When My Paint Brush Takes Me To A New Level

<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ever since my latest paint project<a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2013/01/taking-risk-and-painting-my-console.html2013/01/taking-risk-and-painting-my-console.html"> here </a> my confidence with my paint brush is soaring to try new things, to be bold, to be daring, to go places I have never been before.</span><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" 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/AVvXsEhLfyrSunrLHodOjylvILKCm5YPbbso5NaevLSKCHWYtkT4Ei2-wfoqZk3vkZzYeEeT7l5A5fUWzfMEQ6m0xAuSC90VrgpOTcZqQOa3a-p5CFCVHffDSr5HTmnYo-8u8yhKYbo_X42w7TR5/s1600/IMG_6371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfyrSunrLHodOjylvILKCm5YPbbso5NaevLSKCHWYtkT4Ei2-wfoqZk3vkZzYeEeT7l5A5fUWzfMEQ6m0xAuSC90VrgpOTcZqQOa3a-p5CFCVHffDSr5HTmnYo-8u8yhKYbo_X42w7TR5/s640/IMG_6371.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fwhen-my-paint-brush-takes-me-to-new.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rYnlpOiqJb8%2FURIt5o80DLI%2FAAAAAAAAaKQ%2F2zJkn7aYyDo%2Fs1600%2FIMG_6371.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rYnlpOiqJb8%2FURIt5o80DLI%2FAAAAAAAAaKQ%2F2zJkn7aYyDo%2Fs640%2FIMG_6371.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22%20&description=Painted%20built%20in%20shelving-%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So I took a chance with my built in shelves in my breakfast area and painted them to "lighten" up the space. This was a fairly daunting project for me, because unlike a piece of furniture that you paint and don't like the way it turns out, I couldn't just put a blanket over it and stick it in storage. </span></div></center></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hED3rTkH5-K6WhDMdY_f_3TObGWUmT7-Eae8zQcDYxueOUyscJY-HTuTyXTi_M2IoBPXUhFAxpHWJ047EwFLfo0ZdMtzHJ58rznxVU-DZk0N54Ifb1EteWEjLjHa-Id6kjkKElknYiTT/s1600/IMG_6374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hED3rTkH5-K6WhDMdY_f_3TObGWUmT7-Eae8zQcDYxueOUyscJY-HTuTyXTi_M2IoBPXUhFAxpHWJ047EwFLfo0ZdMtzHJ58rznxVU-DZk0N54Ifb1EteWEjLjHa-Id6kjkKElknYiTT/s640/IMG_6374.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This was a 'no turning back now' event and I was making my move during the course of several long days, sweaty palms, contingency planning and the occasional raised eyebrow from my husband . </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQBFYhvsKucFr2q7QS-shPtk6kVd2yxX3NBvMDdEp6_y_ZsEpo6rYhyphenhyphenz5r_QDNSzGCBSqxsWYB3t0xZV6XZRLINojqeIPpLE9hSiOp0tb01-VxYgjsgrjMBwD_nQT2rwV0UsrDD3nIhx3/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQBFYhvsKucFr2q7QS-shPtk6kVd2yxX3NBvMDdEp6_y_ZsEpo6rYhyphenhyphenz5r_QDNSzGCBSqxsWYB3t0xZV6XZRLINojqeIPpLE9hSiOp0tb01-VxYgjsgrjMBwD_nQT2rwV0UsrDD3nIhx3/s640/IMG_6088.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And what a move it turned out to be. It turned out better then I expected and created just the look that I had envisioned for this space.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4UGNTRP089mZxTWZjPpOMwCaNDm29WIqxeisgm9KyYEImyNiQrjg-U7kbqqTvsAxRx7OWgQif_rLxZ8MOefFF0jmKs6eMVTN2xQ_T4D0qqRKhm56kwiUrRtjaPFueYhi1oFiD6uPSU09/s1600/IMG_6378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4UGNTRP089mZxTWZjPpOMwCaNDm29WIqxeisgm9KyYEImyNiQrjg-U7kbqqTvsAxRx7OWgQif_rLxZ8MOefFF0jmKs6eMVTN2xQ_T4D0qqRKhm56kwiUrRtjaPFueYhi1oFiD6uPSU09/s640/IMG_6378.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A move I have no regrets making, and would make again if presented with the same situation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFURQF7kdRx2qOdTIirVoAlFuuwE1g9f4NXXQqhncEp6vI5GZa4SH-qhQiAfGHsmEz5SwLvg-75v3q9Pdg2XXgOykNuItjMt8R127k9yUdUxshCTz4Z6WMeX5JhbqsledSPXYuLgzNF-Zf/s1600/IMG_9876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFURQF7kdRx2qOdTIirVoAlFuuwE1g9f4NXXQqhncEp6vI5GZa4SH-qhQiAfGHsmEz5SwLvg-75v3q9Pdg2XXgOykNuItjMt8R127k9yUdUxshCTz4Z6WMeX5JhbqsledSPXYuLgzNF-Zf/s640/IMG_9876.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and to hopefully have the same outcome.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlx5F5c4iXCrg4Qg4hNlKXax0-HeHcwO0Fh57FiltdxTfir0c1DwlaIEGv2jbjvfhXcp64P0vh_Nw7FU4CLDzKDfEKdsqOkeJrkXqZgaropWBBCaVjimyztZxZAa3Hgo0F_Nd95njVCPh/s1600/IMG_6377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlx5F5c4iXCrg4Qg4hNlKXax0-HeHcwO0Fh57FiltdxTfir0c1DwlaIEGv2jbjvfhXcp64P0vh_Nw7FU4CLDzKDfEKdsqOkeJrkXqZgaropWBBCaVjimyztZxZAa3Hgo0F_Nd95njVCPh/s640/IMG_6377.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp2WWL-v9KmpUvhKAaa7XFVlfTnHpI3lBhPOBW4u_L3Kvm9mCZM_LUWPNhOQlzuK2jJPiTKtlQdMbKV1y9hYW-opwB_7tKsreYXOVoPsTD4WfCqWWwypMMeuVVj5H-Mf2ghuSsm8wHmYf/s1600/IMG_6240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp2WWL-v9KmpUvhKAaa7XFVlfTnHpI3lBhPOBW4u_L3Kvm9mCZM_LUWPNhOQlzuK2jJPiTKtlQdMbKV1y9hYW-opwB_7tKsreYXOVoPsTD4WfCqWWwypMMeuVVj5H-Mf2ghuSsm8wHmYf/s640/IMG_6240.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hmmm....... I wonder what's next?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Click<a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-rest-of-story-of-breakfast-area.html"><i> here</i> </a>for the full room reveal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Are you a risk taker with painting movable furniture or with permanent pieces?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>PS- Just for the record. This was the largest piece of "fixed" furniture that I have ever painted and I am sure it will not be the last!</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>PPS- for this project I used ASCP in Old White ( 2 coats)  and clear wax.</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A good life </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lunch with Girlfriends</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><i>Sharing with:</i><br /><i><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/02/tutorials-tips-and-tidbits-35.html">StoneGable</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">Between Naps on The Porch</a></i><br /><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/uncategorized/tutorials-tips-link-party-96.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thestoriesofa2z%2FVisw+%28Home+Stories+A+to+Z%29"><i>Homestories AtoZ</i></a><br /><i><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/02/sns-174-its-all-about-valentines.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/KCcu%20(Funky%20Junk%20Interiors)">Funky Junk Interiors</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/02/feathered-nest-friday.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/QoLtm%20(FRENCH%20COUNTRY%20COTTAGE)">French Country Cottage</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://www.craftyscrappyhappy.net/2013/02/paint-it-project-link-party.html#comment-10360">Crafty Scrappy Happy</a></i><br /><a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOzQc7dSvH0GsBbqJexE7SiM43Lempz58JqWr1Wsj-7yWR2VVLoNyGBpXSUZMu96D_Kfe2SOsihJ8nJNdjYBVSpyd0Ha_f_r8gZzKEPQkKLU41BBIWxrY2RAD-1uY8TbjpkyiAX4MiwpQ/s200/1st-project-party-2013.png" width="120" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div><center></center></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">        Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form><br /></div>

When My Paint Brush Takes Me To A New Level

Ever since my latest paint project here  my confidence with my paint brush is soaring to try new things, to be bold, to be daring, to go pl...

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Weekly Wow's

<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Weekend Friends! You made it through another week.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This week as I am preparing for my son's birthday party I am reflecting quite a bit. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before  my children were born I couldn't fully grasp the comments that people made related to children growing up so fast. Comments like "don't blink, they'll grow so fast" and "they will be out of the house before you know it", I thought to myself how fast could they grow- we don't!  But now it is all making way too much sense and the reality of  my first born turning 7 this week  just doesn't seem right. I wonder, did I blink to much ?  And as much as I want him to grow up to be a loving, caring man, I also want him to be the little man that just loves on his mama and is not to embarrassed to say "I love you Mom" when he get's out of the car everyday at school or holds my hand walking through Target.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I think I will slow down the blinking.... just a bit.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of love, it's all over the place  and I just adore these cute creations that are screaming I LOVE YOU!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2013/01/pottery-barn-inspired-love-pillow.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Confessions of a plate addict </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> shares her </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pottery Barn Inspired Love Pillow tutorial. I just LOVE her projects.</span><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" 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/AVvXsEg-Uozliu4gaD4x9t7n5VcocRhKU-F0zlcb-6bkmIxDXxcafbbXd48t4ZLOhZm6Xn7JhEqm25meeSxIiliERowUb5dEXEtfQ0zUXSGQJeegc1SMaNnJ7821adpQlfRDiBnXlc6rJbAypFDD/s1600/pillow3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Uozliu4gaD4x9t7n5VcocRhKU-F0zlcb-6bkmIxDXxcafbbXd48t4ZLOhZm6Xn7JhEqm25meeSxIiliERowUb5dEXEtfQ0zUXSGQJeegc1SMaNnJ7821adpQlfRDiBnXlc6rJbAypFDD/s640/pillow3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lilikoijoy.com/2013/01/vanilla-love-cupcakes-with-white.html">LilikoiJoy </a> doesn't have to twist my arm to try her white truffle cupcakes. You may also want to stop by to look at some of her other mouth watering treats</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm93Let8iQmdcKMKqiLP3-dCtSuwkAM0g033fCltPwxhCi__pftWU43IW1CfBHRat-qGy4wK8y3qpEJOONr7dXWx3BnmCIyHPjpvA8Nn_9K-HQIr2d3VLlXBKfTZCbreHZ264SZB5cXzDm/s1600/vanilla+love+cupcakes+text+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm93Let8iQmdcKMKqiLP3-dCtSuwkAM0g033fCltPwxhCi__pftWU43IW1CfBHRat-qGy4wK8y3qpEJOONr7dXWx3BnmCIyHPjpvA8Nn_9K-HQIr2d3VLlXBKfTZCbreHZ264SZB5cXzDm/s640/vanilla+love+cupcakes+text+sig.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For all you coffee and hot tea drinkers, how about this sweet little cup sleeve from <a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/01/cup-cozy-valentine-diy.html">Setting for Four</a>.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB5hbz6kuny35V3kEEfBWn_jvSSrCVBYPi6qfE-FhrD4-cpky8v4pNyWkvHiZ6mJgmAybzOXh4p2huhsRdOdB4kS64AGzEE6v_WO0b2nmcRAsyWkncRLdSIB5nlT2WFC0pi-dSLxI8a1T/s1600/014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB5hbz6kuny35V3kEEfBWn_jvSSrCVBYPi6qfE-FhrD4-cpky8v4pNyWkvHiZ6mJgmAybzOXh4p2huhsRdOdB4kS64AGzEE6v_WO0b2nmcRAsyWkncRLdSIB5nlT2WFC0pi-dSLxI8a1T/s640/014_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Valentine Pancakes anyone? How awesome to express your love with breakfast this weekend. <a href="http://thelilypadcottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/valentine-pancakes.html">The Lily Pad </a>shares how simple it is to create this and other cute sentiments.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahXWjlx0mNFSP5Ib5cnecpfWktzdhmovs_24BCfI2VNsUoN21nKXDUI2rXA1Vj7jUp9bIWSQyHzV90lYL8hegyY4jsDChgDAQxgMQ93VtoKQ3hyFHYuCVlzPHFA25oT5iRed3ZG656hbc/s1600/pancakes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahXWjlx0mNFSP5Ib5cnecpfWktzdhmovs_24BCfI2VNsUoN21nKXDUI2rXA1Vj7jUp9bIWSQyHzV90lYL8hegyY4jsDChgDAQxgMQ93VtoKQ3hyFHYuCVlzPHFA25oT5iRed3ZG656hbc/s640/pancakes3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have a great weekend and whether your working on a project you love or spending time with the people you love, I hope it's a good one!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The same BFF for 32 years. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is us in 2007.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noOsa9Nmtwo/UQv9ipk6WII/AAAAAAAAaGM/Fi-6-06WZaE/s1600/christmas+07+044-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noOsa9Nmtwo/UQv9ipk6WII/AAAAAAAAaGM/Fi-6-06WZaE/s320/christmas+07+044-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form><br /></div>

Weekly Wow's

Happy Weekend Friends! You made it through another week. This week as I am preparing for my son's birthday party I am reflecting quite a...

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Weekly Wow's

<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Saturday, good for you making it through another week. My wow's this week are a bit random just like the weather as been. You may have seen <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2013/01/i-didnt-like-winter-until.html"><i><b>here</b></i></a> that I am not the biggest fan of Winter and the jacket- no jacket thing has to change.  Spring like one day, sleet the next. I actually got some poison ivy on my hands and arms while doing some outdoor yard work last weekend. Don't know about you but I thought when a plant is dormant, it's dormant. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But....not poison ivy, just ask my arms.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's a few wow's to get you inspired.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/2013/01/green-china-cabinet.html">Dimples and Tangles</a> completely transforms her china cabinet into a Green goddess and you will want to see how she created some of the knobs. Amazing!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtRtjZDZcdxWee1-YQvRHXBteQdEBDzjOEUzt_oj5tR3oliOsFcN-rar2pRPhAD3lv6CtE5wL4WMVj9quaQAKkvX1L8S0uGCbJtZrTt07Mn8KsSgBujIMqDSnlWQT7FnambmdPHJHp2SF/s1600/china+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtRtjZDZcdxWee1-YQvRHXBteQdEBDzjOEUzt_oj5tR3oliOsFcN-rar2pRPhAD3lv6CtE5wL4WMVj9quaQAKkvX1L8S0uGCbJtZrTt07Mn8KsSgBujIMqDSnlWQT7FnambmdPHJHp2SF/s640/china+12.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><a href="http://cityfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-simple-pleated-slipcover-and-love.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">City Farmhouse </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">shares a "simple" pleated slipcover for her ottoman.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg-KWwCZFQiFZ_nZjN8vxzAWSybo403DwiBmWe4W-SvdulAwXl5eo40HDDs31nbj0lhcQpH7DLLsYPkCu8yYxwRsWCf86qRGVFMIe3_REkmVmuIo5wluqF5wKnAoqgU95P_KksHhD825i/s1600/boys+&+benches+029pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg-KWwCZFQiFZ_nZjN8vxzAWSybo403DwiBmWe4W-SvdulAwXl5eo40HDDs31nbj0lhcQpH7DLLsYPkCu8yYxwRsWCf86qRGVFMIe3_REkmVmuIo5wluqF5wKnAoqgU95P_KksHhD825i/s640/boys+&+benches+029pm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.simplicityinthesouth.com/2013/01/how-to-make-driftwood-heart-art.html">Simplicity in the South </a> shares a tutorial on how to make this lovely driftwood heart. This is so pretty.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOb8-llRBMOTd3lZN1QNRg-MwgcKmfBqxiOpEhP8AoJgmsmwhcNlprqeGuTIUKyaSyYmmCRO1vPfEf8i-z7szDonYED9rPQNUvbHbEWKhcvugGqjIwtavJoPH1NvE2sPOg8ybg2h-RQux/s1600/Tutorial-for-how-to-make-a-driftwood-heart-by-Simplicity-In-The-South.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOb8-llRBMOTd3lZN1QNRg-MwgcKmfBqxiOpEhP8AoJgmsmwhcNlprqeGuTIUKyaSyYmmCRO1vPfEf8i-z7szDonYED9rPQNUvbHbEWKhcvugGqjIwtavJoPH1NvE2sPOg8ybg2h-RQux/s640/Tutorial-for-how-to-make-a-driftwood-heart-by-Simplicity-In-The-South.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ourprairiehomeblog.com/2013/01/evas-room-reveal.html">Our Prairie Home Blog</a> shares her daughters "grown up" room and how she created it on a budget. It's a  beautiful transformation.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAHeAri1MT5672OCkHbfWBDvliot9OziXrBjDmc-t-jhdDpTxDCENi8MeJP4mD8IK50Esx_wZu4p_bOBzwhxTq9kY7a2ppS0qRq_hX6RVhEBS0MMOQCoFC-4ISJve3EGa2a0eUQJYvaMi/s1600/DSCN9320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAHeAri1MT5672OCkHbfWBDvliot9OziXrBjDmc-t-jhdDpTxDCENi8MeJP4mD8IK50Esx_wZu4p_bOBzwhxTq9kY7a2ppS0qRq_hX6RVhEBS0MMOQCoFC-4ISJve3EGa2a0eUQJYvaMi/s640/DSCN9320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In case you missed it this week, you can click <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-latest-craze-cough-in-elbow-dance.html">here</a> for a chance to win a $1000 visa gift card and get a dance lesson while you are there. I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">See you next week, hopefully I am not still itching!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The chance to meet up with 2 wonderful friends today, Kim from <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style </a>and Shirley from <a href="http://housepitalitydesigns.com/">Housepitality Designs</a> and we are heading to Rhoda's from<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"> Southern Hospitality</a> today.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Should be a great day.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Weekly Wow's

Happy Saturday, good for you making it through another week. My wow's this week are a bit random just like the weather as been. You may ...

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Cottage Kitchen Renovation on Dog House Lane

<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Part of the dream my husband and I had when we purchased our property in the country, was building a guest cottage for extended stays for our family and friends.  The Cottage sits on 'Dog House Lane'  and got it's name just in case hubby gets out of hand, I wanted him to have a comfortable place to sleep! <i>honey if you are reading this, just kidding</i>!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyM40JPrxXBk_d5jHvkfBq3cWb0O_qW15dBMs59UN7jvqIqKp4kPsfGum7RdjXqHdaK8QV9ZKpdRm5ADcromkdfVpERDZZCnRjZ23dYmJzleoVAcfL4TvmeSIeHwR3w4Vgm5jdA10SMa9/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyM40JPrxXBk_d5jHvkfBq3cWb0O_qW15dBMs59UN7jvqIqKp4kPsfGum7RdjXqHdaK8QV9ZKpdRm5ADcromkdfVpERDZZCnRjZ23dYmJzleoVAcfL4TvmeSIeHwR3w4Vgm5jdA10SMa9/s640/IMG_6245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While our house was being built we actually spent 10 glorious months in the cottage and when we moved into the house the cottage was used by parents, family and friends. Some visits ended up being a tad bit longer then the intended 'long weekend', so we needed to make adjustments to the weekend concept and turn it into a functional everyday kitchen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix8h4QFQ73nV7EkJ9w7jAzTvYyEoSFVj78j9FzkyUQN2LLQ-hOt9AtF4djHuv6Mv11KZ-sB-JZcx3omQQi1sg0t3nHEZWT4TwEUzQc2BiqBjwtqpyOTLWt8gq4UlWgczDjFr-zCwwpyZv/s1600/IMG_5174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix8h4QFQ73nV7EkJ9w7jAzTvYyEoSFVj78j9FzkyUQN2LLQ-hOt9AtF4djHuv6Mv11KZ-sB-JZcx3omQQi1sg0t3nHEZWT4TwEUzQc2BiqBjwtqpyOTLWt8gq4UlWgczDjFr-zCwwpyZv/s640/IMG_5174.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fcottage-kitchen-renovation-on-dog-house.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FLTSADIVvfM%2FUPdR96N9xJI%2FAAAAAAAAZtY%2FZ6HJ7-dg124%2Fs1600%2FIMG_5174.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FLTSADIVvfM%2FUPdR96N9xJI%2FAAAAAAAAZtY%2FZ6HJ7-dg124%2Fs640%2FIMG_5174.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22&description=Guest%20Cottage%20Renovation%20%20at%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxgBVXrqiS5OKEImXtVdR-Vso-i-LXqQj_0VlQN9SxH_rpQ_V0hcIt1AUIfba2hxvXqWQ316gP-nGcRqvwz1yctkO3dT_C9p_8gTRbPfhsnqRuRsr1Uvgl6HXkgBY2PyZT1QVgjhZ6kP3/s1600/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxgBVXrqiS5OKEImXtVdR-Vso-i-LXqQj_0VlQN9SxH_rpQ_V0hcIt1AUIfba2hxvXqWQ316gP-nGcRqvwz1yctkO3dT_C9p_8gTRbPfhsnqRuRsr1Uvgl6HXkgBY2PyZT1QVgjhZ6kP3/s640/IMG_5172.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is the renovated space. The space that I lived in for 10 months was red, had a small counter surface, a dorm sized refrigerator and playhouse sized stove. Which if you recall, I am not much of a</span><a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-have-secret.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> <i>cook</i> </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so it completely met my needs, but those "long weekenders" began to complain, so the renovations began.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF8C9DgjEkyR6yznBgDmKpZebSj_7HgefvzEkTax89DC3OOzN-yybw4Q_1oo7G3Kzad5tYzEhdH163PfdVCjQzU7O928XODlNjvblQTf2vOLgm5BFJcLHvs3zGxzVTTnk5PDXB8OnYD0_/s1600/moms+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF8C9DgjEkyR6yznBgDmKpZebSj_7HgefvzEkTax89DC3OOzN-yybw4Q_1oo7G3Kzad5tYzEhdH163PfdVCjQzU7O928XODlNjvblQTf2vOLgm5BFJcLHvs3zGxzVTTnk5PDXB8OnYD0_/s640/moms+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first thing we did after painting the entire cottage and painting the floor <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-paint-floor-and-love-it.html"><i>here</i></a>, was to gut the original kitchen space and redesign the space into an L- Shaped formation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORT2hBuzWjKzTFGzPgU2ZkfNwH9oMYuzAbQVsgxAAr_OJZT6MYHtuPnPHiUfjjx2marYKYbvuxEmV_Xta4NXpxypY8yysJgYZJe7ZKs0XzT5faVBPUHy8d-HjFtkJ6TlnanMPP35jdt94/s1600/guest+house+renovations+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORT2hBuzWjKzTFGzPgU2ZkfNwH9oMYuzAbQVsgxAAr_OJZT6MYHtuPnPHiUfjjx2marYKYbvuxEmV_Xta4NXpxypY8yysJgYZJe7ZKs0XzT5faVBPUHy8d-HjFtkJ6TlnanMPP35jdt94/s640/guest+house+renovations+042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePB82rcrwzMzOJf9xybN6ouyDvFLpz7DK6kyGaDZ5_mMR-l1kd5UZNNdwBBtnMM4vI6weQfxpqhpBb-Z0tMnJ3qi9Et0GE2tv8wEytqNESCUn8DVVNOH-Qsh9JC6ni5fqvzWlp65MqxrW/s1600/guest+house+renovations+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePB82rcrwzMzOJf9xybN6ouyDvFLpz7DK6kyGaDZ5_mMR-l1kd5UZNNdwBBtnMM4vI6weQfxpqhpBb-Z0tMnJ3qi9Et0GE2tv8wEytqNESCUn8DVVNOH-Qsh9JC6ni5fqvzWlp65MqxrW/s640/guest+house+renovations+053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Since this is an open concept cottage with knee walls, this allowed me to maximize my counter space and to fit a full size oven. For a pantry, we use an over sized armoire that we picked up several years ago at Garden Ridge Pottery. To blend with the colors in the kitchen, I color washed to lighten it up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiXlMEHaNqX2UCXBtpVZa430mTvuYPgNgSWQG9KawWY650YmGmnHTGPOYM8FaM7F67u5MojUusJBmZa8hO-LcG8Mby2cldUrq-ztDLIj48lbmcW0VwxtwZyK7hqu4fj58F4p0b9aMg5Zo/s1600/guest+house+renovations+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiXlMEHaNqX2UCXBtpVZa430mTvuYPgNgSWQG9KawWY650YmGmnHTGPOYM8FaM7F67u5MojUusJBmZa8hO-LcG8Mby2cldUrq-ztDLIj48lbmcW0VwxtwZyK7hqu4fj58F4p0b9aMg5Zo/s640/guest+house+renovations+055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The unpainted cabinets were stocked cabinets from Home Depot. They got primed and painted in a semi gloss color called Wasabi by Behr.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ybpR-jVzyoM8csoooJpTg0EVoJlsELaW-d4GY5VC5YKxzQuMILWz19gqFz9OPprUG-KelvKNoUTPjfkA_oTrjwfZOzDCx33EFqcca_0X1ewvDp5kTwAZkFCEUhLSsgiSvXB8MSJyyy62/s1600/IMG_5176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ybpR-jVzyoM8csoooJpTg0EVoJlsELaW-d4GY5VC5YKxzQuMILWz19gqFz9OPprUG-KelvKNoUTPjfkA_oTrjwfZOzDCx33EFqcca_0X1ewvDp5kTwAZkFCEUhLSsgiSvXB8MSJyyy62/s640/IMG_5176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We used bead board for a backsplash over the sink and for the  wall where the oven is. It was painted in a semi gloss color called White Wheat by Duron, which is the same color as the rest of the trim in the cottage. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The wall color is called Dried Plantain by Behr.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdmYz3PrAjDnTXI6bgqUXScz8-N8RK8ktUOfc_VCrY8tRup4egieeDdOtg1G-9FX8OS-MXJejIs60pG6xIZMXhHyUf0vgTwxfpiDTV1sr5-JsxPSt_SApahYIEzIBmy1dVG_oMrxd1BGK/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdmYz3PrAjDnTXI6bgqUXScz8-N8RK8ktUOfc_VCrY8tRup4egieeDdOtg1G-9FX8OS-MXJejIs60pG6xIZMXhHyUf0vgTwxfpiDTV1sr5-JsxPSt_SApahYIEzIBmy1dVG_oMrxd1BGK/s640/IMG_5184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Because we were limited on wall space, the full size refrigerator sits next to the "pantry", which makes putting the grocery's away real easy. Refrig or Pantry?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNPqi7KklmuI9BmEr5SNCp7ISeNDHIPWvgwX913aQRvuzaio0crMFTyNuHMt7GWyYS53EuVFdbNt1dXzllBq8zAdYxe4-ntcFivMvl_QnI9_-WUnDfko3kUn9Nz9-6fiAO80RJ4jv0zws/s1600/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNPqi7KklmuI9BmEr5SNCp7ISeNDHIPWvgwX913aQRvuzaio0crMFTyNuHMt7GWyYS53EuVFdbNt1dXzllBq8zAdYxe4-ntcFivMvl_QnI9_-WUnDfko3kUn9Nz9-6fiAO80RJ4jv0zws/s640/IMG_5177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It took a couple of months for us to complete the renovation, excluding the time it took to refinish the floors. We just love the new space and so do the "long weekenders".</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am also happy to report, that hubby has not had to sleep on Dog House Lane since I named it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To see more of our Guest Cottage click <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/06/guest-cottage-tour-on-dog-house-lane.html">here</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Family and friends that come to visit and being able to provide them a kitchen that <b>THEY</b> can cook in.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">        Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div><i>Sharing at:</i></center><center><i><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party_17.html">Jennifer Rizzo</a></i></center><center><i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/01/overflowing-with-creativity-119/">It's Overflowing</a></i></center><center><i><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></i> </center><center><i><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Between naps on the Porch</a></i></center><center><i><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/01/tweak-it-tuesday-24">Cozy Little House</a></i></center><center><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/01/cowgirl-up-50_21.html">Stonega</a>ble</center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><i>Savvy Southern Style</i></a></center><center><br /></center>

Cottage Kitchen Renovation on Dog House Lane

Part of the dream my husband and I had when we purchased our property in the country, was building a guest cottage for extended stays for ou...

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A Risk Worth Taking

<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The house was calm and quiet. Kids and husband were outside. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If I was going to make my move, this was the time. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">                                    This was the moment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My heart was racing, sweat was dripping from my brow and my hands were shaking....terribly</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPIwyIITolZvKbsPv2Wnn9M7jlDeTBhmHIUar8tgRK6xjY_GoLxP2tDHDIk0V7Jpnj7nbW7m3E8fePHOeyIxpXsF6qVlCvKfT_oVdi6qd1f7BaIF5Pod44vtROZuC1rX0FRR-n8vXLCS2/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPIwyIITolZvKbsPv2Wnn9M7jlDeTBhmHIUar8tgRK6xjY_GoLxP2tDHDIk0V7Jpnj7nbW7m3E8fePHOeyIxpXsF6qVlCvKfT_oVdi6qd1f7BaIF5Pod44vtROZuC1rX0FRR-n8vXLCS2/s640/IMG_3098.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With my favorite paint brush by my side and a class of crystal light fruit punch to calm my nerves, I stared directly at it.      </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What should I do?</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What will my husband say? </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What will my friends think?</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was about to make a decision to do something that I had never done before.</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOlmZOE09eAwAfpx5mDf9qNCvvqoS8F501EZm46vWZNY7rheEehb2BzS6zki-yttLX8e2pGlXMfnBQQZL4409A1Qy8SDhxbDUj3M8PNDzydv-lICXk_UdtLKlUehD2-z-Fjyj6V5kJq6k/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOlmZOE09eAwAfpx5mDf9qNCvvqoS8F501EZm46vWZNY7rheEehb2BzS6zki-yttLX8e2pGlXMfnBQQZL4409A1Qy8SDhxbDUj3M8PNDzydv-lICXk_UdtLKlUehD2-z-Fjyj6V5kJq6k/s640/IMG_3102.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I didn't have this problem with the thrift store find (<i><a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/03/will-dude-appreciate-it.html">here</a></i>), or my dumpster rescue (<i><a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/01/table-that-almost-wasnt-meant-to-be.html">here</a></i>), or even my painted floors (<a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-paint-floor-and-love-it.html"><i>here</i></a>). But this was different. This was committing myself to the success or failure of the outcome and living with it everyday and never hearing the end of it from your husband if it didn't turn out.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYXHJ73YZYaqq0byBYy0rqcM0ZjEv9eb6LEI-YDX-WOPMuNwAz30sX5MnJ-4QOWXbVFWhhT5EDlqDPcL6yEZK01DeAVOOpVhxcn1oLiqbFWsR00SGi_AfXudHLKzqijbgkY1oMoVsl6_1/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYXHJ73YZYaqq0byBYy0rqcM0ZjEv9eb6LEI-YDX-WOPMuNwAz30sX5MnJ-4QOWXbVFWhhT5EDlqDPcL6yEZK01DeAVOOpVhxcn1oLiqbFWsR00SGi_AfXudHLKzqijbgkY1oMoVsl6_1/s640/IMG_3115.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It only took one look to know that I had not made a mistake. That the risk was worth taken. That a piece of furniture that I paid a really good sum of money for, had been transformed. That hubby would be proud and that my friends would say good job, but still chuckle that I had painted that piece.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ve8eRamnoxuRqDvflk8hwoNCQGzTJaCr0cvFRl9aWU23uP71h0vwNvUn29AMmU1lgCgKljnlAmX9LAIrOZ7pTC12EQUIwckwKpUx4xzYlz2xk8o6Ktjg08OiURUDVE5JRSjSqb1cjopN/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/AVvXsEh6Ve8eRamnoxuRqDvflk8hwoNCQGzTJaCr0cvFRl9aWU23uP71h0vwNvUn29AMmU1lgCgKljnlAmX9LAIrOZ7pTC12EQUIwckwKpUx4xzYlz2xk8o6Ktjg08OiURUDVE5JRSjSqb1cjopN/s640/IMG_5314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I would only have to remind them though, of what the piece use to look like, before they realized that it was the right thing to do.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiGArjXIGAHq-7TtdNCn6wdMI4-rFfFC9s0gfsxtjrmmxeVFx6d0OJ1mRTCMR0eUfPuXKm6j3Ee3P6kMzzCpCI8ve6T29PuNE7BcbVYXDqrciyxW4wXPHJCKxvxL81NTGiA4jIIi5qYBO/s1600/IMG_3114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiGArjXIGAHq-7TtdNCn6wdMI4-rFfFC9s0gfsxtjrmmxeVFx6d0OJ1mRTCMR0eUfPuXKm6j3Ee3P6kMzzCpCI8ve6T29PuNE7BcbVYXDqrciyxW4wXPHJCKxvxL81NTGiA4jIIi5qYBO/s640/IMG_3114.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Ftaking-risk-and-painting-my-console.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Pf1J6MfAiRo%2FUPSYxzKIlkI%2FAAAAAAAAZrg%2Fhvzx2FmKGLE%2Fs1600%2FIMG_3114.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Pf1J6MfAiRo%2FUPSYxzKIlkI%2FAAAAAAAAZrg%2Fhvzx2FmKGLE%2Fs640%2FIMG_3114.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22%20&description=painted%20chest%20in%20Old%20White%20from%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then they may just stop laughing.</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;">What risks have you taken lately?</div></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Risking Taking</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sharing at:</i></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style</a></i></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party_17.html">Jennifer Rizzo</a></i> </span></center><center> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/"><i>Between Naps on The Porch</i></a></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-120/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tuesdays-treasures-120">Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></i></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2013/01/the-inspiration-gallery-linky-party-xx.html">Craftberry Bush</a></i></span><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2013/01/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-a-link-party-16/"><i>Miss Mustard Seed</i></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div><br /><br /></center>

A Risk Worth Taking

The house was calm and quiet. Kids and husband were outside.  If I was going to make my move, this was the time.                            ...

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Weekly Wow's

<div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If the kids weren't going back to school on Monday, I would have absolutely no idea what day it is. I missed garbage pick up this week, a dentist appointment for the kids and showed up at a friends house a day early for a chat fest. What a wonderful 2 1/2 weeks it has been with the kids home on school break, Christmas and New Years.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps I am in denial that Christmas is official over and  have been looking at this mess since I took everything down 10 days ago.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Izgxetl7yC4/UOeFAGhnoZI/AAAAAAAAZeM/CoonzbXRrxk/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Izgxetl7yC4/UOeFAGhnoZI/AAAAAAAAZeM/CoonzbXRrxk/s640/IMG_5814.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And although I have holiday decorations scattered all over the Living Room floor, out the door and down the street, I still managed some time to find some incredible projects to inspire us all. Sadly, I know what I will be doing this weekend but perhaps you will have some time to tackle one or two projects of your own.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://imageremix.blogspot.com/2012/04/indecisive-land-of-limbo.html"><i>Imageremix</i>  </a> finds the perfect way to restore an old bedside table using maps.</span><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" 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/AVvXsEiv2ZQ_Ygqw728LdF_Jmm2v2qGvQmUOhrD7uDXA4Lp8c6kvKb6CvOi7V9U5Uu884KKLr7gTzawB0TaWqf_hN7K7AwMZ9LDMJ7R65ynceWmY9fdjBP7R54BagEolPwmhtEbic34BKNx8kJWZ/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2ZQ_Ygqw728LdF_Jmm2v2qGvQmUOhrD7uDXA4Lp8c6kvKb6CvOi7V9U5Uu884KKLr7gTzawB0TaWqf_hN7K7AwMZ9LDMJ7R65ynceWmY9fdjBP7R54BagEolPwmhtEbic34BKNx8kJWZ/s640/IMG_5884.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.celebrate-creativity.com/my_weblog/2012/12/paperwhites.html">Celebrate Creativity</a></i> shares an informative and easy tutorial (even for you without a green thumb) on growing Paper-whites inside for gorgeous winter white color.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuwjTKheUksXl50sRD2UGk1Sodn3vtuHoj0WYpG2z65g-n-n8R2kSD2DPaQK4NpAeANjV-lc1Pec8BXkCkSN4b6Jpa-OMQiuFFIUXnMC6rQ6dD52me-4tAXJhamKobmGOSVKJiZyTUbNF/s1600/6a00e008c995988834017d3f00295d970c-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuwjTKheUksXl50sRD2UGk1Sodn3vtuHoj0WYpG2z65g-n-n8R2kSD2DPaQK4NpAeANjV-lc1Pec8BXkCkSN4b6Jpa-OMQiuFFIUXnMC6rQ6dD52me-4tAXJhamKobmGOSVKJiZyTUbNF/s640/6a00e008c995988834017d3f00295d970c-500wi.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.hymnsandverses.com/2013/01/knock-off-ballard-designs-wall-clock.html">Hymns and Verses</a> </i>Ballard Inspired Clock for just $15.00. This is one of the best clock knockoff's I have seen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx9jgfdjyhFud10O9GI27cScI3uSw_3m0H4WsIm3VHSO_KS2T3iIGcUQvRtfTSR-xVcOHRJ6ZpVxkpz_n5gXk6RBdiCTIF-dfRESFYguqQLFcU2TdWt9Ke3uac5WlZeHhWAjzpxhyphenhyphengFqN/s1600/Knock+off+Ballard+Designs+Clock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx9jgfdjyhFud10O9GI27cScI3uSw_3m0H4WsIm3VHSO_KS2T3iIGcUQvRtfTSR-xVcOHRJ6ZpVxkpz_n5gXk6RBdiCTIF-dfRESFYguqQLFcU2TdWt9Ke3uac5WlZeHhWAjzpxhyphenhyphengFqN/s640/Knock+off+Ballard+Designs+Clock.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://love-grows-wild.blogspot.com/2012/12/washer-monogram-canvas-art.htm"><i>Love Grows Wild</i></a> shares her monogram art work using washers. Love this! I  hope my hubby won't mind if I raid his tool shop on my quest to look for some washers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UDgUJpXwx7CetRT7d52iwH-j8fvp_5_g1CfwkPpAoGmk76qIESWLd8MfohimaPahfrqUpSkDkBEZkRxSsymK1KihUa99ko9E880vTdZDGwoUCtOtvEqSqVwzXtALljELIq1iHTJ1JTNU/s1600/Washer+Monogram+Canvas+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UDgUJpXwx7CetRT7d52iwH-j8fvp_5_g1CfwkPpAoGmk76qIESWLd8MfohimaPahfrqUpSkDkBEZkRxSsymK1KihUa99ko9E880vTdZDGwoUCtOtvEqSqVwzXtALljELIq1iHTJ1JTNU/s640/Washer+Monogram+Canvas+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Make it a great weekend!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A loving husband who is tired of the decorations just laying on the floor and has offered to help put them away with me! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wonder if that will work with the laundry too.</span></div><br /></div>

Weekly Wow's

If the kids weren't going back to school on Monday, I would have absolutely no idea what day it is. I missed garbage pick up this week, ...

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New Years Arrangements and the 'Stare Down'

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I look out the window and not much of anything is blooming right now, except for my Camellia bushes. Yesterday I decided to cut a few and scatter them throughout the house.</span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" 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/AVvXsEj17jfwvCG2UclRqZ95h8nplztzTyyc39NnY7tErO2rfG5TGdQPSuYBhUAHPnCbseh6UidqF2kiUcVtlEWEgDuZsLNtCSq8xmce8T4cF3Siiy_YSLKfh0RoNmvt6OT-R5mM-Mv84bSfZdRB/s1600/IMG_5432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17jfwvCG2UclRqZ95h8nplztzTyyc39NnY7tErO2rfG5TGdQPSuYBhUAHPnCbseh6UidqF2kiUcVtlEWEgDuZsLNtCSq8xmce8T4cF3Siiy_YSLKfh0RoNmvt6OT-R5mM-Mv84bSfZdRB/s640/IMG_5432.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fbringing-my-camellias-indoors-and-stare.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wFdeWaRQFWI%2FUNuUu01eXlI%2FAAAAAAAAZN4%2FPHjQZOuiINg%2Fs1600%2FIMG_5432.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wFdeWaRQFWI%2FUNuUu01eXlI%2FAAAAAAAAZN4%2FPHjQZOuiINg%2Fs640%2FIMG_5432.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22&description=New%20Years%20Arrangements%20using%20Camellias%20and%20mercury%20glass"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For a festive look that didn't scream Christmas and more like New Years, I added the stems to a few mercury glass candle holders that I got at Garden Ridge Pottery for next to nothing, and placed them on top of a mirror with a few glass balls sprinkled around.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0O7GjCz7XgdGN1t4z5LsOZBwF-Jx2N2PeechEIbtoERAbxcVtjt3i3Ncn4qpE4_5US_jjqcK8BBHyHd_X2U_O4bDcaUS2pn7VHzUrPWKTrcog9CG4dJq-Ys9eKnoIQHbpVyJRGZ617Wo/s1600/IMG_5435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0O7GjCz7XgdGN1t4z5LsOZBwF-Jx2N2PeechEIbtoERAbxcVtjt3i3Ncn4qpE4_5US_jjqcK8BBHyHd_X2U_O4bDcaUS2pn7VHzUrPWKTrcog9CG4dJq-Ys9eKnoIQHbpVyJRGZ617Wo/s640/IMG_5435.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For an extra touch of whimsy I added these silver curly sticks ( I have no idea what you call them) that I got in the dried floral section of Hobby Lobby.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzbeiOuTnhINIfdrxWOIRO1Z-9TPliDQzey1rBYueoNMPsLC4zwcxvZ5S8sfEyT_ckdrjEPPVHMFTvD7VLWqy1G1R4DvWXWf4F2Y4AJgyMM126jRGTIxtqPoMuVpemn9qs4dU7aQVuisk/s1600/IMG_5436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzbeiOuTnhINIfdrxWOIRO1Z-9TPliDQzey1rBYueoNMPsLC4zwcxvZ5S8sfEyT_ckdrjEPPVHMFTvD7VLWqy1G1R4DvWXWf4F2Y4AJgyMM126jRGTIxtqPoMuVpemn9qs4dU7aQVuisk/s640/IMG_5436.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love seeing the pops of pink especially with all of this dreary, rainy, cold weather we have been having. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know it's a winter bloom, but it just screams Spring to me.... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">but not so fast. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I look in the other room and not only is the Christmas tree staring at me ready to come down, but also the dog and the new pony are in a stare down of their own. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E_sdyYZWO2DvzytJkNjZfEvUdIvtKi695ZoEInXdah4tCGfzQqOZ5lp79XvCeU4sJc6a2BmihRjzali1qeTRtRCaKJOVpyPcTZedN1Ae5c8lOtTGEgvnXy5Qk-_AlcwwZmAXRC0PCAaQ/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E_sdyYZWO2DvzytJkNjZfEvUdIvtKi695ZoEInXdah4tCGfzQqOZ5lp79XvCeU4sJc6a2BmihRjzali1qeTRtRCaKJOVpyPcTZedN1Ae5c8lOtTGEgvnXy5Qk-_AlcwwZmAXRC0PCAaQ/s640/IMG_5388.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hope you all had a lovely Christmas Day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOZ1ENCVZlZHpaU9SVnZ4gX3G6m0dXyySSC9iAdnqUPw5jebkoUJg8lCT9-w9wABjOguTYNIlPZir03CMtj1sHdBxokyZqGB7hgxaluQrtKi3xmWSIcx0YCOwDNPZ7D4pqnoA5y_m4n8D/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">wonderful 2 weeks with my mom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sharing at:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/12/new-years-wreath.html"><i>the 36th Avenue</i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/12/feathered-nest-friday_27.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/QoLtm%20(FRENCH%20COUNTRY%20COTTAGE)">French Country Cottage</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/12/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-target-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FOivM+%28Tatertots+and+Jello%29">Tatertots and Jello</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></div><div><br /></div></center>

New Years Arrangements and the 'Stare Down'

I look out the window and not much of anything is blooming right now, except for my Camellia bushes. Yesterday I decided to cut a few and sc...

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