tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960080030798482272024-02-19T08:49:59.270-08:00Our Life at 31-derfulThe abridged thoughts of a wife, mother of two beautiful girls, stay-at-home-attorney, aspiring domestic goddess and occasional event stylist.Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-90386505832806399482017-03-16T07:06:00.002-07:002017-10-18T06:23:41.191-07:00That'a a wrap!<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't believe I am actually writing this, but I think I am going to wrap up this blog. The original title was "stayathomeattorney." While I changed the name of the blog to "Our Life at 31-derful" just after registering the name, the original sentiment was true. This blog was a hobby that I had, even if ever so sporadically, while I was a stay-at-home attorney. I worked very part-time and mommied full-time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't thank my husband enough for being a regular, more-than-full-time attorney, provider, and all-around handyman. His hard-work and dedication to our family made this all possible. This has been a golden period in my life that will be gilded in my memory forever--filled with warm cuddles, play dates, endless art project, home decorating, baking, gardening, music classes, mommy and me, volunteering, too many lessons to count, school involvement, and long days in years that flew by entirely too quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't regret one single thing about this time. But times, they are a changing. My girls are getting bigger and they need to see a role model in their mother. The world is changing, too, and I am scared for many of the ideals and institutions that I hold most dear. So, I am going to dust off this law degree and this masters in social work to try make the world better, even if for just one family (and it may be my own). I have officially hung a shingle with another former stayathomeattorney. We are excited and scared and going to figure this out together. Its a small start, but a new beginning nonetheless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To quote a cheesy old song,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." I didn't accomplished everything I wanted on the blog. I only documented the smallest fraction of our crafts and I only showed about half of our </span><span style="color: #222222;">birthday</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> parties (which was the original point), but in real life, I met all my goals for this period of my life. Truly. While I am mourning the loss of these heady early days of motherhood, I am ready to wrap it up and move forward. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Thank you to those of you who followed along on this unexpected detour in my life! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">I hope that, as always, you celebrate everything!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Suzanne</span></span><br />
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-6974412456149891672016-12-13T10:06:00.000-08:002016-12-14T05:42:53.617-08:00It is beginning to look a lot like Hanukkah!<span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It is beginning to look a lot like </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Chanuka</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Chanukah</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hanukah</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hannukah,</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hanukkah</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hanuka</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">,</span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> Hanukka: </strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> Chanukkah!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">There are many, many appropriate ways to spell Hanukkah and there are even more numerous ways to celebrate it. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday, and many would say that going all out to decorate for Hanukkah is just a silly, overblown response to </span><i style="font-size: 14px;">the other Holiday </i><span style="font-size: 14px;">that dominates December. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, I go all out for lots of other minor holidays, so why should this night be any different than all other nights (to mix my holiday metaphors)? While I don't have nearly as many decorations as I would if I celebrated Christmas, I do my fair share for Hanukkah. Welcome to our Hanukkah House:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPFSGPKFTKS5qTrf10imHtAIWJPkR3IY9acCKjvZEWit6RRc6J5acR0n9mrEdwCkFSBG3Vz-7LjYXYsuW0uC29niplPXSxMOBSFvPRbqmHX0Lte_yoAW495e28zOgScRL2rGfP-GCk3M/s1600/20161213_104222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPFSGPKFTKS5qTrf10imHtAIWJPkR3IY9acCKjvZEWit6RRc6J5acR0n9mrEdwCkFSBG3Vz-7LjYXYsuW0uC29niplPXSxMOBSFvPRbqmHX0Lte_yoAW495e28zOgScRL2rGfP-GCk3M/s640/20161213_104222.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Please forgive the leaves still on the ground. We can't decide what season we are in around these parts, and leaves are still falling along with snow today!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-Ubk0CGl3RxuWS-zX4A1FPAQwYscn9yuvaKUGsm-u3pbQNBCJqR_dxjdyZpuIsJnjcSHbSiIALKcHf5usIjtFp1GV6L1E7nPG8hcVOr1GoPGWRxcXwn5BKfXyL39o48SeQIQYQ0iV3k/s1600/20161213_104231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-Ubk0CGl3RxuWS-zX4A1FPAQwYscn9yuvaKUGsm-u3pbQNBCJqR_dxjdyZpuIsJnjcSHbSiIALKcHf5usIjtFp1GV6L1E7nPG8hcVOr1GoPGWRxcXwn5BKfXyL39o48SeQIQYQ0iV3k/s640/20161213_104231.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Here is a close-up of our cheesy light-up, spinning dreidel. It is in the worst taste, but I adore it!</div>
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Just above you can see my over-sized wreath. I had to make it myself as there isn't much out there in the way of Hanukkah wreaths!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TrH2-TUsESucTpwVfVXY-xClVrHSTnp6BmekX445x-RH1oqsVQfqPYvjhR7dXEE0pI9RtQuLZ0sKlmLFCtSo2JAozVZmG5alxHI-NbZXmu8GM4HJWKirNUJEg8sMdbxRr2ldaD22RMk/s1600/20161213_104242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TrH2-TUsESucTpwVfVXY-xClVrHSTnp6BmekX445x-RH1oqsVQfqPYvjhR7dXEE0pI9RtQuLZ0sKlmLFCtSo2JAozVZmG5alxHI-NbZXmu8GM4HJWKirNUJEg8sMdbxRr2ldaD22RMk/s640/20161213_104242.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Turning the corner you can see my, again homemade, burlee. It is a dreidel (a spinning top affiliated with the holidays). On each side of a normal dreidel is a Hebrew letter spelling out an acronym for a "Great Miracle Happened There." One of the Hebrew Letters just happens to be a "hey". I thought it would be funny joke to put "Hey" on the door:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg77qjZoiIOTBPhruDNipCmEOv8ub7EflYWDW_H6gGlR6NjZOcma8mhQRow47l7D8MVDgl1qf-jd4WQ9Bc8_3zdW-b_OoP7i1lLpoV7hv9gbU1bJq2cKkUdbnY-NcsKR7UGmPXafdKTEA/s1600/20161213_104202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg77qjZoiIOTBPhruDNipCmEOv8ub7EflYWDW_H6gGlR6NjZOcma8mhQRow47l7D8MVDgl1qf-jd4WQ9Bc8_3zdW-b_OoP7i1lLpoV7hv9gbU1bJq2cKkUdbnY-NcsKR7UGmPXafdKTEA/s640/20161213_104202.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Also out on the porch, I have a little apothecary jar that I switch out for the seasons:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadPNI6iVGrCoy1K7DaTPWyIzng07ZVLbpQr2bKpDqXEFjga2aaj7UTnIVXRafWxIU-PH6gm4KUEhCU8Rb3X618LwOz2hvmYooKawLDPOfjWNx8v_sojvQXaJSkptSl17_ibcnG8IG5BI/s1600/20161213_104248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadPNI6iVGrCoy1K7DaTPWyIzng07ZVLbpQr2bKpDqXEFjga2aaj7UTnIVXRafWxIU-PH6gm4KUEhCU8Rb3X618LwOz2hvmYooKawLDPOfjWNx8v_sojvQXaJSkptSl17_ibcnG8IG5BI/s320/20161213_104248.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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In our living room, we have one display of our beloved menorahs:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuSH58269o_-IJ7xQxYA_9Id0JJaXMXKe_JB_WDdB5UmzaabmrvkxKHtTes8hXy8j-Pt-gQpIsKcQqeulgUX5tba0fbRc6pq1EHcVRz-T2soSAxP7RwbE_nStvBZ0RvKjVSnb_MMAaQI/s1600/20161213_103853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuSH58269o_-IJ7xQxYA_9Id0JJaXMXKe_JB_WDdB5UmzaabmrvkxKHtTes8hXy8j-Pt-gQpIsKcQqeulgUX5tba0fbRc6pq1EHcVRz-T2soSAxP7RwbE_nStvBZ0RvKjVSnb_MMAaQI/s640/20161213_103853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsvYufQW4_UpL_3DU-TjFVuEhYwhgBk_FpyG1gmyPe11LFfh3tlrWp19CZrCZXI3DO9MQy9K6CPQVHw3_62HbxbCOBC8L2mRhzw6xwsL4LeWI0HqjXUfUnuXaO5Heb4cgrMU5kLn99DA/s1600/20161213_103709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsvYufQW4_UpL_3DU-TjFVuEhYwhgBk_FpyG1gmyPe11LFfh3tlrWp19CZrCZXI3DO9MQy9K6CPQVHw3_62HbxbCOBC8L2mRhzw6xwsL4LeWI0HqjXUfUnuXaO5Heb4cgrMU5kLn99DA/s640/20161213_103709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Right next to the menorah collection, we have a sweet velcro Noah's Ark that we just aren't ready to part with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrucN0hSuTsPPnWFz98mDAgQrAHnf9XvbSyrXROrLbcIcC_sXUpHOnq30Wj_2z1f4H1BFUazVo0wJ-7xV2P_FiFfMzVO71a9dQQ4C4U15f6oBOfN6kCkwMYIeDY8eitvWGHAHkQLzCvL8/s1600/20161213_103814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrucN0hSuTsPPnWFz98mDAgQrAHnf9XvbSyrXROrLbcIcC_sXUpHOnq30Wj_2z1f4H1BFUazVo0wJ-7xV2P_FiFfMzVO71a9dQQ4C4U15f6oBOfN6kCkwMYIeDY8eitvWGHAHkQLzCvL8/s640/20161213_103814.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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We also have a pillow in and favorite reading spot </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iv-ZpqEcszubA9Vsk4Y-dNxHFeXp9MA-bzdnFJVKOLi4L7G5kaS252mKtmH2p1dWCqDseHFOnSk5l4OCV7mT0YqxfwXRvfc9FhtxETN5x5xXQXONbv6ee4f5ZLcMdJbbT03UaYyFb_0/s1600/20161213_104317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iv-ZpqEcszubA9Vsk4Y-dNxHFeXp9MA-bzdnFJVKOLi4L7G5kaS252mKtmH2p1dWCqDseHFOnSk5l4OCV7mT0YqxfwXRvfc9FhtxETN5x5xXQXONbv6ee4f5ZLcMdJbbT03UaYyFb_0/s640/20161213_104317.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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And, of course, our mantle is adorned with a banner I made ions ago and <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.ca/2012/12/my-main-mensch.html">THE ORIGINAL MENSCH ON THE MANTLE </a> (not copyrighted by me a long, long time ago).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlBYz5MausLYit9OUCvigLqmvL1mNkt43kmkJJiJC1nZ13JqCDcw66hG3K9XU-ZYqtkawA1zvMfcKtb9Rcg_rK-Ady53BgHyYeQ5CpkpQQJlwUfVxeRsmdzR2qRl9HgWMrrVcwtT-tYE/s1600/20161213_104026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlBYz5MausLYit9OUCvigLqmvL1mNkt43kmkJJiJC1nZ13JqCDcw66hG3K9XU-ZYqtkawA1zvMfcKtb9Rcg_rK-Ady53BgHyYeQ5CpkpQQJlwUfVxeRsmdzR2qRl9HgWMrrVcwtT-tYE/s640/20161213_104026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZeBs3AZGMu9JqqClQA_18Snf2SbTODDuT5RblEEebW2h5mNAuGC3H5nm3Pi8N_dvC40H-2a55VATB9SqgzlwcyfdtuCoY0YbUyrfKvRRisbQ2riObw5TWmwk9j6f16GQ4aq5MXcAKS0/s1600/20161213_103959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZeBs3AZGMu9JqqClQA_18Snf2SbTODDuT5RblEEebW2h5mNAuGC3H5nm3Pi8N_dvC40H-2a55VATB9SqgzlwcyfdtuCoY0YbUyrfKvRRisbQ2riObw5TWmwk9j6f16GQ4aq5MXcAKS0/s640/20161213_103959.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Turning towards our "girls' office", we have displayed the sweetest little handprint menorah banners ever made (IMHO).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOhFwafMQCBLBqm1r7JLElxY3d_Cxxe0M02B6SxxpmOXrNqenWD5YBpjW_S9QsQFUuyDCm5WcNH-xF7f9cdM2hG1GXP8RjFoDNRxMDGbXv2FbUhv7fYI73JIKKlBmKXO9Kya-q_MhgTU/s1600/20161213_104117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOhFwafMQCBLBqm1r7JLElxY3d_Cxxe0M02B6SxxpmOXrNqenWD5YBpjW_S9QsQFUuyDCm5WcNH-xF7f9cdM2hG1GXP8RjFoDNRxMDGbXv2FbUhv7fYI73JIKKlBmKXO9Kya-q_MhgTU/s640/20161213_104117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the kitchen we have some dishtowels and lots of Hanukkah Cookies (neither really worth showing) and finally, we have a "Play Tray" with oodles of dreidels and pennies to play dreidel with. To my great surprise, we still have a little people Hanukkah set that I can't believe my big girls wanted to put out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MjqGqK58u897xotWfXyNyiQ_IK2kL-yYW9L6ylBs8Rscf3n6iVDi2nI8zHDzb3W60gE4mR8CvxpVLc_S4DwsyBW-Rbcknd-EHLoU_Ha4JSqa7rv4d4HPzRRvvd5JoYmQu4VPTy1-qIs/s1600/20161213_104137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MjqGqK58u897xotWfXyNyiQ_IK2kL-yYW9L6ylBs8Rscf3n6iVDi2nI8zHDzb3W60gE4mR8CvxpVLc_S4DwsyBW-Rbcknd-EHLoU_Ha4JSqa7rv4d4HPzRRvvd5JoYmQu4VPTy1-qIs/s640/20161213_104137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's All Folks! Just some small decor for a small-ish holiday!</div>
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Whatever you celebrate--celebrate everything!</div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-37289932446645311102016-12-02T11:11:00.002-08:002016-12-02T11:11:35.145-08:00Bring Me My Dinner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am out of what seems like blogging-retirement because I have something I really wanted to write about: <b>Dinner</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3lLfU6gYmwr0tnPWCnvXmloHKgC7nhPafiafKdVnpmuVGFD9kRtNDYb5oyvExLKO8H_6lQWdsQbPcARBviWxkkR5gRN7PN1stcaBrWlHggU0Gis0Av1HV2wnd2h5kCWSADrIV2nJgiQ/s1600/dinner9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3lLfU6gYmwr0tnPWCnvXmloHKgC7nhPafiafKdVnpmuVGFD9kRtNDYb5oyvExLKO8H_6lQWdsQbPcARBviWxkkR5gRN7PN1stcaBrWlHggU0Gis0Av1HV2wnd2h5kCWSADrIV2nJgiQ/s640/dinner9.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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I always jest that, other than bringing home my beautiful girls, the best part of having a baby was the dinners! I was once critically ill once and got the same treatment. I can <i>definitely </i>say that the best part of being critically ill is the dinners. Bringing meals to new moms and sick friends is commonplace in my little corner of the world, but I have recently learned that it is not so common elsewhere (or even here in other social circles). I thought I would make a list of my favorite tips for taking a meal that truly helps your friend when they need a little extra care.</div>
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<u><b>1. Go Disposable </b></u></div>
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<b>My most important piece of advice is to pack the food in disposable containers (or at the least ones you don't want back). If you pack in a real container, make sure your friend knows you are gifting it to them--</b>There is nothing worse than being sick or a new mom and having to chase someone down to return her pyrex! Remembering to pack in disposables elevates worry on your friend's part and decreases extra clutter for them to deal with. After all, you are trying to help them out, not make more work. I like to bake items right in an aluminum pan with a lid as I did with this brisket last night:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkBMCxIr9Pe8RbMxDUs50_oFXBiaxdrllZ_n6CXymcbiEiTeqa_AYRHt27417t60l1gDSqgjNmvGCQr-uUlWgIZEmY4i0nvNucqwvU8RSYn4pDSLVYJSRPcRTIzHIvRLBSktMdVdQ_9k/s1600/dinner7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkBMCxIr9Pe8RbMxDUs50_oFXBiaxdrllZ_n6CXymcbiEiTeqa_AYRHt27417t60l1gDSqgjNmvGCQr-uUlWgIZEmY4i0nvNucqwvU8RSYn4pDSLVYJSRPcRTIzHIvRLBSktMdVdQ_9k/s640/dinner7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While the brisket doesn't look "plated" here, adding the top finished the look and made it easy to carry.</div>
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For cold items, which I like to keep somewhat separate, I love take-out style containers. I pick these up at my local restaurant supply store (bonus tip: you don't have to own a restaurant to go there) or on Amazon. Here is an Israeli Salad I sent with the brisket:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5NXLRFERi25MZRrn58zxmjyb2VycfswCRtDIEkblZWaO-VJat_wCiIkFGZJWLQ6Veqdm_PTzrKTl401WdmkQqmXo9I0vrt8O3A-0llY3qRgyGXx03T_X0qkZG6onyYnZPvzZmin_2VI/s1600/dinner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5NXLRFERi25MZRrn58zxmjyb2VycfswCRtDIEkblZWaO-VJat_wCiIkFGZJWLQ6Veqdm_PTzrKTl401WdmkQqmXo9I0vrt8O3A-0llY3qRgyGXx03T_X0qkZG6onyYnZPvzZmin_2VI/s640/dinner1.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<u><b>2.Soup to Nuts</b></u></div>
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<b>A second critical piece of advice is to make the meal from "soup to nuts," including everything the family will need. </b>I'll talk more about what to take in a moment, but whatever you make should represent a <i><u>whole</u></i> meal. You may skip dessert or not eat bread with dinner at home, but extras like these round out the meal and make the recipient feel extra loved. I can attest that major bonus points are achieved when you remember to bring bread and the good Irish butter! Don't assume that the family has anything. If you are taking a salad, do not assume they have dressing or even the stuff to make it (it is hard enough to remember to buy cider vinegar and even harder with a newborn). Sometimes, if I am feeling really industrious, I even add a beverage.</div>
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<b><u>3. The Menu</u></b></div>
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You may feel stumped about what to make. I always ask if the family has any allergies, aversions due to the illness or nursing, and even if they are sick of anything. Because certain meals are great to take, a family may find themselves up to their ears in lasagna and casserole! Other than that, I like to take meals that 1) fair well at room temperature or are easy to reheat in the provided container, and 2) are substantial enough to give the family leftovers. Last night I made a first course Kale Salad with a mason jar of homemade shallot-lemon vinaigrette, brisket, corn souffle, Israeli salad sidedish, rolls, and our favorite not-for-breakfast bars for dessert. Soups and chilis are fantastic in cool months (don't forget the cornbread and toppings) and grilled fish or chicken with grain salads rule in the summer.</div>
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<b><u>4. Style the Food</u></b></div>
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You know the old adage that you eat first with your eyes. Even though you are using disposables, "style" the food as best you can. For me that means adding fresh herbs or a pretty-cut lemon where appropriate. I also layer my salads. Not only is this pretty, it stops the salad from becoming a soggy mess before the family is really to eat! Here is my Kale Salad from last night before it was tossed (notice the adorable lemon on top):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw2d6Lg38ijwWjw8Ogeo6DiF2w8PToJvf11DqAQ5ujeEKldv5sxb5u_QOyn04FSRRQABgdouEwMAWgrgKneyOyCBjj-NmVwH91a2xd32W7gP8bQLTMl7F_DoyxQUPjmW9uXoYSfLXMMQ/s1600/dinner6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw2d6Lg38ijwWjw8Ogeo6DiF2w8PToJvf11DqAQ5ujeEKldv5sxb5u_QOyn04FSRRQABgdouEwMAWgrgKneyOyCBjj-NmVwH91a2xd32W7gP8bQLTMl7F_DoyxQUPjmW9uXoYSfLXMMQ/s640/dinner6.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gGch6cCeW5AVy9kHNLcXkTlebdtEycMvp-oOBnYodcH_qqfJneV63stq99bPLAj1WJBiZhKMWm5WBVFuLxi12bAUkLyntxjsNEzHB9R-WCjEOjWkJ_sz_j8DBOullnBVUTINsMitAIQ/s1600/dinner5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gGch6cCeW5AVy9kHNLcXkTlebdtEycMvp-oOBnYodcH_qqfJneV63stq99bPLAj1WJBiZhKMWm5WBVFuLxi12bAUkLyntxjsNEzHB9R-WCjEOjWkJ_sz_j8DBOullnBVUTINsMitAIQ/s640/dinner5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>4. Remember that everyone loves a brown paper package tied up with string!</u></b></div>
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If dessert happens to be cookies, brownies or bars, I love to box them up bakery style. Last night I utilized craft box and parchment paper to achieve the look. Doesn't that make it look all the sweeter? Go on and put a blue ribbon on your own pie--you deserve it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRhlbfXVNPv0HYEGsvceDCJO0SvafMZdjMsmdUyKKYQAjo401NywkzxsSBhvnN0qWPun4bTUwxVbySMxDNdfuJSA5GHyg-sY79I-SRN6nT3lX4YopF99y0a51CO5wAtissIguzN4XWlE/s1600/IMGP9201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRhlbfXVNPv0HYEGsvceDCJO0SvafMZdjMsmdUyKKYQAjo401NywkzxsSBhvnN0qWPun4bTUwxVbySMxDNdfuJSA5GHyg-sY79I-SRN6nT3lX4YopF99y0a51CO5wAtissIguzN4XWlE/s640/IMGP9201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UzGPKrZKytsjbMLRnVGJCeg4Qd8W5uGOKh5CErifBe32lHi3R6Ynq7LRHK8E6UuNX8hD1yfEoCwMFlMBrrgszomH5xdH3I-HlTIJ928UfRpU6WaMlqHAV5FdVlpyoWqX24UKqWtZQN8/s1600/IMGP9203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UzGPKrZKytsjbMLRnVGJCeg4Qd8W5uGOKh5CErifBe32lHi3R6Ynq7LRHK8E6UuNX8hD1yfEoCwMFlMBrrgszomH5xdH3I-HlTIJ928UfRpU6WaMlqHAV5FdVlpyoWqX24UKqWtZQN8/s640/IMGP9203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjjDmP4K319ADGLzCz0vQq9IwsZOPKtaq7QNlU_AIFJaP45rH7Uuk95x_CTlpvtm_Q5NU5ejZpYMhyFDkZwye-UJ5JT-juXMbbN3YhVsPkHLei5PB_SUaGdq1EUiGzkVWqJEN_8BoER4/s1600/IMGP9204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjjDmP4K319ADGLzCz0vQq9IwsZOPKtaq7QNlU_AIFJaP45rH7Uuk95x_CTlpvtm_Q5NU5ejZpYMhyFDkZwye-UJ5JT-juXMbbN3YhVsPkHLei5PB_SUaGdq1EUiGzkVWqJEN_8BoER4/s640/IMGP9204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNqvbLj6RJMxnRx9FyUWhBdzBxwYg4F-RMpkkHKROJowOGyO5iXQSjYdJM0MSQr6yw7U3ZhMGtuL0JQj-E6IlwKmtMpiCwKTB1p4QPJ1Tt2BtfiPxNVyzWKPgSZRcJWhd2t-GVoL9330/s1600/IMGP9205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNqvbLj6RJMxnRx9FyUWhBdzBxwYg4F-RMpkkHKROJowOGyO5iXQSjYdJM0MSQr6yw7U3ZhMGtuL0JQj-E6IlwKmtMpiCwKTB1p4QPJ1Tt2BtfiPxNVyzWKPgSZRcJWhd2t-GVoL9330/s640/IMGP9205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>5. Box it UP</u></b></div>
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Over the years I have carried dinner to friends in many different containers. I think a laundry basket really works well, and my collapsible picnic basket is gorgeous, of course. My favorite, however, is a good-sized box. It helps keep sloshes and spills from getting on your car. It is easy to carry everything in one trip and, best of all, it is disposable (see #1). I may have had a "few" boxes after Cyber Monday. I cut the top off so that it is open for anything that doesn't quite fit and is easy to access. To take it over the top and make everything look better, wrapping the box is a nice touch:<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCHrSIQOHNs1Guf6JaNUfJ9j5js98PbfZnQyPqAsA6GB0fq7McHof6nt-6nFEYPEc-is6y5vrNONuyPsftOduZpDGtrYxb-T4phZ5-Flyw1ONyGukq-4LSxCWF3DbDsnKxxTYqnOvlh4/s1600/dinner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCHrSIQOHNs1Guf6JaNUfJ9j5js98PbfZnQyPqAsA6GB0fq7McHof6nt-6nFEYPEc-is6y5vrNONuyPsftOduZpDGtrYxb-T4phZ5-Flyw1ONyGukq-4LSxCWF3DbDsnKxxTYqnOvlh4/s640/dinner2.jpg" width="640" /></a></u></b></div>
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<b><u>6. Drop it like its hot (literally)</u></b></div>
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It is not always possible with work schedules and other time constraints, but I really like to provide dinner ready-to-eat near the time the family eats. That way, they don't have to worry about warming or cooling. If this is impossible, then make sure to write out heating instructions to eliminate guesswork. Once you have dropped that "hot potato," get out of there. Obviously you may want to peek at the baby or inquire about your friend's health, but remember that you are not a dinner guest. Your job is to provide dinner and provide peace of mind to the family rather than add another person to entertain!</div>
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<b><u>7. Share the Joy!</u></b></div>
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In my social circle, being the dinner organizer denotes a special relationship to the new mom or patient. Others who wish to bring the person food will often ask one of his or her good friends if a meal train or care calendar has been established. That good friend, in turn, sets up the meals in a way that prevents the family from getting too much at once or too much of the same meal. I always inquire if there is a set schedule before dropping off. Even when there is no schedule, I like to ask the family when the meal would be most helpful so that I make sure it arrives when it is actually needed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzet6elwAich8LdgscxivsoW09aIgRaujGvAq1H90g3y8SyCKf_Lx0tByasQ3MMvGBGGVH-KkwKPmiOjMXWpNShVbCTTM2WlNBw-3iM-ryHtgXjUF5hwjpYMsukmU5rPjRdahpfs8OQfc/s1600/dinner8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzet6elwAich8LdgscxivsoW09aIgRaujGvAq1H90g3y8SyCKf_Lx0tByasQ3MMvGBGGVH-KkwKPmiOjMXWpNShVbCTTM2WlNBw-3iM-ryHtgXjUF5hwjpYMsukmU5rPjRdahpfs8OQfc/s640/dinner8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this idea so much that I think it would be so fun even if you aren't sick or a new mom. I am considering starting a meal swap circle....is that a thing already? Does anyone know how I could make it work? If so, share your ideas! Wouldn't it be fun to get a box like this for no reason at all? </div>
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Who knows when I'll be back,</div>
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In the meantime, happy everything!</div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-6425383235674155712016-10-13T05:54:00.001-07:002016-10-13T05:56:26.128-07:00Two of my all time most popular posts are fresh Italian Spinach and Zucchini noodles straight from my garden. If you came for either of those, please look away now! <b>This post is brought to you by the 1970's, may grandmother, and processed food.... </b><br />
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Someone gave my grandmother this recipe. I am guessing it was probably from a 1970's Kraft ad, as it relies heavily on packaged ingredients from the food-giant. She only made it seldomly, because fresh-from-the-garden foods were her mainstay. I loved the this dish upon first bite, however, and it became my potluck go-tos in my 20's. It is truly so elegant looking that nobody would guess its dubious ingredients. I included it in <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2012/11/awesome-apps.html">this post </a>about homey, hearty appetizers that are great for casual entertaining. For a long time, I would not even give out the recipe for fear nobody would eat it again. Eventually, word did get out. To my surprise,rather than shunning the dish, it has become a "cult classic" among my friends. It is bad and cheesy, but they love it anyway. About once a year someone will request that I bring it to their home. <br />
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Here is what it calls for recipe:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Soft White Bread, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 jar Kraft Olde English Cheese, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 egg, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">1 package cream cheese, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">1 bunch thin-ish asparagus, and a </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">stick of butter </span><br />
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First, wash, trim and roast or blanch your asparagus . Set aside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6MYBTdXkT0l_BPnS4Y42jxORfF3jG2OC55Nk-PYWBhYHIV4m-KUK7uKLwb8wBOfzNfy8HZqu3jy6yuyxMnczQ8vlNc1J4kPVgodhnFkcjkCsJWiSKbq3DZxreKb2wF5uHw27fk6gGxQ/s1600/20161012_155226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6MYBTdXkT0l_BPnS4Y42jxORfF3jG2OC55Nk-PYWBhYHIV4m-KUK7uKLwb8wBOfzNfy8HZqu3jy6yuyxMnczQ8vlNc1J4kPVgodhnFkcjkCsJWiSKbq3DZxreKb2wF5uHw27fk6gGxQ/s640/20161012_155226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Next, remove the crusts of the white bread. Don’t try and cheat and buy the pre-crustless, it is too dry. Fancy bread won't work, and don't even think about whole wheat. Once the crust is gone, flatten the bread completely with rolling pin or glass—really mush it. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt-bK8vFJN1XYxpkp5nvy0b__gI4jOg2aRtb1qlxwmjAw1KgBO7K330IFQYtcWFHXJh8JrQJVPmb7Bn8M_d28hCmNo1xwWLsjJiAJHLnfyjfqQ5Hf0HaF6KGw_vaPlDGzF0AyZM8560Y/s1600/wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt-bK8vFJN1XYxpkp5nvy0b__gI4jOg2aRtb1qlxwmjAw1KgBO7K330IFQYtcWFHXJh8JrQJVPmb7Bn8M_d28hCmNo1xwWLsjJiAJHLnfyjfqQ5Hf0HaF6KGw_vaPlDGzF0AyZM8560Y/s320/wonder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Meanwhile mix together the egg, cream cheese, and Olde English. I find it really helps if the items are at room temperature.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv6P4E2FwMnfvDoRVe2szzbRbzD6FmYs7SnGR70OKIkVNTImvBDHGmd8vACswu2QN167VpQQqaJ5mN3U3wHAKYphp9DUvqd9YQ23LCu3ulWkPBYTIVTZ-E2myWs75wfp1_ZSBNQYeuvI/s1600/20161012_155327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv6P4E2FwMnfvDoRVe2szzbRbzD6FmYs7SnGR70OKIkVNTImvBDHGmd8vACswu2QN167VpQQqaJ5mN3U3wHAKYphp9DUvqd9YQ23LCu3ulWkPBYTIVTZ-E2myWs75wfp1_ZSBNQYeuvI/s640/20161012_155327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See the cheesey goodness?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTURNlD9y0RnUUWHSnPyk9fmNL6hyvxII3TU46SrG163Hp1Hm87OJdLMC0vyw7lUMDi6Tj7QAjJpBaT42LkaWWPC5OdxfPcbBNj86PT9jxQ777b-UKfdJPunEjKxG50KhtfGBED3iX5k/s1600/20161012_155435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTURNlD9y0RnUUWHSnPyk9fmNL6hyvxII3TU46SrG163Hp1Hm87OJdLMC0vyw7lUMDi6Tj7QAjJpBaT42LkaWWPC5OdxfPcbBNj86PT9jxQ777b-UKfdJPunEjKxG50KhtfGBED3iX5k/s640/20161012_155435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Finally, melt your butter in a shallow bowl or dish--the flatter the better (please forgive the crumbs here, I forgot to photograph before I started):</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fPRnQuMM_v73tHyBC-6OweULwh7h2dyf82ZenXwMFTNqcXLFKdSL3INa3eHe4w0XspbHaWmij7wSmoWsI4NJPY9kI6H5o3dhyFAONfbCrsWsBKqsvTO5iEdvIR35NzDvacomw7IVB9Q/s1600/20161012_155448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fPRnQuMM_v73tHyBC-6OweULwh7h2dyf82ZenXwMFTNqcXLFKdSL3INa3eHe4w0XspbHaWmij7wSmoWsI4NJPY9kI6H5o3dhyFAONfbCrsWsBKqsvTO5iEdvIR35NzDvacomw7IVB9Q/s640/20161012_155448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Set up an assembly line—bread, spread, asparagus, butter and your cookie sheet. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "josefin sans";"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Spread about one tablespoon of spread on bread:</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkyNLWcLSBBFNtbuGlIHuoggPd9YrFUO32z8Vfn5C1XGLCeBTWzAdslKJ58xFufNvsvJovVn8axkR6VSfHWIFpIBNtu9Ia19ruK7X-a6IRDYOCQIw_NzPqEJSzfRKxyXeozafcEU4Sdw/s1600/20161012_155506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkyNLWcLSBBFNtbuGlIHuoggPd9YrFUO32z8Vfn5C1XGLCeBTWzAdslKJ58xFufNvsvJovVn8axkR6VSfHWIFpIBNtu9Ia19ruK7X-a6IRDYOCQIw_NzPqEJSzfRKxyXeozafcEU4Sdw/s640/20161012_155506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Put the asparagus at the end and roll up—roll it in the butter and place seam-side down on a cookie sheet. Repeat until all remaining slices are on sheet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB_SscHUE90NBx4Af-GpIu0yS1OKp0A-xk41XX5BHUFCSnlrjjRoqeBShRRneq6uWQF7vJEF1pNiphnWcNit_cNnM24fUwpRyjgto7-T7pLZYDJ1NRVu-hHACnrj3Yxz03lEzDl310Zk/s1600/20161012_160745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB_SscHUE90NBx4Af-GpIu0yS1OKp0A-xk41XX5BHUFCSnlrjjRoqeBShRRneq6uWQF7vJEF1pNiphnWcNit_cNnM24fUwpRyjgto7-T7pLZYDJ1NRVu-hHACnrj3Yxz03lEzDl310Zk/s640/20161012_160745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">At this point either cover with a damp paper towel and cover with saran and refrigerate until ready to cook or cook at 375 until golden and puffed. They will eventually look like this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvD3lK4qjMgHiNTgFY0MmabUYywqyon7CC8K2HvdwkgEBjKcodI1swLKfH5e7dqT7w_rIP9uSQ9E6St9Gwm5iUPaB4b-ZrZd8K_3OMF17Nt4qOJBvhn5_TI13ujXgt6uwtVtR-V8fQIw/s1600/20161012_170941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvD3lK4qjMgHiNTgFY0MmabUYywqyon7CC8K2HvdwkgEBjKcodI1swLKfH5e7dqT7w_rIP9uSQ9E6St9Gwm5iUPaB4b-ZrZd8K_3OMF17Nt4qOJBvhn5_TI13ujXgt6uwtVtR-V8fQIw/s640/20161012_170941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "josefin sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Never tell your guests how you made this uber-gourmet looking dish:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDj0abBYAKkldOQOFxE1ECw5vsEyS_nM0bcJtyfz7GduT6OS_RvneNaj0KVplargWDs10cJQekOTZVN-wQtP_ew3Yad47uO2Uj2B-H20ocbgKCipakX-2JaVQBiHcCtEvEQl0aVpq3o4/s1600/20161012_170946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDj0abBYAKkldOQOFxE1ECw5vsEyS_nM0bcJtyfz7GduT6OS_RvneNaj0KVplargWDs10cJQekOTZVN-wQtP_ew3Yad47uO2Uj2B-H20ocbgKCipakX-2JaVQBiHcCtEvEQl0aVpq3o4/s640/20161012_170946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-3749512063314353762016-10-03T18:10:00.000-07:002016-10-03T18:10:37.438-07:00Sweet Like Apples and Honey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have been celebrating Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year last night and today. Since I was celebrating <i>my</i> new year and new decade last week, I almost forgot to get ready for the holiday (which is bad because 16 people were coming to dinner). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjIH3VQ5fJu8OVD0ZgtnIQ4fPuR_KALQONiuL_opyQD2-by1KOe3-aYiSuHsq9whn2I_78leMKHOb3gHSQNuG8_f6UIYRtRiL4yFdcuibmRZlHrQjbrt8ax3EwfmsGxGv99EaJx5ehY0/s1600/20161002_105351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjIH3VQ5fJu8OVD0ZgtnIQ4fPuR_KALQONiuL_opyQD2-by1KOe3-aYiSuHsq9whn2I_78leMKHOb3gHSQNuG8_f6UIYRtRiL4yFdcuibmRZlHrQjbrt8ax3EwfmsGxGv99EaJx5ehY0/s640/20161002_105351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">I scrambled Sunday morning and pulled together a rather nice tablescape and yummy dinner, in my humble opinion. I would normally buy flowers and agonize over arranging them. With the "short-notice" though I was left to use what I had. Fortunately, I had been sent some lovely lilies for my birthday that had a little life left in them by Sunday! I also had a bag of apples, which are a symbolic food for Rosh HaShanah in hopes that your new year should be as sweet as apples dipped in honey. Not bad for 5 day old flowers and five minutes! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvcyZeDZ0j_BYW6_8iQBO6w176gQ-ySQIRRYXvAEvbCnmgI7ORPhFA2BZ0GXyHoBsZk4ZooOLwbZDN8dA4Wy9I1KjdZR9LHh5Mqded9dXnl6r4zAemuA5niJDtpePK_tY-Sb76XTA4wk/s1600/20161002_105406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvcyZeDZ0j_BYW6_8iQBO6w176gQ-ySQIRRYXvAEvbCnmgI7ORPhFA2BZ0GXyHoBsZk4ZooOLwbZDN8dA4Wy9I1KjdZR9LHh5Mqded9dXnl6r4zAemuA5niJDtpePK_tY-Sb76XTA4wk/s640/20161002_105406.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">I took it one step further and made three apples into candleholders (that took about one minute using a melon baller). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6syQwQIBMEaG_RomAIcPGPSivDq4ljz64UO-hzFUKwfIoMXq6kS54NdEtET5PzVVt1DODzzO3rA1tlW6IHVibPSxIvpHBN55O1HZcTrDN71RCTL0MvokQnUupppaH2VTlJun3uTrLPM/s1600/20161002_150312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6syQwQIBMEaG_RomAIcPGPSivDq4ljz64UO-hzFUKwfIoMXq6kS54NdEtET5PzVVt1DODzzO3rA1tlW6IHVibPSxIvpHBN55O1HZcTrDN71RCTL0MvokQnUupppaH2VTlJun3uTrLPM/s640/20161002_150312.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">It almost makes me wonder why I fret over these details all the other times when I plan in advance. almost! Whether you are celebrating a holiday or just that it is Monday--Celebrate Everything!</span>Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-5965642748747223892016-09-30T13:27:00.000-07:002016-09-30T13:27:24.475-07:00Fit for the Queen of the Court: A 40-love Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The party I had been waiting 40 years for finally happened this Tuesday. I simply could not have asked for a better day. It was late a September day with just the slightest hint of a cool breeze, but with warm sunlight everywhere and not a cloud in the sky! In case you have not read my blog in the last few weeks (or ever, which is more likely), I went with a 40-Love theme. Grab a coffee this is a long one. All photos, unless otherwise noted below the photo, are the work of Lemon Cherry Photography. You can find Lemon Cherry <a href="http://www.lemoncherryphotography.com/">here</a>. The owner, Sara, is delightful and I think her company is going to grow from here. If you are in St. Louis, you should definitely check her out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFivJlB0mD5-zkbRYGp7Gzfg51aS6oYTWs8ZD1Huxqi7xQAlg4OC6YLbu2mwIumEYCJDlvLpCbYiL6xBgPbgLk_2MzuIV5usfz2GmMTbMd2Xg-ZiTEEiLykkrrojfQwHW25pI-hk5soY/s1600/40love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFivJlB0mD5-zkbRYGp7Gzfg51aS6oYTWs8ZD1Huxqi7xQAlg4OC6YLbu2mwIumEYCJDlvLpCbYiL6xBgPbgLk_2MzuIV5usfz2GmMTbMd2Xg-ZiTEEiLykkrrojfQwHW25pI-hk5soY/s640/40love.jpg" width="459" /></a></div>
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I was gifted a bunch of dead balls and had so much fun crafting with them. So did my 11 year old who made this 40 for me. It adorned the gate to the tennis courts!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQm3D-o-adT_aP_ei8zOSfsyV3kZqN9m_sNsytVWGXE7jdT2YjzLzrVniGxw2sge1g75zGIi9EM99PlV9pdujFEKC1monTuwJPQGVIAsWPUymKJwIMb494a2M01g82ujCVMuKLzHumnQ/s1600/LB__7309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQm3D-o-adT_aP_ei8zOSfsyV3kZqN9m_sNsytVWGXE7jdT2YjzLzrVniGxw2sge1g75zGIi9EM99PlV9pdujFEKC1monTuwJPQGVIAsWPUymKJwIMb494a2M01g82ujCVMuKLzHumnQ/s640/LB__7309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The day started with 22 tennis players and 4 pros who expertly led us in drills and games. Fortunately, I don't have to blot out eyes because most people are wearing sunglasses!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFqIAOG_abZXLn7ooBAdmoi50BxG9FoEX3t-jxNiTYo6oDHCA-12m9j6G_slynu7ZqKNtCG-ukmplSj4mKs_223MG5sF-YlDSL_73b60L1n6j3-UkwG8MpYI2K982o7EYgv3w7oKo5wU/s1600/LB__7408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFqIAOG_abZXLn7ooBAdmoi50BxG9FoEX3t-jxNiTYo6oDHCA-12m9j6G_slynu7ZqKNtCG-ukmplSj4mKs_223MG5sF-YlDSL_73b60L1n6j3-UkwG8MpYI2K982o7EYgv3w7oKo5wU/s640/LB__7408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The whole thing was made all the more special by the fact that I had a courtside DJ. I think I will never want to play tennis again without someone pumping all the jams from my lifetime! I have decided that my Hip Hop Tennis name is DJ Sweet Spot!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznzNUDdtYtHZTmAFst31yO2QdK-gSH5Y8RvzECCdvaXIyW5k9vxd-Bz_2RMQnYXw3ZmZtC1pAexfF-tdENeGzoTLHsESk7kFjSrm5Dh3W8ayNB3iNJuH_x9gTZP-fnNHwsSIE6V5AXiw/s1600/40loveDJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznzNUDdtYtHZTmAFst31yO2QdK-gSH5Y8RvzECCdvaXIyW5k9vxd-Bz_2RMQnYXw3ZmZtC1pAexfF-tdENeGzoTLHsESk7kFjSrm5Dh3W8ayNB3iNJuH_x9gTZP-fnNHwsSIE6V5AXiw/s320/40loveDJ.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is NOT one of my professional photos, but I thought it was important to show the courtside DJ :)</span></td></tr>
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Lemonade, Tea and Assorted Nuts were served courtside as well as bottled water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBX3Zc_aCohKlrVNMh43kplAkaAmS_niuDySSouPSnXAuGK5J3mZvct2RiQ5rZZ7pPDvj8lEQ7dRJWLmSdpMLE9BZc1SRPg5knEZm4yNgBp6bS0VC1R2stNFa2kPhJZ9xhqUboN_fpx4/s1600/LB__7428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBX3Zc_aCohKlrVNMh43kplAkaAmS_niuDySSouPSnXAuGK5J3mZvct2RiQ5rZZ7pPDvj8lEQ7dRJWLmSdpMLE9BZc1SRPg5knEZm4yNgBp6bS0VC1R2stNFa2kPhJZ9xhqUboN_fpx4/s640/LB__7428.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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How cute are all of our rackets piled up???<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />When the games were finished, champagne and sparkling waters were butler-passed and then we headed it for a wee "cocktail hour." Guests were greeted by a preppy pink and green rag swag that I created. Two wreaths flanked the entrance (shown in photos below).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk2AKepBjuJ4XYEKbrqcEGiKY_HTlJKWC5j2kqzkM4EUI5D85jYY6pa3da8F9fX37oGR6adgWtLKgmdC47WK5JkEO-o4mhlfhkUV9G_4MZir3BYVlF1AnDdjDtZQrRCN87H8h4VQjdi8/s1600/swag-tara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk2AKepBjuJ4XYEKbrqcEGiKY_HTlJKWC5j2kqzkM4EUI5D85jYY6pa3da8F9fX37oGR6adgWtLKgmdC47WK5JkEO-o4mhlfhkUV9G_4MZir3BYVlF1AnDdjDtZQrRCN87H8h4VQjdi8/s640/swag-tara.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is NOT one of my professional photos, but I wanted to show you this sweet rag garland that I created. It was the basis for a lot of the other decor! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qhvFuhn_clqn6LpGNlW7FTk2_BXfnk4sqRiqBnOab-aRRqAiGek25SF61f-bFUSnJCt-4nr1vvZprOI-qX4nZmiGic6hYj-JM3o5EBJjVstd4d4nxUgfiHcLBSWUXIG_hrZF7UVMJxk/s1600/LB__7338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qhvFuhn_clqn6LpGNlW7FTk2_BXfnk4sqRiqBnOab-aRRqAiGek25SF61f-bFUSnJCt-4nr1vvZprOI-qX4nZmiGic6hYj-JM3o5EBJjVstd4d4nxUgfiHcLBSWUXIG_hrZF7UVMJxk/s640/LB__7338.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqh8tqfby577_bY0gPx-Co370hgEbEHunmNWO0myGxv4O8p__Y_JFRn3NRdRxY0rIWEyPcQHGMnrNahiYkkUh-RJNES88Kp6Vx11yYu1wPpbhV65iZXUOJfR03I1sl4HC-IsdypG1Oh4/s1600/LB__7313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqh8tqfby577_bY0gPx-Co370hgEbEHunmNWO0myGxv4O8p__Y_JFRn3NRdRxY0rIWEyPcQHGMnrNahiYkkUh-RJNES88Kp6Vx11yYu1wPpbhV65iZXUOJfR03I1sl4HC-IsdypG1Oh4/s640/LB__7313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We passed three appetizers: Roasted Shrimp in Pea Pod with a Soy-Mirin dipping sauce, Asparagus with boursin encased in phyllo, and a Petro on a Chinese Soup Spoon. Petros are my favorite treat from Knoxville, TN, where I went to college. They are just chili and cheese with fritos and toppings, but they were so elegant on the spoon and passed on a silver platter! </div>
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After that guests found their seats. I always like a place card because it helps guests feel at ease and it is one more chance for cute! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZL69qq6YS6k-viCikXRkocR5eWDFu2OZbAbTHh_aVe_tE01A7LBUn6YI_47vKloelElKli0TggQQMJCDO6DeqdjjbVNSIYz-OZ5E8JSQQEQaMYALnLTW81m9fTAsO3E4rDUKnfewVyU/s1600/LB__7334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZL69qq6YS6k-viCikXRkocR5eWDFu2OZbAbTHh_aVe_tE01A7LBUn6YI_47vKloelElKli0TggQQMJCDO6DeqdjjbVNSIYz-OZ5E8JSQQEQaMYALnLTW81m9fTAsO3E4rDUKnfewVyU/s640/LB__7334.jpg" width="640" /></a> Here, you can see some more of our handy work. Tennis ball topiaries, 40 love stand-ups, and centerpieces featuring the same material as our rag garland adorned the room.<br />
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Aren't these napkin folds just the cutest?? YOU know I love a napkin fold!</div>
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I can't resist showing a close-up of this happy centerpiece.</div>
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Before lunch got started, I made a speech and was was presented with the sweetest book from my girlfriends. Each one submitted a recipe and special note for me. It was so, so kind, and I will treasure it for always! They also gave one BIG group gift to ensure my 40's sparkle. I adore these beautiful stacking rings!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqWLjvEb7Ewr-UdTqLotY4T5JFEorgc4jeSLCJ_KiL8gX85m-QVNXnihLYtJENr_WfQoMtweK65e5G6JAId6AlN-Y-9dFuE7xFSF4r1uFK-08kefa8ZVfWcW9-189Z-VJjk6-M-ifOK0/s1600/LB__7700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqWLjvEb7Ewr-UdTqLotY4T5JFEorgc4jeSLCJ_KiL8gX85m-QVNXnihLYtJENr_WfQoMtweK65e5G6JAId6AlN-Y-9dFuE7xFSF4r1uFK-08kefa8ZVfWcW9-189Z-VJjk6-M-ifOK0/s640/LB__7700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHvLcQVRPq2cMTKgPi3kYYX5C8Zi5Ld_mpKAD4PmEhbHnEokxOBQyxGgN_-POOWIoprBgiqGuCYY_cwrr4c-OLwwb9dXhq4KrhxcRFbIAdLYTlFLspTsUJJtgHMAGUFQ5A9Jvxm-07uI/s1600/LB__7732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHvLcQVRPq2cMTKgPi3kYYX5C8Zi5Ld_mpKAD4PmEhbHnEokxOBQyxGgN_-POOWIoprBgiqGuCYY_cwrr4c-OLwwb9dXhq4KrhxcRFbIAdLYTlFLspTsUJJtgHMAGUFQ5A9Jvxm-07uI/s640/LB__7732.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsXErzmRt6ui9yPpyDxkDtVKRWKtKPdMPHvxMtUvYNlWvE-fub4cCSYp0eyreM6AhlmcXhxLunFJ7qzzkkgB_jnXpokD8c6Cy9wO38semF6hq1nHLhvyAHdpRVFm001gqiuBeWesboWA/s1600/LB__7716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsXErzmRt6ui9yPpyDxkDtVKRWKtKPdMPHvxMtUvYNlWvE-fub4cCSYp0eyreM6AhlmcXhxLunFJ7qzzkkgB_jnXpokD8c6Cy9wO38semF6hq1nHLhvyAHdpRVFm001gqiuBeWesboWA/s640/LB__7716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also got some bling from this guy, who reset my engagement ring for the new decade....I told you it was a good day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWibOmOs0Kj6UZH6HSwh3KcbS4CWjysRjGmYkFPmUdigK_tmvA6z3dZdCqGQ9PQQqj0sghLfXCry-uGjrwIkG4eX6dPvca8Yeukf_yY-bSXItaA6STvVRIJ8FfveGSiB3xxD0uPv3vMwg/s1600/LB__7702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWibOmOs0Kj6UZH6HSwh3KcbS4CWjysRjGmYkFPmUdigK_tmvA6z3dZdCqGQ9PQQqj0sghLfXCry-uGjrwIkG4eX6dPvca8Yeukf_yY-bSXItaA6STvVRIJ8FfveGSiB3xxD0uPv3vMwg/s640/LB__7702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now back to the party.......This was a perfect meal for a ladies lunch on the cusp of Fall.<br />
Here were the menu cards and food:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73nE9BI5OThTa6bg_Y82Q9slSnNIPldKFybtDOBGhOZFKMKhFqq50mi_GRe1nfiMnxY4FQ7_pEhqP9s9cO4LZeJsPRww96CylyVO7wdT1_ip3eZkajv788k-pptHMCeULiXQnIxr9Kg0/s1600/LB__7327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73nE9BI5OThTa6bg_Y82Q9slSnNIPldKFybtDOBGhOZFKMKhFqq50mi_GRe1nfiMnxY4FQ7_pEhqP9s9cO4LZeJsPRww96CylyVO7wdT1_ip3eZkajv788k-pptHMCeULiXQnIxr9Kg0/s640/LB__7327.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbITyE4HesGcKWNaiPzBvlKZJzsVDCT_SWKNZlJBPJGJE9u9u5FWK9qDwAQ0pg-BxM1vfevBTqtJbzZ6Aav5u-fkCf7lHnM4MN_My7gU_hq5zJOZxFokoZwsocU5cbSVm50xzhL62G4js/s1600/LB__7710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbITyE4HesGcKWNaiPzBvlKZJzsVDCT_SWKNZlJBPJGJE9u9u5FWK9qDwAQ0pg-BxM1vfevBTqtJbzZ6Aav5u-fkCf7lHnM4MN_My7gU_hq5zJOZxFokoZwsocU5cbSVm50xzhL62G4js/s1600/LB__7710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbITyE4HesGcKWNaiPzBvlKZJzsVDCT_SWKNZlJBPJGJE9u9u5FWK9qDwAQ0pg-BxM1vfevBTqtJbzZ6Aav5u-fkCf7lHnM4MN_My7gU_hq5zJOZxFokoZwsocU5cbSVm50xzhL62G4js/s640/LB__7710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HUTmGNXvX41GXD0zpHic4ZItMWvw5q4_IetYYNVv32wakfoKDepcIiulJUdnX4SDZHvSNNirUg0PmeWPZIoduuYhKhgl-XW4gcte0_XIMh3-MTcFF6aZRCap8FocI1XcyI9CHiQhfg8/s1600/20160927_131135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HUTmGNXvX41GXD0zpHic4ZItMWvw5q4_IetYYNVv32wakfoKDepcIiulJUdnX4SDZHvSNNirUg0PmeWPZIoduuYhKhgl-XW4gcte0_XIMh3-MTcFF6aZRCap8FocI1XcyI9CHiQhfg8/s640/20160927_131135.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is NOT one of my professional photos. Our time ended before dessert, but I had to show you these sweet skillet pies!</span></td></tr>
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Finally, we sent each guest home with a tennis ball cookie that said, your friendship is my sweet spot!</div>
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If this day was any indication, my 40's are going to be great!</div>
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Whether you are having a milestone birthday, celebrating holidays (as I will be this week), or just because it is finally almost sweater weather--Celebrate Everything!<br />
<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-21257797442754505762016-09-27T07:03:00.001-07:002016-09-27T07:03:47.961-07:0040-Love: A personal history of tennis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8vU1LoGgGRT_CV706-Gp655Zj24_yv99DfBGGjSWkpvvbCxTR29PlYoIQOFFvCJV9zpF7r43GXcDgwHxV_0SShwjdmm1pcYA2xkU9JUDMF919ohPw-cR7nLn-WiZYNmSdeVS5RV16v8/s1600/40love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8vU1LoGgGRT_CV706-Gp655Zj24_yv99DfBGGjSWkpvvbCxTR29PlYoIQOFFvCJV9zpF7r43GXcDgwHxV_0SShwjdmm1pcYA2xkU9JUDMF919ohPw-cR7nLn-WiZYNmSdeVS5RV16v8/s320/40love.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>As far back as I can remember my dad played tennis at least
once a week. I can still hear the ice water
sloshing in his comically oversized 80’s thermos. Sometimes my sister and I went out for lessons
with our dad, which was equally fun and frustrating. Needless to say I did not emerge tennis pro
or even close to competent. I did, however,
get the earliest Wilson Hammer so that I looked like an ace. Later, I lent that racket to my college boyfriend
and somehow lost it in the break-up.
Even though I am sure he has long-since gotten rid of it, I take some small
solace knowing he learned to play with a little girl grip!</div>
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After that there was no tennis in my life for a long, long
time. There seemed to be no time in graduate
school, while D and I planned our wedding, and even less as we started our
practices, decorated homes, and become parents.
Then one day I decided it was time to take up tennis. The short version is that it was not immediately easy. I was pretty bad
for quite awhile. Why then would I
choose to wax poetic on my milestone birthday about tennis? </div>
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The answer is that, surprisingly, I liked it anyway. A big lesson for me as I enter my 40’s is
that it turns out that there can be joy in accepting that you are just okay at
something. And it turns out you can teach
an old dog new tricks after all: I greatly improved with lots of practice. I can now proudly and officially say that I
am solidly “okay-ish at tennis.” The
lessons go much deeper than that, though.
You can learn a lot about life from the game of tennis. Think for instance, that long before you
start a match, you have to reach out to friends and make a commitment to be
there for one another on the court. It
simply does not work to go it alone. Sadly
there is a maximum of four players on the court at a time, so sometimes you
won’t be included. Other times you
will. Make your own matches when you need
to, and remember it’s just a game.</div>
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Once you step on the court, you have to play the game for where you are at that moment—you have
to be flexible and adjust whether you are on clay, hard court, grass or even
the carpet at Frontenac. Sometimes you
will have the home court advantage and sometimes you will be the outsider. Only YOU are responsible for your confidence
as you step on the court. It all begins
with love. </div>
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Tennis players know that when the score is love all, or love
everybody as I like to say, anyone can win.
That’s not to say it is easy from there.
Serving and getting the game started is one of the hardest things to do
in tennis and any new venture. Even if
you serve well—you can get a foot-fault for standing in the wrong spot. In tennis and life, you should know where you
stand and know when to move if you are in the wrong place. The good news is that if you mess up, you get
a do-over. That is an actual rule in
tennis and each new point is an opportunity.
No matter how far behind you are, there is always room for a comeback
unless you decide that you are going to lose, and then you probably will. Sometimes you give it your all but your opponents
is just too good—learn to compliment them and move on. It is not always about you. You can have the best rally of your life and
lose the point—you have to recognize that your win was the rally itself. Celebrate the small stuff. Another day you may be better player. You may be able to shut out a point, but find
it to be more enjoyable to keep the ball in play instead. The back and forth between the two sides is the
reason you are there after all. I could “serve” up these analogies all day,
but it all comes down to this: You can
play up or down as long as you play nicely in life and on the tennis
court. Let new players in your game and
lo<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">ve Everybody!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.5pt;">Thank you for being a part of my game and reading along with me!</span></div>
Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-81525701242217016072016-08-19T09:13:00.001-07:002016-08-20T12:29:30.560-07:00Balls in the air!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have been busy transitioning from overnight camp to family camp to back-to-school all while squeezing in two precious birthday parties and as mama gears up to start a new law office (way more on that later). You could say that we have a balls in the air, figuratively and literally. I am in party craft mode once again and this time it is for me! Here is a hint of what we are working on:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcHYjp5FOO_aNO2wtoExCak8d-mMksPxk8BiGNglHQxKUxCkMAtYcgrD9rOewx4OtxwswV_kNZwfVhzB1j8Tscdzq_1UN1cBS_0w-vgXUK73OJ5zi8B8046VYwzuqHMAwaxLPjsuSJY0/s1600/20160818_075510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcHYjp5FOO_aNO2wtoExCak8d-mMksPxk8BiGNglHQxKUxCkMAtYcgrD9rOewx4OtxwswV_kNZwfVhzB1j8Tscdzq_1UN1cBS_0w-vgXUK73OJ5zi8B8046VYwzuqHMAwaxLPjsuSJY0/s640/20160818_075510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuh3IXEi_eplqlkVJiKDEgfCCWqw5xsWZ4qrqzAii1KXkJit0CdOGYLL2J8cAHq9zMLOfzRX-fM_EQ9aANenSHbD2-ExBgR-mKzcU6-Cvfw0x8asbtXbzbB_doKmi6jr3vAd8T2XX79g/s1600/40love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuh3IXEi_eplqlkVJiKDEgfCCWqw5xsWZ4qrqzAii1KXkJit0CdOGYLL2J8cAHq9zMLOfzRX-fM_EQ9aANenSHbD2-ExBgR-mKzcU6-Cvfw0x8asbtXbzbB_doKmi6jr3vAd8T2XX79g/s640/40love.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwsGamdxUPXlfQMpM6Y7E7WzlIGdsalUoyG0fYotif8zU2xQ8ezb29gfF-z1AzaHs51kZ0fa5ApOHOYSpN3tH5PV6X3WvMoYw_q0kBaTZOe8E4arTrAMC_vPb2GsUEDIvLA7N7xKBw7E/s1600/14717196769231754612537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwsGamdxUPXlfQMpM6Y7E7WzlIGdsalUoyG0fYotif8zU2xQ8ezb29gfF-z1AzaHs51kZ0fa5ApOHOYSpN3tH5PV6X3WvMoYw_q0kBaTZOe8E4arTrAMC_vPb2GsUEDIvLA7N7xKBw7E/s640/14717196769231754612537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yup in less that 40 days, I am going to be 40!</div>
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I plan to love it and embrace it and play with my friends. Game on! </div>
<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-32731695915621993762016-08-17T04:48:00.001-07:002016-08-17T04:48:27.576-07:00And Now for Something Completely Different....If you got the reference in my title, thank you for being a nerd like me! If you didn't that's okay, too. It is just today that I want to write about something new. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QDzFPg21-58YoDyiY9L4JNlGBM1Fdg_Fgag14jCWqopNY817SHB98qLboK7C7vJtLMOoZO3ceyyX9NdD-zjuxM1-TxTNc3p_xA-SfytRjx5_ycswt9bjz1QzgU_dSiOJ2qsR4AYzoec/s1600/middleschhol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QDzFPg21-58YoDyiY9L4JNlGBM1Fdg_Fgag14jCWqopNY817SHB98qLboK7C7vJtLMOoZO3ceyyX9NdD-zjuxM1-TxTNc3p_xA-SfytRjx5_ycswt9bjz1QzgU_dSiOJ2qsR4AYzoec/s320/middleschhol.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a running SNL style parody-commercial for middle school in my head!</td></tr>
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Monday night I sat in my daughter's room as she cried, afraid of what middle school might bring. I talked to her about how the unknown is hard. How you must take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other and just move forward. In that sense, it isn't so bad. Once you are in motion, you'll keep going. What I didn't say is that while the unknown is scary, it isn't as bad as what I know is ahead. <br />
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There is going to be a group that she doesn't fit into. There is going to be a group that fits just right but still has its own little dramas. There will be hormones that make her cry when nothing is wrong and massive piles of clothes on the floor on days when she has "nothing to wear." There will be pimples on her sweet baby face and braces on her teeth. There will be an unrequited crush (or two). There will be a test that our A-student tanks and then a moment where she has to decide to lie about it or be honest. There will be a party that she isn't invited to and a concert that I won't allow though the other parents say it is okay. Social media will hurt her feelings because of something she sees there or because I don't allow her to have it. There will be pressures old and new to do and try things that she shouldn't. Friendships will change and the lunchroom pecking order will suck no matter where you sit. I don't know what, but something embarrassing will happen that she will remember forever. These are. the. facts.<br />
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I wish I had a good paragraph to write here about how I am going to love her through it or how I have an amazing plan that will bring my baby through this unscathed, confidence in tact. I wish I could send her back to elementary school where she was loved and well-cared for with me just six houses away. I wish I could fast forward the bad parts and promise her bestie will always be her bestie forever. But it is all unknown to me. So I am just going to take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other. Once we are in motion, we'll keep going.....<br />
<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-12115290058006697082016-08-12T09:59:00.003-07:002016-08-14T07:51:21.247-07:00Kids take over the Blog: Fashion Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ztgemEgnvyWlTurIQr-FABzZiKzMP374FLBIFJbhyOSg_bqPHl27zmWz02sCtSlE-NWexH-PI-2cqPKCHV7TiGGUw91PmeVnoX3STjmuFs9F9ARlrypQLW5U_99gJOSA1NjWgQ_tENg/s1600/kidsblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ztgemEgnvyWlTurIQr-FABzZiKzMP374FLBIFJbhyOSg_bqPHl27zmWz02sCtSlE-NWexH-PI-2cqPKCHV7TiGGUw91PmeVnoX3STjmuFs9F9ARlrypQLW5U_99gJOSA1NjWgQ_tENg/s640/kidsblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hi, I'm Naomi! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKD-OB_2IOiIszWvtKSdHbay_sY63qSJdbF3IBqRL-SSXT09Q8K9Csrsie7l_RHUAwKQIcnxvTrGQQ4oZ_FFsowhoebUvxPeG5a-zjOT75lc_6J9R17tl-ScJZEabvD_rkByQyp5kp24/s1600/week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKD-OB_2IOiIszWvtKSdHbay_sY63qSJdbF3IBqRL-SSXT09Q8K9Csrsie7l_RHUAwKQIcnxvTrGQQ4oZ_FFsowhoebUvxPeG5a-zjOT75lc_6J9R17tl-ScJZEabvD_rkByQyp5kp24/s640/week.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is something I have been working on today!</td></tr>
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On Tuesday, I am starting middle school for the first time ever!!!! I was really nervous about what friends I would have in my classes and what would everybody wear. Since I was so nervous, my mom and grandma took me out shopping. We got tons of new tops and a few new bottoms as well as a new pair of shoes. Today, I decided I was going to make my first day of school outfit, but when I got to my room I remembered how much stuff I got-- So much I decided to make more than one outfit. In fact, I made enough for the whole week. I used some of my old clothes. When I was done making the outfits, I still did not know what day I should where each one. I made signs with days of a school week. Then I assigned an each outfit for each day and put them in order. I was all set until I remembered a project I did with my parents before kindergarten to help with my nerves. Our pres-school teachers gave us hearts and our parents wrote their names on them along with positive notes. Then our teachers turned them into necklaces to wear the first week of kindergarten, This gave me an idea! In every outfit I put a sticky note. I had my parents sign the note to put in my pocket to remind me they were supporting me-- one for every day of the week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimw2YZXAfoJulm6wIb4pChvpO9wiCybKEXcoBvmx7U1JRaLiHTzEtBTvUKELrEf3VwIO2pAxTVU122zel8bTyP_XUf4XK2zLAj0fTHpel0jgmIF64pZeNg1BeS-fVGGTpSAuCIyQd-1M/s1600/Tuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimw2YZXAfoJulm6wIb4pChvpO9wiCybKEXcoBvmx7U1JRaLiHTzEtBTvUKELrEf3VwIO2pAxTVU122zel8bTyP_XUf4XK2zLAj0fTHpel0jgmIF64pZeNg1BeS-fVGGTpSAuCIyQd-1M/s640/Tuesday.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On tuesday (aka the first day of school), I am wearing a coral cold shoulder with jean shorts and a necklace with sailor sandals</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoDSsGQIdNIp3UHvn4YUQsfo-Nep9gnQa4m-IqFdN0dbzTfkdorDsfQY50mEfyI-1AuKJQ82lNi6MkvBOf6S3oCT5HtLF41tLuVhkSvLISrHyDKSrfGssNsFr5aHY8G54zqJaBDS1Ui8/s1600/Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoDSsGQIdNIp3UHvn4YUQsfo-Nep9gnQa4m-IqFdN0dbzTfkdorDsfQY50mEfyI-1AuKJQ82lNi6MkvBOf6S3oCT5HtLF41tLuVhkSvLISrHyDKSrfGssNsFr5aHY8G54zqJaBDS1Ui8/s640/Wednesday.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On wednesday, I am wearing a gray shirt with ruffles at the bottom, navy shorts, a leaf necklace, and my silver Birkenstocks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vh22fsrGNyAzFLQGHgC9GjQhc4oVYNLhNjNoUfmRn42XxYtSAIXvAD-N3khNO3bJj8ZwbdVa4OfV4jxW8TdTKqaVrp78pPGvNqCKeIYZHzUEBlUJUXtr_70P-OI28ePv3t0IH_0bX5Q/s1600/Thurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vh22fsrGNyAzFLQGHgC9GjQhc4oVYNLhNjNoUfmRn42XxYtSAIXvAD-N3khNO3bJj8ZwbdVa4OfV4jxW8TdTKqaVrp78pPGvNqCKeIYZHzUEBlUJUXtr_70P-OI28ePv3t0IH_0bX5Q/s640/Thurs.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Thursday, I am wearing a white t-shirt with cut-outs, a purple athletic skirt from Ivivva and my new tennis shoes. On Friday, I am wearing a teal shirt with pom poms, cut-offs with lace detail and my tennis shoes. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7_a36z-5Zk_0aW0xUGP7g78yiqDS69JPh7sxZ80z9Tcqiil4eRkWFLcQe2K-SihHzxXl26ZRe_fBT4UxgcVyIEYrwoy6AHuYaysvYE_-nJUNCbd4p52sDAkvn7aTw2ZAeNrxFTyLtBk/s1600/nextMonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7_a36z-5Zk_0aW0xUGP7g78yiqDS69JPh7sxZ80z9Tcqiil4eRkWFLcQe2K-SihHzxXl26ZRe_fBT4UxgcVyIEYrwoy6AHuYaysvYE_-nJUNCbd4p52sDAkvn7aTw2ZAeNrxFTyLtBk/s640/nextMonday.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, the next Monday, I am wearing patterned shorts, a blue split front top and booties.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> Now I am ready to start middle school!</span></div>
Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-83623906857221294052016-07-15T05:20:00.001-07:002016-07-18T08:30:04.754-07:00Be our Guest!Today Kelly's Korner's real life home tours is all about guest rooms. My parents live out of town and visit us about every 2 months. So, a dedicated guest room was important to me when we built the house. Of course, we would have given it up if we had a third child, but it turns out we were meant to be a family of four and have a guest room! <br />
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My theory of a guest room is to give guests just what they need. For me that means extra toiletries, including soap, q-tips, cotton balls, and lots of back-up t.p. (who wants to ask for that?!). I also feel like a phone, charging station, kleenex and a clock are a must. Other than that, I don't like too much in there. I say give them a blank space and empty drawers so they can unpack and stay awhile.<br />
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Here is our sparse, but comfy guest room. This is the original Pottery Barn Upholstered Headboard, called "The Lewis." The bedding is all Pottery barn f the same era with pillows purchased ions ago. The art above the bed was made from toilet paper rolls! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXuAvRAZAcIBBec_0imaRL-HGjTdfvHyYH6uRpbLkGU6wZ2euXazDwQg_udaYRrkZyu89Ntx4faQJotnCAV_c3tzI1ibtJ9gaoFRf2IMjddGivG2-7fKVy6oKf2w7fQNi2pp4v_NF-CU/s1600/IMGP9115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXuAvRAZAcIBBec_0imaRL-HGjTdfvHyYH6uRpbLkGU6wZ2euXazDwQg_udaYRrkZyu89Ntx4faQJotnCAV_c3tzI1ibtJ9gaoFRf2IMjddGivG2-7fKVy6oKf2w7fQNi2pp4v_NF-CU/s640/IMGP9115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The mid-century modern dresser and nightstand were my father in law's in the his mid-century childhood room. We also have the matching desk and twin beds elsewhere in the house. <br />
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-43889300201098563902016-07-14T18:12:00.003-07:002016-07-14T19:56:44.105-07:00Working WomenI am once again linking up with Kelly's Korner and talking about our real house. This post is about as real as it gets! Our house stays pretty tidy, but the offices are always filled with projects and papers and, well, office stuff! I am trying embrace that these things have their own sort of beauty. I do love the way a stack of art supplies looks--so full of possibilities.<br />
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If you read<a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/07/step-into-my-husbands-office.html"> this post yesterday</a>, you saw our masculine, old world office that was meant to be for my husband alone. In reality, Mamma and girls sort of took over in there too. Today, I'm showing you what is <i>supposed </i>to be the girls' work space and art room. In each and every one of those bins are art supplies from paint to sand to sewing notions and do-dads. This room features a craft table, oodles of storage and tons of Pinterest-worthy clever solutions.........<br />
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It is legit always a mess. I just close the doors and hope guests don't see the piles of unfinished projects on the floor!<br />
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I tried to keep all the furniture clear and white to decrease the visual clutter of all the supplies. It takes a lot of supplies to make all those clever crafts and well-styled soirees!<br />
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You can see that the backwall is a chalkboard with a magnetic strip and that there are hooks for backpacks. I hope one day we actually do homework in here, but we mostly do it at the kitchen table only steps away!<br />
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The side wall, featuring the computer and all my cutting supplies, is always the most chaotic. Notice the photography equipment on the floor! #real<br />
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Below is a shot from a day it was actually a bit cleaner. You can see more about that and how I made the charging station <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2015/06/updates-and-free-cart-make-over.html">here</a><br />
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Thanks for stopping by to our (100 percent) real home!!!!!Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-22819021172036663922016-07-14T17:47:00.003-07:002016-07-14T18:16:36.991-07:00Step into my (husband's) Office I'm once again linking up with Kelly's Korner and talking about real house. This is about as real as it gets! Our house stays pretty tidy, but the offices are always filled with projects and papers and, well, office stuff! I am trying embrace that these things have their own sort of beauty!<br />
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This office was meant for Mr. 31derful (the rest of us have another work space). If you have been reading here long, you will know that we are both lawyers. Mr. 31derful occasionally has clients come by at night, and we needed a nice place to sign a last minute document away from the constant crafting! We also need a place for him to put in late nights. I wanted an old world law office feel,a and I think I accomplished it. Fast forward 8 years and the guy didn't stand a chance. The three ladies have taken control in here despite the best laid plans!<br />
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Anyhoo, the office is on the main floor and I love this view every morning. I wish I could photograph how the light hits those vintage legal-satire prints.<br />
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I purchased the rug in Nepal while living there in grad school, the silk pillows were picked up in Thailand, the couch is from my husband's mentor's law office, and the map is of dear husband's 40th birthday sailing trip through the BVI. There are so many memories in this one spot!</div>
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The natural light is so strong in this room that we almost never use the lights. In person it is absolutely lovely, but this is what happens when you photograph the room:</div>
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In close ups, you can see more of the desk:</div>
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Please excuse the mess on the left--we work here :). The idea is that two people can work together in this room by pulling up the leather chair,. Mostly we just quibble over who gets the desk chair. Everyone wants it at all times!</div>
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The center shelves are the one thing that have truly have remained Mr. 31derful's. We have his own Tommy Tippy baby Cup baby along with mementos from his family. There is a tin cup earned on the sailingboat that inspired his life-long love of sailing (the ship that launched a 1000 ships!). Inuit artwork given to hubby from my uncle in Alaska and oodles of artwork from our girls round out the collection.</div>
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On the back wall we are lucky to have a signed Norman Rockwell lithograph that was gifted to us . It actually served as the inspiration for this manly room that was taken over by a gaggle of girls! I guess I made this space a little too warm and comfortable! </div>
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Thanks for visiting our "manly" office!</div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-3721815092680524232016-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:002016-07-07T13:51:35.210-07:00Pretty in Pink and a Jill and Jill BathroomMany thanks to <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/">Kelly's Korner</a> for hosting the real house tour; I am having an absolute blast!<br />
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Yesterday I showed you a <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/07/fit-for-tween.html">purple room fit for a tween</a>, and now we are moving into little sister's pink palace. Side note: the actual Pink Palace Museum was my all-time favorite field trip. If you are in Memphis, you should go there!<br />
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You can enter Annabelle's room through the <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/07/sister-space.html">Sister Space Landing</a> or through the Jill and Jill Bathroom, where the pink and purple meet. The pink and purple rooms have grown nicely with the girls, but I am beginning to wonder if the stripes are a wee bit juvenile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93LE3jvc5TQh6hJ0e6B2B06vUzFIzvFtK-PIU1adkhvCE2BB2sgZJI0XKE-fK0cjLgQU7vqt4p7YvXyOl9sy58UJa4iZh7J2aiDJLFawwacnrADJkpkireafeOq_FviyC26c8bnaalio/s1600/girlspotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93LE3jvc5TQh6hJ0e6B2B06vUzFIzvFtK-PIU1adkhvCE2BB2sgZJI0XKE-fK0cjLgQU7vqt4p7YvXyOl9sy58UJa4iZh7J2aiDJLFawwacnrADJkpkireafeOq_FviyC26c8bnaalio/s640/girlspotty.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWMwpXvuZSyBysXCfkrnOBBkhE9T3AnNUcU1MHvhr7MAlZ1KAT2EhyphenhyphenHZG-0WBlSAgCSyEmA3rPG-YLi41-kRP4A20-ixkf0AJ8HMNXSyzpTeuVsUQRgYWpDBdaDkSnPtAYHwPkxYGVH8/s1600/girlsvanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWMwpXvuZSyBysXCfkrnOBBkhE9T3AnNUcU1MHvhr7MAlZ1KAT2EhyphenhyphenHZG-0WBlSAgCSyEmA3rPG-YLi41-kRP4A20-ixkf0AJ8HMNXSyzpTeuVsUQRgYWpDBdaDkSnPtAYHwPkxYGVH8/s640/girlsvanity.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2010/02/big-girls-dont-cry.html">Here </a>was Annabelle's room when we first decorated it and here it is today:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q1rhm8PaKdIiTyRFMabmee6FMSHoudjjAphQgszINFSvmYvmPvkJ8aYQE260fup02KRG59id-G2CRfsKyFm-c5mBsFbciF1JxKv68-w0in6DD_FQmB04TTTEch836pWQQ4Ax0P72OA0/s1600/annabelle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q1rhm8PaKdIiTyRFMabmee6FMSHoudjjAphQgszINFSvmYvmPvkJ8aYQE260fup02KRG59id-G2CRfsKyFm-c5mBsFbciF1JxKv68-w0in6DD_FQmB04TTTEch836pWQQ4Ax0P72OA0/s640/annabelle1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Her nightstand is messy, but she makes her bed everyday so I don't complain too much! Notice the under the bed "storage!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNd_vZMNg1t2fwCMF8PoRkHomQoTLrhnmD_T_pW-ld-z7niVQXMGReIxoCXvLZY83FRPmNgYlsQz7Qv9Jb_07aCh-Z_F7PQOWm3Vo-oNjDetEfPjp8uyDequ7skT7VmoNK62wxZ7OLAw/s1600/annabelle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNd_vZMNg1t2fwCMF8PoRkHomQoTLrhnmD_T_pW-ld-z7niVQXMGReIxoCXvLZY83FRPmNgYlsQz7Qv9Jb_07aCh-Z_F7PQOWm3Vo-oNjDetEfPjp8uyDequ7skT7VmoNK62wxZ7OLAw/s640/annabelle2.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
Her never-ever used chair that I re-painted years ago and had recovered in zoocat fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1mPT6SBPEPaZkOiehkp-cIGxuczNq3dKrjy9WzJQcsaLXv5dpLfrUCcaA9OFnLBXfT-U6zPq6XGigKISKvS1YTW1B0BVughYkXW427zqySCanUcwHbmCw9xwc1jIK9VcxAiCa4MFobg/s1600/ananbelle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1mPT6SBPEPaZkOiehkp-cIGxuczNq3dKrjy9WzJQcsaLXv5dpLfrUCcaA9OFnLBXfT-U6zPq6XGigKISKvS1YTW1B0BVughYkXW427zqySCanUcwHbmCw9xwc1jIK9VcxAiCa4MFobg/s640/ananbelle3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Here is her dresser. It is not Ikea, even though it looks like it. Rather, it is actually some </div>
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dated-but-good modular furniture from my in-laws. </div>
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I do want to do a hack and add some gold and acrylic handles to bring it up to date! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tSOlVJEp4sywlEgH814VmujKGPwfqjHUOkcOVpLDd87mKxDEPYLOhTwR6RDp4SadDaCRosKZeWSgdML8Nt_H-rYo14lfQud110tysGPCgMyVXGpFjjRcdoLU6nIBXlWrzR_BiCzEU4Y/s1600/annabelle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tSOlVJEp4sywlEgH814VmujKGPwfqjHUOkcOVpLDd87mKxDEPYLOhTwR6RDp4SadDaCRosKZeWSgdML8Nt_H-rYo14lfQud110tysGPCgMyVXGpFjjRcdoLU6nIBXlWrzR_BiCzEU4Y/s640/annabelle4.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I am not going to lie--this is what it looks like when it is "clean" :)</div>
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Other than a sweet roll-top desk that is WAY too messy for the internet, that's all folks! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-50960262477974199732016-07-06T18:24:00.002-07:002016-07-06T18:24:47.318-07:00Sister Space! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kelly's Korner (a blog that I have been reading for almost 8 years) is hosting a real house tour and I am playing along! Today is all about kids' rooms. The two doorways that you see lead to my kids' rooms and this is their Sister Space! When you approach the top of the stairs, you have clearly entered their zone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaMZzMr3towdMIfiOZyOwtr1e2y7HLeerTwxpXNMnojb1guLCKT9o4vIjUq1mhiCGAw7lvY-yIwPKLtBwc-XMTIvGmt-WSGOH_m-j_UxsCR8PEe8TLE9bkymJjQVt4NeQ8AEvs3t2WlQ/s1600/sisterspace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaMZzMr3towdMIfiOZyOwtr1e2y7HLeerTwxpXNMnojb1guLCKT9o4vIjUq1mhiCGAw7lvY-yIwPKLtBwc-XMTIvGmt-WSGOH_m-j_UxsCR8PEe8TLE9bkymJjQVt4NeQ8AEvs3t2WlQ/s640/sisterspace1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A painting of two sweet sisters welcomes you at the top of the stairs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Krpo97XEL9H86TYjP0fxpWveTo3mMw9dLNaLl0rAimwHl4ilVLEANe9ib9lTeKsB6VInz0XQ2rNnuQdVQQVmDFYjzdtYVjRdKeEt13hsxJNcbas2IYLXxbn7t98_jMZqUW7UsSN_oyM/s1600/sisterspace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Krpo97XEL9H86TYjP0fxpWveTo3mMw9dLNaLl0rAimwHl4ilVLEANe9ib9lTeKsB6VInz0XQ2rNnuQdVQQVmDFYjzdtYVjRdKeEt13hsxJNcbas2IYLXxbn7t98_jMZqUW7UsSN_oyM/s640/sisterspace2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
If you turn to the right you will see the girls sitting area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb3KN3fMnPhWt7v5egF7I0b7pRdmWoswtfoBmk7KgCWxNXe5hpR54Vlv11C68G76J6EqFtGVZpaBaPWbb0u9WQXL-qn7WLslHkKJKuFfwL2X6tClZaF9GudpSdKHQ-ZnIXAXWIBG78JE/s1600/sisterspace5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb3KN3fMnPhWt7v5egF7I0b7pRdmWoswtfoBmk7KgCWxNXe5hpR54Vlv11C68G76J6EqFtGVZpaBaPWbb0u9WQXL-qn7WLslHkKJKuFfwL2X6tClZaF9GudpSdKHQ-ZnIXAXWIBG78JE/s640/sisterspace5.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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The collage is made up of things that are special to each girl. Each of them got a lovely at birth. Naomi's was an elephant while Annabelle's was a hippo. These have remained their "assigned" animals their whole lives--when I saw the ceramic animals heads, I knew they had to be ours. There are fun quotes that mean something to each girl near her room,and then there are Mickey Mouse heads that we each drew on a trip to the Disney Animation Studio.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQpKFgVpdsBj9UZC6xpWD1albJe5TjrYcjady7b1PoueuuDUx9xvjrdZlHCJl1VkmjYovcnvqij5o8jD8rQJerHZ7-t3BetKWBrKeKohESg5etTZRMGMHsaNuFl6WkSBDjEHRCqRla9M/s1600/IMGP8947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQpKFgVpdsBj9UZC6xpWD1albJe5TjrYcjady7b1PoueuuDUx9xvjrdZlHCJl1VkmjYovcnvqij5o8jD8rQJerHZ7-t3BetKWBrKeKohESg5etTZRMGMHsaNuFl6WkSBDjEHRCqRla9M/s640/IMGP8947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turning further to the right, you can see our book nook. We love reading and move books down to the basement about once a year. What is up here now are lots of mid-level chapter books that Naomi has already read, but wants to read again or that Annabelle hasn't gotten to yet. </div>
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We finally wise up and started sending Naomi to the library for her voracious appetite for books; it was just getting too expensive! You will notice that we still have a lot of picture books on our shelves too. I know some people pride themselves on only reading chapter books after a certain age. Our kids are both serious readers, but there is just still something about reading a good picture book together at bedtime. Some are actually quite challenging. Some are downright funny to me at almost 40 and all of the ones still on our shelves have special meaning to us. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnEMcMzbaBO1b7FA-q6X0y8ka7Il-TYBPy39UXYP_eMM2WXowKlQSGKrw8sMgywr_H_1SfbIrxBBGniDtVpuhyrMW7AkV6c7INFuZrCX-1ucCqmAOV_2rZPcVJhQXaEaVqxjrin1-S7Y/s1600/sisterspace6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnEMcMzbaBO1b7FA-q6X0y8ka7Il-TYBPy39UXYP_eMM2WXowKlQSGKrw8sMgywr_H_1SfbIrxBBGniDtVpuhyrMW7AkV6c7INFuZrCX-1ucCqmAOV_2rZPcVJhQXaEaVqxjrin1-S7Y/s640/sisterspace6.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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You will notice we also have a little stand with some of our favorite literary characters hanging around. To be fair, we are probably past using these and I could use the shelf space. Somethings are just hard for the mom.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK5PdlhvJpP3QmMb2d7zxnuRwVS0cAAELC95sg_bcaDL8CuhwCjx58EnYkN0wgjFoQ9OBgJWXdPc_JwJkYiLt6aP8NrRORxBFXD5Zj4lSxdaNG4TMuaQ9ttONMv_5Nvirnqtg6DjjH2k/s1600/sisterspace8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK5PdlhvJpP3QmMb2d7zxnuRwVS0cAAELC95sg_bcaDL8CuhwCjx58EnYkN0wgjFoQ9OBgJWXdPc_JwJkYiLt6aP8NrRORxBFXD5Zj4lSxdaNG4TMuaQ9ttONMv_5Nvirnqtg6DjjH2k/s640/sisterspace8.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
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Here is one more shot looking towards the stairs. That is the guest room on the right, so most of the time the sisters rule the roost up here. This area is the scene of lots of cartwheel practice and board games and I hope it stays that way a long, long time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlmZE4VEabiCuCQ2MuzH1ekylVaov3YIrGp_8AjGkHgDZwGzzfZzq8BVU8vbFzuM7LJgpTFB5KtAYow28lIFIZ0s3WRk4cwk6q-Hb2D0vdJqe8oBTKRQXunp5hKXNkpJDBhIott-TQXo/s1600/sisterspace7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlmZE4VEabiCuCQ2MuzH1ekylVaov3YIrGp_8AjGkHgDZwGzzfZzq8BVU8vbFzuM7LJgpTFB5KtAYow28lIFIZ0s3WRk4cwk6q-Hb2D0vdJqe8oBTKRQXunp5hKXNkpJDBhIott-TQXo/s640/sisterspace7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-20020813390866737222016-07-06T14:35:00.002-07:002016-07-06T18:25:47.089-07:00Fit for a Tween!In conjunction with Kelly's Korner, I have been taking you on a tour of our home. I love this blog hop for the inspiration, but also for so much more.....Like our changing waistlines and hairdos, the way our rooms look in the different eras of our lives explains who were in that moment. When I look back at my childhood photos and glimpse our 1970's striped couch, it evokes such a strong memory of home. Then there is the shocking photo from the Halloween I dressed as Tabitha the blue nosed witch; my parents' now-beige home was an exact match for my blue nose! <b><u>No room in my house represents <i>this </i>moment in our lives more than our sweet, tween daughter's room</u></b>.<br />
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When we moved to our house, top priority was given to Naomi's room. Annabelle was still a baby, but Naomi was aware of transitioning to a new house and moving from a crib to a bed shortly thereafter. I wanted to be just right. At only 2, she decided to have a purple butterfly room, and then she held fast to the vision the entire year it took to build our house. 8 years later, the purple butterfly room is still going strong ..... only now it has subtly transitioned to a room fit for a tween! Gone is the rocker and in is a reading chair. My clean, decorator vision has been replaced by her well-curated collection of her own<br />
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Please come in. Here is the door right off <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/07/sister-space.html">Sister Space</a> (read more about that <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/07/sister-space.html">here</a>):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxyaNssfj0Oh4pOQR9wNvAEwNRweBn-ykPGqVZUN8mh78edJbTyr0m-lXuRPE77gM-AHlcXCnJJrkCTRQ0L1xyi44nlL7dbUosPziRsBQ9nt80Kbai1xPUc5EOuy9-pD95feu9X8TnZ4/s1600/naomiroomdoor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxyaNssfj0Oh4pOQR9wNvAEwNRweBn-ykPGqVZUN8mh78edJbTyr0m-lXuRPE77gM-AHlcXCnJJrkCTRQ0L1xyi44nlL7dbUosPziRsBQ9nt80Kbai1xPUc5EOuy9-pD95feu9X8TnZ4/s640/naomiroomdoor2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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The bed was my mother's when she was a child, and was an antique even then. It has been every color of the rainbow. I had it painted white and distressed it when we moved here. </div>
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The bedding is Pottery Barn Teen Circa 2008.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGY1UrpEeIQt9VIZ-n8SLaFEXm155QjS9KZJujdmTgt5Bd1NtV7vsfFkGy1JsGu9liSez0u0RIidrNudzLQNLdSQtQ6Baq2-dKyQcE9eQ0BbS8pietjM430ZKGH4K1iofs9RBWPl7Jv8/s1600/naomiroomnightstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGY1UrpEeIQt9VIZ-n8SLaFEXm155QjS9KZJujdmTgt5Bd1NtV7vsfFkGy1JsGu9liSez0u0RIidrNudzLQNLdSQtQ6Baq2-dKyQcE9eQ0BbS8pietjM430ZKGH4K1iofs9RBWPl7Jv8/s640/naomiroomnightstand.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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The desk and nightstand were mine in law school-- I had them painted and distressed to match the bed and added the sweet "crystal" knobs. Here is the tween part--these days that little butterfly dish holds eyeglass wipes, contact solution and an i-phone! That piece of paper in the background is a nightly prayer she wrote out in Hebrew and English. It melts my mommy heart! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmtAvpoMuPbTzsR8v7emOry_t1GdI7l9zEPnD3NHsLV2dTPQafS1jEPlTJ2m91wj60a_LL6up1vyj7XSDuF4_AxVCNxMmBY31ufj1QTMZ4DjpMa7sFMLxhnbJBd8qMn0s5QG3AUuCPWs/s1600/IMGP8974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmtAvpoMuPbTzsR8v7emOry_t1GdI7l9zEPnD3NHsLV2dTPQafS1jEPlTJ2m91wj60a_LL6up1vyj7XSDuF4_AxVCNxMmBY31ufj1QTMZ4DjpMa7sFMLxhnbJBd8qMn0s5QG3AUuCPWs/s640/IMGP8974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Panning around the room is Naomi's reading chair and a poster that the Elementary School made when they named her a distinguished reader. It is hard to believe she is off to middle school!</div>
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Panning even further around, you can see her desk, which will also double as a vanity in the future. Now it is home to her monogrammed laptop (oh where is the time going??). She earned the Missouri state honor certificate and made the dancing in the rain art herself ! </div>
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She let me leave the old dress-up hook, </div>
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but now it holds a Kate Spade knock-off and a real-deal Vera Bradley. </div>
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Every ballerina needs a bar and mirror to check our her style!</div>
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Here is one last view of the room from the closet. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-25459624516841586812016-07-05T11:08:00.003-07:002016-07-05T14:36:23.411-07:00Mom-garitaville- (not-so-many scenes from a soiree)After a month of having fun with my kiddos, they have been off to camp for a few weeks. I haven't exactly made the most of my empty-nest. I planned to accomplish so, so much more. I did have time to squeeze in a sweet little soiree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxj3Lnev2icCc-SydEg9-qlWO9KEdHxmI5u2fpyjzQqjBp91OSF3ud41ZRZS0vNGWx8ppIdND31rcsHG1KGxn1-lq2Bxx9g1ZXqsBKXeUq2o8VVh4OgfnjS3hvXdZ2KKNp8bugFlQUvw/s1600/20160630_102438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxj3Lnev2icCc-SydEg9-qlWO9KEdHxmI5u2fpyjzQqjBp91OSF3ud41ZRZS0vNGWx8ppIdND31rcsHG1KGxn1-lq2Bxx9g1ZXqsBKXeUq2o8VVh4OgfnjS3hvXdZ2KKNp8bugFlQUvw/s400/20160630_102438.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s6kPA9ebUoDx5n4aDqwE6ir2bBfM10k_s9UeN9pHAQ7PVqb8M1sFNfGYIkv9W4mpIu7ApC63sIoh9lrUe56myy2IKsMx5ea2Oo3z5WPBmMRzYiVZ4nlnBdQHTj9LIdN8uiBH6nDqEVA/s1600/20160630_102502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s6kPA9ebUoDx5n4aDqwE6ir2bBfM10k_s9UeN9pHAQ7PVqb8M1sFNfGYIkv9W4mpIu7ApC63sIoh9lrUe56myy2IKsMx5ea2Oo3z5WPBmMRzYiVZ4nlnBdQHTj9LIdN8uiBH6nDqEVA/s400/20160630_102502.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I invited all my ladies out for "mom-garitas" on the patio. It was meant to be a casual time to catch up with friends sans kids. I actually thought maybe 5 people would come, but 22 RSVP'ed! In one day's time I was able to throw together quite the little party. It helps when you are a party supply hoarder--it looked like I had planned for weeks. You will have to trust me because I have no pictures of the set-up. Whump, whump. I do have some blurry pictures of some of my menu items. They were so delicious and I thought I would share!<br />
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We started with these amazing kebabs:</div>
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The cute picks are from my <a href="http://smartyhadaparty.com/">Smarty Had a Party</a>. Thank goodness they are local to me and I could grab on a day's notice! I simply cube a watermelon and some feta cheese and then skewered them. I drizzled a vinaigrette that I made with sriracha, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and a little EVOO. I topped it all off with a basil chiffonade straight from my garden.</div>
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Speaking of my garden, I grabbed cucumbers to make <a href="http://www.tasteslovely.com/refreshing-cucumber-lime-margaritas/">these amazeballs Cucumber Margaritas from Tastes Lovey</a>. I also made Ina Garten's Pineapple Margs, which were sooo yummy. The whole bar was set up in the most precious way (again, you'll have to trust me :))</div>
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We also had a Taco Cart (because it is Taco Tuesday somewhere). In addition to the usual goodies, I made a huge vat of Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche (it uses cooked shrimp, so not really authentic ceviche). The recipe can be found <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/ceviche-style-shrimp-and-avocado-tacos-127066">here</a>. Here it is as I was making it, just before adding the avocado:</div>
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Finally, I topped off the evening with trays of mini key lime pies:<br />
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Maybe one day I will remember to take a picture of all the cute stuff, but really the best part was just chilling with my friends!Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-45758728148547931462016-06-24T06:24:00.002-07:002016-07-01T07:11:57.408-07:00Welcome to my House: Bedroom & Master Bath<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">I am so excited to link up with Kelly's Korner's real home tour. I had a new house when she first did the home tour, but I never participated. 8 years later, I am doing some updates and redecorating and am sharing my home here. </span><br />
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In a rare decorating request, Mr. 31-derful asked me to have it painted dark blue 2 years ago. I took that to also mean "add an accent wall, get a blue chair, swap the art around and eventually add curtains to offset the blue." Ha! Be careful what you ask for! Our bedroom is on the main floor while our guest bedroom and kids' rooms are upstairs. It is actually quite bright (hence dear husband wanted the dark color), but very hard to photograph. Here is the view from an interior angle. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHcW75CmixUsKYC5IYTT3C2TWuoF7Hf_4CNAxYD2YGLLbi9vBecksvzRa34tljWZbz10KKwhwdy6o-RX3H2W154Z0atme91dxhylra4NqihWqcHYMohzvf4kwiDvdBPZ-GFFTovUXQ2o/s1600/IMGP8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHcW75CmixUsKYC5IYTT3C2TWuoF7Hf_4CNAxYD2YGLLbi9vBecksvzRa34tljWZbz10KKwhwdy6o-RX3H2W154Z0atme91dxhylra4NqihWqcHYMohzvf4kwiDvdBPZ-GFFTovUXQ2o/s640/IMGP8920.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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The bed is from the Stanley Louis Louis Collection, and we are constantly buying cheap white linens wherever we can find them. These were Tuesday Morning I think:</div>
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On my side of the bed sits a blue wingback chair with nailhead trim that I love, but rarely actually sit in!</div>
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My beloved West Elm frames were above the bed when the walls were beige but I moved them to the other wall because they were way too busy after I added the wallpaper. Right now they are filled with some vintage wallpaper samples and chicken prints from Ikea:</div>
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Also on my the side are my night stand, some beloved wedding photos and whatever I am currently reading:<br />
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Over on Mr 31-derful's side, he has a larger version of the nightstand and his grandfather's valet. Keeping it totally real, there is a sleep apnea machine over there too. He is in great shape and is probably the thinnest man in America who needs this!<br />
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The nightstands are from Pier One and, though they were not a huge purchase, they were money well spent. I still love them all these years later. I added the blue pulls recently. Agate and I are having a moment!<br />
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Turning the other way, you can see our closets (we have no case pieces so our closets hold everything). You can read way more about my <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2015/05/meet-your-closets-best-friend-afternoon.html">closet organization here</a><br />
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On the right is our ketubah, or Jewish wedding contract. It is a meaningful piece of artwork from our wedding that basically reminds us of our wedding vows and promises to each other. As two lawyers, we can tell you it isn't a binding "contract," but it is really important to us!<br />
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Moving into the master bath, we have everything his and hers. A tub for me:<br />
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A shower for him:<br />
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His neat and tidy vanity:<br />
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Mine that is always a train-wreck (this is the keeping it real part):<br />
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And a potty for both that nobody needs to see!<br />
Here is one last shot of the room from the hall:<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!!!!Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-64667050665450014312016-06-23T08:17:00.000-07:002016-06-23T08:17:17.136-07:00How I spent my summer vacation<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I am sure you are wondering why on June 23rd I am already writing a post called "how I spent my summer vacation." In early May, I was at my wit's end between numerous school activities, volunteer commitments, and still trying to maintain our home. We were frazzled, to put it very, very mildly. Neither I nor my kids could keep up that pace. </span><span style="color: black;">Hoping to live in the moment more, I purposefully made few firm plans from the day school let out (5/20) </span>until when they left for sleepaway camp (6/19). We had dental appointments and I had a conference. Other than that, in a totally uncharacteristic move for me, we had a "Yes Month!" </div>
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Do you know the book <u>Yes Day</u>? A boy's parents give him a magical day by saying yes to his requests? In real life, we still had some discipline and rules, of course. My idea was to say "Yes" to <i>reasonable </i>requests of my kids to show them that I valued our time together. Obviously, I know they are more important than my daily chores, but I am not sure they are always getting that message from me. I knew that these few weeks constituted the whole precious summer at home for my kids. After sleepaway camp, our trips are timed in a way that, before we know it, they will be back in school. So I tried just. giving. in. </div>
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So what all is involved in Yes Month? For us, it involved <i><u>ALL (me too)</u> </i>of us climbing through the tunnels and monstrosity at City Museum:<br />
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Picnicking (including Izze soda, which is normally off-limits) at Shakespeare in the Park:<br />
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Strawberry Picking at Theiss Farms (followed by Jam Making):<br />
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<u>Finding Dory</u> and <u>Angry Birds</u> (and letting them get<i> their own</i> popcorn):<br /><br />
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Their dance recitals, which were technically on the books, but we just cleared the weekend for them (including my parents coming up to visit for the occasion and my inlaws spending the whole weekend with us too):</div>
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Baby had tennis lessons, which we never had time for with school activities:</div>
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We tried two new restaurants and went to three different pools on multiple occasions (including leaving to go swimming one night after I already had my Pj's on). I gave in and bought the food-themed floats that are everywhere (we got the donut, pizza, and watermelon):</div>
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We had a lemonade stand. You should know that I normally loath lemonade stands because the kids always trash the house making the lemonade, never consider the fact that they have to pay for lemons or cups, and expect me to drag out the tables and chairs (which they then never bother to put away). During Yes month, I even let them wheel the cart up to the elementary school and provide live music! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We also took a Mommy and Me Yoga Class, had approximately one million playdates and sleepovers with too many friends to mention. It was a big month, with big activities chosen entirely by my kids. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here's the rub. It wasn't the big things that I think they are going to take away </span>I also said yes to baking cookies after the kitchen was closed for the day. I let big girl make oodles of lip-balm (which is her super-messy new favorite craft--after getting essential oils at a soap factory, another yes month activity). Baby played with her easy bake to her heart's content and I cleaned up the mess (even though she promised she would clean ,I knew by saying yes that I'd end up doing it). I declared an open-craftroom day where even my good paints and ribbons were fair game. </div>
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Though I love swimming, I don't always love getting in the pool due to my own insecurities. But I did it for yes month-- I even did a handstand in the country club pool! Speaking of...I let them make what they called a "country club" in the yard--emphasis on the "country!" I allowed them to rig a hose to our swing set and affix a slip-n-slide at the bottom. And you know what? I went in the yard in my suit and went down that slide myself (you can take the girl out of Tennessee.....)! </div>
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All the while, my mantra was that the time was fleeting and that I could do the chores while they went to summer camp. That I would have my me-time come 6/19. Our house got pretty messy, I am not going to lie. That was hard for me. I will spend at least a few days of "my" time just cleaning up the wake of yes month. Even though they are gone , there are still loads of laundry to do (in fact, a yes month produces a lot of extra laundry)! I did raise my voice once or twice about sibling rivalry or ingratitude, but overall, I think yes month worked! I know <i>I</i> made some precious memories. So now they are both off at sleepaway camp, making precious memories without me.</div>
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But guess what? I miss yes month!</div>
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<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-53994118770882833522016-06-17T07:29:00.002-07:002016-06-17T08:15:32.255-07:00Eat Here!<span style="color: magenta;">I am tickled pink that <a href="http://kellyskornerblog.com/">Kelly's Korner</a> is doing a tour of homes again! I always loved her link-up party, but never really participated other than as a reader. Now I am linking up in addition to following along. My goal is to stop by every home and say, "howdy!"</span><br />
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Over the last few months, I gave my traditional dining room a modern makeover (it is still ongoing to be honest)! We have lived in a modern home for 8 years but held onto Grandma 31-derful's traditional furniture for a long time for all sorts of reasons. Mostly because we really did love it! Here is how the room looked in March (view the full room with accessories <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/03/8-year-update-dining-room-as-it-is.html">here</a>):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdZRUIRCVJ_nd8glsee93SNnklIs4O_uitCZe73JRCnJzzDExksMobUMatw9s4P7ICEPYGABtU323jQ-OvR3hfcNJAiZt6LFCAq2e8gljj6pXsjdeA3Oq9xeOF3M4n2mD5jw0-UqFCk8/s1600/IMGP8543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdZRUIRCVJ_nd8glsee93SNnklIs4O_uitCZe73JRCnJzzDExksMobUMatw9s4P7ICEPYGABtU323jQ-OvR3hfcNJAiZt6LFCAq2e8gljj6pXsjdeA3Oq9xeOF3M4n2mD5jw0-UqFCk8/s640/IMGP8543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T3V62-U60K_lXzmo6ctrZFVzYfT0j3kQeCox7pUQx3ey5ObjkmDZJnFoarT0pqs5xJYvC84aDYOVMqFnpPy_t06Uo3BI6Jwvwf4zI0WA0U8E7MouOXSahRA-5r0vX-K96QkIURm2vWk/s1600/IMGP8553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T3V62-U60K_lXzmo6ctrZFVzYfT0j3kQeCox7pUQx3ey5ObjkmDZJnFoarT0pqs5xJYvC84aDYOVMqFnpPy_t06Uo3BI6Jwvwf4zI0WA0U8E7MouOXSahRA-5r0vX-K96QkIURm2vWk/s640/IMGP8553.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Unfortunately, the furniture was showing some cracks (literally), so I made plans to do <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/03/more-changes-on-way.html">this:</a></span></div>
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I am still working on art and accessories, but as of this morning, our dining room looked like this:</div>
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The biggest change is that our traditional case pieces have been replaced by these buffets that I had built by a local craftsman. He expertly combined my vision of two buffets--one mid-century modern and one funky 2016!</div>
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He welded an "exoskeleton" and painted it an antique bronze color before floating the deep gray cabinet inside. I swoon for the handles he turned from zebrawood! And the zebrawood also appears on this beautiful top!</div>
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Another big change is that I added curtains where there had previously been none. I had the JCPenny's custom drape division come out. Y'all, it is just as good (if not better) than the fancy place that I used for another project at about 1/3 the price. A designer comes with books of fabrics and possibilities--the process was really fun. I also added a Roman shade to the den while she was here. I think they turned out great--that antique bronze rod and that fabric doesn't look like what I think of when I think of Penny's.</div>
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Somehow the gray in the curtains pulls out the brushed nickel and cork fixture so that I love it even more:</div>
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I added the granite art that you see above. It was quite the saga and after lots of Homegood runs, returns, internet searches, and customer service calls, I have two! But now I think the scale is a bit off--I am going to fill the middle with this beauty to make an agate triptic:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaL6nhkFJcZpAgXnQj435pyfe-FehMbiB4NPUhcOzoZd_7uS_uP59RHfXVSA5v3CtBi7rlkw5ufajDKjoSC2BHuY6LSK8N58HwyX3gHpRK9PnyC_5B0ReTt-Q9HrX7gNS-cX0RhCG_66o/s1600/IMGP8892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaL6nhkFJcZpAgXnQj435pyfe-FehMbiB4NPUhcOzoZd_7uS_uP59RHfXVSA5v3CtBi7rlkw5ufajDKjoSC2BHuY6LSK8N58HwyX3gHpRK9PnyC_5B0ReTt-Q9HrX7gNS-cX0RhCG_66o/s640/IMGP8892.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I left the Greek Key chairs that I adore and the table is sticking around awhile too:</div>
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I moved my plant stand to the wall and kept some beloved art pieces:</div>
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In my earlier post, I misidentified this blue vase as a Pier One Cheap-o, when dear husband reminded me that it was a wedding gift! Wouldn't you know it, he is right! It is handmade and signed and everything , so I left it along with my good silver candlesticks!</div>
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In the center of the table I am using this vase, but it may change one day soon!</div>
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So that's where we are today! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-18593231499948703362016-06-08T16:59:00.002-07:002016-08-05T08:21:50.724-07:00My 2008 Dream Kitchen (that I still like in 2016)! I am so exited to link up with Kelly's Korner, who has resurrected her home tour. I had a brand spanking new house when she first did the home tour, but I never participated because I didn't really blog then. I am so happy she brought it back....I can play along and see how all the other homes have evolved!<br />
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We custom built our home in 2008. After living in a formal old Tutor, this open-concept, modern home was everything I wanted in that year! I started out with very clean-lined barstools and kitchen chairs selected just for this sleek house. You can those <a href="http://stayathomeattorney.blogspot.com/2016/01/state-of-union-change-is-coming.html">here</a>; I just started softening up our lines with new chairs in 2016. I have few more minor changes on the horizon. You can see the kitchen is really just a part of our main living area:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBo2XVqc2vT7EmXDtplB_kkhdqYaPofZc2ESrlvCKjNAqBJRHKeMSji4thWnnlCtqHIDMxJv8MbEjB9xaevb_EWvFkrvqLjFj9KgqpJ00mjJApI5Dj8rwTqSzthhDlnNyO4UXJ6ayOvk/s1600/IMGP8862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBo2XVqc2vT7EmXDtplB_kkhdqYaPofZc2ESrlvCKjNAqBJRHKeMSji4thWnnlCtqHIDMxJv8MbEjB9xaevb_EWvFkrvqLjFj9KgqpJ00mjJApI5Dj8rwTqSzthhDlnNyO4UXJ6ayOvk/s640/IMGP8862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did initially hope to get a Sub-Zero fridge and a Viking stove, but quickly found out that I was not in that "range." I got mostly Kitchenaid appliances, which have been great! We also use a Samsung Microwave Drawer and Miele Dishwasher, which have been equally good.<br />
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Built to my specifications , the kitchen has double-stacked, frameless cabinets to house my oversized collection of platters and serving pieces. <br />
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I put in a big double sink and picked granite that I still adore. I selected long brushed nickel handles that were the new rage at the time and spent hours with the cabinet maker to get a just right color to warm-up for the clean-lined shaker cabinets. Below you can see the nuts that are ever-present on our countertop (except for when my sweet niece with an allergy comes). They are sort of "our thing." At this point they are more for the guests who expect to find them sitting there than they are for us.<br />
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Since everything was planned with me in mind, it just works for me! I still love it, even though if I were doing it today, it would be white with a gray backsplash and bronze wherever you see that brushed nickel! I try to keep the counters pretty clear with an appliance garage, but somethings you just need everyday!You know, toasters, coffee pots, a wee-bit of fridge clutter, and a behavior chart (just keeping it real).....<br />
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Our kitchen table is nearby and usually has fresh flowers from something or other. These flowers are courtesy of my girls' dance recital this weekend!<br />
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I just got the Arhaus Chairs this Spring and moved the rug in from another area. I plan to update the Room and Board Table with a new wood or zinc top soon.<br />
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That's really the whole kitchen tour--thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-41577443634037487452016-05-21T08:49:00.001-07:002016-05-23T06:06:20.053-07:00Quick Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yesterday was the kids official last day and it was utter "MAYhem" the last month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is my rant: <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">The last week of school is a super hectic time for moms (and, like, one dad) whether they work or stay home (or work an outside job but seem like they stay at home). There is an ever-increasing list of things to do before life is totally turned upside down on Friday afternoon. I am not sure why this is also the time that there are 17 mandatory e</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; line-height: 19.32px;">ngagements at the school or why this is the week that every important cause needs to hold an event. Yes, I know these are choices, but not really..... I have taken the bar exam, worked full-time and had two babies--all pieces of cake compared to this week! Before you assume someone is totally free and available because they "stay home," consider the value of their time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Okay, back to my regularly scheduled fluff! For the last day , between (no-joke) four other school events, I threw together these cute lemonade themed gifts for the teacher: Who doesn't love an acrylic drink dispenser on their patio?? I filled them with stripey straws and jalapeno lemonade mix. To complete the Tex-Mex theme, I added Patron Gold and a small bottle of Tito's.</span></span></span></span></div>
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While I had the supplies out, I also left a special note and some candies in the girls' lunches. I won't miss packing lunches for 12 weeks!!!!</div>
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<br />Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-77996983567342945002016-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:002016-05-20T06:00:08.175-07:00Why I love my community: Flowers, Favors, and FriendshipWhere we live is the butt of some jokes on all ends of the spectrum--too nice, not nice enough--we can't win. On a the sarcastic "judgmental map" of our city, we live right in between "Snobs," "Snobby Jews," and "Some Black people" (these were the words on the map, not mine). The really fancy and less diverse area is a little south of us; its residents think that we are leeches on their good school system. We have also been accused of being cliquish in general . How can we be cliquish snobs and leaches at the same time??!!<br />
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I prefer to look at it as that we live in a nice area of town that happens to have great diversity. I say we are just a community of people who take care of one another. If you get cancer or have a car accident, the community wraps you in love for months. If you have a baby, home-made meals arrive by the truckloads! The same is true of life's celebrations. We all pitch in and help out. We are the recipients and givers of favors and kindness. The giving feels even better than the receiving! Here are two sweet favors that I got to pull off recently:<br />
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A friend of mine is giving a graduation party for her daughter and 3 friends this weekend. To add some collegiate flair to the celebration, she is going to have giant balloons with each of the girl's future college logos. I used my cutting machine to make these logos (plus ones for two other U's). So adorable!<br />
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Also on the cutting machine, I embellished some vases last week. I later filled them with flowers for a friend whose daughter's bat mitzvah was last weekend. She needed a few arrangements for their family's Friday Night dinner and then for Sunday's farewell brunch. Aren't they sweet?<br />
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These are just a few of the kinds of things we all do for one another and I receive the kindness back ten-fold. Sound like a horrible place to live, right???Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-7846680461554948352016-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:002016-05-21T08:20:07.485-07:00Scenes from Teacher Appreciation Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was my second year co-chairing teacher appreciation at the baby's school. If you read this blog much, you know that we are responsible for things all year-round, but our biggest task is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Monday morning found me loading the car with these goodies:<br />
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Several generous moms met me and my co-chairs in the teachers lounge to set up a Palm Beach inspired brunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrrQt1p0C9hb0C-UefvWUNJbcZjyEYlhw4590GD0p-xLlvRe0EMaoDSdRfWAm4f6DEuflKIeHy6jIpW8Di9JFG_g9RZXvqQumHlmB3tnOj_Y4BVXy5FdM6rWvfRKjl5oRQUqsV2caAFM/s1600/20160502_083054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrrQt1p0C9hb0C-UefvWUNJbcZjyEYlhw4590GD0p-xLlvRe0EMaoDSdRfWAm4f6DEuflKIeHy6jIpW8Di9JFG_g9RZXvqQumHlmB3tnOj_Y4BVXy5FdM6rWvfRKjl5oRQUqsV2caAFM/s400/20160502_083054.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYep_6fOGJFoW-J3NZ9E59XINjZgsaIDGjenEo3xP1eCfsOGmFNma03uRJkXSOpCinWRhnopr0S6Qc9gO_v4h9ucvZPcttZPZwEzwQnj0NQz44brvxsRFqnmpsz22hpYbffV7tElvjyQ/s1600/20160502_083155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYep_6fOGJFoW-J3NZ9E59XINjZgsaIDGjenEo3xP1eCfsOGmFNma03uRJkXSOpCinWRhnopr0S6Qc9gO_v4h9ucvZPcttZPZwEzwQnj0NQz44brvxsRFqnmpsz22hpYbffV7tElvjyQ/s400/20160502_083155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In hindsight, we should have done a backdrop with Lily-fabric, but some kids made cute posters for us!<br />
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Tuesday was the actual national day of celebration so we had "special delivery" notes of appreciation. We even had a cute post-mark (which I can't show for privacy reason).<br />
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Wednesday, we had a Pie Bar--who doesn't like pie???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZOaipvMzx0tflAeChBWsjp97xC4SbAXEtTEpubAGOcXjcNA4DWnHNrPZujMnlLynz-TfIer6zS3RCd6-Onofja2oSMTNcG5dcCpdCOcSwekCVB1az4rzsCFLR5fRWqQmpSrViWoPldA/s1600/20160504_104116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZOaipvMzx0tflAeChBWsjp97xC4SbAXEtTEpubAGOcXjcNA4DWnHNrPZujMnlLynz-TfIer6zS3RCd6-Onofja2oSMTNcG5dcCpdCOcSwekCVB1az4rzsCFLR5fRWqQmpSrViWoPldA/s640/20160504_104116.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzncBn2P_hGm7rE62TL-LTMZNfZS10eXtquW6DD6DntVYSiGucJYELD32VoJFhqUh4r78rrypH_IqOelDh4BGDgL3xfWirSjo5008-DVZOZpiPQGkFXwvACGna2hNOBr5hg3txOjMyAIs/s1600/20160504_104013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzncBn2P_hGm7rE62TL-LTMZNfZS10eXtquW6DD6DntVYSiGucJYELD32VoJFhqUh4r78rrypH_IqOelDh4BGDgL3xfWirSjo5008-DVZOZpiPQGkFXwvACGna2hNOBr5hg3txOjMyAIs/s640/20160504_104013.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aVWu7YskjoPW1NaWuWRNsbzKAuGtBloxgZ17-yAxx0tsFawQmb20rlKZjTJShdvpyfl6bpIV46IQ7iU489yahvUVkpKCeJTMDlnoNwjxsjjIuQck_vPBqo44lyYCRkEhGI-_12SFJQ4/s1600/pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aVWu7YskjoPW1NaWuWRNsbzKAuGtBloxgZ17-yAxx0tsFawQmb20rlKZjTJShdvpyfl6bpIV46IQ7iU489yahvUVkpKCeJTMDlnoNwjxsjjIuQck_vPBqo44lyYCRkEhGI-_12SFJQ4/s640/pie.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I should crop this to show you how precious it was in person, but I am so lazy right now!</div>
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Thursday, Cinco de Mayo, was our luncheon . As we had done in previous years, we had to go Mexican!</div>
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Friday was the Grandest Finale of All: The Gift Card Game! Our cute 3rd graders walked around to teachers and staff with a precious poster board filled with gift cards with denominations ranging from $5 to $100 dollars. The idea was that it was a total gamble how much you got or where it was to:</div>
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Of course, most people got $5 or $10, but a precious first year teacher got 100 to Gap/Banana/Old Navy and above is a pic of our favorite vegetarian getting $50 to Ruth's Chris. See,its all a gamble??!</div>
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It is not hard to want to celebrate these teachers because they do so much above and beyond for our kids. I hope that your teachers are as great and that you get the chance to tell them so! If you are a mom too, you will know this phase of little kids is so short: you might as well celebrate everything!</div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-796008003079848227.post-63740585519281862752016-05-18T08:54:00.002-07:002016-05-18T08:54:19.124-07:00Pretty Passover Post Mortem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every time we have a big event, my friend Anna and I like to do the recap. You know, the post mortem where you go over every detail of an event--the good, bad and the ugly? In this case, it wasn't really ugly because I had a pretty Passover Seder. I don't have any pictures of the actual meal or the way it looked at night, because we were in the middle of a religious holiday. I do have some good shots of the table as it was being set! Wanna' do the recap with me???</div>
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Our group has outgrown my dinning room. We held the service and dinner in our basement. This isn't the best picture, but here you can see that we had one long adult table and two rounds filled with kids!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d18utEX4buVUu0zL9ET9bJOGGZkPpwkY2WdAuclN8jXn7SxEpyCookABmkyf84zp7Z63WcNHefGMbd_uJ6J_WjKpveWUnGfGqamGwjpvphyphenhyphen-vmAy5cDfmpkV8_7fXLZMT1Bx6U7SzN8/s1600/20160422_121443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d18utEX4buVUu0zL9ET9bJOGGZkPpwkY2WdAuclN8jXn7SxEpyCookABmkyf84zp7Z63WcNHefGMbd_uJ6J_WjKpveWUnGfGqamGwjpvphyphenhyphen-vmAy5cDfmpkV8_7fXLZMT1Bx6U7SzN8/s640/20160422_121443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I served Champagne Cocktails, Sparkling Water, and crudites upstairs as guests gathered. I am in love with these ""Next Year in Jerusalem" cocktail napkins that I custom-ordered from Stationery Studio!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLvtTg5qw185qgyVszjgr1u5Gll1Gfmb4uxc8ZwVt6gHjeWb4MEsR3_xe9weT0HM3CDrGd2iftvEhwke2GuKWsjn9XsSZMMYb9rTH7IBhNrty-0QTackq6p-HKpJLMx0gxIaYB8YnBoY/s1600/IMGP8712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLvtTg5qw185qgyVszjgr1u5Gll1Gfmb4uxc8ZwVt6gHjeWb4MEsR3_xe9weT0HM3CDrGd2iftvEhwke2GuKWsjn9XsSZMMYb9rTH7IBhNrty-0QTackq6p-HKpJLMx0gxIaYB8YnBoY/s640/IMGP8712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a critical mass we gathered, we headed downstairs for the service and dinner. Here is the adult table bathed in late afternoon light. All the food was eventually on the buffet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYft-6vPRIPr0JxEcf3roW_XR3f_tcCdIrXE5g1ypnbFXjEJxsmB9y_nScnKrsliQrvPrA81QSaRJFF9utLE3SbcRWhDn61NYDPGoSzgbG92ot-b1xxPuG0coOUX_yY3Pzo-Qw20VWl0o/s1600/IMGP8713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYft-6vPRIPr0JxEcf3roW_XR3f_tcCdIrXE5g1ypnbFXjEJxsmB9y_nScnKrsliQrvPrA81QSaRJFF9utLE3SbcRWhDn61NYDPGoSzgbG92ot-b1xxPuG0coOUX_yY3Pzo-Qw20VWl0o/s640/IMGP8713.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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From this angle, you can see that there was a dessert and coffee station in the rear.</div>
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We also had a wash station, as hand washing is a part of the ritual. Some people have a special pitcher just for this, but I set up my own with things that we have:</div>
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Even though this is a very special holiday, I don't have enough good china to serve 40, so I went with upscale disposables and my "buffet" silverware--very industrial stuff for large crowds:<br />
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I used every wine glass we own and pulled out these adorable plastic L'Chaim cups for ice water. They were shatterproof for kids and adults alike:<br />
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I had already purchased vases to do an arrangement of peonies and garden roses when one of our swet guests asked if she could provide the flowers. I gave her florist my vases and they made these lovelies! I am not going to lie, it was HARD handing over the reigns. In the end it was a huge help to have one thing off my to-do list. Aren't they sweet??</div>
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On the kids' tables, we had bottles of grape juice and Passover finger puppets ( a plagues set and a four questions set). The puppets were given to as baby gifts and we still use them! Thanks Mindy!!!!<br />
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The meal is served in four courses--the ritual foods, a soup course , which I served in mugs, dinner and dessert. All of it was beautiful, but I have no pictures because we were in the thick of it. I will leave you with a picture of the sweet creation made my daughter. Not pinterest-worthy, but a yummy precious craft! From our house to yours, we hope you Celebrate all life's moments!</div>
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Our Life at 31-derful!http://www.blogger.com/profile/04655835286994450750noreply@blogger.com1