tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22547274262979294222024-03-13T08:24:17.111+01:003@12Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-18591681077970422082013-02-14T10:54:00.000+01:002013-02-14T10:54:17.778+01:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy6rH3WYU4ssDimblG6XFycN5YDbu75sXB4d7t7Z2gXgHu_okxraSF4hagin6ZmuxgQ0hS0FFYSxkxTT3aB_fQNHrle6lgtkYyABGaZ3bFBigkvvIqHdrOHCtOk7Ns_bDIIOFW3-JODVE/s1600/IMG_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy6rH3WYU4ssDimblG6XFycN5YDbu75sXB4d7t7Z2gXgHu_okxraSF4hagin6ZmuxgQ0hS0FFYSxkxTT3aB_fQNHrle6lgtkYyABGaZ3bFBigkvvIqHdrOHCtOk7Ns_bDIIOFW3-JODVE/s640/IMG_5590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have been meaning to post this for weeks. Really. I actually had a post in my draft folder titled Happy New Year (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year by the way), but looking at the picture it was really destined to be posted today.<br />
<br />
Now I know that I am a little late to the washi tape party. By about two years, I think. When I saw the crux pattern I could no longer resist. I had the tape a few weeks and finally had a chance to use it when my favorite Aunt's birthday came around. Brown wrapping paper and washi are truly meant for each other.<br />
<br />
Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-91578285937520868072012-12-05T11:44:00.000+01:002012-12-05T11:44:45.706+01:00Emma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our cat Emma took very ill last week and on Thursday she died. We are heartbroken and she is deeply missed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j8XvfjN1SG-rA7Rwc2sI7JBuno8Xz2amolSm20-mK3MI6V8We5Q85QmaMRLxOnhcZG6ZX2B2i0kS7n-KSJ4idj-AsvOvFPLSjRtk7eFTo6c_hD9tTKvEbFCrQBBYQ-lIpjQVF7iEnjX2/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j8XvfjN1SG-rA7Rwc2sI7JBuno8Xz2amolSm20-mK3MI6V8We5Q85QmaMRLxOnhcZG6ZX2B2i0kS7n-KSJ4idj-AsvOvFPLSjRtk7eFTo6c_hD9tTKvEbFCrQBBYQ-lIpjQVF7iEnjX2/s640/IMG_0184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMZX1xzbhB03VPOZ-e9GXcFTzSJfhWEIzfmk4XVpWLIn2AiAOCbUdP5BTF_lLweh2iD5hV-1su7wu9uRVka2Dc2LcNl9Y2wv6N_UBgqcke-gMRmwE5Sla8jtnOfjD5bYHLkwe2JReiTKo/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMZX1xzbhB03VPOZ-e9GXcFTzSJfhWEIzfmk4XVpWLIn2AiAOCbUdP5BTF_lLweh2iD5hV-1su7wu9uRVka2Dc2LcNl9Y2wv6N_UBgqcke-gMRmwE5Sla8jtnOfjD5bYHLkwe2JReiTKo/s640/IMG_0245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC8EdaQdBRYzr4n-Clt7a1FkPTonKUNG4RsZ4FfrjSHJ64DGIQ4_Gw-A9qZ9b6e4Bbsfu2KbEeZQd8C7vpsRGUfji5tycaM2r9uCfJ5mzdp1NjTFojNZWjzShlX63Kb0XpIi7FLny1ySA/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3A9qz5vTSQKHZamyeYjzQl4RwYU_uYCe1Mo9tJwzB4hU8y3aR-4-2kaZWo1dy-3NTnIvtLsnhN8OragJ5XE8P-AWPEsjwAqP_bzke4A_stF0iAHK-9W9cFFtHgTwEpBoEODxtwrNEbAf/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3A9qz5vTSQKHZamyeYjzQl4RwYU_uYCe1Mo9tJwzB4hU8y3aR-4-2kaZWo1dy-3NTnIvtLsnhN8OragJ5XE8P-AWPEsjwAqP_bzke4A_stF0iAHK-9W9cFFtHgTwEpBoEODxtwrNEbAf/s640/IMG_0086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIrMN0NM-LdwK5ChyphenhyphenrroUIm4cogGMkK69BiA9cjipJXu2Uj3axOUElslP3zW9RySbT5Gxhvkwa7z7ry6G-0W0pzuQJOBGxeRA3sMoG5Oozt1hX_Amu45DC8Js5E4cGnzaohCrs5A66qxD/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIrMN0NM-LdwK5ChyphenhyphenrroUIm4cogGMkK69BiA9cjipJXu2Uj3axOUElslP3zW9RySbT5Gxhvkwa7z7ry6G-0W0pzuQJOBGxeRA3sMoG5Oozt1hX_Amu45DC8Js5E4cGnzaohCrs5A66qxD/s640/IMG_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNoRmse_Q4_YXj7c0ReCfEWm1IhMo42WUhHrtSS8zyhyLc1OCoZ_cKS6z2JNDrgg_qW0R0L38Qi_RXDFFpJPrKGHSF9SzjGFqf2uzjuHHviiYaAkmuOguY7F-B21WbbbJdBrSy01puRkR/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNoRmse_Q4_YXj7c0ReCfEWm1IhMo42WUhHrtSS8zyhyLc1OCoZ_cKS6z2JNDrgg_qW0R0L38Qi_RXDFFpJPrKGHSF9SzjGFqf2uzjuHHviiYaAkmuOguY7F-B21WbbbJdBrSy01puRkR/s640/IMG_0243.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC8EdaQdBRYzr4n-Clt7a1FkPTonKUNG4RsZ4FfrjSHJ64DGIQ4_Gw-A9qZ9b6e4Bbsfu2KbEeZQd8C7vpsRGUfji5tycaM2r9uCfJ5mzdp1NjTFojNZWjzShlX63Kb0XpIi7FLny1ySA/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC8EdaQdBRYzr4n-Clt7a1FkPTonKUNG4RsZ4FfrjSHJ64DGIQ4_Gw-A9qZ9b6e4Bbsfu2KbEeZQd8C7vpsRGUfji5tycaM2r9uCfJ5mzdp1NjTFojNZWjzShlX63Kb0XpIi7FLny1ySA/s640/IMG_0076.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IdkNgkw77ypdR0XoiVrTRuTAfUVPuG9Og3p3sn47B_xZI8x_W56cmUc56IHLOcXscXNErBWIYAYMKv8DvmK-BOIgSw5c6vnxVNMKk2Ql-NvjGUMD_leBfvcNKPKtr94Tfqddx8FMTXch/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IdkNgkw77ypdR0XoiVrTRuTAfUVPuG9Og3p3sn47B_xZI8x_W56cmUc56IHLOcXscXNErBWIYAYMKv8DvmK-BOIgSw5c6vnxVNMKk2Ql-NvjGUMD_leBfvcNKPKtr94Tfqddx8FMTXch/s640/IMG_0043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5bvkuO4AGUwqJ3CVkHReNbPvHjwKvclg9xfM0lWk0f8tk9YiKsauelRQSTBKwl0p5sWXxAaUko9cocsXpe4RefPPZA5YFON3cbIvWOALf01lrViH8GeWDGu4S4OrcnpxerMStWaWha8_/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5bvkuO4AGUwqJ3CVkHReNbPvHjwKvclg9xfM0lWk0f8tk9YiKsauelRQSTBKwl0p5sWXxAaUko9cocsXpe4RefPPZA5YFON3cbIvWOALf01lrViH8GeWDGu4S4OrcnpxerMStWaWha8_/s640/IMG_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.de/2011/01/3312.html" target="_blank">To me she will always be 9</a>. ♥</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-36897072800788758122012-11-21T12:13:00.000+01:002012-11-21T19:10:19.974+01:00Painted Thonet Stool, I Did It!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anybody remember this <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.com/2011/06/thonet-stool_28.html" target="_blank"><b><u>post</u></b></a> about my Thonet stool from last year? Yeah, me either. Of course, if I consider that I first attempted to refinish it in 2002 or 2003, putting it off for another 17 months doesn't seem so terrible. It is all a matter of (distorted) perception, I guess. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv44mcTwIlMfC8HTq-wxzfnJEId1nVSEQ0kYH0xoWQ5moJlbctYUYCB55AER0pME_lj0w5mORfsgTK3591yXZtn7unz5xALUH_ICmyIhEpoAGDAM-NBSPYdchRO00mRtNMoX50KNuPUhJ/s1600/IMG_5522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv44mcTwIlMfC8HTq-wxzfnJEId1nVSEQ0kYH0xoWQ5moJlbctYUYCB55AER0pME_lj0w5mORfsgTK3591yXZtn7unz5xALUH_ICmyIhEpoAGDAM-NBSPYdchRO00mRtNMoX50KNuPUhJ/s640/IMG_5522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aside for the terrible refinishing job I did, I also used (or
abused) the stool as a plant stand. The pot leaked and hence the cracks. Normal blogging procedure would be to now show a series of pictures showing the step-by-step DIY. I am going to break the tradition, <strike>mostly</strike> because I neglected to take pictures. I did <a href="http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail/319274792113144445_15692303" target="_blank"><b><u>Instragram a photo</u></b></a> showing the first coat of color going on. My process was simply to agonize for weeks about color choice, decide on black, fill the cracks (standard wood filler), lightly sand the surface, spray a coat of primer and finally spray several coats satin paint. When I first went to buy the supplies I was positive one can of spray paint would be more that enough, but I ended up using almost three cans. Seems excessive, but most of the paint was wasted when I sprayed the legs. That and I was obsessed with getting the finish as close to perfect as I could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvtgG5iquCNcycLDf_ndDqGp0EgIaxyHRrZCrH2_foF3l_gndYqgSLBdh0fjOVowrVDzv-LsGNQJpJa9al0g3MJvEpA7zeQk38zRrGte64Us24sMDTc937v9ko1yCUfmKymdtILFRg_pw/s1600/IMG_5553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvtgG5iquCNcycLDf_ndDqGp0EgIaxyHRrZCrH2_foF3l_gndYqgSLBdh0fjOVowrVDzv-LsGNQJpJa9al0g3MJvEpA7zeQk38zRrGte64Us24sMDTc937v9ko1yCUfmKymdtILFRg_pw/s640/IMG_5553.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I am beyond happy with the results. Notice the yellow vase? That is my trade off for my paint choice. Black is the new black, you know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FP7QId8Yg2R9W-_0UtvwhndAxbRcViHDJ2Qib38897XnT-r28JtYfNZxqDHsJ44x8tzBQ_5OsPDE4-lLKqU_40IwyG0_2eUOUE__qEJk9xyaTIBOXTtSN6RIlsrecejppH6kiaTvg-zz/s1600/IMG_5566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FP7QId8Yg2R9W-_0UtvwhndAxbRcViHDJ2Qib38897XnT-r28JtYfNZxqDHsJ44x8tzBQ_5OsPDE4-lLKqU_40IwyG0_2eUOUE__qEJk9xyaTIBOXTtSN6RIlsrecejppH6kiaTvg-zz/s640/IMG_5566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvtgG5iquCNcycLDf_ndDqGp0EgIaxyHRrZCrH2_foF3l_gndYqgSLBdh0fjOVowrVDzv-LsGNQJpJa9al0g3MJvEpA7zeQk38zRrGte64Us24sMDTc937v9ko1yCUfmKymdtILFRg_pw/s1600/IMG_5553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-65315949450689042652012-09-20T23:09:00.000+02:002012-09-20T23:09:06.475+02:00The Year of the Tomato<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I sowed my tomato seeds back in <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.de/2012/03/back-in-garden.html" target="_blank"><u><b>March</b></u></a>, I never thought that this is what I would end up with:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu-98_hXpiFiGVqHOoOL9w7A4b_8FS8eFdP-_mkcOkgs4Uf8vEwSSIIHIMrPRp6zAYsZF-ayV15XZ70ZeJDszHqVTCop8dXn3hsQAiIPJtaIKZJE1OsOwutTjTeVF1Fe1TgtipkZD5FYM/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu-98_hXpiFiGVqHOoOL9w7A4b_8FS8eFdP-_mkcOkgs4Uf8vEwSSIIHIMrPRp6zAYsZF-ayV15XZ70ZeJDszHqVTCop8dXn3hsQAiIPJtaIKZJE1OsOwutTjTeVF1Fe1TgtipkZD5FYM/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurZ3_m6TZXM28HwmX-iHP_QL-ZLqtV1mBzXnpDeRBNWe6G8UO0xNrULoBEzG-gp_vew1fUlw9l_z488xlFVAwGSFIi1NJRNC1ioJfvyO2e0hxnqyYTAaaWl7XgFLw-p_Ft_IHQD3hoQUz/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurZ3_m6TZXM28HwmX-iHP_QL-ZLqtV1mBzXnpDeRBNWe6G8UO0xNrULoBEzG-gp_vew1fUlw9l_z488xlFVAwGSFIi1NJRNC1ioJfvyO2e0hxnqyYTAaaWl7XgFLw-p_Ft_IHQD3hoQUz/s320/IMG_0465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM23CkLR6PlwRE0is06fT4IOC6s5g3axVJzyfa_jKGhtw9GdEs3GFusrhQcQJsSnf4qVLEkC88CMIdhd2n6shNByWWlPqz_ZPpQ3FvfBXvG8afeN4Fe2rr72qHmKRonU4B9uDk-54qT6p/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM23CkLR6PlwRE0is06fT4IOC6s5g3axVJzyfa_jKGhtw9GdEs3GFusrhQcQJsSnf4qVLEkC88CMIdhd2n6shNByWWlPqz_ZPpQ3FvfBXvG8afeN4Fe2rr72qHmKRonU4B9uDk-54qT6p/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtW0lPW2LZF1FxIARmy-JaG9FodenNOaVFwon3d0imnn3U8cp_VjdLsru7QAYbSYTmB32pYYhFHUH_SgJp0aSnU7UKLGLYOTXxpBH999HhzQWVVECr6wfi-2v-_DFqlJG6EDPp2D2Da0x/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtW0lPW2LZF1FxIARmy-JaG9FodenNOaVFwon3d0imnn3U8cp_VjdLsru7QAYbSYTmB32pYYhFHUH_SgJp0aSnU7UKLGLYOTXxpBH999HhzQWVVECr6wfi-2v-_DFqlJG6EDPp2D2Da0x/s320/IMG_0478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Do I need to mention that we have had quite a crop this year? Obviously, tomatoes have been on our plates often in the last weeks. They are also seen frequently (on said plates) in <a href="http://statigr.am/3at12" target="_blank"><b><u>my Instagram feed</u></b></a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQIj4PThvmq4LPxDg5CRqQEIjeyJKPfrbxWcaWkFFgPZQfkXVhAXyC_g2FafrHHCivCWdPAVecjpT7xcqUqCVwuE2ATPB7eiLy-gLH5U84jvGY6h6TkLsFHw_-MDy7lZL-Mw3Wq6G8Yhb/s1600/521b13b6ebb811e19c891231381b635c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQIj4PThvmq4LPxDg5CRqQEIjeyJKPfrbxWcaWkFFgPZQfkXVhAXyC_g2FafrHHCivCWdPAVecjpT7xcqUqCVwuE2ATPB7eiLy-gLH5U84jvGY6h6TkLsFHw_-MDy7lZL-Mw3Wq6G8Yhb/s320/521b13b6ebb811e19c891231381b635c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYDr746Pe6fEeHeDFcxgS5j_IoJzJ_9qsNW0Sw07Vv500v_TyG_CwnvlGnJntDBkpwjh6fSZOrOqlTEEIZ48f2D4AdVk2I4XxKWGZmeN1HsIwbb7jeodTv_JZUDKy_BggPCj06qpQtFV3/s1600/13d8c676ebb711e1a84922000a1e8bad_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYDr746Pe6fEeHeDFcxgS5j_IoJzJ_9qsNW0Sw07Vv500v_TyG_CwnvlGnJntDBkpwjh6fSZOrOqlTEEIZ48f2D4AdVk2I4XxKWGZmeN1HsIwbb7jeodTv_JZUDKy_BggPCj06qpQtFV3/s320/13d8c676ebb711e1a84922000a1e8bad_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNacbLrb9TI-sD43cJbV9f1p5H8-vFvItWGQ53I5t7W1bKIiF88k_eT07njBjwwvhVepgQ72SwFyRcEQKnHA-ZIg7_rIny_FElmehypyU8DsvvkxCfhp73hblGFv6-7VCAXXajpjnbYBbo/s1600/fa043f68e83311e1afd122000a1e8836_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNacbLrb9TI-sD43cJbV9f1p5H8-vFvItWGQ53I5t7W1bKIiF88k_eT07njBjwwvhVepgQ72SwFyRcEQKnHA-ZIg7_rIny_FElmehypyU8DsvvkxCfhp73hblGFv6-7VCAXXajpjnbYBbo/s320/fa043f68e83311e1afd122000a1e8836_7.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTExFS_gM3fMYNULHPJ7dSjC3S10W6GkuSINeJACrpLEu2eGAheZNstCA0Qqw4SCCTPcyBpU6diy-pKPVc2c7WuPfOHktWrj5ZsQV5EgMFplju_CAeYzNaYYHD8iYS0qTJx9SaBMVjteU/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTExFS_gM3fMYNULHPJ7dSjC3S10W6GkuSINeJACrpLEu2eGAheZNstCA0Qqw4SCCTPcyBpU6diy-pKPVc2c7WuPfOHktWrj5ZsQV5EgMFplju_CAeYzNaYYHD8iYS0qTJx9SaBMVjteU/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bruschetta, Caprese, sliced tomatoes with cream cheese on whole wheat bread, and Texas Caviar (<a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/?s=texas+caviar" target="_blank"><u><b>recipe via Jules</b></u></a>) are some of the things we have been having in the last few weeks. I know the garden tomato season will come to end soon, but for now I will it enjoy every single day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-41640801852980330612012-07-03T16:20:00.000+02:002012-07-03T16:20:17.763+02:00Something New<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not so much the recipe, but the fact that I am posting at all. No excuses, but I will take a moment to hang my head in shame. Now on to business and to summer.<br />
<br />
What better to post about on the day before July 4th than a salad recipe? One of our favorites for the summer months is Tabbouleh. Coincidentally I made it on Saturday and most importantly I remembered to take a picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIU6CNa9qP8AUSsFN8MYiJ0SGkRorH-jjAHMXGF0eHm1r2g_0Gf1Z3l2bP6LbuRJ7PU-jWnQdziyV0PNl7oRvuV7fSPSh9ZmNucTTcgha9HUruB4_L3YHDN9_GSXy72Fo_j62sRNKLZT7/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIU6CNa9qP8AUSsFN8MYiJ0SGkRorH-jjAHMXGF0eHm1r2g_0Gf1Z3l2bP6LbuRJ7PU-jWnQdziyV0PNl7oRvuV7fSPSh9ZmNucTTcgha9HUruB4_L3YHDN9_GSXy72Fo_j62sRNKLZT7/s400/IMG_0342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tabbouleh</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Serves 6-8</span><br />
<br />
1 1/8 cup Bulgur<br />
Instant Vegetable Broth <br />
2 Tomatoes, chopped<br />
1 Cucumber, chopped<br />
1 Red Pepper, chopped<br />
1 Red Onion, chopped<br />
4 sprigs of Fresh Mint, finely chopped<br />
1 bunch of Flat Leaf Parsley, finely chopped<br />
2-4 cloves of Garlic, pressed<br />
1 Lemon, juiced<br />
2 tbsp Olive Oil<br />
Salt & Pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Add bulgur to 2 1/4 cups of water with instant vegetable broth (to season) and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and add lid. It should be done in 10-15 minutes. Set aside and let cool completely. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, onion, parsley, mint and garlic to a large bowl. Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper in small bowl. Add the mixture to the remaining ingredients and toss.<br />
<br />
Enjoy! For those celebrating, Happy 4th of July!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-23943613119798829872012-05-10T15:14:00.001+02:002012-05-11T09:30:16.604+02:00A Game of (Falling) Dominoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That pretty much sums up how the work behind this post seemed like to me and it all started here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdN0DQnhD0eAIC9dCXcd9bT0pFHSjANVET4NJ_1FdEbzgZ9Ph13GwBjW9tJdgDMjF6eHSju829rS-B8NNIPAt9oA0FDN3MhKRd94GR5BHY6afmsXdy8_wWtbe2szlk5KLwvbvkSIpoOJq/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdN0DQnhD0eAIC9dCXcd9bT0pFHSjANVET4NJ_1FdEbzgZ9Ph13GwBjW9tJdgDMjF6eHSju829rS-B8NNIPAt9oA0FDN3MhKRd94GR5BHY6afmsXdy8_wWtbe2szlk5KLwvbvkSIpoOJq/s640/IMG_5314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We bought this bread box for our apartment in Brooklyn with it's hole in the wall kitchen. It worked well there and in the apartment we had before we moved into our house. Here it was just a big space hog and it took me almost 3 years to come to terms with that and another 5 months to do something about it. Let the dominoes fall.<br />
<br />
I knew I wanted to move the bread into the drawer under the stove, but before I could do that I had to move part of what was in there. Of course I neglected to take a before shot, but it wasn't that exciting. Just picture vitamins and ibuprofen where the bread is now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL9ulGqQAV37c2J_-jFSJQQ7j5Jh7b6735NoMUuuc8TpQz-tqPlKg3REWrzlKYBrDkrNDRotsXD9GjD-5lBWxQjimfLrX7ooMWbbmE_iz5A9Yu_JoiylfHoj2w-WLYd-WbeBKNcgw52o5/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL9ulGqQAV37c2J_-jFSJQQ7j5Jh7b6735NoMUuuc8TpQz-tqPlKg3REWrzlKYBrDkrNDRotsXD9GjD-5lBWxQjimfLrX7ooMWbbmE_iz5A9Yu_JoiylfHoj2w-WLYd-WbeBKNcgw52o5/s640/IMG_5332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Keep them falling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcf-H2_B_8eWfUqjzTPFbvGYDtM9Kqda2SB0rg9IqbMXcS758y7uQUIi8hVtr9k8Ou8AmEq3dDVSybR3YzMHx5dmX1_DzifSS5wlkScfo_-t6qZIsjsp60OIer9Qrf3RZogwDt8nbNDTm/s1600/IMG_5352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcf-H2_B_8eWfUqjzTPFbvGYDtM9Kqda2SB0rg9IqbMXcS758y7uQUIi8hVtr9k8Ou8AmEq3dDVSybR3YzMHx5dmX1_DzifSS5wlkScfo_-t6qZIsjsp60OIer9Qrf3RZogwDt8nbNDTm/s640/IMG_5352.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Said vitamins moved here and the baking condiments that were in this spot moved to the cabinet with the spices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSOiVh5KON4QhP8a5r2WpKOr1tYRTMaGRKnERR5lo6jaK_XJx0etPHhsXQgEICuEezkP-Ytu3Ulhlrpd2QbLFkn5hzdhE7WKNG4AkkrsDk8RIw2EyV8paOTCRVBEVWD8kpaRI3i90y00W/s1600/IMG_5345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSOiVh5KON4QhP8a5r2WpKOr1tYRTMaGRKnERR5lo6jaK_XJx0etPHhsXQgEICuEezkP-Ytu3Ulhlrpd2QbLFkn5hzdhE7WKNG4AkkrsDk8RIw2EyV8paOTCRVBEVWD8kpaRI3i90y00W/s640/IMG_5345.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
There they are on the top shelf. Luckily the spot was empty and nothing had to be moved someplace else. Which brings me back to the spot where the bread box use to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWMPdadW4x7yGn6slaO8i14TcF-nYVkhT_6_TevlZNFcJHQ8ebQJEYjVxh7WumECIYU0xF4LmgyWHFwFprtbVxzJddwNvGxl36hzV0koQ5yuufDo-bLeOI9zdvoYqkWPlVn3nHaGz2Jj_/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWMPdadW4x7yGn6slaO8i14TcF-nYVkhT_6_TevlZNFcJHQ8ebQJEYjVxh7WumECIYU0xF4LmgyWHFwFprtbVxzJddwNvGxl36hzV0koQ5yuufDo-bLeOI9zdvoYqkWPlVn3nHaGz2Jj_/s640/IMG_5347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We have already come to appreciate the extra square inches of counter space. Plus, I finally got hang up my utensil rod. Game over (for now).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please visit <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/05/home-library/" target="_blank"><u><b>Jules at Pancakes & French Fries</b></u></a> for a lot more William Morris inspiration. </div>
</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-14283211582274488172012-03-29T11:46:00.000+02:002012-03-29T11:46:26.259+02:00Almost<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am almost there or at least I feel a lot closer to being done than I did last week. Which is funny because there is less than one (working) hour between the two. In the previous weeks I spent hours sifting through Lego, Playmobil and the like and I felt nothing but overwhelmed and under accomplished. This week I moved some furniture around and I finally feel like I am getting somewhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOpXan4rPxzGLbO5Jvt28PQlrSmEBnmK6o4a0bVLzBz0VUMDO5j-8AHKqSrG0XOYcHr_XJY6RZ2KO16BEe-B9Wx-z-htd6etcbWTeTwtlisymPvOIgd8gjce_YEEpjj6Ck7LLftW2b0qe/s1600/IMG_5266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOpXan4rPxzGLbO5Jvt28PQlrSmEBnmK6o4a0bVLzBz0VUMDO5j-8AHKqSrG0XOYcHr_XJY6RZ2KO16BEe-B9Wx-z-htd6etcbWTeTwtlisymPvOIgd8gjce_YEEpjj6Ck7LLftW2b0qe/s640/IMG_5266.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
This is pretty much how this side of Sam's room has looked since last August. When Sam started school I got it in my head that he needed a desk and chair to do his homework (he does it at the dining table). We bought everything, got it home, put it together and just kind of stuck it on this wall, which had previously had looked like <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.de/2011/06/glimpse-of-sams-room.html" target="_blank"><b><u>this</u></b></a>. The EXPEDIT moved over to the wall <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.de/2012/03/not-done.html" target="_blank"><b><u>on the left</u></b></a> and it all ended up looking kind of indifferent, or better said "Meh."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mn6CsvLVhz9LaXlbsxqDW_i6cBbnz-gPdq0h75LEdgc0a7OSC2FxX6pWJMEXRzms2GuerVO3AWbEbYkqi2CSWlRHmbk7kVWAG2Ux9Sldej59i9Kzt4Y94UebpnigbrfLFehEqNKVvqb9/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mn6CsvLVhz9LaXlbsxqDW_i6cBbnz-gPdq0h75LEdgc0a7OSC2FxX6pWJMEXRzms2GuerVO3AWbEbYkqi2CSWlRHmbk7kVWAG2Ux9Sldej59i9Kzt4Y94UebpnigbrfLFehEqNKVvqb9/s640/IMG_5285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The circles are off of the wall and the EXPEDIT is back. Now all you have to do is imagine a world map above the desk. It was hanging yesterday, but it fell down overnight. That is what I get for keeping it rolled up for the past year and a half. I plan on getting a chair or bean bag to put on the now empty wall. Sam loves it and is not missing any of the things I purged over the past weeks. I plan on doing another quick purge in the next weeks and there a still some things I need to hang, but I am almost there.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please visit <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/03/odds-and-ends-in-the-kitchen/" target="_blank"><u><b>Jules at Pancakes and French Fries</b></u></a> for a lot more William Morris inspiration. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-82238767849139281492012-03-23T01:22:00.000+01:002012-03-23T01:22:15.608+01:00Not Done<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not done, or maybe I should title this post "I've Started", "Working On It" or something along that line. At the moment, the title is more appropriate to how I feel about the state of Sam's room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjp-305DlZPk85OZvPTu8mtK6KbkALWJJdekecbjfzV_B8TIS4ZIzSdzslNK-i3yOlQbd3NNXpueYDzCaXTHOQrmv6PaiRiV9aqgYyvYiUHtKDI7cobQI_-ZozDaPFz3P3yybtU4fLRWD/s1600/IMG_5111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjp-305DlZPk85OZvPTu8mtK6KbkALWJJdekecbjfzV_B8TIS4ZIzSdzslNK-i3yOlQbd3NNXpueYDzCaXTHOQrmv6PaiRiV9aqgYyvYiUHtKDI7cobQI_-ZozDaPFz3P3yybtU4fLRWD/s640/IMG_5111.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzCX29lnFTHHbpbM6tQHPmsPYltm_portcmsPwkbD_3PwfIzt63AwcdbIE-CrtR6vj6LaKySZyWnopGFmN5mgeebJT5Go2eZFdzkNoXDpZ618s838ojJIysEjQmPCuRZdnV0s7jcAWhMr/s1600/IMG_5090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzCX29lnFTHHbpbM6tQHPmsPYltm_portcmsPwkbD_3PwfIzt63AwcdbIE-CrtR6vj6LaKySZyWnopGFmN5mgeebJT5Go2eZFdzkNoXDpZ618s838ojJIysEjQmPCuRZdnV0s7jcAWhMr/s640/IMG_5090.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiY8gFb2D1vP-hPGsvuaDVhJ41y9AUgVyIDj2AzQZfCd4i3YJYKZY_zMg1MS4gIdfBlZPv6lmjPZVDrVyqWgHR6pWXlSZ5a9F6l72OMKxeiq4DkOq9MXuhrcVsNg86wstFHkXPVljRE5b/s1600/IMG_5136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiY8gFb2D1vP-hPGsvuaDVhJ41y9AUgVyIDj2AzQZfCd4i3YJYKZY_zMg1MS4gIdfBlZPv6lmjPZVDrVyqWgHR6pWXlSZ5a9F6l72OMKxeiq4DkOq9MXuhrcVsNg86wstFHkXPVljRE5b/s640/IMG_5136.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This is pretty much how Sam's room has looked since Christmas. Sam is
the only grandchild on both my and my husband's side and the only child
under 18 for the rest of the family, so you can imagine the problem. To
be fair, my husband and I have not been totally faultless. We have
reformed our ways though and have found that less is definitely more when it
comes to the amount of toys our son should have. I am still working on
how to get the rest of the family to co-operate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfDG0GvaPTyD5C7sG7FytXnX1yTlOzOsNvK6ge4eZ09Yd6QL_GRWJ3AikZyN03L5P0OGakZg1Fhr-7NvKaS4ZtraYsHWEQ2NkNiVD0a1NPzgQtOFhSpSNsoDcX45U3whSEWlzf6ZGQoT9/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfDG0GvaPTyD5C7sG7FytXnX1yTlOzOsNvK6ge4eZ09Yd6QL_GRWJ3AikZyN03L5P0OGakZg1Fhr-7NvKaS4ZtraYsHWEQ2NkNiVD0a1NPzgQtOFhSpSNsoDcX45U3whSEWlzf6ZGQoT9/s640/IMG_5132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the first things I tackled was the contents of the art drawers in this cabinet. It had been awhile since I had gone through all of Sam's drawings, so there was quite a bit to sort. What to keep and what to toss? Generally, I try to be quick and keep those that show progression.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkfPzjsD_R7H2LB3aGvY5kKQmpEVT7ie-i31VXCa3fbGpaLPr-HvAH2LIU54frbMtnvhnvJwGDamljMcbhkVIJK2xNB00cLND9iV0W0FNDkYbq6A78eM06IrkwQ6uw2DsyGjPslAcx9ps/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkfPzjsD_R7H2LB3aGvY5kKQmpEVT7ie-i31VXCa3fbGpaLPr-HvAH2LIU54frbMtnvhnvJwGDamljMcbhkVIJK2xNB00cLND9iV0W0FNDkYbq6A78eM06IrkwQ6uw2DsyGjPslAcx9ps/s640/IMG_5222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The things I decided to keep went back in the drawer along with the Sam's completed school workbooks (which had been dispersed through out his room). My thought is for us to review them at the end of the year so Sam can see his progress and then (to secretly) toss them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIAPTIEqzMy9UbMhhyphenhyphenIxNVvlMHmgDzJEPi6Eda0sz_oSOBkx7Fk0AYrKb2ika2DUISGWq0BEIXfyVeh59SJhEnBmTKAPs3JBagBy37FGKJI7RCHN1vQAAVVzReq4Ai9aClzAC4vHTqpF5/s1600/IMG_5137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIAPTIEqzMy9UbMhhyphenhyphenIxNVvlMHmgDzJEPi6Eda0sz_oSOBkx7Fk0AYrKb2ika2DUISGWq0BEIXfyVeh59SJhEnBmTKAPs3JBagBy37FGKJI7RCHN1vQAAVVzReq4Ai9aClzAC4vHTqpF5/s640/IMG_5137.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
The rest went into the recycle bin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83PBSnOLRGPs5WRbHUTOpsw9OdIH2nfZGgIEtIrXXZH-HMPiV0JrKHnuCSPwoTZu1Pr_ILcy4yZdjJ8-C_7h1xEWqeg93_o1Xl7wPPYPiLwI8X4WUPVuLGoW5ZYIyu3Qafj2Iw2hXSAVD/s1600/IMG_5131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83PBSnOLRGPs5WRbHUTOpsw9OdIH2nfZGgIEtIrXXZH-HMPiV0JrKHnuCSPwoTZu1Pr_ILcy4yZdjJ8-C_7h1xEWqeg93_o1Xl7wPPYPiLwI8X4WUPVuLGoW5ZYIyu3Qafj2Iw2hXSAVD/s640/IMG_5131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up was a purge of the drawer holding all the pencils, markers, scissors etc .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTUg5dVUyIc2pEt0LGtDrIS6jS9IF1KvCGwuBI_iVqFJ2C1jsxmd5DgPoQ6Hkg2m7xLdfTnR_-6THapF2a0d4LTG2R1_WaaPj_sR_kQr5q5I_KVdGWDGkHK11HYcxXnabbuyWBwBT7NOi/s1600/IMG_5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTUg5dVUyIc2pEt0LGtDrIS6jS9IF1KvCGwuBI_iVqFJ2C1jsxmd5DgPoQ6Hkg2m7xLdfTnR_-6THapF2a0d4LTG2R1_WaaPj_sR_kQr5q5I_KVdGWDGkHK11HYcxXnabbuyWBwBT7NOi/s640/IMG_5220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I know that it won't stay like this, but maybe something close. Besides, it was good to go through it all and throw out the broken rulers, dried markers, and the like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnuvoSI8jGShxAcFoyHSfN3OcAoWjE4s6-J3wgcyG4vyPooKuSV75aSqlT2E5SAveQjeXwF_JEq7Vol58xrUjoMJ7ml20kaijDlNH__jUBcQ51l1R1wMGd9CaM9r7EqR2AZt_3edgabIx/s1600/IMG_5140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnuvoSI8jGShxAcFoyHSfN3OcAoWjE4s6-J3wgcyG4vyPooKuSV75aSqlT2E5SAveQjeXwF_JEq7Vol58xrUjoMJ7ml20kaijDlNH__jUBcQ51l1R1wMGd9CaM9r7EqR2AZt_3edgabIx/s640/IMG_5140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture is all I have to show for the major purge I did of his toys, books, and games. I had a wonderfully huge (and to me depressing) pile of stuff in the basement all ready to be carted off to our local charity shop. That pile stood there for a few weeks waiting for me to take a picture of it. I am pretty sure it yelled, "Cheese!" every time I walked by it, but I never managed to take that wow shot for this post. Then last week, in a fit, I schlepped it all to the car and brought it to the shop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tjYSOLqPjcWMHmYLU0VkDblRjgPZ8nOII9puxKUJNIVSTPUGpgljaV7MWGiPeaP6ioxidHimhbb62l9fcrjD2t07QBNWjIWDZnFalaf_0L3BSxxy5CRfofRPYTdOQs4e5GGamxs2uVYR/s1600/IMG_5246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tjYSOLqPjcWMHmYLU0VkDblRjgPZ8nOII9puxKUJNIVSTPUGpgljaV7MWGiPeaP6ioxidHimhbb62l9fcrjD2t07QBNWjIWDZnFalaf_0L3BSxxy5CRfofRPYTdOQs4e5GGamxs2uVYR/s640/IMG_5246.jpg" width="428" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know that there is improvement, but I still suspect that there is probably too much stuff. If I consider the bags that I carted off, the room should be devoid of toys. There will probably be another toy purge in my near future, but I first want to see how it goes with what is left. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please visit <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/03/potatoes-and-onions/" target="_blank"><u><b>Jules at Pancakes and French Fries</b></u></a> for more William Morris inspiration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-53914171250322015452012-03-09T18:11:00.000+01:002012-03-09T18:11:08.731+01:00Back in the Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This year I am going to expand my kitchen garden to include some more vegetables. Since we moved into our house three years ago, we have had one or two tomato plants each summer. Mostly we have lots of kitchen herbs (thyme, oregano, dill, sorrel, savory, etc.) and some fruit (raspberries, grapes and <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.com/2011/06/strawberry-update.html" target="_blank"><b><u>strawberries</u></b></a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRsluuoZfw01bQZ5S5EZVFaVNxO_4TYZpBx-cR7ofXaISofRweT5VotTTBvQXRhfvahyPMF2_0h_KZ7G4IZvbs5lf_gfsGERWmzQM-woev794bDNn9SZbOG83PHgRLNG6rwSbxleuvQZ8/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRsluuoZfw01bQZ5S5EZVFaVNxO_4TYZpBx-cR7ofXaISofRweT5VotTTBvQXRhfvahyPMF2_0h_KZ7G4IZvbs5lf_gfsGERWmzQM-woev794bDNn9SZbOG83PHgRLNG6rwSbxleuvQZ8/s640/IMG_5192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We purposefully left this little corner (to the right) of the garden empty because we plan on putting some kind of water feature there eventually. In the meantime, it was a good place for Sam's kiddie pool or for him to dig around in. This year we are going to use it to add some square footage for the additional tomatoes, peppers, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I wasn't going to say anything but looking at the picture I really must. Our property ends with the fence and the grey border stone. Everything behind it is our neighbor's property, which they have elected to use as their junk depot. It drives me crazy! Last year I was having a conversation with her and she said, "I just love sitting on my patio and look into your garden." I am thinking, "I wish I could say the same." Hopefully this will be the year they finish up their yard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx4vOk2B9KhVFFb6bYd3UwdhrGE5-DL-O8MX3BbcSgePMvzrnExyGKqeVt2mvlKdLGl_Ay3izVHrtAxEN3cOuTEwSACR3o9wTmff64CrmMeC1BNyLiYXZclqPpM4Nru6pmlPQotY5H71G/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx4vOk2B9KhVFFb6bYd3UwdhrGE5-DL-O8MX3BbcSgePMvzrnExyGKqeVt2mvlKdLGl_Ay3izVHrtAxEN3cOuTEwSACR3o9wTmff64CrmMeC1BNyLiYXZclqPpM4Nru6pmlPQotY5H71G/s640/IMG_5143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I spent some time in the seed aisle last week and settled on three types of tomatoes, one hot pepper, and a mix of carrots. I also still have some salad, radish and bean seeds from last year. I tried my hand at salad last year and the snails really loved it. This year I will plant it in pots and hope that the snails don't find it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSdoAHcyV7F8HUVRMAkQWXf7zdtPdwlnUpz0hAO9QnxQhmIMEaFyzul_j7sKk79gDPCIFN6DsKWP5LbQAUprGrxIFbPKwtoolERHoUljKfrSVrzTOez0mGYVD_GF0w9O3swfYJ8P7rsqN/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSdoAHcyV7F8HUVRMAkQWXf7zdtPdwlnUpz0hAO9QnxQhmIMEaFyzul_j7sKk79gDPCIFN6DsKWP5LbQAUprGrxIFbPKwtoolERHoUljKfrSVrzTOez0mGYVD_GF0w9O3swfYJ8P7rsqN/s640/IMG_5146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sam and I planted the tomato and pepper seeds in seedling pots and by
mid-May they should be safe to plant in the ground. I just hope that
these seedlings do better than the <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/05/strawberries.html" target="_blank"><b><u>strawberries I tried growing last year</u></b></a>. We are going to plant the remaining seeds directly into the ground or in the case of the salad in pots. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aGgUqkWJf2pq7NOb1hEG_ASgYtWtiWL0IhCZh0RH1149dlsn9Hj1BRztI0_6MvU2RI9QnDo4BvpXHedRa-GiAk1UXHEf-Jz6C66xnIoXoKuglAzzTXfRHSLzkOG5NJOfkeJip76FXujQ/s1600/IMG_5194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aGgUqkWJf2pq7NOb1hEG_ASgYtWtiWL0IhCZh0RH1149dlsn9Hj1BRztI0_6MvU2RI9QnDo4BvpXHedRa-GiAk1UXHEf-Jz6C66xnIoXoKuglAzzTXfRHSLzkOG5NJOfkeJip76FXujQ/s640/IMG_5194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a total soft spot for violas and just couldn't walk by them at the garden center on Wednesday. <br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-82967767771721108252012-02-17T17:29:00.000+01:002012-02-17T17:29:49.814+01:00More of Less - Picture Gallery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am not sure how, but another week has gone by and it is time for another post for the <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/how-to-organizethe-family-medicine-cabinet/" target="_blank"><b><u>William Morris Project</u></b></a>. I have absolutely no idea how Jules did this <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2011/09/31-days-of-william-morris/" target="_blank"><b><u>every day this past October</u></b></a>, but I am starting to suspect that super powers were be involved.<br />
<br />
I have had a gallery of family pictures in all of our
homes. It took me awhile to hang them when we moved here
(yeah, big surprise) and I was perfectly happy with the layout. Then my
brother-in-law had to go and get married last summer and it went to
pieces. I had the picture in the frame and all I had to do was add
it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b9FLbT0LUadZkDG1-JeNHXf3-Xt4M_OnCGBtVyCH0IT1EbEC43yrIxRy3kmx5HC532KfEukrPCuy5wRUlKUkru0IASKnxKsEzDWhw1DauqspZBkKp6dwajDGDbIgL_LG-5OOwG-UkLRH/s1600/IMG_5061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b9FLbT0LUadZkDG1-JeNHXf3-Xt4M_OnCGBtVyCH0IT1EbEC43yrIxRy3kmx5HC532KfEukrPCuy5wRUlKUkru0IASKnxKsEzDWhw1DauqspZBkKp6dwajDGDbIgL_LG-5OOwG-UkLRH/s640/IMG_5061.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0CmZ6Gst5iGQcMtiDH92-p_pSdoguLZ377uKTPjgvBVudj_QDJniMWV16Whx8MhG17TmD0eLECy_R0IB2YBLftO5TwY6pW-VlJwUmvTb277ibnoCf_jpky9sYNZXRDhZotXoc3e4gfG3/s1600/IMG_5063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0CmZ6Gst5iGQcMtiDH92-p_pSdoguLZ377uKTPjgvBVudj_QDJniMWV16Whx8MhG17TmD0eLECy_R0IB2YBLftO5TwY6pW-VlJwUmvTb277ibnoCf_jpky9sYNZXRDhZotXoc3e4gfG3/s640/IMG_5063.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It should have been an easy task and yet before I knew it all of the pictures were off of the wall. They ended up stacked on the stairs and there they stayed, let's say, awhile. Naturally re-hanging the pictures made <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2012/01/list.html" target="_blank"><u><b>my list</b></u></a> of things that I wanted get done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEcqRu4TChhbLFsL1khbjZJpmf-VVR-gzmCipAE_y5GOoGSDMv9ldE3SFhRqg3c8KqR3HrJ2y0ER-gJvjLE9ILeVecEICC1I1-1S00oKWSAPKbYFhHxA79V2CF6_G4YpELFAFH2yBbaN0/s1600/IMG_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEcqRu4TChhbLFsL1khbjZJpmf-VVR-gzmCipAE_y5GOoGSDMv9ldE3SFhRqg3c8KqR3HrJ2y0ER-gJvjLE9ILeVecEICC1I1-1S00oKWSAPKbYFhHxA79V2CF6_G4YpELFAFH2yBbaN0/s640/IMG_5069.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I started off trying a few different layouts and thought that I had it with this one. Once I started hanging them it just looked off and before I knew it I had moved two of the pictures into different frames. Does anyone else always find dirt under the glass after their done framing something? Is that just me?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoWI_dniNV5Jpo9guG-rAqtmuwaZ9f1ExZbNZ8qXqd56-nYIkRg4X7n2eYARM3a8-6-DcFof2SNn3Zkc5-2t6SeH1BNNSFLtI-pDGCPEbNPWidxsj4KMVNAgfI_6aoUJPcu3wnWn91YMO/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoWI_dniNV5Jpo9guG-rAqtmuwaZ9f1ExZbNZ8qXqd56-nYIkRg4X7n2eYARM3a8-6-DcFof2SNn3Zkc5-2t6SeH1BNNSFLtI-pDGCPEbNPWidxsj4KMVNAgfI_6aoUJPcu3wnWn91YMO/s640/IMG_5103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After lots more shuffling I finally had all of the pictures up and I am totally happy with the layout. There is plenty of room for future expansion and I added an empty frame that I had on hand. I am thinking of filling it with <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.com/2011/08/2-days-down.html" target="_blank"><b><u>one of these</u></b></a>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris </div>
</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-85842522079811639322012-02-09T16:49:00.002+01:002012-02-09T16:49:54.112+01:00More of Less - The Entry Closet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The entry closet should have been an easy (and quick) project for my next <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/how-to-organizethe-family-medicine-cabinet/" target="_blank"><b><u>William Morris</u></b></a> post. Turns out it took me a little longer than I anticipated and I ended up spending the last few weeks in a sort of photo and memorabilia haze. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWz5ilDHKP7VVMLRcOeIvM8nXO665UoWAFCEbeQrLHw3w-V7JrtFHbBlj-dPSM-CgaDqodohmNEzB0_sgVd_Z_V42EgLf38k6n1qtze0VQQZ4y6alaFEcQlDm2k6TnxdqOVjnm6AnTcyJ/s1600/IMG_5037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWz5ilDHKP7VVMLRcOeIvM8nXO665UoWAFCEbeQrLHw3w-V7JrtFHbBlj-dPSM-CgaDqodohmNEzB0_sgVd_Z_V42EgLf38k6n1qtze0VQQZ4y6alaFEcQlDm2k6TnxdqOVjnm6AnTcyJ/s640/IMG_5037.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here is the culprit. Looks innocent enough, right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XD1xp2HogTjilne-yHS1M6eal1Wdt73d2wnLAcgSzs0D4-bJlTwHRWKzLGqg4xH9PpDqvowREbzGScwhedRBrU1wWWfa4TWP5VGwi034N1RvPMFcuF6VSgIC-BtUWB1RX_NBw6ngCPw2/s1600/IMG_4595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XD1xp2HogTjilne-yHS1M6eal1Wdt73d2wnLAcgSzs0D4-bJlTwHRWKzLGqg4xH9PpDqvowREbzGScwhedRBrU1wWWfa4TWP5VGwi034N1RvPMFcuF6VSgIC-BtUWB1RX_NBw6ngCPw2/s640/IMG_4595.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Even with the doors open it isn't too bad, but kind of frustrating because last January I posted about that <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.com/2011/01/less-of-this.html" target="_blank"><u><b>top drawer</b></u></a>. It was kind of the beginning of my quest to a more organized home. Here is the proof that I am still struggling with it a year later.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdyIPwEuWdivmQCBcmDsQD_AB17jJuMqMwxj7L_qzGgRhcSgK0jC7E2qAsE0G4iCN1i9H7m9KN8T1aWIbIs4c4FjzT9cGMmEpkjBPWRw9sY-u2OQLx7eroFBBTEyM7C-JTOcX6FDqVen3/s1600/IMG_4665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdyIPwEuWdivmQCBcmDsQD_AB17jJuMqMwxj7L_qzGgRhcSgK0jC7E2qAsE0G4iCN1i9H7m9KN8T1aWIbIs4c4FjzT9cGMmEpkjBPWRw9sY-u2OQLx7eroFBBTEyM7C-JTOcX6FDqVen3/s640/IMG_4665.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
No use lamenting though, so back to the task at hand. I followed usual purging protocol and started pulling everything out, Yes, those are three lint rollers. One for each of us? I also dug out three umbrellas, quite an assortment of mints, gum, tissues, charging cables etc. The decision of what to do with this stuff came pretty easy. Trash, relocate, keep here and I was done in under 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32qrLYKjCjz6cEhw233OOZHymAsUPw5dYhDWyInT4-lwd8O1f17EGVlv0SVe3ncAX6LA8nqHyZbx3cfwfH75sZnqLFLtODIqLghJN7Hido655wx-xUdAL-LKBaawmijRytm3AP1F1GXXB/s1600/IMG_5004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32qrLYKjCjz6cEhw233OOZHymAsUPw5dYhDWyInT4-lwd8O1f17EGVlv0SVe3ncAX6LA8nqHyZbx3cfwfH75sZnqLFLtODIqLghJN7Hido655wx-xUdAL-LKBaawmijRytm3AP1F1GXXB/s640/IMG_5004.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
The real work started on the other side and it was all hidden in those photo boxes and art files you see on the shelves. Instead of just pulling them out and putting them back when I was done (like I have been doing), I opened them to purge the contents. Pictures and keepsakes covering a span of over twenty-five years all "organized" into boxes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDkk_GDMko5Pd03BmCksZOx6_hU3Hmrruq4rtodEYIvBYKkTjxd7SRW-SZFhxIvQLGRL9ATYPrid6hkmNtOfFUWEnPpj_fwmfmRyHRcBC0y3sgwVTcOCv5Ks1StMA3UYfBJBLHmTueYb4/s1600/3811d7344d8e11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDkk_GDMko5Pd03BmCksZOx6_hU3Hmrruq4rtodEYIvBYKkTjxd7SRW-SZFhxIvQLGRL9ATYPrid6hkmNtOfFUWEnPpj_fwmfmRyHRcBC0y3sgwVTcOCv5Ks1StMA3UYfBJBLHmTueYb4/s640/3811d7344d8e11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I sorted and then I sorted some more. With each pass I became more ruthless. No pictures were safe, not even wedding pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxykV-EQ3snPsenRgjjXDb6cdd6x_OnjxkzfaC-pgWd1FcqAu22zXul4pDu7IVrgbGxNF2DgKj67wJGlROVJpY4unkuk0Xf9pK4XvoDBZi1dfDT_v5qciePdvcOYmWjNVEoAFM5ItsSgdT/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxykV-EQ3snPsenRgjjXDb6cdd6x_OnjxkzfaC-pgWd1FcqAu22zXul4pDu7IVrgbGxNF2DgKj67wJGlROVJpY4unkuk0Xf9pK4XvoDBZi1dfDT_v5qciePdvcOYmWjNVEoAFM5ItsSgdT/s640/IMG_5047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't like them, didn't care to keep them; they ended up in the recycling container. Thank goodness for the digital age is all I have to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbQmcu2R385wkrm4jQwuRKifmvTYod5EeLW0_GbYndlDwvIa1_Bf4DAIPsbJHHJJgR0q0f-sH1FF5kWWr-4ECIuB7dCAgxqunnp2f4yRa0FijBkTSC7eMB9OEHHfqxLMgbxhYmPwBJ3qZ/s1600/IMG_5046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbQmcu2R385wkrm4jQwuRKifmvTYod5EeLW0_GbYndlDwvIa1_Bf4DAIPsbJHHJJgR0q0f-sH1FF5kWWr-4ECIuB7dCAgxqunnp2f4yRa0FijBkTSC7eMB9OEHHfqxLMgbxhYmPwBJ3qZ/s640/IMG_5046.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
At first glance, the difference isn't huge. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxZFV0EPKjLCiTn3pLsE5qZfdd5GVC3G_GhCWRIKgpgPadviMOF7Nb3wDnnXfJgKq3p9tG4G5W9ql1HYnDOUtix1aaX7Y6fP_95vthz3haZmFtoMPvo5redl-gbPGONpIZlcl8hBFUzVd/s1600/IMG_5041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxZFV0EPKjLCiTn3pLsE5qZfdd5GVC3G_GhCWRIKgpgPadviMOF7Nb3wDnnXfJgKq3p9tG4G5W9ql1HYnDOUtix1aaX7Y6fP_95vthz3haZmFtoMPvo5redl-gbPGONpIZlcl8hBFUzVd/s640/IMG_5041.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But look at the empty hangers! Now guests can actually hang up their coats instead throwing them on the stairs. I also know that things are looking better in those boxes and drawers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcD-KzLg3XSJcE0-3bsCVJfxyArI2VI2BquQMrf-HhkYBcPxUHOZvfMV0VsX3Cq8QtlcFFHMlWYna4aR8t8ga2-wB94j9AbvCl6mS_uGiij_Ds3i9zGxHLaeQTTwfN25hC8GM0LFyzOzR/s1600/IMG_5045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcD-KzLg3XSJcE0-3bsCVJfxyArI2VI2BquQMrf-HhkYBcPxUHOZvfMV0VsX3Cq8QtlcFFHMlWYna4aR8t8ga2-wB94j9AbvCl6mS_uGiij_Ds3i9zGxHLaeQTTwfN25hC8GM0LFyzOzR/s640/IMG_5045.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I had this container in another part of the house and think it will be good for the umbrellas. It is also housing the lint rollers for now. I will definitely weed down to one and may end up getting rid of that too. During my purge I found a clothes brush that I brought from my grandmother's house (you can see it in the top right of this picture). If it works well, the rollers are history.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdyIPwEuWdivmQCBcmDsQD_AB17jJuMqMwxj7L_qzGgRhcSgK0jC7E2qAsE0G4iCN1i9H7m9KN8T1aWIbIs4c4FjzT9cGMmEpkjBPWRw9sY-u2OQLx7eroFBBTEyM7C-JTOcX6FDqVen3/s1600/IMG_4665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris </div>
<br />
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-69732995095495613462012-01-20T00:06:00.000+01:002012-11-20T21:41:00.577+01:00The List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
Week two of the <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/how-to-organizethe-family-medicine-cabinet/" target="_blank"><b><u>William Morris Project</u></b></a> and it is time for a plan. Time to put all those things to be done on one list - <i>The List</i>. I have partial written lists all over the place (that is me, all over the place) and lots of items I would like to complete, but never dared to put on paper or just don't have the money for. Jules wrote out <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/the-intentional-home/" target="_blank"><b><u>her list</u></b></a> by room and I have to admit that I had a bit of a <i>"</i>Ah Ha<i>"</i> moment when I read it. A list by room, how totally elementary and yet it never entered my mind to do so. I did a walk through of our house and property and here is what I came up with. Feel free to skip to the picture of the roses my mom brought me from her garden last week (as in January).<br />
<br />
<b>Entry</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Find the perfect round mirror and hang by door</li>
<li>Hang exit sign</li>
<li><strike>Organize and purge closet</strike></li>
</ul>
<b>Powder Room</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Sew ribbon on towels<b> </b></strike> (couldn't resist)</li>
<li>Replace trash bin (I dream of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/274367802268237962/" target="_blank"><b><u>this</u></b></a>)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>Living/ Dining Room</b> </div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Purge books</li>
<li>Replace IKEA Bookshelves with custom built-ins</li>
<li>Purge CDs and DVDs</li>
<li><strike>Finally decide on window treatments, buy and install them (yup, three years of living here and not a single window treatment is up)</strike></li>
<li>Install that missing piece of floor moulding</li>
<li>Buy a new TV cabinet</li>
<li>Minimize all those cables</li>
<li>Move outlet by couch </li>
<li><strike>Paint <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.com/2011/06/thonet-stool_28.html" target="_blank"><b><u>that stool</u></b></a></strike></li>
<li><strike>Artwork (I need something big by the couch)</strike></li>
<li><strike>Replace IKEA unit with a proper buffet</strike></li>
<li>Replace crap knock-off Eames DSW with real ones (maybe one at a time)</li>
<li>New floor (yes we have only lived here 3 years, but ours drives me crazy)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<b>Kitchen </b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Purge and organize front bottom drawer</li>
<li><strike>Hang knifes</strike></li>
<li><strike>Hang utensil rod</strike></li>
<li><strike>Re-organize flatware drawer</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get rid of bread box and find a different place for bread</strike></li>
<li>Buy kitchen clock (dreaming of <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/274367802268193418/" target="_blank"><b><u>this</u></b></a>)</li>
<li>Re-organize lazy susan cabinets</li>
<li>Move outlet by coffee machine</li>
<li>Repair or replace built-in waste receptacle</li>
<li><strike>Clean under, behind and top of refrigerator </strike></li>
</ul>
<b>Upstairs Hallway </b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Re-hang picture wall</strike><b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b>Sam's Room</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Purge & organize toys</strike></li>
<li><strike>Purge books</strike></li>
<li>Purge & organize IKEA cabinet</li>
<li>Purge & organize closet</li>
<li> <strike>Decide on window treatments</strike>, buy and install</li>
<li><strike>Remove the circle appliques </strike></li>
<li><strike>Hang map</strike></li>
</ul>
<b>Bedroom</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>New mattress</strike></li>
<li><strike>Decide on window treatments</strike>, buy and install</li>
<li><strike>New chairs for balcony</strike></li>
<li>Paint silent waiter</li>
<li>Figure out what to do with my Grandmother's mirror</li>
<li>Clean, buff etc. Eames (?) ottoman</li>
<li>Purge handbags</li>
<li>Replace bedside cabinets with ??</li>
<li><strike>Replace bedside lighting with wall mounted fixtures</strike></li>
</ul>
<b>Master Bath</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Finally buy lighting fixture for above mirror</li>
<li>Wallpaper side & back wall</li>
</ul>
<b>Office</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Purge cabinet</li>
<li>Hang pictures</li>
<li>Decide on window treatments, buy and install</li>
</ul>
<b>Extra Room</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Sell or give away bookshelves</strike></li>
</ul>
<b>2nd Bath</b><b> </b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Have tiling finished (it is actually "done", but I decided to add some more. I think)</li>
<li>Have bathroom fixtures hung</li>
<li>Buy wall mounted cabinet (something like <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/274367802268190666/" target="_blank"><b><u>this</u></b></a>)</li>
<li>Decide on lighting fixtures, hang</li>
<li>Buy shower rod & curtain, hang</li>
</ul>
<b>Basement</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Desk back to my Aunt</li>
<li><strike>Sell or give away bookshelf</strike></li>
<li>Purge shelves</li>
<li><b> </b>Rod/Shelf system for diving equipment<b> </b><b> </b></li>
<li><strike>Wood to garage</strike></li>
<li>Re-paint floor</li>
</ul>
<b>Pantry</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Cabinet for refrigerator</strike></li>
<li>Purge & organize shelves</li>
<li>Re-paint floor<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b>Garden </b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><strike>Plant white rose</strike> (maybe <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/274367802268468430/" target="_blank"><b><u>Claire Austin</u></b></a>)<b> </b></li>
<li><strike>Plant hydrangeas along garage</strike></li>
<li>Plan/build water feature</li>
<li>Re-design herb/kitchen garden</li>
<li>Expand plant bed by magnolia</li>
<li><strike>Add plant bed by pergola</strike></li>
<li><strike>Hang wrack system for garden tools in shed</strike></li>
<li>Paint garage back door</li>
<li>Paint garden shed doors</li>
<li>Install threshold to front entry of garden shed </li>
<li><strike>Buy/Install Deck Parasol </strike></li>
</ul>
<b>No particular room</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Finish Sam's baby album (I am such a loser)</li>
<li><strike>Remove all of those finger prints off of the walls</strike></li>
<li>Replace thermometers (if I win the Lotto it will be <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/274367802268267806/" target="_blank">these</a>)<b> </b> </li>
</ul>
Next week one of these items will have a line through it and I hope to find an exciting way to write about it. At the moment I am thinking of tackling the entry closet. Exciting stuff for sure.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnmh_phUMh2khAfGPd0puhuBDQYqj8TtFNnDlb3G-U9Ayapwg4otemJ0Lgp71Xv_oFuTw44BirlSr6innII-pcNBoJu6u9NBQJ9AcNy_qBxc8RQbCuXu_lVAJi18jXTVJzI1-EW_w9M-s/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnmh_phUMh2khAfGPd0puhuBDQYqj8TtFNnDlb3G-U9Ayapwg4otemJ0Lgp71Xv_oFuTw44BirlSr6innII-pcNBoJu6u9NBQJ9AcNy_qBxc8RQbCuXu_lVAJi18jXTVJzI1-EW_w9M-s/s400/IMG_0056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-89417026513646164442012-01-12T11:27:00.002+01:002012-01-13T10:23:28.088+01:00Those Little Things (That Nag)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes it is those little things that just never get done. You know, those things that don't deem important enough to be put on a to-do list. These are the things that end up nagging me tenfold the amount of time it would actually take to just get them done. Enter the hand towels in our guest bathroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tVZwl1s4h7uooejKU_GQVWo6pui5OQTDJ5-twBqtZ_f1Y4ErgUayGI2gmYlXdORv9uo9IXu6L9HUUHrVm4YSIwmqsUEK1q6u8DtfMGKj12xw-fTEjg5CfWjY5dTLfj0JHSojfsTCOecy/s1600/IMG_4992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tVZwl1s4h7uooejKU_GQVWo6pui5OQTDJ5-twBqtZ_f1Y4ErgUayGI2gmYlXdORv9uo9IXu6L9HUUHrVm4YSIwmqsUEK1q6u8DtfMGKj12xw-fTEjg5CfWjY5dTLfj0JHSojfsTCOecy/s640/IMG_4992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Like the towels, the towel loop not so much. When a loop came off of one of the towels I knew I would have to do something, eventually.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRI76mcTawK9YE1VXp6ZYGi1oebvu3Re4xQ18OHOjjBOg3kY-_SlmudJ5Oifpi9PO2mN0pE3H0P9H9FIb26oNuyZDXepf_oqmCPqtkjtJ_TUypSJQdygDIWPdEBW8WhBedWsg-kRm0A8g/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRI76mcTawK9YE1VXp6ZYGi1oebvu3Re4xQ18OHOjjBOg3kY-_SlmudJ5Oifpi9PO2mN0pE3H0P9H9FIb26oNuyZDXepf_oqmCPqtkjtJ_TUypSJQdygDIWPdEBW8WhBedWsg-kRm0A8g/s640/IMG_4997.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually came a few months later when I found this ribbon while Christmas shopping. The picture above almost makes it look like I know what I am doing, but I don't really. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CSR81d-CMlKEuoros9-IYykiKGjT757JBYhgrSLN3f3QIqvj5FIuug-QCl-bAuo5sYYP8Vc07VxR1Tg1efpDeHd_vJWCtGbMdigq0jA4hLYJayzgPzodwb-YmANNUtFEhGddDdfrjbmw/s1600/towelloop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CSR81d-CMlKEuoros9-IYykiKGjT757JBYhgrSLN3f3QIqvj5FIuug-QCl-bAuo5sYYP8Vc07VxR1Tg1efpDeHd_vJWCtGbMdigq0jA4hLYJayzgPzodwb-YmANNUtFEhGddDdfrjbmw/s640/towelloop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I winged it and am hoping the ribbon holds the strains a seven year old will undoubtedly put on it. This is going to be one of the things that I will add to my to-do list just to have the self satisfaction of crossing it off again.<br />
<br />
Speaking of lists, I have been working on a major one. Jules from Pancakes & French Fries is continuing <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/how-to-organizethe-family-medicine-cabinet/" target="_blank"><b><u>The William Morris Project</u></b></a> with a post every Thursday and a link up. She created an <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/the-intentional-home/" target="_blank"><b><u>awesome list</u></b></a> describing her intentions for each room with all the things she would like to accomplish. A list broken down by room is exactly what I need to keep me focused. I will be joining her Thursdays with something that I have accomplished. Most of the time it will fit under the header of my (slightly withered) <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-of-less-column.html" target="_blank"><b><u>More of Less</u></b></a> series, but sometimes it will be just be something that I <strike>needed</strike> wanted to get done for our home (like today). So, here goes.<br />
<br />
<strike>Replace loop on guest towels </strike><br />
<br />
I am still tweaking my list and will be posting it sometime in the next week. Today I plan to spend a good part of the day over in the comment section at Jules and visiting all the blogs that have linked up. Should make for an inspiring day. Thanks Jules!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- William Morris </div>
</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-16371073937560763892012-01-02T23:49:00.000+01:002012-01-06T23:43:43.725+01:002012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9kf6kt_RJU/TwIMYHmq_AI/AAAAAAAAAfw/0HJNZXjuEew/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9kf6kt_RJU/TwIMYHmq_AI/AAAAAAAAAfw/0HJNZXjuEew/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<br />
January <strike>5th</strike> 6th isn't too late for a Happy New Year post, is it? I desperately needed to update here because I was still wishing everyone a Merry Christmas with my last post. Here I am and here is 2012. Happy New Year! Hope everyone has had a good start.<br />
<br />
I have spent the last few days filling in my new calendar and writing down thoughts on the last year and thoughts for the new. Kind of sounds meditative, but it was really more of an obsession fest about the shoulda, coulda, woulda of everything. I have calmed down now, some.<br />
<br />
Let's talk goals, ok?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I am continuing with the<a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-of-less-column.html" target="_blank"> <b><u>More of Less</u></b></a> project I started last year. There was a little break over the holidays, but I did a few mini projects around the house back in November that I never posted about (you know shoulda, coulda...). </li>
<li>I also want to find a place for everything in the house. Not so much to end the search for stuff, more to end the piles of "I don't know where else to put it".</li>
<li>Read more books (<a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/" target="_blank"><b><u>Jules at Pancakes & French Fries</u></b></a> is helping out with that with the <a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2012/01/book-club-what-to-read/" target="_blank"><b><u>Book Club</u></b></a> she is starting).</li>
<li>Photography - I will learn to use that SLR (that I gave my husband for Christmas 2010). </li>
<li>I am doing something with that <a href="http://www.3at12.blogspot.com/2011/06/thonet-stool_28.html" target="_blank"><u><b>Thonet stool</b></u></a> (can't believe I first posted about it in June). Still pondering yellow, thinking about black (crazy, no?) and am now seriously considering gold. Gold would be awesome, right?</li>
<li>Then there is the usual eating better (am on track), exercising (started again last week), blogging more (first post since Christmas so we will see how that goes), going to bed earlier (writing this at 12:17am - sigh).</li>
</ul>
How about you? <br />
<br />
Anyway, I kind of think that 2012 might be good year. </div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-3452389077035118002011-12-25T13:36:00.001+01:002011-12-25T13:36:28.459+01:00Merry Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FN7xMFAvAc/TvcYP1yXazI/AAAAAAAAAfk/jyO-km_nvx8/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FN7xMFAvAc/TvcYP1yXazI/AAAAAAAAAfk/jyO-km_nvx8/s400/IMG_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy and peace!</div>
<br />
<br />
</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-48149893938657886842011-12-13T20:09:00.001+01:002011-12-14T23:51:29.748+01:00Cranberry Meringue Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIHxga31ZWLtaahjYzbfG2qSWV2Sf5Pzt25x6mB59b_R2tAcBPAR4e6OFOPMFC9q4fpgCz4J0S1uYmkIXABVPooMorlZVDr0K-vgSB8BR8gPyd3D1lrd-0N5XbcLP1S3TG01khyphenhyphenVqpQqL/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIHxga31ZWLtaahjYzbfG2qSWV2Sf5Pzt25x6mB59b_R2tAcBPAR4e6OFOPMFC9q4fpgCz4J0S1uYmkIXABVPooMorlZVDr0K-vgSB8BR8gPyd3D1lrd-0N5XbcLP1S3TG01khyphenhyphenVqpQqL/s640/IMG_4855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These are among my favorite Christmas cookies. So much so, that this is the second batch I am making this season. The third when considering that the first batch was a double. It might have something to do with the fact that I haven't met a meringue that I didn't like. Need some convincing? Then take a look at what I <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/04/pavlova-in-bowl.html"><b><u>posted in April</u></b>.</a> Anyway, the cookies eat fast.<br />
<br />
<b>Cranberry Meringue Cookies</b><br />
<br />
2 egg whites, cold<br />
1 teaspoon lemon juice<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
4 drops of food red coloring (optional)<br />
1 teaspoon lemon zest<br />
3.5 ounces dried cranberries, chopped<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 250˚ F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. With an electric mixer set on medium, beat egg whites until slightly foamy. Add lemon juice and continue to beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar (<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">about 1 tablespoon
at a time); food coloring (optional) and lemon zest, continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries. Drop the meringue by teaspoon (mounds about 1¼" diameter) onto the
prepared baking sheet. Should yield approximately 60 cookies.</span><br />
<br />
Bake at 250˚F for 35-40 Minutes, or until dry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3Wu4HIue-3P9c6GMfoqiADLEnRS2UVkPBBu9HhNf76sSdzJU1w7fPzAg8h9WjqYrhq2auNK6CijcjT0FAGLtb6XBko6e_U7tuWM_6mCWPkwumOqvEM8OtHMwe-gfOqBwKSUtHJFVjERS/s1600/IMG_4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3Wu4HIue-3P9c6GMfoqiADLEnRS2UVkPBBu9HhNf76sSdzJU1w7fPzAg8h9WjqYrhq2auNK6CijcjT0FAGLtb6XBko6e_U7tuWM_6mCWPkwumOqvEM8OtHMwe-gfOqBwKSUtHJFVjERS/s640/IMG_4865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoy.</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-77374905245930858572011-12-10T22:35:00.001+01:002011-12-12T09:31:41.548+01:00Simple Christmas Décor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqTwgCKBs8vLF4xLQMkcxt1_i6q-snVDcJdVM33qy6qUPrzR5dkgbeju6u3tqOF6daKBVCGGST_xUmkmvJUXkmaTo-kKZOEM3WvCkQk3Qjk9iG7RhNyCtCpo4wnzSEYY_6ih2UoDjuUIq/s1600/IMG_4698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqTwgCKBs8vLF4xLQMkcxt1_i6q-snVDcJdVM33qy6qUPrzR5dkgbeju6u3tqOF6daKBVCGGST_xUmkmvJUXkmaTo-kKZOEM3WvCkQk3Qjk9iG7RhNyCtCpo4wnzSEYY_6ih2UoDjuUIq/s640/IMG_4698.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This seems to be the year of simplified Christmas décor in our house. It wasn't a conscious decision. It just sort of happened and I am really liking the outcome. In fact, I see a purge of my holiday decorations coming up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OBMn2S2eqwjGmi3R903V7nvwO4HuGmwjFm00ybrXhRYFvVS2mkZaVrbtxC5N_Ddwouj5S5XTpEDqmxC1IA_it1DunHVkW-sSnzGRbxwjURHxexsGmtNg4wyb2AKvYVAYX_cnTC-w7brX/s1600/IMG_4814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OBMn2S2eqwjGmi3R903V7nvwO4HuGmwjFm00ybrXhRYFvVS2mkZaVrbtxC5N_Ddwouj5S5XTpEDqmxC1IA_it1DunHVkW-sSnzGRbxwjURHxexsGmtNg4wyb2AKvYVAYX_cnTC-w7brX/s640/IMG_4814.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVYwlW3RgAlkGSGN-x8WzDRkcJadKmLdjT5eOsgwvK-Nx7kdxmZuGkQyl4ktJ66hfXBG8mH7EnOB_IJKvgo2qSoTKdbD5-vv6EjHpqmcWK20yN7eoFRm9f-PU9uSn_a8Q7yI_8U8SBLYm/s1600/IMG_4738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVYwlW3RgAlkGSGN-x8WzDRkcJadKmLdjT5eOsgwvK-Nx7kdxmZuGkQyl4ktJ66hfXBG8mH7EnOB_IJKvgo2qSoTKdbD5-vv6EjHpqmcWK20yN7eoFRm9f-PU9uSn_a8Q7yI_8U8SBLYm/s640/IMG_4738.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
A few festive branches. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN6ev8H_zz95lFpjn2e-S8bu7Lj7SRNxDh7_5hyw8syYHXS1I8O4f-At67EOM4eM1kp9Y0k9pQ-OknuQPFM38jI4EKb-nslu4lBu8ewpbEi8dZq9i7xPlurlHY4pxSy5MCcEg1FZ23uHI/s1600/IMG_4771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN6ev8H_zz95lFpjn2e-S8bu7Lj7SRNxDh7_5hyw8syYHXS1I8O4f-At67EOM4eM1kp9Y0k9pQ-OknuQPFM38jI4EKb-nslu4lBu8ewpbEi8dZq9i7xPlurlHY4pxSy5MCcEg1FZ23uHI/s640/IMG_4771.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxDyQ4RuBZz2h3cc26jxy-wlPBD3aIQFZKlobrgxUPuT5BLr8lyIok2e9UazWyR2Fem4B9P__n8FMHxCYBcwtg-jl-sw-p5Hz6hzkgLUXP1l-k8Y4hIsKHXG22If4iV1byr9qR7eVu3I9/s1600/IMG_4791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxDyQ4RuBZz2h3cc26jxy-wlPBD3aIQFZKlobrgxUPuT5BLr8lyIok2e9UazWyR2Fem4B9P__n8FMHxCYBcwtg-jl-sw-p5Hz6hzkgLUXP1l-k8Y4hIsKHXG22If4iV1byr9qR7eVu3I9/s640/IMG_4791.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
Pine cones, some additional candles, and just a little bit of shimmer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd1Fq9cPuqJuxI933y3uKHkCi_k-9-b_DcAXybIuf2yHv6zFfXMVN4cFxgIhhCAciB23MOMpiiK2RnrQ4InITyHDOFcjKjaK8U9NaJOidTpCAkWEiLX2vc3yo7-flRGcCZePv3bav_rvZ/s1600/IMG_4834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd1Fq9cPuqJuxI933y3uKHkCi_k-9-b_DcAXybIuf2yHv6zFfXMVN4cFxgIhhCAciB23MOMpiiK2RnrQ4InITyHDOFcjKjaK8U9NaJOidTpCAkWEiLX2vc3yo7-flRGcCZePv3bav_rvZ/s640/IMG_4834.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Wishing everyone a peaceful third advent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-85530316900966729122011-12-08T14:38:00.001+01:002011-12-08T23:21:32.933+01:00Craft It Forward - Thank You!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday I received mail; <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/01/pay-it-forward-crafting-2011-i-am-in.html"><b><u>Craft It Forward</u></b></a> mail from <a href="http://zuhauseingermany.blogspot.com/2011/12/shiny-happy-bags.html"><b><u>Juliette</u></b></a>. The package totally made my day and was so thoughtfully put together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCERMtAV28HZ9fXqHqgv4YJLoOJuQAfk58TJ2iaabOUL7H3mQL6HJmzaAxGeTciMC71A0wibDtR8I_8CyRUJSNvcXsDrM1nXHN_4W4ZpEZo_r0VXcf9XqQhK3wuwbziBFW-PIu2ilQzSk6/s1600/IMG_4805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCERMtAV28HZ9fXqHqgv4YJLoOJuQAfk58TJ2iaabOUL7H3mQL6HJmzaAxGeTciMC71A0wibDtR8I_8CyRUJSNvcXsDrM1nXHN_4W4ZpEZo_r0VXcf9XqQhK3wuwbziBFW-PIu2ilQzSk6/s640/IMG_4805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW6lmlh6jvi5tq4nq15ZaiG5CLlV1HpICnQiXNIBnKbLpOl6jDNTxpc3s74iKjOrZGYh5UyT2wk4i8AAo90Stxc-yBvxBZyZ8B5qQWBdImAXT5gJdFQ_cBiAdH66PyP5yB8YWDwSsL_1z/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW6lmlh6jvi5tq4nq15ZaiG5CLlV1HpICnQiXNIBnKbLpOl6jDNTxpc3s74iKjOrZGYh5UyT2wk4i8AAo90Stxc-yBvxBZyZ8B5qQWBdImAXT5gJdFQ_cBiAdH66PyP5yB8YWDwSsL_1z/s640/IMG_4809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved everything, but these tags are my absolute favorite. I just love their simplicity. Now I just have to find a way to show them off, you know subtly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuAehXjJhi-cdjvv5jovafV6HvRiOVu3okIGOJ5ZLkf93dzxFEqvaz4SCd6wCxIptn3MdUTBXjWpAWZ_riLhBuz_m88F14LG_0S1JyDDm2OdN2M6etFSXcKodDoj5nZj87iuT_ayFMFFE/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuAehXjJhi-cdjvv5jovafV6HvRiOVu3okIGOJ5ZLkf93dzxFEqvaz4SCd6wCxIptn3MdUTBXjWpAWZ_riLhBuz_m88F14LG_0S1JyDDm2OdN2M6etFSXcKodDoj5nZj87iuT_ayFMFFE/s640/IMG_4801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This card that Juliette included says it all.<br />
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-73737915634491845912011-12-04T20:52:00.001+01:002011-12-05T16:23:38.314+01:00The Second Candle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJq7huJj99EgF8ARv-eMTA4AMeaIc-IWMsbP3Xo86Evj1UgCurg2rsYfUY3LRBMq-NUuhlqgmyjAeoceEtnw5iSBE3nSaqNnQuOUIb839Hk2DNQq2_uIJSlEK4ouMHY88tfrEu0Q0zXIB/s1600/IMG_4781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJq7huJj99EgF8ARv-eMTA4AMeaIc-IWMsbP3Xo86Evj1UgCurg2rsYfUY3LRBMq-NUuhlqgmyjAeoceEtnw5iSBE3nSaqNnQuOUIb839Hk2DNQq2_uIJSlEK4ouMHY88tfrEu0Q0zXIB/s640/IMG_4781.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Advent season.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-46456961837123583672011-11-15T18:03:00.001+01:002011-12-26T20:10:07.198+01:00Some Things Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And other things enter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzJvuSH6qVMYmbLLCuRwxHnSlv3bUXzA17GtlQx70nwQSAQWlZ9qrqhS6gp9FSqG87W7yxoIs7NMY-4H-1JCTWyhXxeNOYYa2o_zoIfNd7VddWo8nWtOHT-MPgaulfpkoOKfSZyBp0WxN/s1600/IMG_4640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzJvuSH6qVMYmbLLCuRwxHnSlv3bUXzA17GtlQx70nwQSAQWlZ9qrqhS6gp9FSqG87W7yxoIs7NMY-4H-1JCTWyhXxeNOYYa2o_zoIfNd7VddWo8nWtOHT-MPgaulfpkoOKfSZyBp0WxN/s640/IMG_4640.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Insanely awesome things. This Plycraft lounge chair and ottoman made their way into our home a few weeks ago. You see, I have been up to more than purging around here. I did get rid of a sofa (see the first picture in <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/11/more-of-less.html"><b><u>my last post</u></b></a>) to make room for them. My parents bought the set 49 years ago and I am elated that my mom said yes when I asked if I could have it. Thanks Mom! Now I just need to talk her out of a teak dining table, high boy and buffet. Not gonna happen, but I can dream. The chair needs a different pillow and I am thinking of painting the nesting tables, but those are just little details. In my book it is both useful and beautiful, so it is a double score.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-82779063510310822282011-11-10T11:55:00.000+01:002012-01-02T20:13:31.252+01:00More of Less<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Is thinking about posting the same as actually posting? Maybe "More of Less" also applies to blogging? This blog in particular. Excuses I know, but somewhat valid sounding.<br />
<br />
Well, I have been busy with stuff. Literally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWDyHYqHeJ8j6kL3igPJ8qQX-J5areFm-8GuiNo96Duw4qLFxnyEKFHynuqp-A6eBR0vZMC0poJtLTkRnWUwyCwusDWXQoi1gH6d9ZgKMaqOaS5VxK8qaavgb_Rp27X2nc21k8WucsbXF/s1600/IMG_4539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWDyHYqHeJ8j6kL3igPJ8qQX-J5areFm-8GuiNo96Duw4qLFxnyEKFHynuqp-A6eBR0vZMC0poJtLTkRnWUwyCwusDWXQoi1gH6d9ZgKMaqOaS5VxK8qaavgb_Rp27X2nc21k8WucsbXF/s640/IMG_4539.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I took this picture the eve before our big Sperrmüll pick up a few weeks ago. This pile of stuff equals the weight I felt lifted from my shoulders when I came home the next day to find it gone. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYASpd7tEqF4sPr8rMgkKZ_SS71U-2NOG5vEv1MU15_G2pirK2rIcfMn8823jC10oLaS6QBqevPsfDJ3PMdmreP5b08t-ZpbxnulTzh4q5kr1K05zv0vsDOzP9k4WeSGbUprT5QV50MESS/s1600/IMG_4445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYASpd7tEqF4sPr8rMgkKZ_SS71U-2NOG5vEv1MU15_G2pirK2rIcfMn8823jC10oLaS6QBqevPsfDJ3PMdmreP5b08t-ZpbxnulTzh4q5kr1K05zv0vsDOzP9k4WeSGbUprT5QV50MESS/s640/IMG_4445.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
A long overdue closet purge is another item that I can finally strike through on my to do list. The fruits of my labor consisted of 5 bags of clothes to donate and a bag destined for the trash. Among the items I let go was a top that I wore the day my grandmother died. Every time I looked at it, wore it (yes I did), or washed it I was transported to that horrid day. I should have donated it a long time ago, but it is gone now and I suppose it is all part of the process of mourning.<br />
<br />
I realize that I have been heavy on the topic of organizing and purging, but it is what has been on my mind. Hopefully you will bear with me, because I am not quite done. Besides all of the purging I did bring something "new" into our home. A post on that later this week.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-76424913480526528202011-10-25T15:21:00.000+02:002011-10-25T15:21:09.929+02:00More of Less<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You might remember the painting from <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/03/senorita.html"><b><u>my post</u></b></a> about it in March or you might remember the <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-of-less.html"><b><u>More or Less post</u></b></a> I did back in April about the contents of the top drawer of this cabinet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwKx3xTzArhc8qaxBu8IzClpVURA9EJfyR_wbtb985KgjhQX3wjh55OSyTd8IjT18TQc7Em4EqT1FGqt9aPkrnSwhz4gkqKnOTanKPdmn24a3s41WMmt7TtghLaFXi-FizbhwZoPEOXgD/s1600/IMG_4448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwKx3xTzArhc8qaxBu8IzClpVURA9EJfyR_wbtb985KgjhQX3wjh55OSyTd8IjT18TQc7Em4EqT1FGqt9aPkrnSwhz4gkqKnOTanKPdmn24a3s41WMmt7TtghLaFXi-FizbhwZoPEOXgD/s640/IMG_4448.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, I <strike>forgot</strike> <strike>neglected</strike> did not want to show you what is behind the doors of the cabinet. Here we go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zQwLmHlM6g7ujafa0unzVVdND1Dc18jz9VOvWgg0AEP3cC2lWbkn9jNX-8MIm8s0M8tczLzqbrQvGa4cFCG1AoGnOTKEtuMsgKBhrH4r7RF52Rfn5XN5oHhPeJUPW84GG3gFXIP7IAvA/s1600/IMG_4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zQwLmHlM6g7ujafa0unzVVdND1Dc18jz9VOvWgg0AEP3cC2lWbkn9jNX-8MIm8s0M8tczLzqbrQvGa4cFCG1AoGnOTKEtuMsgKBhrH4r7RF52Rfn5XN5oHhPeJUPW84GG3gFXIP7IAvA/s640/IMG_4454.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It could be worse, but it could be a lot better. So, I pulled everything out to survey the situation. This is always the point that I want to quit and run away. Far away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Lrm07MuKvi-LH4ZN_6Bf_0hpxdPR0JpedxZ7Q8l726RCqhqM37S7crGkWTtuyQDVwFMCH02ESKgkw_Q9VEUb_9O2Y6ylrYX7ehOL0TENQ0XABNCLn3RJhvIBxwAsWlo0IdWIWGyrxwt/s1600/IMG_4464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Lrm07MuKvi-LH4ZN_6Bf_0hpxdPR0JpedxZ7Q8l726RCqhqM37S7crGkWTtuyQDVwFMCH02ESKgkw_Q9VEUb_9O2Y6ylrYX7ehOL0TENQ0XABNCLn3RJhvIBxwAsWlo0IdWIWGyrxwt/s640/IMG_4464.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sheets and duvets that I will never use again, old pillows, a curtain from our apartment (love the fabric), gift wrap supplies and a small stash of children's gifts. It might seem over the top to have a gift stash (and I had been beginning to think so), but I have actually gone into the stash twice in the last 4 weeks. So, for now it is a keeper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I dropped off the extra linens, along with 6 bags of clothes, purses, and miscellaneous accessories at an <a href="http://www.oxfamamerica.org/"><b><u>Oxfam</u></b></a> store this morning. After this Christmas I should be down to one roll of gift wrap (brown packing paper) and then all of the gift related stuff can fit on one shelf. Who knows maybe I will get all crazy and keep one shelf (hold on to your seat belts) empty. Sometime down the line I need to oil the cabinet and do something about the old and dingy contact paper. I am just going to simmer down for now though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17_AY2nFq-8saEK7vOr1YvLbkSlmwOdvJAa3pksCjdMvSSwXOL0tkmnwpP9-mdBsu_FtO0k7e2s2EuWn9FezoPvAYcYwv0lNAnFvfGxT3qS3es5OcBBPmuBmxBB-HjMvu6NRDjhLdLrLp/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17_AY2nFq-8saEK7vOr1YvLbkSlmwOdvJAa3pksCjdMvSSwXOL0tkmnwpP9-mdBsu_FtO0k7e2s2EuWn9FezoPvAYcYwv0lNAnFvfGxT3qS3es5OcBBPmuBmxBB-HjMvu6NRDjhLdLrLp/s640/IMG_4469.JPG" width="432" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
After all, this is much better.</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-17414364708042723292011-10-11T22:45:00.000+02:002011-10-11T22:45:36.844+02:00More of Less<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been <strike>obsessed with</strike> interested in organizing for a long time. Especially if other people are doing the organizing and I am watching the process on TV or on my computer screen. Oh, I have dabbled in the process in the past (see my very neglected <b><u><a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-of-less-column.html"><b><u>More of Less</u></b></a></u></b> column). In fact, I am pretty sure that one of my very first purchases ever at IKEA included storage boxes. I got rid of those boxes in January and wrote about it in my first post titled <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-of-less.html"><b><u>More of Less</u></b></a>. Over the course of my "column" I lost sight of the title or maybe I just wasn't ready for what it really meant or not fully committed. Who knows.<br />
<br />
I am still not there, but I am closer. For the longest time I thought being organized only involved putting things in pretty boxes or containers. It does not, that is merely a quick fix. A few weeks ago I read this.<br />
<blockquote>
<b>Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.</b><br />
–William Morris.</blockquote>
Now this is the house that I want to live in and those should be the words repeated before something is organized into a box. Jules at Pancakes & French Fries is on her best way with her October series titled "<a href="http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2011/10/day-1-31-days-of-william-morris/"><b><u>31 Days of William Morris</u></b></a>" and her blog is where I first read the quote. It is also the place I have found countless hours of blog reading excellence. Really. Go have a look.<br />
<br />
So what does this mean? It means that I am taking no prisoners and have ordered a special trash pick-up for large bulky items (called Sperrmüll in Germany). Everything has to be out on the curb on the morning of October 25th. I mean business.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I am also back in my shelves, containers and cabinets. Here is a photo of the after of a bathroom drawer, unfortunately there is no before picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERCisY8ERa9HJVJveRLS-T39v576OmOEerc5zBdvvYiaeZSLAOAgL9hCrQmFX01EhNbfTAmPUhgzCsdAqdmqy6mnpMvYDTJooar6z6rfQam-EvBC8yjKRx2NmZxL95v3VMQJ-mElamhmS/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERCisY8ERa9HJVJveRLS-T39v576OmOEerc5zBdvvYiaeZSLAOAgL9hCrQmFX01EhNbfTAmPUhgzCsdAqdmqy6mnpMvYDTJooar6z6rfQam-EvBC8yjKRx2NmZxL95v3VMQJ-mElamhmS/s640/IMG_4439.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was one of those organizing projects that came about spontaneously. As in, I opened the drawer and went into a fit. It was a productive fit. I threw out a lot of stuff (mainly lipgloss). You know the half used, can't remember when I bought it kind. Most importantly I found a use for the dividers that came with the pullout drawers from the IKEA PAX closet. I hope they will help keep mayhem at bay. This post is all about purging, but sometimes it pays to keep (see the useful part of the quote). I even had to partake in some saw action so that the slats would fit. Yes, I am talking real big time blogger stuff and I only have this picture to show for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-10159927726308131552011-10-04T23:11:00.000+02:002011-10-04T23:11:05.389+02:00I am One<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczfHYVjKA5JPQUlG723zvPGd34kPofvPh3HS3U2aMV0SbZTXqxGObCZSrh72WCz8Cdy4Gci0_DFrf-RmlnIitwkTVe9HhLG-56y2McSiRMDhl-MFKRvPUmcnRDzmf9CmKz9dcEXgAWPwJ/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczfHYVjKA5JPQUlG723zvPGd34kPofvPh3HS3U2aMV0SbZTXqxGObCZSrh72WCz8Cdy4Gci0_DFrf-RmlnIitwkTVe9HhLG-56y2McSiRMDhl-MFKRvPUmcnRDzmf9CmKz9dcEXgAWPwJ/s640/IMG_3772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczfHYVjKA5JPQUlG723zvPGd34kPofvPh3HS3U2aMV0SbZTXqxGObCZSrh72WCz8Cdy4Gci0_DFrf-RmlnIitwkTVe9HhLG-56y2McSiRMDhl-MFKRvPUmcnRDzmf9CmKz9dcEXgAWPwJ/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
3@12, that is. This is not really how I envisioned my post to be for today. Over two weeks since my last post, a photo I have previously used, and no real plan on what to write. Still, I did not want my one year blog birthday to go by without mention and most importantly thank everyone who reads it. A real big thanks to you! <br />
<br />
Not sure what year two will bring, but I am hoping a <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/06/thonet-stool_28.html"><u><b>painted stool</b></u></a>,<a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-of-less-column.html"> <u><b>an organized house</b></u></a>, <a href="http://3at12.blogspot.com/2011/01/10-10-10-1st-day.html"><u><b>better photography</b></u></a> and better follow through (see the first three items) will be a part of it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254727426297929422.post-11560579478995240432011-09-18T22:34:00.002+02:002011-09-18T22:34:28.977+02:00It's all about the Glitter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back in August <a href="http://www.doorsixteen.com/2011/08/26/fun-nails-and-a-hurricane/"><b><u>this post</u></b></a> by Anna started my obsession with nails and then she added to it with <a href="http://www.doorsixteen.com/2011/09/07/dazzle/"><b><u>this post</u></b></a>.
I have had glitter and patterned manicures on the brain ever since. Apparently I am not the only one because I have seen them all over Blogland, Pinterest, and Twitter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJxzKQObctrBseI4KCzjfTruw8np43dczGFcWq7bcbzM7wwWgMWlPNw1kkoXEus4jU5TbSdpgvlqARNS8SJlNyRW2-uz1nFM-jXQNP6knRT4WFOUVmuVC6cfdVWBLKdI_9LHomRJhFith/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJxzKQObctrBseI4KCzjfTruw8np43dczGFcWq7bcbzM7wwWgMWlPNw1kkoXEus4jU5TbSdpgvlqARNS8SJlNyRW2-uz1nFM-jXQNP6knRT4WFOUVmuVC6cfdVWBLKdI_9LHomRJhFith/s640/IMG_4383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the moment my nails look like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSMjUhgcTgku2OMvKwuq-3HPOFIuCqZfXO4EMtZkuoPxDQcS0ftI_SJwOy4-tzWHQiIYdK0J4NBI-YltIu5gooVSisQwIPUKQNTAM8OsHp6MAqA-PiHQvzPSeMs3suD36Ogj-cWOWZ-_f/s1600/IMG_4381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSMjUhgcTgku2OMvKwuq-3HPOFIuCqZfXO4EMtZkuoPxDQcS0ftI_SJwOy4-tzWHQiIYdK0J4NBI-YltIu5gooVSisQwIPUKQNTAM8OsHp6MAqA-PiHQvzPSeMs3suD36Ogj-cWOWZ-_f/s640/IMG_4381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It took me <strike>a few</strike>
about 6 attempts (and lots of nail polish remover) to get them close to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/178746350/"><b><u>Pinterest inspiration</u></b></a> (thanks for pinning <a href="http://pinterest.com/tesca/"><b><u>Tesca</u></b></a>). <br />
<br />
There are tutorials all over the web (even on
YouTube) for this type of gradiated or ombré glitter manicure. I used
five (yes 5) different polishes: base coat, solid teal, teal glitter, clear with larger teal glitter
and finally a top coat. Apply base coat, then the solid color just a the
edge (like with a french manicure), the glitter polish from the middle of the nail plate up to the
edge, the clear polish with large glitter a few millimeters from the
cuticle all the way to the nail edge, and finally the top coat. A little
time consuming I admit, but I love it.<br />
<br />
We
don't have Sally Hansen Nail Strips that Anna used available here in
Germany, but yesterday I bought a set of <a href="http://www.incoco.com/"><b><u>Incoco Nail Strips</u></b> </a> (A very big thank you to <a href="http://www.frauhaselmayer.com/"><b><u>Frau Haselmeyer</u></b></a> for finding them.) You can guess what is going on my nails next. :) For right now though, it is all about the glitter.
</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01566183578838619930noreply@blogger.com4