Doing Small Things with Great Love

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite quotes come from Mother Teresa of Calcutta…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOvoq7Bm2ySNXh0-FVhHZcQZxaLpfXtOl-UGdFZg1RZCgGpkZGwBhWAf-Dg5nBAdmcf5XXD0OA7DpSjj9ezzvzohQh-r_-SQ1h75Zg4bNtpdLst1A_cjSpZKZq5Bsd18GB8Be_vxPD0k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.02.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOvoq7Bm2ySNXh0-FVhHZcQZxaLpfXtOl-UGdFZg1RZCgGpkZGwBhWAf-Dg5nBAdmcf5XXD0OA7DpSjj9ezzvzohQh-r_-SQ1h75Zg4bNtpdLst1A_cjSpZKZq5Bsd18GB8Be_vxPD0k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.02.29+PM.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doblelol.com/2/mother-teresa-famous-quotes-sayings-life-wise-inspirational-funny.htm">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the strongest typhoon to ever hit land came to my home country the Philippines, I was expecting the worse. My fears were realized with the aftermath…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhUlGtwO4Zmm6-Xi9bp7KKQQKeW8oZfCrv2ut65WQnxrT6102brr046Nh5DZpBRcPQUTIl6dkz5bfPGL-ep5lqXDVyH88ku8076Jz8x0DU5ucnoT0gCUbaJa8KpGcrehEGqkF78-ZmhA/s1600/144428-131115-tacloban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhUlGtwO4Zmm6-Xi9bp7KKQQKeW8oZfCrv2ut65WQnxrT6102brr046Nh5DZpBRcPQUTIl6dkz5bfPGL-ep5lqXDVyH88ku8076Jz8x0DU5ucnoT0gCUbaJa8KpGcrehEGqkF78-ZmhA/s1600/144428-131115-tacloban.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/tacloban-looters-mum-and-her-sick-kids/story-fnb64oi6-1226760145525">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were very fortunate to have our families and friends spared from the storms wrath, but we still knew we <i style="font-weight: bold;">wanted  & needed </i>to help, not just with the little monetary means we could offer but  with something more.<br /><br />Living 18,000 miles away,  it wasn't easy to do something more than just send money. Again, the world of blogging and social media came to my aid…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Chef & Blogger friend, <a href="http://www.skiptomalou.net/"><b><i>Malou Perez-Nievera</i></b> from <b><span style="color: #741b47;">Skip to Malou</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span></b>came up with the idea to use her talent in cooking to raise money for our fellow countrymen affected by the storm. She called this<br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">"One with Tacloban"</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAvQqo3jf-NP4CBRSdOLmorwltsLDqRvsiyqRZkNaK-Iwv3mZEosWAqWcZojR8hJg8LqPn7jkuzYKPhG1C6GoEre1cVXJy0JCiDqn46HW-DomXS96Pox0pWPK_qPaHHdgyt3juG26n5g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.20.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAvQqo3jf-NP4CBRSdOLmorwltsLDqRvsiyqRZkNaK-Iwv3mZEosWAqWcZojR8hJg8LqPn7jkuzYKPhG1C6GoEre1cVXJy0JCiDqn46HW-DomXS96Pox0pWPK_qPaHHdgyt3juG26n5g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.20.59+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skiptomalou.net/">Check out her BLOG here</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieXxoZt9V6gF7Gywk3zBOFI8dbk9irLA2fsUwr6LtKCaIgvPMDeVcb_s-fHRwm8N9OAF08od11Ieye5SkIba279NaZ_GpCRAzAp5AHbEKZ9TxkVIVJXqffYtI2ak-CflIns2kf7JbfjA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.21.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieXxoZt9V6gF7Gywk3zBOFI8dbk9irLA2fsUwr6LtKCaIgvPMDeVcb_s-fHRwm8N9OAF08od11Ieye5SkIba279NaZ_GpCRAzAp5AHbEKZ9TxkVIVJXqffYtI2ak-CflIns2kf7JbfjA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.21.31+PM.png" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky to call her my friend</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, she needed people who were willing to host these fund-raising dinners.<br />She eventually had 5 total planned, and I along with our other friend , Vivian Deloso, became one of the 5 to host this dinner  at my home!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was more than willing to share my home because hosting a dinner party was actually something </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>we could do, something I could do!</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I sent the invites..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ3E7qTM-47qsqImy5Au5p-lpbkcBZ4rBEDs59tx8132j0M2_2qpRou9E6nyPaKKr4zyhV2gEJmoROO8LgdFrD4Nt5-5V_2GUNNdAFrr25qD-3h0whKVFLqYVoHjeOyX-8Gklx88PM6s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.26.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ3E7qTM-47qsqImy5Au5p-lpbkcBZ4rBEDs59tx8132j0M2_2qpRou9E6nyPaKKr4zyhV2gEJmoROO8LgdFrD4Nt5-5V_2GUNNdAFrr25qD-3h0whKVFLqYVoHjeOyX-8Gklx88PM6s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.26.06+PM.png" width="314" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Malou planned our simple sit-down dinner Menu…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHrBpoFG8XuCDaV_z41iXKf2O1EKcASmj_dOmW_TbqlmxTcLIzj9O5B8UjHU04jf5typdrai3gy58QqE8bpfR32DuOM20t9Je8hAYvH_FJmCPUKaFZxYcu-wcCS5MBUPuEoafy0h6oCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.25.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHrBpoFG8XuCDaV_z41iXKf2O1EKcASmj_dOmW_TbqlmxTcLIzj9O5B8UjHU04jf5typdrai3gy58QqE8bpfR32DuOM20t9Je8hAYvH_FJmCPUKaFZxYcu-wcCS5MBUPuEoafy0h6oCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-01+at+11.25.08+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And got ready to set up the tables the day after Thanksgiving…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9tBEBuN8IMx574JyLisc6nS3S11e1f1cRJNcwBwBoVzyozKBxOnBICi86NOdw5UwOG9rDefwBgCa23wUvXpqVy6qCg-g4rUjcHfuxlz8WdQtifw3Z-qxIGchYhm_D0t92lCFGYDJhb8/s1600/DSC_0413-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9tBEBuN8IMx574JyLisc6nS3S11e1f1cRJNcwBwBoVzyozKBxOnBICi86NOdw5UwOG9rDefwBgCa23wUvXpqVy6qCg-g4rUjcHfuxlz8WdQtifw3Z-qxIGchYhm_D0t92lCFGYDJhb8/s1600/DSC_0413-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green table</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCYlo74IYh8X_mmhAWXGhMjwr5nlh3wq_0958-y2HmpNZ2kAwbwhCoXIwbI4N4-1uqEVzZiffIS3tg60pvHIYQX5gRsoMYpbS8nuaarSn0xqLu1cTNYgVGDj6T7baosCiIPZfn0YHzk8/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCYlo74IYh8X_mmhAWXGhMjwr5nlh3wq_0958-y2HmpNZ2kAwbwhCoXIwbI4N4-1uqEVzZiffIS3tg60pvHIYQX5gRsoMYpbS8nuaarSn0xqLu1cTNYgVGDj6T7baosCiIPZfn0YHzk8/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red table</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPbBfAozNuHbg5QJv2T7JH7WmP6oh7QRTdJfp1zBucBjXfxKHXksdVLvhe2zKEcWRD-HXedjWCitoAcLus05e02R9y6x9UBnAq027dlcIKfVWfkYg65hk0HRxG2mEV-QJMF9nieHq0aE/s1600/DSC_0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPbBfAozNuHbg5QJv2T7JH7WmP6oh7QRTdJfp1zBucBjXfxKHXksdVLvhe2zKEcWRD-HXedjWCitoAcLus05e02R9y6x9UBnAq027dlcIKfVWfkYg65hk0HRxG2mEV-QJMF9nieHq0aE/s1600/DSC_0424.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold table</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Since it was the Holiday weekend, a lot of people were not around to join us, so we were only expecting less than 20 people. Despite the small number of attendees, a lot of our friends wanted to help and gave generous donations even if they could not make it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So last November 30th, we started cooking, with Malou on the helm ….</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPvrUy9Ebd_xNW7WEJGvISyX-_RZu2-LpiMuAVLoy5bI1oASTB58nmv3vT8DqrSARrHRFytYwarTQ7dgpdNWgbKMEvXub76jWHHXP7OUHPAp3CNr_jMyImr3pmSbHc5MC9NGHmstOQUM/s1600/DSC_0420-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPvrUy9Ebd_xNW7WEJGvISyX-_RZu2-LpiMuAVLoy5bI1oASTB58nmv3vT8DqrSARrHRFytYwarTQ7dgpdNWgbKMEvXub76jWHHXP7OUHPAp3CNr_jMyImr3pmSbHc5MC9NGHmstOQUM/s1600/DSC_0420-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A true happy cooking chaos in our kitchen!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv3FdTz9uhYJIVw2DjszAg_vIldHSTT_FtfJwgr-nS5DtycFEOJz4sQTT2g0XqVldDc9d4S2GYMMwvDsphtHehRMK8XUtGc2sargN0jBthSQ9U1m4ueJ9-Lqg3Ho7qkitopgNjK9PQJM/s1600/DSC_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv3FdTz9uhYJIVw2DjszAg_vIldHSTT_FtfJwgr-nS5DtycFEOJz4sQTT2g0XqVldDc9d4S2GYMMwvDsphtHehRMK8XUtGc2sargN0jBthSQ9U1m4ueJ9-Lqg3Ho7qkitopgNjK9PQJM/s1600/DSC_0423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three Cooking Claus! </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aside from the main menu above, my husband steamed a huge Flounder and I made Pumpkin chocolate mousse!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSfso401DfhKlFBpL0cNv1p6pDN78wOq0R74-hVPGgTW4QbjOtuHfJfxScXa4JH3U36I5qxp6yoD8lG2eE_nyZP6tFKlMe1j65exnTo2Hy7vNNf-mcH5tRM4d_MhKSwHhPfSnyf7nXUc/s1600/DSC_0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSfso401DfhKlFBpL0cNv1p6pDN78wOq0R74-hVPGgTW4QbjOtuHfJfxScXa4JH3U36I5qxp6yoD8lG2eE_nyZP6tFKlMe1j65exnTo2Hy7vNNf-mcH5tRM4d_MhKSwHhPfSnyf7nXUc/s1600/DSC_0427.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adobo bites with Mango Slaw for appetizers ready to be served!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Since it was a sit-down dinner, the whole team including my husband and Malou's, were the servers for the entire dinner! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MU9582qA-TNu1llAjPqSSeZKNcNNFe16BvF2T5qf1POJ9ib3XW_t64bZRfjy2S0v3kjWLkP2-Cp-5ruixFV8Wvcotbeom_134cy8FkD8bVTw6xG8txlS6QCR4fYfxrmXYfb6Z6oCeMk/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MU9582qA-TNu1llAjPqSSeZKNcNNFe16BvF2T5qf1POJ9ib3XW_t64bZRfjy2S0v3kjWLkP2-Cp-5ruixFV8Wvcotbeom_134cy8FkD8bVTw6xG8txlS6QCR4fYfxrmXYfb6Z6oCeMk/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service with a smile!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Gold and the Red table were used by the guests and the Green table became ours, mostly, since we were busy serving food or wine to our guests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhvDoNdwig5Ul-X3mBM9-reXsqRI7RRyr1XSimdiv8mUc-35isAB-_shKQsX7Gm5-5eZOXgFnXXuWVnp4EDAplHQiM4x0qNNq2evweFLE9K2kIxkWsFIO94GfYh1ZA5WBkFuV97oe_pleQ/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDoNdwig5Ul-X3mBM9-reXsqRI7RRyr1XSimdiv8mUc-35isAB-_shKQsX7Gm5-5eZOXgFnXXuWVnp4EDAplHQiM4x0qNNq2evweFLE9K2kIxkWsFIO94GfYh1ZA5WBkFuV97oe_pleQ/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7Qz-LQwArpRx5lO6s7m27gtHd85-QmA97Y1tv0178PjvwYK5PJIF3ke8uOxNsm6MuPXbFyEXeMietyvmwTT3wGBJhWPvelfgxs19TgtKzYVKv7uZt_LDfAXxsqR9g8kMAPRGdIriXbU/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7Qz-LQwArpRx5lO6s7m27gtHd85-QmA97Y1tv0178PjvwYK5PJIF3ke8uOxNsm6MuPXbFyEXeMietyvmwTT3wGBJhWPvelfgxs19TgtKzYVKv7uZt_LDfAXxsqR9g8kMAPRGdIriXbU/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was fun and a huge success - Food was simply marvelous and the company equally so. Overall, we collected almost $3,000 to send to the victims of the the typhoon!<br /><br />We decided to give it to a <a href="http://www.musigmaphi.com/index.php/Latest/Project_H2O_MU_Donates_Water_Filtration_Units_to_Bohol.html">non-profit  called <b>Mu Sigma Phi Foundation</b></a>, where Dr. Deloso, Vivian's husband was a member of.<br />That way we know our help can reach the victims <i>DIRECTLY!</i><br />It was to be used for a clean water filtration system - something really much needed in the area.<br /><br />We feel truly blessed that we were able to do this small gesture of support for our countrymen.<br />Indeed, Mother Teresa summed up what<b> WE all did and came here for that night - doing our small thing with great love.</b><br /><b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">MABUHAY, God Bless & Have a Wonderful Weekend!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>VEL </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Would love to hear your thoughts! Please share away...</div>

Doing Small Things with Great Love

One of my favorite quotes come from Mother Teresa of Calcutta… source When the strongest typhoon to ever hit land came to my home country th...

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Happy As A Pig In @#$

<div class="blogher_content"><script src="http://ads.blogherads.com/93/9310/campaigns/14/1414/1414407/x93.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's go back up to Connie and Chris's Vermont home, since there's nothing to share with you guys down heah in Flerida.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside their kitchen is the powder room.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg903yZvfRSQbgH9fYwfxzn5wAG6FGaqlWH1MS_SlLMqxgui3kSUh9Axh8h-o1H-mREAd8Zapl71gzafFtER4OOlcO8Qg_PxH9cz9psS3QDZ0EjbpImIuH21w9d997g2FzoZD-E6BgJ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg903yZvfRSQbgH9fYwfxzn5wAG6FGaqlWH1MS_SlLMqxgui3kSUh9Axh8h-o1H-mREAd8Zapl71gzafFtER4OOlcO8Qg_PxH9cz9psS3QDZ0EjbpImIuH21w9d997g2FzoZD-E6BgJ/s640/1.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keeping the country theme.....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Connie and I thought it would be funny to do the bathroom around </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large;">pigs</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first found an Osborn & Little wallpaper that captured the sophistication of our tiny little minds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF2uUuZOV2wclW8dxalj0hSNee29VtIEWAKdJ2xhvxjjznaj38BWQQLaatFzogSBTe6M_bsRIPcrbRVJL1RlEjvi-LiFfyRGNNAbGxi_7DWwcbJzUE5z0nfY5nIvXA6mDQzxMveMM/s1600/wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF2uUuZOV2wclW8dxalj0hSNee29VtIEWAKdJ2xhvxjjznaj38BWQQLaatFzogSBTe6M_bsRIPcrbRVJL1RlEjvi-LiFfyRGNNAbGxi_7DWwcbJzUE5z0nfY5nIvXA6mDQzxMveMM/s320/wallpaper.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing the way all the stuff I love has been discontinued, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wouldn't be surprised if this is no longer available.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's happening to the world?????</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean.....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>you can never have enough pig wallpaper!!!!!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the sink I hung an antique English faux bamboo mirror. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faux bamboo is such a wonderful look and mixes with a ton of different styles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flanking the mirror I had a pair of sconces installed with custom basket weave paper shades.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_tt22PmnzFp6Qs7p5pQzCy4Zj4KRCTeQYX3ElsQlElpBn-ClEKBZtAXZU0ZiOrugGK_PZhpaYaeK7vnHi_jvu8n-_JxvoLqcaz6HA4RNI3sa3Cr4EBTzbxlifC5QFBFZCamX5wEc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_tt22PmnzFp6Qs7p5pQzCy4Zj4KRCTeQYX3ElsQlElpBn-ClEKBZtAXZU0ZiOrugGK_PZhpaYaeK7vnHi_jvu8n-_JxvoLqcaz6HA4RNI3sa3Cr4EBTzbxlifC5QFBFZCamX5wEc/s320/2.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again I'm blowing up old pictures I took with a crummy camera.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These were the days before I blogged.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is a wonderful attractive shot of me taking a picture in the mirror.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sfl0aBtZljf0-ZftA6DCMxOrBSFwBH7Abaw1LigJJ4B0O6zxOcx74ljdRcMSqhDhgY-vOhsdHqz2FThfgS0OJlkCnKv5YVgcJp7LMX__fVs0Z_BHmMOsFir2NohwK0YeOz06qRqt/s1600/powder+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sfl0aBtZljf0-ZftA6DCMxOrBSFwBH7Abaw1LigJJ4B0O6zxOcx74ljdRcMSqhDhgY-vOhsdHqz2FThfgS0OJlkCnKv5YVgcJp7LMX__fVs0Z_BHmMOsFir2NohwK0YeOz06qRqt/s320/powder+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For curtains, I decided on Priscillas, as they have a quaint cottage vibe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8UHDHlGe6Jqa1BBxmcFSylbhjCR5RcbZNyOocytenJ2xB19WFzIi-HEq6NkreYDojZRBnd2KP8WF4MnqatTMx-XIjEenVG7166qUNZewKxWWP3-txB1fWXoz_wHpFiyS1vitg-dW/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8UHDHlGe6Jqa1BBxmcFSylbhjCR5RcbZNyOocytenJ2xB19WFzIi-HEq6NkreYDojZRBnd2KP8WF4MnqatTMx-XIjEenVG7166qUNZewKxWWP3-txB1fWXoz_wHpFiyS1vitg-dW/s400/3.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These I had trimmed with a bobble fringe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't git more country den dat!!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the toilet we hung some theme appropriate artwork.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2QF3JS6BEjwCHwYRdj8ttYf3ifg5OoiSz_rtLdpWNcQxp3NgwD6yp6yz-sSwFy2wOsD29JI_VSdsFNMc1GxpnhphL-1nmMJ1-DMs0V8oUWKAVnuhIK-Hnk99Mr3DlAz431WxS_Zg/s1600/power+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2QF3JS6BEjwCHwYRdj8ttYf3ifg5OoiSz_rtLdpWNcQxp3NgwD6yp6yz-sSwFy2wOsD29JI_VSdsFNMc1GxpnhphL-1nmMJ1-DMs0V8oUWKAVnuhIK-Hnk99Mr3DlAz431WxS_Zg/s640/power+room+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between a couple of studs I had the builders insert a small shelf unit for our</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>tasteful, refined, glamorous collection of porcine porcelains!!!!!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YQuC5QTp1Ch4aE7gmuRyTxQAaUZud0MD6vRiCa_8kWeUmAGCA4iZlZwCxgFZhLRJ3G1l0YS8jnDbEXqgEx2ptgiZ6djPwlIIS9P03ID0lUOPrGcKyPxgMql9jAZ80f8fb9RrzL4R/s1600/power+room+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YQuC5QTp1Ch4aE7gmuRyTxQAaUZud0MD6vRiCa_8kWeUmAGCA4iZlZwCxgFZhLRJ3G1l0YS8jnDbEXqgEx2ptgiZ6djPwlIIS9P03ID0lUOPrGcKyPxgMql9jAZ80f8fb9RrzL4R/s640/power+room+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's another fuzzy closeup!!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCNAd8_ox3nicYTZbMmegn8lodwrPIp76wjqHWBMKjLgNH12YAcT2DGKPUUXyrc3d0jfiI0G5s5-aWmJnoTDRwJw8oaVHydRGNGVuILX95O0H6xRiVPNGAcASMo7GnDbVcItZb48B/s1600/power+room+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCNAd8_ox3nicYTZbMmegn8lodwrPIp76wjqHWBMKjLgNH12YAcT2DGKPUUXyrc3d0jfiI0G5s5-aWmJnoTDRwJw8oaVHydRGNGVuILX95O0H6xRiVPNGAcASMo7GnDbVcItZb48B/s400/power+room+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to be a little silly in powder room decoration.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know why.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're small rooms in which you can go a little crazy with the decor.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember Connie's Flerida powder room?????</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_5CFzkZg_Bt4C0U8QZ-ugZpeLxrAjOWFkrwq8o6l3PlwX5d-TkO5aBxxpFHQTuWq0Yv5bd8_jJJnoUPqH081EgOpxO-vFRpOPLW3irRFSMtfl24_7pWWJt1HTme18VneGC9SJCxa/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_5CFzkZg_Bt4C0U8QZ-ugZpeLxrAjOWFkrwq8o6l3PlwX5d-TkO5aBxxpFHQTuWq0Yv5bd8_jJJnoUPqH081EgOpxO-vFRpOPLW3irRFSMtfl24_7pWWJt1HTme18VneGC9SJCxa/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And don't forget my own Flerida one.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_c1hRO_q9r9kW7PwKlvraKU54nHqdmlccrjG1QbfD-ezBq3Z2JZemIJAJO9lj4CAS8OW3BxV2sV1lCUQO3zzyvKhTvF-IMmTJoakN0QseyjfOvVKeNMTKzpFLS4Ic4AwML6wizhD/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_c1hRO_q9r9kW7PwKlvraKU54nHqdmlccrjG1QbfD-ezBq3Z2JZemIJAJO9lj4CAS8OW3BxV2sV1lCUQO3zzyvKhTvF-IMmTJoakN0QseyjfOvVKeNMTKzpFLS4Ic4AwML6wizhD/s640/7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can't be silly in the room where you go for some quality alone time....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Where can you be silly?????</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On that note, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later, Gator</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/?action=view&current=Betsysignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/Betsysignature.png" /></a></div>

Happy As A Pig In @#$

Let's go back up to Connie and Chris's Vermont home, since there's nothing to share with you guys down heah in Flerida. Outside ...

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Vintage Map find

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">A little Christmas break first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had this map on my newly updated Tween son's bedroom...</div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGX8dFqYdU_VF-lMd2S9gwP1p5cf8kG6Wdjgs6t4JeEMS7m1mUGQGjX2FHK4KWAwaf5k-CGTeWpe3-WyCMW6vQjYbgGeEFqLetoK3nP8rqzATYMk4wiHI_dAM0ZAmwQqHf1pIDkv5vn4/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGX8dFqYdU_VF-lMd2S9gwP1p5cf8kG6Wdjgs6t4JeEMS7m1mUGQGjX2FHK4KWAwaf5k-CGTeWpe3-WyCMW6vQjYbgGeEFqLetoK3nP8rqzATYMk4wiHI_dAM0ZAmwQqHf1pIDkv5vn4/s400/DSC_0135.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From TARGET</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJd-ZSX_WpDCCplrYn3qyhGn1iKeCkmECQuKwROwLrZv0GlTvib1YLe8LwSj0xJeOEIp_Yc1uM5ciUsOjAS0CmbBDlRLYi4WqEKPN4usgEKJxH51vX1UEy0V6dyWfafkhUf_mjrNCbEA/s1600/DSC_0276-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJd-ZSX_WpDCCplrYn3qyhGn1iKeCkmECQuKwROwLrZv0GlTvib1YLe8LwSj0xJeOEIp_Yc1uM5ciUsOjAS0CmbBDlRLYi4WqEKPN4usgEKJxH51vX1UEy0V6dyWfafkhUf_mjrNCbEA/s400/DSC_0276-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It sort of felt out of place on this huge wall and I thought that it will do for the ORC reveal until I find one that I & my son will really like. Fortunately I did…</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnY-fAlO6hF8glmoGSAO1cEdeVJAgSGUWWNVVXBQxNzqzDqltqhiY8V2aSLV7ZtZ2-7Y2zC25WuQQKoPtyz_H_rLs_laBby6kmHxq3WbzCjXSU0XEGuPJFvLu7xm9UQP0nPCVlJRE3To/s1600/DSC_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnY-fAlO6hF8glmoGSAO1cEdeVJAgSGUWWNVVXBQxNzqzDqltqhiY8V2aSLV7ZtZ2-7Y2zC25WuQQKoPtyz_H_rLs_laBby6kmHxq3WbzCjXSU0XEGuPJFvLu7xm9UQP0nPCVlJRE3To/s640/DSC_0276.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tada!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0z3bcHHaTJNMyyEw_w_w3UUUMu86Gk5IR7JJKOeC3Wduv6Iipm9cdHdKJZuZFW8EI0cREaLgkdm-mESZzm1mEzoSnUlxkjhZRwj2K13uWWGKfBBik_SuZV7J0KRH9BG2uZcYseOLgao/s1600/DSC_0272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0z3bcHHaTJNMyyEw_w_w3UUUMu86Gk5IR7JJKOeC3Wduv6Iipm9cdHdKJZuZFW8EI0cREaLgkdm-mESZzm1mEzoSnUlxkjhZRwj2K13uWWGKfBBik_SuZV7J0KRH9BG2uZcYseOLgao/s640/DSC_0272.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cool</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it great?! I love the colors and the detail and the fact that it's SOOO BIG!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ioy9Ss6iHoAEssD0mF9OleqNCnl5RpWPpA3h9FT_3ZPUnX88hlWxBf_mhenwLY5aRGdt0uIDugaGXP97pRCMS6GQHaQaR6LhMCmbROgjJfsWeXfEB3ztgE4XJdAj3qMDo1f8yRV2dWM/s1600/DSC_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ioy9Ss6iHoAEssD0mF9OleqNCnl5RpWPpA3h9FT_3ZPUnX88hlWxBf_mhenwLY5aRGdt0uIDugaGXP97pRCMS6GQHaQaR6LhMCmbROgjJfsWeXfEB3ztgE4XJdAj3qMDo1f8yRV2dWM/s400/DSC_0273.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors are beautiful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiafmvkemFhAsom8Csq5zPne4wKKdybSaf8L55BeJMFohHTNIqf0E65HO4J2ZrZiuYY2Y28tDz5jDXGPVStd34lmHD8b4-TMKEEe77mIwUUB6_UGTj5NtrgxQSOC7TuEjQHhxRZ2xu-nY/s1600/DSC_0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiafmvkemFhAsom8Csq5zPne4wKKdybSaf8L55BeJMFohHTNIqf0E65HO4J2ZrZiuYY2Y28tDz5jDXGPVStd34lmHD8b4-TMKEEe77mIwUUB6_UGTj5NtrgxQSOC7TuEjQHhxRZ2xu-nY/s400/DSC_0274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's pasted on linen...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn3nOZlzq3bRdHHmEkRQaHeGS8KZ7PjuinAsqEOS04qd6P4W_UDTcIyJ802TCNCl9qU5pTJutL1Z9rSyLM8twORr5sEdcWVyw1nwlZ2IoBjY4PfCzx4yJJTl6-i-QnniTOPQvaOq1v5w/s1600/DSC_0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn3nOZlzq3bRdHHmEkRQaHeGS8KZ7PjuinAsqEOS04qd6P4W_UDTcIyJ802TCNCl9qU5pTJutL1Z9rSyLM8twORr5sEdcWVyw1nwlZ2IoBjY4PfCzx4yJJTl6-i-QnniTOPQvaOq1v5w/s640/DSC_0277.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See?</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">When folded it looks like this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufISsoPWeILACi5liaasPm1RyU5rxEYVAqipa84KxOQMqQaezpsmYjcY0wv_FRb4lwJqxUqlRUjUgudX5xO2toCt1NtLR_i2YFm0nVa9RlA8dDNZ3cyclcRyOiA_Jiy_augweM-c7wyQ/s1600/DSC_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufISsoPWeILACi5liaasPm1RyU5rxEYVAqipa84KxOQMqQaezpsmYjcY0wv_FRb4lwJqxUqlRUjUgudX5xO2toCt1NtLR_i2YFm0nVa9RlA8dDNZ3cyclcRyOiA_Jiy_augweM-c7wyQ/s320/DSC_0269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you guys have any idea where it's from? Where it's used? The Antique dealer told me a lady from Sweden sold a whole bunch of it to him</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieRuzQVV-RXIGE3y7e6ZqIjGozIl-aXnQX0d7FrGdlRYw3yg6BMAfs83LfWGiaBZ-gl2dAeOaUKUKlWb45EDS-2QyCuPwMLToJbqP70QueSNPuGc_8CAcZ6xzfvqS_kvw81DbAOT1s3Q/s1600/DSC_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieRuzQVV-RXIGE3y7e6ZqIjGozIl-aXnQX0d7FrGdlRYw3yg6BMAfs83LfWGiaBZ-gl2dAeOaUKUKlWb45EDS-2QyCuPwMLToJbqP70QueSNPuGc_8CAcZ6xzfvqS_kvw81DbAOT1s3Q/s400/DSC_0270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The best part was, it was so easy to hang! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIhtrk_SxNaADMYlAwIj7IOZDxlUumS1vOHiVGBf3iDhh5nK_HeHvixkjWnkqX_uVk9iJ-i6rA4XgO0d_ONptRkiEq3ePiIiy4SthrWbe47fm_QKaoFLJ5pGBjXeFbNkKIcJYVaqe-GI/s1600/DSC_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIhtrk_SxNaADMYlAwIj7IOZDxlUumS1vOHiVGBf3iDhh5nK_HeHvixkjWnkqX_uVk9iJ-i6rA4XgO0d_ONptRkiEq3ePiIiy4SthrWbe47fm_QKaoFLJ5pGBjXeFbNkKIcJYVaqe-GI/s400/DSC_0275.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just used push pins</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">How about you, any great finds lately? Do share.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;">Have a Wonderful Day!</span></i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">*VEL* </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Vintage Map find

A little Christmas break first. I had this map on my newly updated Tween son's bedroom... From TARGET It sort of felt out of place on th...

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How To Paint a Gustavian Finish

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year, when I was in Flerida, I started work on a repro Frenchy fauteuil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(wooden arm chair.....)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found it on Craig's List for 25 smackeroonies and grabbed it, since I was looking for a project.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ev6E-PLj0lm7_3BZyOioO271QUVfy_vpOpYy2wZTD_H5n5btLeEXRbuMA57xp3RR5a_C1Ytat-53E-Aogl2tjfnH_wT1wKk1tWKENK8NutQv416Y5yJupNczdj5Ko01H75ece9cq/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ev6E-PLj0lm7_3BZyOioO271QUVfy_vpOpYy2wZTD_H5n5btLeEXRbuMA57xp3RR5a_C1Ytat-53E-Aogl2tjfnH_wT1wKk1tWKENK8NutQv416Y5yJupNczdj5Ko01H75ece9cq/s640/IMG_2352.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a <i>leetle</i> dirty.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g98muePHQhmJLOZmOXNIxbZHpvr8yZpOtUbOddl3LBKMqsrOz7NW3sJ-ia08Vy1QBi7ogG9DvJ2FacyFsyx6wKsvoTXjzGQmYgJd3am7_fYM0jeFUEhHzWKkVMVv_T-Ql1uypOV1/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g98muePHQhmJLOZmOXNIxbZHpvr8yZpOtUbOddl3LBKMqsrOz7NW3sJ-ia08Vy1QBi7ogG9DvJ2FacyFsyx6wKsvoTXjzGQmYgJd3am7_fYM0jeFUEhHzWKkVMVv_T-Ql1uypOV1/s640/IMG_2361.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And ripped.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZX3XNJqSRwT-LLn3hoXLBVhy3z_PHipqxXsFmLiFlFKatb-6OD6JjKQoOd_cJa9NQ-mdl511vwxMm0pOOQUwvuwVnSrNvU6GE1TEBHT5k4-sWlmZY_ecuf2iUrlsdxPUWf3unpEp/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZX3XNJqSRwT-LLn3hoXLBVhy3z_PHipqxXsFmLiFlFKatb-6OD6JjKQoOd_cJa9NQ-mdl511vwxMm0pOOQUwvuwVnSrNvU6GE1TEBHT5k4-sWlmZY_ecuf2iUrlsdxPUWf3unpEp/s640/IMG_2363.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in general disrepair....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8-gkovsZvCwVshIdW-KkTkpdiYTW2Rr0U9paH2h07jcbmtPwlIvg7-B5FEFqJ7TrN7HiWVEuzTFe7_0Dpi6JTQYFO5SV7jCd0f1arKHKUlCztOM6-U1iQ63W9p3q0lVZbr9vauVl/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8-gkovsZvCwVshIdW-KkTkpdiYTW2Rr0U9paH2h07jcbmtPwlIvg7-B5FEFqJ7TrN7HiWVEuzTFe7_0Dpi6JTQYFO5SV7jCd0f1arKHKUlCztOM6-U1iQ63W9p3q0lVZbr9vauVl/s640/IMG_2357.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Just the way I like it!!!!!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love a big transformation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It gets my juices flowing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if I am all dried up and old.......</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I work on my projects in my garage, down heah in Flerida.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joanie, my neighbor and friend, has to drive by my house to get to hers, and she gets to see the latest thing I'm working on as she goes by.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Well.....</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she loved this chair, so, she's the one who will get it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing I did was strip off the old fabric.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jE-oB22mU6j4tuDL9hFTTXCA9HDBYjGWv3QA2eIbP51KsAJwBWGDVDqJGlPcVwgsJx4LGk7rL5M3kIx9EQ93M3AQAhZwx0MTey5SyJr0SCzYfp5kv81qvvZ9QoxhPyQwUepllEdT/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jE-oB22mU6j4tuDL9hFTTXCA9HDBYjGWv3QA2eIbP51KsAJwBWGDVDqJGlPcVwgsJx4LGk7rL5M3kIx9EQ93M3AQAhZwx0MTey5SyJr0SCzYfp5kv81qvvZ9QoxhPyQwUepllEdT/s640/IMG_2404.JPG" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that was a big improvement!!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next I had to redo the paint job.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was done in the wretched, dreaded fake French Provincial look of white, tacky, ugly, horrible gold paint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK4V60QrdHGIBXiQoj8W6vyhzMwJzVcfPflxzuWASAzxdtky_CGWz6wdzSHTxT5oPuBF8255rVpAjvbr7oy47sU4RCnYr4Y0QOUR7qkMMYFJAg1lp1EcO_jozOfSDGfPPqvg4BcW1/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK4V60QrdHGIBXiQoj8W6vyhzMwJzVcfPflxzuWASAzxdtky_CGWz6wdzSHTxT5oPuBF8255rVpAjvbr7oy47sU4RCnYr4Y0QOUR7qkMMYFJAg1lp1EcO_jozOfSDGfPPqvg4BcW1/s640/IMG_2412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sooooooo.......</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I slapped a couple of coats of Old White chalk paint on the poor old thing.</span></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/AVvXsEilGpc4_8VJJlj6gVunVPWl0_vhCKSViNaaBo2q4nVfRRH44FJdK8bC9zMMdphMsAVGmUc89VevLXsFOtdu5G_8090DYnq_EJMPrm-M9o94ogV_ArLggYGuTE1yzDPhKALAp_NF57DZ/s1600/IMG_2532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGpc4_8VJJlj6gVunVPWl0_vhCKSViNaaBo2q4nVfRRH44FJdK8bC9zMMdphMsAVGmUc89VevLXsFOtdu5G_8090DYnq_EJMPrm-M9o94ogV_ArLggYGuTE1yzDPhKALAp_NF57DZ/s640/IMG_2532.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting happier!!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc8ub2kSSnrrtGYRCaClTPqoSgJ3fR9yUYd2b22qL5V1FiC6k08PQbYjYSGb0GP1rx0HbywGxrYNCbcLIHviuf15w3APTP7rTuB9j4PJ-c0yJO4RZIMPFO9zDKbBhGkzAKD-odhU4/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc8ub2kSSnrrtGYRCaClTPqoSgJ3fR9yUYd2b22qL5V1FiC6k08PQbYjYSGb0GP1rx0HbywGxrYNCbcLIHviuf15w3APTP7rTuB9j4PJ-c0yJO4RZIMPFO9zDKbBhGkzAKD-odhU4/s640/IMG_2534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I used French Linen, my go to color, to paint the details of the chair.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlY8JP_aepN_dj5RzPwaLkg61Xbc_VgjB0H4q4uJqyRNeSyuiIan5WJzdEFss_JMpyOKyxyA3d0xBXhingNQ4vp86o6Jjc_v8xI_krF2rB6L_0B-XLSIG2eDSNiLSI2xgrYAi8L6p/s1600/IMG_2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlY8JP_aepN_dj5RzPwaLkg61Xbc_VgjB0H4q4uJqyRNeSyuiIan5WJzdEFss_JMpyOKyxyA3d0xBXhingNQ4vp86o6Jjc_v8xI_krF2rB6L_0B-XLSIG2eDSNiLSI2xgrYAi8L6p/s640/IMG_2538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I painted all the places that had been gold.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1EBc05PCPWs_Lo4A4CYRCTLe2ez2FoDKZT41R3jzDirimm0GY6_Cw0OzArmtaCU3FK-CvujVQsCKWyCHjNoHYggPu5tMVxLKCLoUqEaIZKHVnf9BCtkSRNDZ-K5gw7B5Iepg1vRD/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1EBc05PCPWs_Lo4A4CYRCTLe2ez2FoDKZT41R3jzDirimm0GY6_Cw0OzArmtaCU3FK-CvujVQsCKWyCHjNoHYggPu5tMVxLKCLoUqEaIZKHVnf9BCtkSRNDZ-K5gw7B5Iepg1vRD/s640/IMG_2552.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where I was messy, I just washed the extra grey off, or painted over it with more white.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">I can't remember.....this was last year</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ0zE_q4SeEujK-qQW7KeT3rOzJRj4ZE1JjYs9c39OV5o1S50RntZ7q7KVyX5835ZPg2HzjNEpz2KCawoOUx0VUB3MC8iULtPmJ2nltftatRx57qhi5OL5mGNV8dKfg71vVmNyX1E/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ0zE_q4SeEujK-qQW7KeT3rOzJRj4ZE1JjYs9c39OV5o1S50RntZ7q7KVyX5835ZPg2HzjNEpz2KCawoOUx0VUB3MC8iULtPmJ2nltftatRx57qhi5OL5mGNV8dKfg71vVmNyX1E/s640/IMG_2559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WA8zcE1vKeUTktPPVcF7JL47fBmFEcUUw2BhJypjmAgF8xKRlTcFbsXj_i2-UDzUABVGrZuFmrHfrreicXku5340qd9Q7kDeUIkHGDWt0fI5dQ6CI3yP_VXognw5wnV9fYFAx6xT/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WA8zcE1vKeUTktPPVcF7JL47fBmFEcUUw2BhJypjmAgF8xKRlTcFbsXj_i2-UDzUABVGrZuFmrHfrreicXku5340qd9Q7kDeUIkHGDWt0fI5dQ6CI3yP_VXognw5wnV9fYFAx6xT/s640/IMG_2562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I used a fine sandpaper, and slowly, gently, rubbed away some layers of paint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AL0Rwzy6nJt-iMupVbHp5aJX-eL3x5QUn1JrAxXzwwtG19sTGvWbVhurshDi3SfgZgsvQ0bBuNy0Qpk74FcHYGuQ3wLgt-gCqJ-LCAM5HIuqlCpcTaGUi7xQp9ZTE9uQ8GqcUb3j/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AL0Rwzy6nJt-iMupVbHp5aJX-eL3x5QUn1JrAxXzwwtG19sTGvWbVhurshDi3SfgZgsvQ0bBuNy0Qpk74FcHYGuQ3wLgt-gCqJ-LCAM5HIuqlCpcTaGUi7xQp9ZTE9uQ8GqcUb3j/s640/IMG_2556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trick is to do this gradually and gently, so that it looks like a natural wearing down.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPLONKI5oZt-mB19jhVTl6KG2as6DVFZ-t01d4enzdd0LR9bU_d_ZcJrESGY8v1Rx1LZc4CZWpwETXjA1zq5W4000VUqWPBpCSdtWfmUAogTOAAvp7esVrgSpAxFItqIJ4cwmo3hH/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPLONKI5oZt-mB19jhVTl6KG2as6DVFZ-t01d4enzdd0LR9bU_d_ZcJrESGY8v1Rx1LZc4CZWpwETXjA1zq5W4000VUqWPBpCSdtWfmUAogTOAAvp7esVrgSpAxFItqIJ4cwmo3hH/s640/IMG_2566.JPG" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEjQQwD4s8uUjFsbcNbfPGP-5iurDHTad_zwQujPeCnkh13zrKrMwsVtNhcd36VufQv1jlc4D1o3ura-G1PNSm6ElnQmPQk_eU1PPJWbUlrUEvh1pMZ7HLDyeG8J1laUSj8O-zcaDvpW/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQwD4s8uUjFsbcNbfPGP-5iurDHTad_zwQujPeCnkh13zrKrMwsVtNhcd36VufQv1jlc4D1o3ura-G1PNSm6ElnQmPQk_eU1PPJWbUlrUEvh1pMZ7HLDyeG8J1laUSj8O-zcaDvpW/s640/IMG_2680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I used clear wax, and then some dark wax to give it a little age.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgX4s5O2W3vEHHW8BIul2782JZcFPxbLKaNdZG9P3YoFAr0scPl1OisxybQE90N-9epeNhaKVEiDO3TT8uZGPwklKyn8MhR1v-itHkYIocte9MN28xcioNqlOsXYRq5Q5XXL3Mk4N/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgX4s5O2W3vEHHW8BIul2782JZcFPxbLKaNdZG9P3YoFAr0scPl1OisxybQE90N-9epeNhaKVEiDO3TT8uZGPwklKyn8MhR1v-itHkYIocte9MN28xcioNqlOsXYRq5Q5XXL3Mk4N/s640/IMG_2685.JPG" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEjre2J6V8M1ZzZUZprPWMKLX2hyphenhyphengB91KAeZ5rs_RbMUQyoap0QILvC4Zaz7t2ZVnWKejk1-t9eYlkXRuaxAdLErOiIylE0fdft18zT5xZYxnLlpbwXh90SHgJLOKWC2mz6-9hGoKgqt/s1600/IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre2J6V8M1ZzZUZprPWMKLX2hyphenhyphengB91KAeZ5rs_RbMUQyoap0QILvC4Zaz7t2ZVnWKejk1-t9eYlkXRuaxAdLErOiIylE0fdft18zT5xZYxnLlpbwXh90SHgJLOKWC2mz6-9hGoKgqt/s640/IMG_2680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the before and after.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku0Yge5AnHRxFFMswUL2aGdyKvdxX4bCdsKrrUyQLBSohGzIchxuI1WK2jmZG_wPZ5Ps4fjAQp_qucD9ZW1gliCxHxpScvMMr6dn6ceAjhnAQSIKnOH189P8YD3QoPJiVnsx3ZlXm/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku0Yge5AnHRxFFMswUL2aGdyKvdxX4bCdsKrrUyQLBSohGzIchxuI1WK2jmZG_wPZ5Ps4fjAQp_qucD9ZW1gliCxHxpScvMMr6dn6ceAjhnAQSIKnOH189P8YD3QoPJiVnsx3ZlXm/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am now working on reupholstering this chair.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been back down in Flerida for a week and a half, and I can't seem to kick myself in the @$$ to get motivated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been watching TV.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eating.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">reading books.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">playing games on my computer.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eating......</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">playing games on my iPad.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">visiting my neighbors.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eating.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just generally chillaxing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I make the transition from Massachusetts to Florida, it usually takes me a month to settle in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, due to family obligations, I am only down for a short two week visit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides, I am in the middle of a project in Massachusetts, and you can't expect me to do two projects at a time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On that note,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later, Gator</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/?action=view&current=Betsysignature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/Betsysignature.png" /></a></div>

How To Paint a Gustavian Finish

Last year, when I was in Flerida, I started work on a repro Frenchy fauteuil. (wooden arm chair.....) I found it on Craig's List for 25 ...

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Our Gold & Green Christmas Tree for 2013

<div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving and the Fund-raising dinner for the victims of Typhoon Hayian was a big success!<br /><br />I will share pictures from both events soon, but for now, let me share our Christmas tree!<br /><br />I went very simple with our tree this year...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9u-BDJc8Y16JwGQnYiubRGNdCHatOkoQ4mfxa18b8N8DUXC3WGeoio2si4kdlsjeArfLx1sf5LtmpvrDtPlB43SPe_wg_cAQsLi0yXdqTmXOxPXU3uwiooyVDGV0xtIyxBD0OB5Sc-mQ/s1600/DSC_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9u-BDJc8Y16JwGQnYiubRGNdCHatOkoQ4mfxa18b8N8DUXC3WGeoio2si4kdlsjeArfLx1sf5LtmpvrDtPlB43SPe_wg_cAQsLi0yXdqTmXOxPXU3uwiooyVDGV0xtIyxBD0OB5Sc-mQ/s1600/DSC_0353.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glamourous nature?!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cRi7mwPtmYA6r3gQH1nNmFqIb953xHH2pmERKiHK3HF0I06_8hZyb9kVG1BdL3BJy4HYJQDdHVWx7o5_dj15lji-w6CK2k24CRxHwKrftCIQMjxAUsfUm3MexVEa24ZUjNgdy-1gYBE/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cRi7mwPtmYA6r3gQH1nNmFqIb953xHH2pmERKiHK3HF0I06_8hZyb9kVG1BdL3BJy4HYJQDdHVWx7o5_dj15lji-w6CK2k24CRxHwKrftCIQMjxAUsfUm3MexVEa24ZUjNgdy-1gYBE/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got the Faux Magnolia leaves from Dillard's - only thing I bought this year for the tree<br />Gold glittered reindeer is from Dollar Tree - 2/$1<br />Green glittered doves fro Walmart last year $1.50 for 12<br />Gold glass balls from Dillards last year  $5 for 2<br />Capiz white & gold shavings ornament from JC Penney last year $1.50 each<br />Green Felt trees from Target last year $1.50 for 6</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-TamYuWFvrgt1PrMIOJ9_s9sHnC7DH5AKai4PCKWDNr18DjONfGuJWSC7Y9me7FlNibEkWVaq3nArDiVA6rScbDmg8t1sS5ia08G8LsD_MTw-I25kQg8YpkymruyIfgJrtaMQyP6xt0/s1600/DSC_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-TamYuWFvrgt1PrMIOJ9_s9sHnC7DH5AKai4PCKWDNr18DjONfGuJWSC7Y9me7FlNibEkWVaq3nArDiVA6rScbDmg8t1sS5ia08G8LsD_MTw-I25kQg8YpkymruyIfgJrtaMQyP6xt0/s1600/DSC_0352.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These large beaded flowers were from Dillards last year too! Got them at 75% off</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;">I placed all the large beaded flowers  near the top and bottom only. I also added my gold Santa I scored last year from a garage sale, I think he's the perfect topper for my tree this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV55m2UFEMP2uaJUIReou5R3FYSpOX3ekPH21vH1IbumlRTEvCcPiHy-tWCYBUU9-yM99Zl_FHi3dQxbp1tB54L3C6dxt_Iq-TEy3rK5Hh49BQ7Ll7U0TCFhK-M8NiyMCeApFmr0D1ZI/s1600/DSC_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV55m2UFEMP2uaJUIReou5R3FYSpOX3ekPH21vH1IbumlRTEvCcPiHy-tWCYBUU9-yM99Zl_FHi3dQxbp1tB54L3C6dxt_Iq-TEy3rK5Hh49BQ7Ll7U0TCFhK-M8NiyMCeApFmr0D1ZI/s1600/DSC_0349.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This year too, I placed the tree in the corner near the fireplace. I just like moving the tree around the house every year. If you want to see my previous trees, <a href="http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-golden-christmas-tree-2012.html">CLICK HERE</a>, <a href="http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-christmas-tree-2011.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/2011/12/flashback-christmas-2010.html">HERE</a>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifOHvQAZjz7FecLqtHvhHjcbl9vZzMMGFXf3D4cD3wpwdw6rwavyashoM-uYCfUpYYOXjQUWJerMiaZFddJMWS42BjPxxdiEUqPPyl5_o97wDXxh-GOhvLVj8Fd_Hcg558baWKB9Rfjk/s1600/DSC_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifOHvQAZjz7FecLqtHvhHjcbl9vZzMMGFXf3D4cD3wpwdw6rwavyashoM-uYCfUpYYOXjQUWJerMiaZFddJMWS42BjPxxdiEUqPPyl5_o97wDXxh-GOhvLVj8Fd_Hcg558baWKB9Rfjk/s1600/DSC_0368.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/AVvXsEgS3RAH1L2rE5Od0sABdZ2sGqyozqPU3EhEQT2ryIV1tJbvOLzGOkVsLkWciV8AO9CdoE9PFD0Oh007xeHQZlEL3jS03d59OJ9dBYQNJszwE7nyNZKLJD_q_UKeeHuIso0hLZljjx4n_mQ/s1600/DSC_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3RAH1L2rE5Od0sABdZ2sGqyozqPU3EhEQT2ryIV1tJbvOLzGOkVsLkWciV8AO9CdoE9PFD0Oh007xeHQZlEL3jS03d59OJ9dBYQNJszwE7nyNZKLJD_q_UKeeHuIso0hLZljjx4n_mQ/s1600/DSC_0361.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexarYqnnTmPaCU-EzX8XO28jx_71L0Ksf5DGhq2sfQovpxRKn6nN4XhxydCKHilI1tMaedZaVNKvSRM88KFolXncICpoWsgIGtAp0Dvr_HACWskvVTu8eg01U6W9Y5qsGOrgaM9yi5ZY/s1600/DSC_0328-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexarYqnnTmPaCU-EzX8XO28jx_71L0Ksf5DGhq2sfQovpxRKn6nN4XhxydCKHilI1tMaedZaVNKvSRM88KFolXncICpoWsgIGtAp0Dvr_HACWskvVTu8eg01U6W9Y5qsGOrgaM9yi5ZY/s1600/DSC_0328-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also coordinated my wrapping paper with the tree - used Clearance gift wrap I bought 2 years ago from Hallmark in Gold and green and cut my old Glitter gift wrap used last year all over the house, into strips to act like ribbons!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How about you, what's your tree like this year?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will show you the details of the Living room next time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Have a Great Week!</span></i></b><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">*VEL* </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Would love to hear your thoughts! Please share away…<br /><br />As Featured in...<br /><br /><center><a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMZUTbSbD4AgVrKHSaCUaITetIj6AZTu26Xi6ohk4cLq7C0w9pfxnJNPHNEk09DutWrqtBeujVM4SrY2vIkcO-X-8SYGyqw-yOLYGNtTTM0vlDCbJWk-OnTGtC2M1Zj1Bd0DLm5bS5iAq/s1600/Ginger_Snaps_Feature.p" /></a></center><br /><div class="homework" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 152px;"><a href="http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/"> <img alt="homework" height="125" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoGwDGgYBZVTKHkTTAkukP9KzRqE4B6A4EPCfkq6lYx4FUWZcXT0aylXDMK5Kvk9A7RsmHiQ3-jYbG5fOiMMpA_P5M1rhiIEqFCE6oy7_yF8Vpd5DAvpkpweiqruMJFtn_odNYDxMmPsF/s1600/Button+300.png.jpg " width="125" /> </a> <br /><br /></div><!--end button code box--> <br /><br />Linking back to…<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2013/12/amaze-me-monday-35.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:">Dwellings - the heart of your home</a>, <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2013/12/sunday-showcase-party-223.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20UnderTheTableAndDreaming%20(Under%20The%20Table%20and%20Dreaming)">Under the Table and Dreaming</a>, <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/12/193rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html">A Stroll Thru Life</a>, <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">Linda's Coastal Charm</a>, <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-78.html?showComment=1386022471842#c7249091078383061560">The Dedicated House</a>, <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/12/wow-me-wednesday-132.html">Gingersnap Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/12/wow-us-wednesdays-147.html">Savvy Southern Style</a>, <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/12/tweak-it-tuesday-67.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/KxqG%20(COZY%20LITTLE%20HOUSE)">Cozy Little House</a><br /><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-diyers-40.html">Homecoming</a>, <a href="http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2013/12/made-by-me-106-linky-party-and-features.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20JAQSStudio%20(JAQS%20Studio)">JAQS Studio</a>, <a href="http://www.carolynshomework.com/2013/12/the-inspiration-board-creative-party-131.html#more">Carolyn's Homework</a>, <a href="http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/12/welcome-to-centerpiece-wednesday-104.html">The Style Sisters</a>, <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2013/12/treasure-hunt-thursday-135-highlights.html">From my Front Porch to yours</a>, <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2013/12/open-house-blog-party.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NoMinimalistHere+%28No+Minimalist+Here%29">No Minimalist here</a>, <a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2013/12/frugalicious-friday-and-giveawayshabby.html">Finding Fabulous</a>, <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/2013/12/tuesdays-at-our-home-40-and-features.html">Our Home away from Home</a>, <a href="http://www.vmg206.com/2013/12/brag-about-it-link-party-no-33.html">VMG 206</a>, <a href="http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/12/share-it-link-party-92.html">The Winthrop Chronicles</a>, <a href="http://sweethaute.blogspot.com/2013/12/thursday-sweet-haute-share-link-party.html">Sweet Haute</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Our Gold & Green Christmas Tree for 2013

Thanksgiving and the Fund-raising dinner for the victims of Typhoon Hayian was a big success! I will share pictures from both events soon, b...

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