div>
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Step 4: Flip it over carefully (might take 2 people). And hot glue the foam to the molding like so:<br />
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Step 5: Insert picture hanging hooks. The little tacks push easily into the foam. I used hot glue to cement the picture holders in place too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLYHrZuWNUyFjq_i1Dhyphenhyphen01q7qdcX1waCER7PpLjT0ihnGAUYXQV6PiqWGNyG5B9nQk5D6zeXWHTyTFxcUVbJFQWC6xrxJfzI8ZyH4HjRXmavgIsjlRHyMLzY4__dgi_NATYhP0jSeMgk/s1600/DSC03858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLYHrZuWNUyFjq_i1Dhyphenhyphen01q7qdcX1waCER7PpLjT0ihnGAUYXQV6PiqWGNyG5B9nQk5D6zeXWHTyTFxcUVbJFQWC6xrxJfzI8ZyH4HjRXmavgIsjlRHyMLzY4__dgi_NATYhP0jSeMgk/s640/DSC03858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 6: Hang and enjoy!<br />
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The map pins can be found at OfficeMax by the way. It took us awhile to find some at a decent price. These were $3.50 for 50 pins in red, white, and black. We used the black to show where Rob has been in the world, the white for where I've been (practically no where), and red for where we've been together.<br />
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So far we've been to three continents together: Europe, North America, and Africa (Tunisia).<br />
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<center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">I need to travel now!!</center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-58494097219208206252012-01-30T07:46:00.001-05:002012-01-30T21:02:21.317-05:00$10 Driftwood<div>
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So the week before last I was gone all week in Gatlinburg, TN remember? While there Rob and I decided to hit up this GIANT flea market they had by the interstate. 99.99% of the stuff in the market was total crap. You know where they sell weird Chinese stuff that didn't make it to normal stores, ugly 90's quilts with deer on them, 7589475 pairs of cheap socks, etc? It's just junk. We were totally disappointed. We NEVER find cool stuff when we thrift out of our city. </div>
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Well. as we were leaving and I was pouting, we saw a tent area to the side of the main market. Inside we found this high school kid surrounded by driftwood all thrown around on cheap folding tables. He fishes them out of the Tennessee river behind his house. I went and looked at them, not thinking of buying anything because normally driftwood is crazy pricey. Rob asked though and we ended up getting two hunks of driftwood for $10 total. TOTAL STEAL!</div>
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The first one the kid had already poly-ed. We put it at the head of our stair landing next to our master bedroom. That bookshelf is mega cheap and it needs art above it but I love how organic the wood is. The lighting is a bit wonky since the sun can't shine on our stairwell, but you get the idea.<br />
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If you look closely, you can see kerf marks that beavers made while chomping. :)<br />
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The second piece is un-polyed. It's not even very clean but it looks like flowing water.<br />
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I put it on the living room dresser. So much texture!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen-oGGu0EBdgnL5YNDW8aNnJ5b1oREZ92UdbfpUO_gDWLBraQwAtfbOYFoOHvaUXE14ff4fMUeTw0b4SwRDAY1vcjZpvKrcwk7PRItI15NcWaOZ4NnBBGW-ZzO7SnaxyQeIlHwlnE5Ac/s1600/DSC03852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen-oGGu0EBdgnL5YNDW8aNnJ5b1oREZ92UdbfpUO_gDWLBraQwAtfbOYFoOHvaUXE14ff4fMUeTw0b4SwRDAY1vcjZpvKrcwk7PRItI15NcWaOZ4NnBBGW-ZzO7SnaxyQeIlHwlnE5Ac/s640/DSC03852.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">I think it looks a bit like a ring wraith's hand too. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Anyone else a fan of driftwood? </center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Linking to:</center><center><br /></center><center><a href="http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/2012/01/tuesdays-treasures_30.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyUncommonSliceOfSuburbia+%28My+Uncommon+Slice+of+Suburbia%29">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Tuesday Treasures</a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-27654744114799958102012-01-29T16:39:00.000-05:002012-01-29T16:39:32.495-05:00The Love Spoon<div>
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I got some things in the mail this weekend from my Great Great Aunt. Most of it was cool silver jewelry of hers from the past (the way way past), but she also sent us a love spoon??</div>
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The tag says it is hand carved from Wales. It's a traditional welsh gift and depending on the pattern of the handle, it means different things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaQyk6xHrkfE2Zu0NSqRwbXUE2033V-5oC-yeXWDRrBLeKo_qjZE_U1R1OLF5EUTcS84AAaq1P9Y4IyBlcDHf5R1FKjpDwyQwRKB2H5Rm1LaDcsvDnHXucZqsERA5wLgTpLDV3P97QLc/s1600/DSC03814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaQyk6xHrkfE2Zu0NSqRwbXUE2033V-5oC-yeXWDRrBLeKo_qjZE_U1R1OLF5EUTcS84AAaq1P9Y4IyBlcDHf5R1FKjpDwyQwRKB2H5Rm1LaDcsvDnHXucZqsERA5wLgTpLDV3P97QLc/s640/DSC03814.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I don't know what ours means, but it's pretty neat! I hung it on a tiny wall in the kitchen in between the bathroom and mancave. </div>
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Thanks Elanor!<br />
<center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-32822674326765298332012-01-27T07:18:00.000-05:002012-01-27T07:18:00.266-05:00Simple Classic Beef Stew.<div>
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I'm not much of a cook. I like to bake, but cooking is a bit frustrating because I am not very inventive... I like the same tastes over and over again, I don't add anything or tweak the recipe! So I love it when I finally get something right. </div>
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That said, this recipe for Beef Stew was impossible for me to find. I really wanted classic southern beef stew... like the taste of biting into a fresh roast. Everything I searched for was too thick, too runny, had weird stuff like thyme in it, used red wine, used mushrooms (ew), and other yuck things. In the end, I mixed Rob's mom's, my Nana's, and the Pioneer Woman's recipes to get our favorite one. This is SIMPLE beef stew. It has simple everyday ingredients so it's easy, and it's filling to boot. One recipe makes about 4 servings. More if you are dainty eaters. Rob and I are two helpings kinda people though... I say that as I jiggle dorito belly.</div>
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<img height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhzf80bODbajUop4Q3BBhbVsE9HtLDLsSBLw3M-ZnOf0UXgoOuPtRh1S0wA9FFKpZNzNCfcRO-NV5maX3MTG0agg4XluBGMmlUiPZJ1Zjb9vVppA4MHcXxNdq_tewIItd1vUzeSsEBR8/s320/DSC03763.JPG" width="320" />
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Ingredients:</div>
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- Half a small videlia onion. Or "sweet yellow onion" if your grocery is politically correct. </div>
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- carrots, the fresh baby kind. Half a small bag maybe?</div>
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- about 2 pounds of roast meat. Can be pre-cubed, rump roast, chuck roast, etc. </div>
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- 1 tablespoon canola oil</div>
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- 3 beef bouillon cubes</div>
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- 3/4 cup pearled barley (makes it hearty, you can add more of less, won't affect the flavor) It's in the same aisle as bags of pinto beans, split peas, etc.</div>
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- 1 teaspoon flour</div>
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- 1 tablespoon black pepper</div>
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- 2 tablespoons garlic powder</div>
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- dash of sugar</div>
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- copious amounts of salt</div>
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Cook in a covered pan/dutch oven/3qt pot on medium. The whole stew takes about 2-3 hours to get done. Only 20 mins of prep time though, the rest is just leaving it to simmer on the stove (or crock pot). </div>
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I'm not your doctor. Don't fuss if salt is bad for you. I'm sure crack is worse ;)</div>
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Okay so brown your onions in a 3 qt saucepan with the canola oil. If you're making it with veggies like carrots, add those in right now too. I didn't have carrots when I made this and I didn't feel like running to the store. It tastes fine without it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A-jd4Vh_MFdFwuYvhcXG2EMAg0VgVeZlpWOH1c5lEzfVx5cjz9QUWD-4_dGC315GHW4ij3CwQG0X6pm523SNY_LwEITnlVU7A_j2ZQP2tZ1yWBQIZP7ra1Bu-XmsNCNUsjl3VPLmeY0/s1600/DSC03735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A-jd4Vh_MFdFwuYvhcXG2EMAg0VgVeZlpWOH1c5lEzfVx5cjz9QUWD-4_dGC315GHW4ij3CwQG0X6pm523SNY_LwEITnlVU7A_j2ZQP2tZ1yWBQIZP7ra1Bu-XmsNCNUsjl3VPLmeY0/s640/DSC03735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While that is browning, slice up your beef into tiiiiny little cubes. Like so:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIjXR6IBZNadLmkDrsERyiXCFMblX6UdZhYRVpd9tBFl7zTFqjJtm-hYZ3EyBgh93kDSaTDuSs1hLUIMHZRD-egI6MUZAg06_HTmPS1g22cu8gVMbHatx6cmtiX7mXW5-bQhHtDO_j-w/s1600/DSC03738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIjXR6IBZNadLmkDrsERyiXCFMblX6UdZhYRVpd9tBFl7zTFqjJtm-hYZ3EyBgh93kDSaTDuSs1hLUIMHZRD-egI6MUZAg06_HTmPS1g22cu8gVMbHatx6cmtiX7mXW5-bQhHtDO_j-w/s640/DSC03738.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Then once the onions are floppy and brown, add in your beef and the teaspoon of flour and brown that as well. Don't worry about the insides of the beef, just get the outsides brown. At this point dump in a few teaspoons of salt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd441f82GsUXdc5gsips_i2955ReLaYA0DZAR-fdd6XzNtdBjHiGwo5PuLJq0Xergetzl5q322eq8SAO1EStWxG6zL8ZwuqsFAYMIKbTRs9PmT6zudQpzjaIawOmVMXQJFPf7owZ2i_nI/s1600/DSC03741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd441f82GsUXdc5gsips_i2955ReLaYA0DZAR-fdd6XzNtdBjHiGwo5PuLJq0Xergetzl5q322eq8SAO1EStWxG6zL8ZwuqsFAYMIKbTRs9PmT6zudQpzjaIawOmVMXQJFPf7owZ2i_nI/s640/DSC03741.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While that is browning, start preparing your bouillon cubes per the instructions on your bouillon package. For mine, 1 cup of boiling water + 1 cube = 1 cup beef broth. You need 3, so add 3 cubes to 3 cups of boiling water.<br />
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Watch the cubes fizzle as they dissolve. YAY bubbles!!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALV_pVfsdeeFu84jjprQx8WPunIjTJ39VwNhoSG7moDM2wQd7vE3cO3Y6ZK8vkBmYF4BhwlvrxgClDWKnHZRD8_i0vGZQuER5cP0lAcY7BwnnXnhqifyJMbuNhbCGXmsmUBJAenSsCdk/s1600/DSC03743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALV_pVfsdeeFu84jjprQx8WPunIjTJ39VwNhoSG7moDM2wQd7vE3cO3Y6ZK8vkBmYF4BhwlvrxgClDWKnHZRD8_i0vGZQuER5cP0lAcY7BwnnXnhqifyJMbuNhbCGXmsmUBJAenSsCdk/s640/DSC03743.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Okay. The cubed beef should be browned now so dump in the broth now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKFYXNOGFjHN-W6DD1kZ4EEvy-Onu0zwjIN7X2SxYcKnECJT5Vynkp6t2USR3JoXHKZeX_LGehyz_tAaKBGbE3upByYSG836T8vt1qbUbASqnVgdr6AD3Mrz2FilKtd6GZtXJnl1P1BA/s1600/DSC03746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKFYXNOGFjHN-W6DD1kZ4EEvy-Onu0zwjIN7X2SxYcKnECJT5Vynkp6t2USR3JoXHKZeX_LGehyz_tAaKBGbE3upByYSG836T8vt1qbUbASqnVgdr6AD3Mrz2FilKtd6GZtXJnl1P1BA/s640/DSC03746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stir that up and keep it boiling. Pour in another few teaspoons of salt. I don't measure the salt at all honestly, I just dump until I start to worry about diabetes. Now it is time for the barley. You need pearled barley. It's like $1.50 for a bag that will last you 6 stews. Cheap.<br />
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Scoop up 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of it and pour it in the saucepan.<br />
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Add more salt. You think I'm kidding with the salt? It is vital. Now your stew should be looking like this with the pearled barley all sunk down to the bottom. It will rise as it fattens up and turns soft.<br />
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Now we add the garlic powder. Taste the pot liquor to see how it's going after the garlic has been added. Does it need more salt? Most likely it does. Muahaha. It also needs something else...<br />
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Just a pinch though!!! Less than 1/4 teaspoon. It helps make the pepper, salt, and garlic stand out.<br />
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Let the whole pot simmer for a few hours now.<br />
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Midway along you might need to add another cube. I usually do. I just plop the cube in the stew mix at this point though. It doesn't need any more liquid! You're trying to get it to thicken up as it boils over time.<br />
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When it looks good and thick to your liking and the pearled barley is swollen and floating, try out the beef cubes. Make sure they're cooked inside to your satisfaction.<br />
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Now you can nom it all gone! Yummmm. Nothing better on cold nights... except chili. And since it doesn't have a bunch of weird ingredients you're pretty much SURE that any guests will like it as well. Take it from me, your guests don't want rosemary and thyme in their food if they're southern. Blergh. My recipe is simply the best ;)<br />
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Lemme know if you try it out!<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-30577161629122304572012-01-25T07:32:00.000-05:002012-01-25T07:32:00.315-05:00Breakfast Table Redo... in progress as well.<div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">We are midway through a lot of stuff right now, but not finished with anything. That's how it goes, I start stuff then have trouble finishing it. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">We bought our breakfast table at the local restore for $5. It was in rough shape, the top seal was flaking off and covered in stains. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The green is either wax... or a whole lot of congealed boogers.<br />
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So, I slapped some of this on it:<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">And now it looks like this:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was too lazy to take my sweaters off the chair. The chairs still need their makeover but that will come after the table! I got them for $3 each from Goodwill. They look rough but I have faith! :)<br />
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All I did was a half ass sand with a sanding block, and then slather on the primer with a cheap $1 chip brush then sand again til smooth.<br />
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Better. It will be even better with paint. I won't lie, I primed it back in December... it has sat like this for a month. I would be ashamed but everyone knows I am lazy and slow anyways.<br />
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The boogers are now frosted :)<br />
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I am painting it Honeymilk by Valspar like the dining room table. I put the first coat on sunday afternoon. I'm using honeymilk solely because we bought a gallon of it and it's not going away as fast as I thought. Freeeeeee paint wins.<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-5367334818485484492012-01-23T07:05:00.001-05:002012-01-23T22:16:11.961-05:00Progress on the Flooring<div>
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<center style="text-align: left;">Woooo! Vacation was awesome. We spent all last week in a condo in Pigeon Forge. Obviously since it's January it was frickin ass cold the whole time so we used that as an excuse to never be outside :) I know the scenery in the smokies is awesome but so is a heated pool and hot tub when you don't have one at home! Plus, I got to spend a day at MagiQuest-- I've wanted to do that FOREVER but no one ever thought I was serious. 22 year olds can't be magi???! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><br />
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My wand was totally bitchin' ;) </div>
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We also went go-karting. I beat Rob on our second round. He was less than pleased when I lapped him and then flipped him off as I was zooming past. Then he was a sore loser and sulked. Muahaha. </div>
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Anyways, it's been a while since my last post on the flooring in the guest room. I warned you that we were going SLOWLY, remember? Okay so be very thrilled at our snail pace so far:</div>
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No comments from the peanut gallery on my christmas tree box.<br />
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Looking nice.<br />
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We decided to put the flooring into the walk in closets on either side of the room too.<br />
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Rob has since worked out how to fill those gaps, but they stumped him for a week or so.<br />
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It's fairly easy to leave be for a few nights. We just (sorry, Rob just) leaves the sticky tape coverings on so dust and stuff doesn't mess up the glue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFNV06f0QD2m60XagnpPRCu8Nwz7LtwKDT5EwSnpuAb1VY2Qvqti_PJgP-oHMtJwk0ewjXRbiVbr8L6TSc9E8t759xNZ9Y6zRpj3O2Zr-3XrDVeo49yQwRtkf6PSFwyfJfrBFr69YSjs/s1600/DSC03777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFNV06f0QD2m60XagnpPRCu8Nwz7LtwKDT5EwSnpuAb1VY2Qvqti_PJgP-oHMtJwk0ewjXRbiVbr8L6TSc9E8t759xNZ9Y6zRpj3O2Zr-3XrDVeo49yQwRtkf6PSFwyfJfrBFr69YSjs/s640/DSC03777.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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The yellow patches on the floor are wood filler. Our subfloor is less than perfectly flat and the seams between the plywood is noticeable. The woodfiller smooths over the transition better. We're using joint compound now that Rob used my WHOLE $6 container of wood filler. Joint compound is $2 a bucket. Cheaper at the rate he's going. Plus it seems to work a bit better surprisingly. </div>
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<center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-14826446300476641112012-01-11T23:06:00.003-05:002012-01-14T15:47:16.963-05:00Anyone Know How to Install This? Got a Dishwasher!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLXQcAuCHi1UMjGP2x4pIGQ3yNquEvU5wtrSyeYlrZsyhL8X-dYQa1sKaBFkkRZrQt29vmzNKxbjbgD6H6Mpnq0vAMQ48WBYe6SpbCrInIoibwHWOC2ZU15VcmhpCBPPiawVeRtDEbmU/s1600/DSC03732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLXQcAuCHi1UMjGP2x4pIGQ3yNquEvU5wtrSyeYlrZsyhL8X-dYQa1sKaBFkkRZrQt29vmzNKxbjbgD6H6Mpnq0vAMQ48WBYe6SpbCrInIoibwHWOC2ZU15VcmhpCBPPiawVeRtDEbmU/s640/DSC03732.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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(If you have eagle eyes you might notice my Christmas tree still up. Klassy). </div>
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Again, I am loved. My Nana got a new stainless steel dishwasher for christmas so she gave me her old one. It's black (like the rest of our appliances), but it's about 10 years newer, name brand, has 2 spinners, more room inside, and most importantly, it's QUIET! It also looks a bit sleeker and more modern compared to the old one behind it in the picture. Our current one is an off-brand Roper. It works okay, we can't leave chunky dishes in it and expect it to come clean... but it's so loud we only run it when we're about to leave the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfSQDqKynNKo2jdfHn6txR3yNqtNY0sUYi01L_3xsuj2y69Wm9F2WCGAbQGmJuLG22P9VKcCh5o1WbklIoU9HBDvt_dYzRXqOPriQhAnINQ-eMp7yiWhUbmDHAcaOIs1ua8IwtZCXrFk/s1600/DSC03733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfSQDqKynNKo2jdfHn6txR3yNqtNY0sUYi01L_3xsuj2y69Wm9F2WCGAbQGmJuLG22P9VKcCh5o1WbklIoU9HBDvt_dYzRXqOPriQhAnINQ-eMp7yiWhUbmDHAcaOIs1ua8IwtZCXrFk/s640/DSC03733.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Only problem is that we don't really know how to swap them out. We also don't feel like paying a $150 service fee to have some professional come do it either. Youtube videos to the rescue?! Anyone done this before and can convince me we won't flood our house if we attempt it ourselves??<br />
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On a personal note: ugh! Anyone else glad hump day is over?!. This week has been frantic-- I've cried about 4 times in the last few days! I am setting up my classes for this semester at EKU, which is causing drama because I need overrides for everything, which means standing in lines for hours. I was in a middle school geometry class... but I corrected the teacher and then I was refused my override. I don't know if those are connected. I was totally right though, and I said it in a nice way!! The other classes will be really good though, I'm excited! If you missed the memo I mentioned a few months ago, I'm going to back to school to pick up a masters in teaching! :)<br />
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Rob and I had a huge blow out with the local sewer company too. I went in to get a credit to our account we were told they would give us... only to be treated like dirt and belittled by fat old redneck witches. I am the worlds most pathetic person too because when I get upset I start crying uncontrollably. Plus I get the snubs and swollen eyes. It's not good if you're trying to hold your ground to evil people and can't stop the snot from pouring down your face at the same time!! I am not badass with swollen eyes. I had to call in reinforcements (aka my Nana) and she shamed them into acting right. Yes, I am an adult 22 year old. Hear me roar!<br />
<br />Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-76205430109042855402012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-09T08:00:08.752-05:002012 Goals... But Not ReallyI'm not one for making resolutions. I am flawless so I don't need improvement ;) haha. But I do have an idea of things to tackle this year. I will probably not do any of them, just to warn you. I am all over the place and I already have a mile long list of things to finish. Oh well. It's the intention that's more important.<br />
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--In life, I want to make sure that Rob and I go back to England this year. This is fairly attainable. One of his best friends is getting married and he's desperate to be there for the stag parties (bachelor).<br />
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--In life, I want to go to Universal Studios, Harry Potter world-- and roadtrip it down there. This goal may or may not be influenced by the above picture from Kings Cross Station in London ;) I am willing to also use one of the $79 budget flights to the Bahamas from Lexington, KY. </div>
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<a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2297.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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--In my home, I want to learn to love my sewing machine. Failing love, I want to at least be able to use it. With my sewing machine. I want to make: a quilt (and a few pillows).<br />
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(Too bad it'd be mega dorky to make a pennant banner quilt for myself. I WANT!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.newlywoodwards.com/2011/11/pennant-baby-girl-quilt.html">Via NewlyWoodwards</a></div>
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--In life, I want to make each room of the house feel like us. We've done OK so far in the 2 months we've been here but I want each room to have our personality. They don't (and won't) be perfectly done, but I want to be comfy :)<br />
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--In life, I want to be happier and live in the moment, excited about something each day. </div>
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Oh okay, I'd like a career, a new 2012 VW Beetle, and a pony too! :)</div>
<br />Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-26665008992079716512012-01-05T07:07:00.003-05:002012-02-06T22:35:04.047-05:00Mancave Paint - Kentucky HazeI apologize for the delay in showing these pictures. It took us a while to paint the trim and add the chalkboard wall. Plus, it's difficult to photograph since the rapture comes through the window at all times. This is technically our 3rd bedroom. It's at the back of the house behind the kitchen and has an adjoining bathroom and walk in closet, as well as the back door to the house. It's only about 10' by 10' so it's tiny! Rob decided that it would be his mancave.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTBiSzznrIp-DiQUozoWFKxGbRQYyFV4-wAKOoMo7KdJRUOJAbFu_6co84wC_OPIJ_BeJ8tZ8tWMrKd4U9aUjgLAsTCVIdSQu9xhMqY_b4FUpidEumhekP3dVIWBetyEyt076JV4uMmI/s1600/DSC03717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTBiSzznrIp-DiQUozoWFKxGbRQYyFV4-wAKOoMo7KdJRUOJAbFu_6co84wC_OPIJ_BeJ8tZ8tWMrKd4U9aUjgLAsTCVIdSQu9xhMqY_b4FUpidEumhekP3dVIWBetyEyt076JV4uMmI/s640/DSC03717.JPG" width="428" /></a>
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As you enter from the kitchen... </div>
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The bike is art. No, really we don't have anywhere else to store it. I think it looks cool regardless. Plus it's Rob's bike and it makes him feel European to have one. He never rides it though (huzzah for $450's worth of art!). He had one similar to it in England which he did actually ride nonstop. We didn't have cars in England though. As a side note, I am the worlds worst bike rider. They say you never forget how to ride... but that's a load of crap. I managed to flip the bike and smash my face into a curb the first time I tried to bike again in England... then I got sores on my thighs. I know you REALLY wanted to know all of that! </div>
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Anyway, you too can mount a bike on a wall, for the low low price of $6.99 for a "bike holder" from Lowes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdwukTfs0TOPxbEMAFVdJtZfcV2AcX10BY8rRo6RkSQ1PIsfUeJBXR3-Hsnl8vHNhtd9I419z4WsgEUI_hyAriMMI1xekre9YFQD_TBtQAMndVAMD63jNQ3kSEaKObEoaFT5KHu098xY/s1600/DSC03716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdwukTfs0TOPxbEMAFVdJtZfcV2AcX10BY8rRo6RkSQ1PIsfUeJBXR3-Hsnl8vHNhtd9I419z4WsgEUI_hyAriMMI1xekre9YFQD_TBtQAMndVAMD63jNQ3kSEaKObEoaFT5KHu098xY/s640/DSC03716.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The futon is old and it's solid wood. I've had it since my sophomore year in high school. It looks a bit sad but it provides us with an extra full bed for guests so it's worth it. Plus, it's super comfy. The microsuede cover is from amazon, again it's like 4 years old. We're looking into getting a new cover in a lighter color. It bugs me that the wood of the futon is lighter than the cover.</div>
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The high quality coffee table is a walmart $15 special. The mainstay brand that attempts to mimic Ikea stuff. </div>
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On the wall opposite the window (and on the same wall as the door), is our chalkboard wall and Rob's bar he built himself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbnwRcWaYfodHNp2x_uXu5a0y09FFBeW-8CcVGn_NdcYF2pYmat6AwIrakNcqHm4HVLyQafBAsQl9BJlKmaBdCqinZfKs6fwasUKtngDYiTdOCgiXupQ5XRqlb9GLUgP75wZPCFvwM9w/s1600/DSC03718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbnwRcWaYfodHNp2x_uXu5a0y09FFBeW-8CcVGn_NdcYF2pYmat6AwIrakNcqHm4HVLyQafBAsQl9BJlKmaBdCqinZfKs6fwasUKtngDYiTdOCgiXupQ5XRqlb9GLUgP75wZPCFvwM9w/s640/DSC03718.JPG" width="414" /></a></div>
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I love it. We had a party here on New Years Eve and everyone went crazy with the chalkboard, drawing inside jokes all over it and other... inappropriate stuff. Avert your eyes if you want to remain chaste.<br />
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Oh, and if you're wondering why "The Man Cave" is written without bars on the A's, Rob says he thought it looked "sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing" without them. According to Rob.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsJY-0-3iwUlkz5tzQh1pVKx-FwBcTR2yWgfF6IhGiFWN3-OF0TMt0z6kL4w9F1yNjM7LfFT4jGnpdX6GC9IixUX2BuX8lCiRULslfNorKQK3nzAfrJeCFgJ_xm239E5IhIiZZDOIMZE/s1600/DSC03721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsJY-0-3iwUlkz5tzQh1pVKx-FwBcTR2yWgfF6IhGiFWN3-OF0TMt0z6kL4w9F1yNjM7LfFT4jGnpdX6GC9IixUX2BuX8lCiRULslfNorKQK3nzAfrJeCFgJ_xm239E5IhIiZZDOIMZE/s640/DSC03721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The palm is a gift from my Nana. It's not staying there, it's home is normally in the guest room, but it's a bit dusty up there from the flooring right now.<br />
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The bar stools were given to us by my cousin. I want to recover them at least, but Rob likes the ivory micro suede. OK.<br />
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The drink cooler was an awesome $35 garage sale find. The cheapest one that Lowes sells is $150. Awesome find.<br />
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The bar will get it's own post and a how-to soon. We still need to stain and seal it obviously.<br />
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(No that's not a drawing of purple poop, it's a sorting hat, like in Harry Potter). </div>
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The pub mats came from ebay. Southwold is a city on the coast in East Anglia (where Rob is from). Adnams is a popular beer that is brewed there (or lager, I don't know which).<br />
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The Red Baron plane is a Christmas gift I gave to Rob. It's from HomeGoods. He loves vintage planes. I think it fits in with the army trunk TV stand you'll see in a few pics.<br />
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The union jack is from ebay... or amazon for like $4. It covers up our fuse box. Klassy. </div>
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As you can see the bike kinda dangles over your head while you sit. It doesn't worry us but a few guests have mentioned it. It's our booby trap. ;)</div>
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I've already given a tutorial for how to hide the speaker wires (<a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-hide-surround-sound-wires.html">here</a>). As you can see, no strings/wires!<br />
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And yes that's lego yoda on the TV unit. He keeps time for us.<br />
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The TV unit is an old army electrical box (<a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/09/mancave-tv-unit-ala-mash.html">link here</a>) that we found at Restore for $25. The green box to the left of it is an old WW2 ammo box that Rob found at a flea market for $10. The TV was a thrifty find too! $350 off craigslist.<br />
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The subway canvas art is from Homegoods, $25. It's popular tourist spots in London. I've been to most of them. Rob's obviously been to them all.<br />
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The bright blanket in the corner is blocking some air drafts in the back door... we have to fix that soon.<br />
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The pillows are ikea fabric. My Nana sewed them for me years ago. They're not permanent.<br />
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And lastly, the paint color we ended up choosing was Kentucky Haze by Benjamin Moore. I'm not going to lie, we picked the chip for the name. And it turned out beautifully. We LOVE it. It's so smoky and cozy. We use this room constantly now, and we think it's 100% due to the awesome paint color... and maybe the tv/xbox.wii etc. ;)<br />
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Do you like it?<br />
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<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/01/tutorials-tips-link-party-45-tutes-tips-not-miss-44.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20thestoriesofa2z/Visw%20(Home%20Stories%20of%20A%20to%20Z)">Linking to A2Z's Tips & Tutorials! </a><br />
<a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2012/01/best-diy-projects-of-january-linky-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-diy-projects-of-january-linky-party">Beneath My Heart, Best of January</a><br /><a href="http://http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-before-and-after-party.html">Thrifty Decor Chick Before and After</a>
<a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-first-room-evolution-party.html">Evolution of Style, Room Evolution Party</a>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-71980475020376105182012-01-03T13:03:00.000-05:002012-01-03T13:03:01.952-05:00Help with Rug DecisionsWell I wanted to have a happy post today where I showed off some new roller shades, living room rug, and possibly some shelving from Ikea. However, when Rob and I set off yesterday for the normal 2 hour drive up to Cincinnati we got jammed in horrible traffic. We left at 4pm and never reached Ikea by the time it closed at 9pm. Seriously. At one point we did 6.5 miles in 2 hours. By 8:30pm we were still 40 mins away from Ikea if traffic had been flowing <i>normally. </i>If you know Cincinnati at all, we never made it across the river into Ohio. In total we spent 7 hours in the car yesterday. Rob and I about went bonkers with boredom. I was very upset about all of it. I really like Ikea trips and we both get excited about swedish meatballs so to get so close only to sit in traffic and watch as the hours ticked by on the clock was depressing.<br />
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Flipped car live cam picture... but more importantly, look at the roads! Pathetic.</div>
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Apparently there were several accidents, including a nasty 40 car pileup, another 30 car pileup and several semi jack knives. The annoying thing is that we only got 1/8 in. of snow. This winter has been dry so far so this was the first "snow" storm. It was ridiculous. Yes it was icy in patches and slick, but we're used to that kind of weather in the winter, you just drive slowly and carefully. People just lost their heads yesterday and decided to zoom about playing bumper car and ruined our plans and gas tank. Obviously I'm not bitter at all ;) So instead we decided to go a nearby B-Dubs and chow down on 24 Honey BBQ wings and badmouth Ohio drivers. Of course it took 45 mins to get another mile down the interstate to the actual exit!! It was yummy, but if you take into account the full tank of gas we wasted, those were some 'spensive wings!<br />
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So, since I have more time to make my rug decision, how about a little input from you all to help me decide?<br />
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As a reminder, here is the space where the rug will go once we put our new "wood" flooring down. The above picture shows the couch layout pre-hutch in the corner, and the bottom picture shows how it looks with the hutch.<br />
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Option 1. Flokati<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/flokati-rug-high-pile__0102802_PE248407_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/flokati-rug-high-pile__0102802_PE248407_S4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ikea has a 4'7" x 6'7" one for $79.99. I want this rug the most I think, hence why it's #1. I've read up on them and done a lot of research, I know they trap small objects in their fur and shed a bit at first. But we have no children and we don't own any dogs. It will be in our living room which we don't use all that often aside from entertaining. So there will be no food around it, no stickyness or little things falling into it. But, if something like that should happen, you can machine wash them on a wool cycle with woolite according to Apartment Therapy.</div>
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My Nana has one next to the bed in her basement that we slept in for months while we were waiting impatiently to get this house. We both loved how soft and squishy it was, and how warm it made our feet in the morning. Hers does not show dirt and is still sparkling white. I've read that they can gray naturally over time but honestly that sounds even better to me than sparkling white does! But, if any of you have any horror stories, please share!<br />
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Option 2. Jute<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/tarnby-rug-flatwoven__0132009_PE271535_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/tarnby-rug-flatwoven__0132009_PE271535_S4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ikea Tarnby (<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60050172/">link here</a>) for $99.99. This is our second favorite. It is 5'11" x 8'2". So it's a bit bigger and $20 more. Fair trade really. I like the natural thick texture of jute, and Ikea's is nice and chunky, which is even better! My worries are that it is too big (the 5'11 is good, but the 8'2 will need to be tucked under a sofa to hide some of it). Plus, you can't machine wash jute. You can't do anything but spot clean it or flip it over to hide it. That worries me. But maybe it's so chunky you won't be able to tell?? Plus I've heard the chunky ikea one is not soft/comfy to walk on barefoot, that seems a bit wrong.</div>
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That's not a living room, but I got bored trying to find one I liked. :)</div>
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Anyhow, there is also option 3. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/erslev-rug-flatwoven__0102799_PE248404_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/erslev-rug-flatwoven__0102799_PE248404_S4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Ikea Erslev for $59.99 (<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40070091/">link here</a>). It's flatwoven 100% cotton. It is also 5'11" x 8'2". This is a banging steal. The only issue is that it's white (but it can be thrown in the washer and bleached, or scrubbed down with hydrogen peroxide) AND, the biggie, our Ikea usually doesn't have it in stock. It's hit or miss. Boo. I'm also worried that it's a bit bland. And that the white will get dirty so quickly and I'll be too lazy to bleach it every week so it'll just be all ugly and blah (the difference between this and the flokati is that the flokati is thicker and fluffy, so any mishaps don't look very obvious, so if I want to be lazy and not clean it for a while I can... whereas with this tight weave it'd be obvious it was dirty). </div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/129126714285502044/">Via my pinterest. </a></div>
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It looks nice with wood tones though! </div>
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So help a sista out and pitch in some opinions please! The fluffy wool rug (option #1), the chunky jute rug (option #2), or the cotton flat rug (option #3). This is the part where you imagine me in a sparkly dress Vanna White-ing it all. ;)</div>
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<br /></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-18652464247308040292011-12-30T06:52:00.001-05:002011-12-30T06:52:00.276-05:00The Next Frontier....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next frontier is vinyl plank flooring. 800 sq. feet of it through out the upstairs and in the living room downstairs. </div>
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As I'm writing this, we've done maybe 80 sq. feet. Probably not. Oh mylanta it's back breaking work. We ripped up half the carpet in the mancave, and then Rob got excited and laid down some flooring so we can get a feel for it. This isn't going to be a quick project going by our current state of progress! </div>
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Plus, the old carpets are stinky, and have sharp bits in them. Rob's done most of the work. I mainly roll up the carpet and tie it in bundles :)<br />
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It makes a big impact though. So far we're loving the vinyl flooring. So much easier to install than laminate, plus it'll be waterproof... which is good for our moisture loving house. And it's sexy. </div>
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Meow! We were planning on waiting til our income tax returns in 2012, but while stalking Lowes 2 days ago I found that the "gunstock" Armstrong vinyl planks were on sale from $1.74 to 99cents. The employee we asked said it wasn't a sale, it was a misprice and that they're fixing it next week. So we jumped on it and charged all $782 of it to our Lowes card with a 10% off coupon we had saved up. The "sale" prices saved us $600 from what we were expecting to pay! Wahoo!</div>
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Plainly my awful phone pics give you an accurate idea of how it looks ;) Better pics later... and some updates after this New Years weekend. Be safe y'all and enjoy your black eyed peas!<br />
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<br />Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-56519045267812094642011-12-28T00:13:00.002-05:002011-12-28T15:26:21.175-05:00My Favorite ProjectsI only started the blog back in July, but I think I've done a few noteworthy things since then. A little run through of my top 10 favorite moments on the blog will be a fun review and will help out any new readers I've gained since July too! In chronological order...<br />
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1.) <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/07/table-and-my-stripping-skillz.html">The Dining Table (click for the link)</a><br />
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$25 Table found at Restore. We sanded the body down, oiled the top and painted the base Honeymilk by Valspar. We use it every day, it's my favorite project to date. </div>
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2.) <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/07/ode-to-oiled-coffee-table.html">The Oiled Coffee Table (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-049XdcSBH9juduVzq4UibdIfD0UlWesjolPUKlbNEYaalPlaSNbJIuyaPWWqRROYXb9dntGUCphDvROJ3-htPh_ai6Jr_hNc6UC_u75dpMh6_eKfNYmGKbCPnKXjEUqjgb2XT7cZtk0/s640/DSC02606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-049XdcSBH9juduVzq4UibdIfD0UlWesjolPUKlbNEYaalPlaSNbJIuyaPWWqRROYXb9dntGUCphDvROJ3-htPh_ai6Jr_hNc6UC_u75dpMh6_eKfNYmGKbCPnKXjEUqjgb2XT7cZtk0/s640/DSC02606.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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$4.50 at Goodwill. It's not my favorite. I still don't love it with our furniture, but, it is a lovely piece by itself (although it needs another oiling bad). I sanded the bad chipped finish off and sealed it with Watco Danish oil in Medium Walnut. </div>
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3.) <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/07/quickie-dresser-overhaul.html">TV Console Dresser (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyzmBP9UVbHBmo2s7gvPc4Z90pJYn1OgPxE_rLlzRsBIoFUQqQXnmuWLLeIvOVAz81e8XL1O3RE8io4itfIYM_EyD3fqQaWOZe4BPzbUcrx7JQBTY6gqQr2VKxQ0ySD7_NwBF5ly_Iv4/s640/DSC02530.JPGa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyzmBP9UVbHBmo2s7gvPc4Z90pJYn1OgPxE_rLlzRsBIoFUQqQXnmuWLLeIvOVAz81e8XL1O3RE8io4itfIYM_EyD3fqQaWOZe4BPzbUcrx7JQBTY6gqQr2VKxQ0ySD7_NwBF5ly_Iv4/s640/DSC02530.JPGa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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$15 find from Goodwill. We primed it then painted it New Black by Valspar. And then I decided that I hated Valspar paint because it has paint boogers. Anyways. We use this every day, the paint has held up fantastically. </div>
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4.) <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/08/were-no-longer-naked.html">NEW SIDING! (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR_drVNe4nFxCjGYFcn6wBFssWlOkbb4bJGbSI1FrXPCCsQpF5ItDeUWRZ1cbobl8krl7TtTUTjsGcGX304N_XbYkV-ktKCNUi8H6yHXLzJ8pRkq9EFBAhPt87RuvU2HWTtP07PGPz-E/s640/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR_drVNe4nFxCjGYFcn6wBFssWlOkbb4bJGbSI1FrXPCCsQpF5ItDeUWRZ1cbobl8krl7TtTUTjsGcGX304N_XbYkV-ktKCNUi8H6yHXLzJ8pRkq9EFBAhPt87RuvU2HWTtP07PGPz-E/s640/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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$450 :( Ouch. But, it was necessary. Oh, and we also bought the house we put siding on :) That cost a LOT more than just $450 ;) </div>
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5.) Winning the scariest award, <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/09/well-well-well-we-found-buried-treasure.html">The Discovery of Timmantha! (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/298681_10150278096811899_675216898_8118646_765726245_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/298681_10150278096811899_675216898_8118646_765726245_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and she's still there, chilling in the well. :)</div>
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6.) Winning the best deal ever award,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1UEXn__4RKRYuuLYo6OkyvEsVgPmSLq53aNXMrHN-qnRjoXJvaG6-Tk2-NdHhUNA3_ePPdmmOhks1IOOuljPWeBuHr9rmRxfhQwSvzZAw_X7aE6TipDsw_1oa910EeFU3Hw3Ffvf3bM/s640/IMAG0152.jpg"> The Black Bed (click here for the link) </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1UEXn__4RKRYuuLYo6OkyvEsVgPmSLq53aNXMrHN-qnRjoXJvaG6-Tk2-NdHhUNA3_ePPdmmOhks1IOOuljPWeBuHr9rmRxfhQwSvzZAw_X7aE6TipDsw_1oa910EeFU3Hw3Ffvf3bM/s640/IMAG0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1UEXn__4RKRYuuLYo6OkyvEsVgPmSLq53aNXMrHN-qnRjoXJvaG6-Tk2-NdHhUNA3_ePPdmmOhks1IOOuljPWeBuHr9rmRxfhQwSvzZAw_X7aE6TipDsw_1oa910EeFU3Hw3Ffvf3bM/s640/IMAG0152.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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$40 from Goodwill, king sized. We love it. We get so many complements on it. </div>
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7.) <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/10/fieldstone-dresser.html">The Fieldstone Dresser (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgXb_a6JrPFf0_d3fk0WJkmQqEngA-65UY-_ehnzB3xUVA3OUgpbuyt0EnoWPlVSbrwtb53ljOjFFJG1aLgZLFnbseJlymvrsMyki7sipDcRbcnJq8fph7RN52FTxDnhb3KqD2dlBDkE/s640/DSC03037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgXb_a6JrPFf0_d3fk0WJkmQqEngA-65UY-_ehnzB3xUVA3OUgpbuyt0EnoWPlVSbrwtb53ljOjFFJG1aLgZLFnbseJlymvrsMyki7sipDcRbcnJq8fph7RN52FTxDnhb3KqD2dlBDkE/s640/DSC03037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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$40 from Restore. Not cheap for Restore but it came with a matching mirror that I have revamped and put elsewhere (more details when Rob actually hangs it for me, slacker!) This dresser is int he guest room right now. </div>
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8.) Best Crafting, <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/10/wreath-is-done.html">The Pumpkin Wreath! (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kH52XZ7ZMuFBWyFlqk5rqm8Y51TuSpAMDtPH9xG42VvZIet956YgbUcQ1MZfKQ0EX3vnlyJx8xRbBEeY1I8IbJlhwS3U6xeiIsrAUXNFRpA6DO52RpAybr4KiHA6PiOJyneSPgsLR2w/s640/DSCN2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kH52XZ7ZMuFBWyFlqk5rqm8Y51TuSpAMDtPH9xG42VvZIet956YgbUcQ1MZfKQ0EX3vnlyJx8xRbBEeY1I8IbJlhwS3U6xeiIsrAUXNFRpA6DO52RpAybr4KiHA6PiOJyneSPgsLR2w/s640/DSCN2113.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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9.) <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-build-guest-room-in-one-day-for.html">Guest Room Speed Decorating (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPkhB8hiMY0SHICc-GsTQRWWVgRBf5WBqNkxSTvHsbvdVuacl1-TFvRgfasoXlsTo4SAww0Sb8M6XRKeV67gNmnaKHdB3Pmx56gmdo_3In1R_2nOHm_kf8mWDPf0RrOcODW92A-1xV0/s640/DSC03107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPkhB8hiMY0SHICc-GsTQRWWVgRBf5WBqNkxSTvHsbvdVuacl1-TFvRgfasoXlsTo4SAww0Sb8M6XRKeV67gNmnaKHdB3Pmx56gmdo_3In1R_2nOHm_kf8mWDPf0RrOcODW92A-1xV0/s640/DSC03107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We zoomed through building this room in time for Rob's parents to visit and showed the steps to do so quickly for yourself if you're ever in a time crunch too! It was on the cheap too (of course!) ;)</div>
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10.) And lastly, <a href="http://house-pour.blogspot.com/2011/11/rob-earns-manpoints.html">I love my new lights Rob installed! (click for the link)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkawQqW9ocllN58vQs_m_ES9Sk88V6cuis-oT_Ec6z4Fv2nOULBCCkGPywxhvmgSghrBdsC3yOvvJpAJ1OI1Z2E6fv4WFzHYqXL-UNhyQ-eW-n9vnvW-WyUIwtVPEdy8cCfl6gCP1OLl0/s640/DSC03479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkawQqW9ocllN58vQs_m_ES9Sk88V6cuis-oT_Ec6z4Fv2nOULBCCkGPywxhvmgSghrBdsC3yOvvJpAJ1OI1Z2E6fv4WFzHYqXL-UNhyQ-eW-n9vnvW-WyUIwtVPEdy8cCfl6gCP1OLl0/s640/DSC03479.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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We spend $30 and $50 on new lighting for the kitchen at Ikea! They changed the whole feel of the rooms. </div>
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So anyway, those were my favorites. Here's to 2012 being even more action packed! </div>
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Linking to: </div>
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-A2<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/12/my-favorite-post-of-2011-link-party.html">Z 2011 Review Party! (link) </a></div>
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- Southern hospitality</div>
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<br /></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-403596330248546905.post-950422164568535502011-12-26T07:17:00.005-05:002011-12-26T21:34:55.663-05:00Very Happy WeekendWow. It has been such a mad rush around here. Every year I help my Nana throw a triple Christmas for my large and barely related but loved nonetheless family. This year was no different and I didn't have one spare minute to even wish you all Merry Christmas. Sorry, but I've been having a ball. Christmas is my favorite time of year. I am such a home body. Spending time with my huge family all thrown in together is SO much more fun then friends could ever be ;) My Nana always makes each year exciting and unique. She is a super woman, especially with her poor health recently (although Mayo is on it's way this winter!).<br />
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We cooked so much food, the best of which was our two 20 lb hams! We splashed out and got a Clifty Farms country ham and a Paula Deen spiral this year. I prepared the country ham. It was my first time... </div>
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Lets just say I didn't realize you had to clean the ham of all it's slime before hand! That thing was slippery!! </div>
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I think my sides are still aching from all the laughter we had! My favorite part was my dirty santa gift. I wrapped up a fancy egyptian cotton towel set from Lands End... and put a "log" of poop soap on it... with corn. My uncle LOVED it. He's such a nut -- we all try and trick each other. </div>
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I also scored tons of good stuff. Like a Brother CS6000i sewing machine. It is gorgeously beautiful and terrifying at the same time. I WILL be a sewing goddess though. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My biggest hope is to churn out a quilt like Newly Woodwards does! I love her bunting quilts :) I've read all the amazon reviews (all 765 of them... I might be exaggerating) and they all praise it so woohoo!!</span></div>
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She got a killer deal on it. It's normally about $450, but she got it 70% off. I can't wait. I am so excited and I am halfway through the manual on it already! </div>
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My Rob got me some fun toys too:</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/397821_10150425105586899_675216898_8771801_1182242875_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/397821_10150425105586899_675216898_8771801_1182242875_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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- a new black Wii and controllers</div>
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- Zelda game (dork)</div>
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- SUPER MARIO BROTHERS</div>
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- Complete set of Harry Potter movies</div>
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I also got some lovely new clothes, a gorgeous white leaf scarf, toms, and tons of gift cards. Rob got snazzy RL winter clothes, some xbox stuff, a yoda alarm clock, a model plane, etc. We were into the toys this year! Even better than my gifts were the gifts I gave my family. I was very proud of how thoughtful most of them were this year: a new coat for both my mom and dad who are both struggling to stay warm, a kitchen utensil my Nana has been searching for for MONTHS, a hand painted metal owl for my cousin who loves owls, and a new backpack set for my sister who I learned hasn't had a backpack all year!! I feel all warm and cozy just remembering it all. We were very blessed this weekend!! I'm hoping everyone else was too and that your Christmas was equally wonderful. Here's to waiting 364 days for next year!! :) </div>
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<br /></div>Elz @House Pourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00639876823819450530noreply@blogger.com3