tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81283521546228100502024-03-14T01:45:46.527-07:00Love, Sweat and TearsTwo newlywed's adventures in home renovations, traveling and experiencing life together.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-28465132780871740012011-03-18T11:52:00.000-07:002011-03-18T11:55:19.865-07:00Can I move in?As soon as I saw this home of blogger <a href="http://sketch42blog.com/">Nicole Cohen</a> in the most recent issue of <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/">Rue</a>, I haven't been able to get it out of my head! If I could redo my house, this is the look I would go for. Elegant and chic, yet cozy and approachable. LOVE IT!!! <br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-79082615244386460462011-03-16T15:10:00.000-07:002011-03-16T15:10:56.389-07:00Lemon-Berry Pudding Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1CI-cNKBacZFhsusPocpkSaCvL8JqkM5_JLH-C4RSDiXLD7cpyIqhbSU_W0dgWrkh1KbQpTYTrMr1-mW6TPp-GqTrbZrBg054UYe5eYZtrbkLT3GLBB3EeFJ-GaDq-6m6K1LJWyig8g/s1600/a99373_jun04_lemoncake_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1CI-cNKBacZFhsusPocpkSaCvL8JqkM5_JLH-C4RSDiXLD7cpyIqhbSU_W0dgWrkh1KbQpTYTrMr1-mW6TPp-GqTrbZrBg054UYe5eYZtrbkLT3GLBB3EeFJ-GaDq-6m6K1LJWyig8g/s1600/a99373_jun04_lemoncake_l.jpg" /></a></div>On Monday my friend Linda, Phil and I kicked off our bi-weekly family dinner night with an Italian theme. My adorable husband made us Chicken Marsala - delish! And Linda and I made Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=5303e50d6efb3110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true">Lemon-Berry Pudding Cakes</a> for dessert. Let me tell you, they were little cups of pure HEAVEN! In fact, I may have had more than one little cup of heaven that night. And I've been dreaming about them ever since! I might have to break down and make them again this weekend for company :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lemon-Berry Pudding Cakes</b></span></div>Makes 6 individual cakes<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul><li>1 pint blackberries</li>
<li>1/2 cup (about 3 lemons) plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice</li>
<li>1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar</li>
<li>3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for ramekins</li>
<li>3 large eggs, separated</li>
<li>6 tablespoons cake flour (not self-rising), sifted</li>
<li>1 cup milk</li>
<li>3/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li> Boiling water, for pan</li>
<li>4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) creme fraiche</li>
</ul><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><b>Directions:</b></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><li> Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Process 2 1/2 ounces blackberries (12 to 15 berries), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a food processor or blender until smooth. Pass mixture through a fine sieve into a small bowl; discard solids. Set sauce aside. </li><br />
<li> Butter inner top inch of six 6-ounce ramekins; set aside. Whisk together egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in flour and milk in two batches each, beginning with the flour. Whisk in remaining 1/2 cup lemon juice, the salt, and the melted butter, and set aside. </li><br />
<li> Put egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until very frothy, about 1 1/2 minutes. With mixer running, add remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a slow, steady stream; beat until whites hold stiff (but not dry) peaks, about 2 minutes. Whisk half the whites into reserved lemon mixture until combined; gently fold in remaining whites with a rubber spatula. </li><br />
<li> Place the ramekins in a high-sided roasting pan or baking dish, and divide the batter among ramekins, filling each almost to the top. Spoon a few drops of berry sauce onto cakes, and use a toothpick or skewer to swirl sauce into batter. Transfer to oven; pour boiling water into pan, a bit more than halfway up sides of ramekins. </li><br />
<li> Bake until cakes are set and the tops are just starting to turn golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. With tongs, transfer the ramekins from pan to a wire rack, and let cool 15 minutes. <br />
</li><br />
<li> Meanwhile, beat creme fraiche in a clean mixing bowl until it holds soft peaks. Serve cakes warm with creme fraiche and remaining blackberries. Enjoy!</li><br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-488411133567458462011-03-11T11:40:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:40:58.821-08:00Hillsong United ConcertLast week Phil and I got to go to our third <a href="http://hillsongunited.com/">Hillsong United</a> concert at the US Airways Center with about 25 friends from Vertigo. What an AWESOME night of worship! We all got floor tickets, and were standing just about 15 feet from the stage. I don't think I've ever experienced a concert like that - packed in like sardines but loving every minute of it, hands in the air, jumping up and down and singing at the top of my lungs! It was SO much fun! <a href="http://hillsongunited.com/">Hillsong United</a> is the youth band of <a href="http://hillsong.com/">Hillsong Church</a> in Australia. They are so incredibly talented! They put on a great show, but more than that, it's an incredible worship experience. At one point towards the end of the concert, I turned around and saw pretty much every person in that arena on their feet, hands in the air. You could just feel God in that place! Here are some pics <a href="http://amandasprettylittlethings.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a> took that night:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrV5SxLEe8K_BNczXvREpd7zPJibAwdQ2Kl1jBxViHURbFNvTnO_DiQTfrZZwCZC8WmxSVRjKWv2e5iQSeBfkS8IQhJFLWPViIsR4lo8KM_1RRkedh67kZqPEv2Q3PcUxK5qavSAaL70/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-08+at+5.13.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrV5SxLEe8K_BNczXvREpd7zPJibAwdQ2Kl1jBxViHURbFNvTnO_DiQTfrZZwCZC8WmxSVRjKWv2e5iQSeBfkS8IQhJFLWPViIsR4lo8KM_1RRkedh67kZqPEv2Q3PcUxK5qavSAaL70/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-08+at+5.13.16+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our crew! A bunch of people met us inside, so this was the closest we got to a group shot.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMtOOqdTBk7iX3hNWZcUiblbe0ji_GAEtO_s6x8aM873xYWe27B8Qe11awh_Apdj8RZKR39FGqdbFzm7XGz4T766TCJ7L0hxwml1-n4SXmUHyLHqYczFuNkibUMzJdEwf0KCW4xPB8Vk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.43.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMtOOqdTBk7iX3hNWZcUiblbe0ji_GAEtO_s6x8aM873xYWe27B8Qe11awh_Apdj8RZKR39FGqdbFzm7XGz4T766TCJ7L0hxwml1-n4SXmUHyLHqYczFuNkibUMzJdEwf0KCW4xPB8Vk/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.43.27+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My lifegroup girls! LOVE them!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQZ11Oy41AVCyedSfkUfV_kCxrY2OIHOCxQVM2YVm8Xw7S2CXosFcHRUiSJMvOmX-YAE7uEr_l8aE10FRLt8-4gK5_SDxGcOPrI0Ssu-OrQ5YfYecfSV-549ZqehteYD444FjvxUG62E/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.43.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQZ11Oy41AVCyedSfkUfV_kCxrY2OIHOCxQVM2YVm8Xw7S2CXosFcHRUiSJMvOmX-YAE7uEr_l8aE10FRLt8-4gK5_SDxGcOPrI0Ssu-OrQ5YfYecfSV-549ZqehteYD444FjvxUG62E/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.43.46+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another Lifegroup shot.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_oZtBl1j3c6Cm-Xnv6fUilocYA_7TeHYTzwyB-3gCCl6L_WjJDN3o5d9KsORA3xKeMZ0wDfBEuVx_epxW4-4nHYbhyphenhyphengRPOqXbKRUdxneuHWZrEL9LvYYb2mMMRkLuyfwCjoX_j2BPWY/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.45.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_oZtBl1j3c6Cm-Xnv6fUilocYA_7TeHYTzwyB-3gCCl6L_WjJDN3o5d9KsORA3xKeMZ0wDfBEuVx_epxW4-4nHYbhyphenhyphengRPOqXbKRUdxneuHWZrEL9LvYYb2mMMRkLuyfwCjoX_j2BPWY/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.45.04+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Candice, Melissa and me.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO7IIlH0mF6l7yz3lkVgpOE8l6ROAiZlOAYiXnLfcDc-5ho1pF4vMMUbAZwdxQYHRLeR6_uGQCY4atYfbFeqJ4r03YQUDq336aIlI7_x69fKhaQHvGJw3jE99oePlKPxzGznuSyfKhkE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.44.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO7IIlH0mF6l7yz3lkVgpOE8l6ROAiZlOAYiXnLfcDc-5ho1pF4vMMUbAZwdxQYHRLeR6_uGQCY4atYfbFeqJ4r03YQUDq336aIlI7_x69fKhaQHvGJw3jE99oePlKPxzGznuSyfKhkE/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.44.26+AM.png" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me and the hubster <3</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLZqtsa6JG7o7jbyQm1RHGjmJIdzLPZUEMkMHF09z7tK6jVy-nz7rzA_jVdNYfWOzL93ivXXsfHuVmk-friEdksrLs4MS3peDwZUQitLetE-nG4nJkgqaLHcgw5BfXSqu63LUlCzfFNc/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.44.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLZqtsa6JG7o7jbyQm1RHGjmJIdzLPZUEMkMHF09z7tK6jVy-nz7rzA_jVdNYfWOzL93ivXXsfHuVmk-friEdksrLs4MS3peDwZUQitLetE-nG4nJkgqaLHcgw5BfXSqu63LUlCzfFNc/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.44.44+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me and my bestie <a href="http://amandasprettylittlethings.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a> :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbnp6K8puSsgkjp_UKPK_TiZnkJzmOgNsTPPQPtxdKgjxlJhXqFhs-dg9VEbHbTrE3f3csfK3khBMQE7MxQWtL-67Lp8d6rOPgjtpnJfO_e2k9xfN34b5J4JZjZoUwQJ3KgAzZfEBG2c/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.45.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbnp6K8puSsgkjp_UKPK_TiZnkJzmOgNsTPPQPtxdKgjxlJhXqFhs-dg9VEbHbTrE3f3csfK3khBMQE7MxQWtL-67Lp8d6rOPgjtpnJfO_e2k9xfN34b5J4JZjZoUwQJ3KgAzZfEBG2c/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-04+at+9.45.47+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few videos I found on YouTube of the concert:</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kpLyOJ1M9ew" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The video below starts just before the band came back on for the encore. I can't even describe how cool it was!</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ogaCJMeML6w" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
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If you've never seen <a href="http://www.hillsongunited.com/tours">Hillsong United</a> in concert, be sure to see them next time you have the chance! You won't be disappointed! Until then, check out their newest album <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/aftermath-deluxe-edition/id413400156">Aftermath</a>. I can't get enough of it!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-24184093397900134532011-03-01T21:39:00.000-08:002011-03-02T10:35:06.548-08:00Life-Sized Barbie Dress-upAfter weeks of walking into my closet and having "nothing to wear," I decided to enlist the help of one of my besties to remedy the situation. So, <a href="http://amandasprettylittlethings.blogspot.com/">Miss Amanda</a> took me shopping at <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/">H&M</a> last weekend and we successfully walked out with eight fun new outfits! Amanda is amazing at seeing the potential in pieces and creating great ensembles with them. Check out her blog, <a href="http://amandasprettylittlethings.blogspot.com/2011/03/life-sized-barbie-dress-up.html">Pretty Little Things</a>, for all of my new looks! And let me know which ones you like! The hubs and I are on a new budget, so I have to limit myself and return a few items. Please help me decide which outfits to keep!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD-7LnVd9g2GhmTTfweJiQZQ_47CyMUSY71VX4WeQD8jeD0MBhSNFHeacfTFgv11CmB2gC_YB-lVTpfG2rmRq8WAP9q2DheNmIz4OjJ6jQOieB-LohTYOPztT6Y4qusRh348kE-1AKY0/s1600/laura%252B-%252Bembellished%252Bblouse%252Band%252Bcoral%252Bnavy%252Boutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD-7LnVd9g2GhmTTfweJiQZQ_47CyMUSY71VX4WeQD8jeD0MBhSNFHeacfTFgv11CmB2gC_YB-lVTpfG2rmRq8WAP9q2DheNmIz4OjJ6jQOieB-LohTYOPztT6Y4qusRh348kE-1AKY0/s1600/laura%252B-%252Bembellished%252Bblouse%252Band%252Bcoral%252Bnavy%252Boutfit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be sure to check out <a href="http://amandasprettylittlethings.blogspot.com/2011/03/life-sized-barbie-dress-up.html">Amanda's blog</a> for the other six looks. And a huge thanks to Miss Amanda for all your help! Love you!</div><br />
<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-44147819772900238472011-02-24T21:53:00.000-08:002011-02-24T21:55:59.653-08:00Kitchen Remodel: Herringbone Subway Tile and Stainless Steel AppliancesFinally, my favorite part of our kitchen remodel: the subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern! Since we decided to lay a more complicated pattern, we measured the dimensions of the first strip of wall and laid out the tile in the pattern on the countertop and made cuts where needed. Here is my father-in-law getting the pattern laid out, and then beginning to adhere the tile to the wall with mortar: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZP8ksFSsf3WnQElq5jTIfXl-CHl2sjWGBCXAeSONBzFZAKjPYPZ7S-m2bWiWe1pzsLvK3QG8KSpVq_cWePY7xw2hSmXALYS9TP1w5fVqOpBH3zhF_v1lEeaHKqQSXWfKm-__u1OEyvc/s1600/tile1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZP8ksFSsf3WnQElq5jTIfXl-CHl2sjWGBCXAeSONBzFZAKjPYPZ7S-m2bWiWe1pzsLvK3QG8KSpVq_cWePY7xw2hSmXALYS9TP1w5fVqOpBH3zhF_v1lEeaHKqQSXWfKm-__u1OEyvc/s1600/tile1.jpg" /></a></div>After two full days of cutting tile and adhering it to the wall, the following weekend we filled it in with a sand-based grout. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1vo4PxNKPXG7lrV5N4i0K4bEQJi0NEVbnPW8SqwxyjiMiEhJBusvRdNk34FPPGPqHuA-zUGcXnkaRjvhOzCj1j2pCqfyaNJumW4OQ1MSk2-8SoH3f_87PU7pChblM79svsOEtA0jls4/s1600/tile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1vo4PxNKPXG7lrV5N4i0K4bEQJi0NEVbnPW8SqwxyjiMiEhJBusvRdNk34FPPGPqHuA-zUGcXnkaRjvhOzCj1j2pCqfyaNJumW4OQ1MSk2-8SoH3f_87PU7pChblM79svsOEtA0jls4/s1600/tile2.jpg" /></a></div>Here's the final pattern: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezcmorYe9Qs2zJZNngE4oJF37CG02z286aLLGqljnAtr7F8bYmcqSOg1cBMGK724RfZTw-TuGuXjB_VzIcBs5uOJdyl7P_y9vHSmEk4QWb_mGbm0Ux339QKzhiWzZkaOzGKMvFGanzA/s1600/tile3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezcmorYe9Qs2zJZNngE4oJF37CG02z286aLLGqljnAtr7F8bYmcqSOg1cBMGK724RfZTw-TuGuXjB_VzIcBs5uOJdyl7P_y9vHSmEk4QWb_mGbm0Ux339QKzhiWzZkaOzGKMvFGanzA/s1600/tile3.jpg" /></a></div>I'm absolutely in love with how it turned out! It's classic but yet so fun and interesting. I could stare at it for hours! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcplgN4YonuT49opArFi2WwlSHZftb0Ga-U2G_Mpam6vC-0I_xVDLFFxeLOpktDH7NfwGzrP88k42B4jRnE1N2Q1V45jHohgGisP0MlMpsWb0dj1mMzori2Sgjv8cucmmfts586kfSo8g/s1600/tile4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcplgN4YonuT49opArFi2WwlSHZftb0Ga-U2G_Mpam6vC-0I_xVDLFFxeLOpktDH7NfwGzrP88k42B4jRnE1N2Q1V45jHohgGisP0MlMpsWb0dj1mMzori2Sgjv8cucmmfts586kfSo8g/s1600/tile4.jpg" /></a></div>You'll also notice the classy stainless steel appliances my in-laws gifted us with for our birthdays! Phil is absolutely over-the-moon about our new induction cooktop stove. And I'm totally digging the second oven down below. At first I thought it was just a typical drawer. Surprise to me! We also purchased the integrated panel dishwasher from Ikea. You can see it to the right of the sink. I love that it just looks like another cupboard!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvCVZ-KV-hdl04t6E2rumz3keZbNQhWqXqHJRw_8P63maz4VGMVZq_ooup7dshBrS8-1iyqHXbHIyc3nFsXyen-Ulqb5qIb7R2Bn99yesNfEUjIxhq959m1ah2akU7Geg0oWBR8zfdgU/s1600/tile5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvCVZ-KV-hdl04t6E2rumz3keZbNQhWqXqHJRw_8P63maz4VGMVZq_ooup7dshBrS8-1iyqHXbHIyc3nFsXyen-Ulqb5qIb7R2Bn99yesNfEUjIxhq959m1ah2akU7Geg0oWBR8zfdgU/s1600/tile5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsmMhudSl8RTgR0_fAIcdaGCxrJ1VggRJYi3_m2nqUYpgPifHOtYLyfc0ZTmrngj0mSntkxhUkE-uOrIO05sJf5Xhrd9wAnKjM9i-2IMFEMESyRLrvyqi2c_I36ruZf0MoHzX73JZg_4/s1600/tile6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsmMhudSl8RTgR0_fAIcdaGCxrJ1VggRJYi3_m2nqUYpgPifHOtYLyfc0ZTmrngj0mSntkxhUkE-uOrIO05sJf5Xhrd9wAnKjM9i-2IMFEMESyRLrvyqi2c_I36ruZf0MoHzX73JZg_4/s1600/tile6.jpg" /></a></div>The corner tile around the window ended up being a last minute addition, but I'm so glad we went with it! It has such an elegant curve to it and perfectly finishes off the edge. Gorgeous!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZrJYt5CukJ75NENnz7A1M-cNi233wcUyYFS2fcqHz0nvKfagu1_JO1N1H9bWP8lF93x3nYSSue_7NoGjcS2gvAeJ5LfeMa1V9r9ZXiNtyytjql6ldudfK55i6W7EnRBKmpQtlb9EBa4/s1600/tile7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZrJYt5CukJ75NENnz7A1M-cNi233wcUyYFS2fcqHz0nvKfagu1_JO1N1H9bWP8lF93x3nYSSue_7NoGjcS2gvAeJ5LfeMa1V9r9ZXiNtyytjql6ldudfK55i6W7EnRBKmpQtlb9EBa4/s1600/tile7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8legBtreHWQxWtlGtTB5tUq6roAUyoK9Zp1POoD8-wEJoVC_iK102akLcdNW8NlhFGnTsoihuUlG4oLhvsLBxHSoChNqqI4mEetvzsaSzJVvrbcrKLPAykXNY93MEKFc9DG9eYiuixAE/s1600/tile8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8legBtreHWQxWtlGtTB5tUq6roAUyoK9Zp1POoD8-wEJoVC_iK102akLcdNW8NlhFGnTsoihuUlG4oLhvsLBxHSoChNqqI4mEetvzsaSzJVvrbcrKLPAykXNY93MEKFc9DG9eYiuixAE/s1600/tile8.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I have one more reveal to share you of our adorable little breakfast nook, and our latest DIY makeover on those stools you see above! Coming soon! A huge thanks to my amazing in-laws, Kent and Barb, for all your help on the tile! We couldn't have done it without you! <br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-86054796099691645852011-02-18T14:06:00.000-08:002011-02-18T14:06:30.917-08:00Featured on Wedding Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkpFjMy9THclfvSiqqscai25beF5WX7X51Cpgd_gCPt2lebTp53GrMv34wKXq_NNLz8yAN7m_I8I2N2v-b2Bf6t446WsE38JINjhXiolbcIIczh0a24J827rUng_ABA-5I-_DVsOLAqM/s1600/4183_83309020892_502685892_1855814_4730305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkpFjMy9THclfvSiqqscai25beF5WX7X51Cpgd_gCPt2lebTp53GrMv34wKXq_NNLz8yAN7m_I8I2N2v-b2Bf6t446WsE38JINjhXiolbcIIczh0a24J827rUng_ABA-5I-_DVsOLAqM/s1600/4183_83309020892_502685892_1855814_4730305_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All this week, mine and Philip's engagement and wedding photos were featured on the midwestern wedding blog <a href="http://wedding-cheesecake.com/">Wedding Cheesecake</a>. Thank you Amanda for all your sweet words! It's so fun for us to look at those photos again and be reminded of what an amazing day it was! Check out Amanda's posts here:<br />
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<a href="http://wedding-cheesecake.com/?p=1293">Engagement Part 1</a><br />
<a href="http://wedding-cheesecake.com/?p=1312">Engagement Part 2</a><br />
<a href="http://wedding-cheesecake.com/?p=1332">Engagement Part 3</a><br />
<a href="http://wedding-cheesecake.com/?p=1344">Wedding Part 1</a><br />
<a href="http://wedding-cheesecake.com/?p=1373">Wedding Part 2</a><br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-50705818333377902812011-02-04T13:57:00.000-08:002011-02-04T13:57:49.748-08:00Kitchen Remodel: CountertopsAfter our cabinets were installed, we ended up having to wait a MONTH before our countertops could be installed. Let's just say we ate lots of gyros from <a href="http://www.sabascuisine.com/">Saba's</a>. When we purchased our cabinets at Ikea, they were running a promotion for 40% off countertops (with cabinet purchase). Score! We chose Silestone Quartz in Blanco Maple - white with gray glass flecks - with a contemporary "eased and polished" edge. We picked this product because Silestone has antimicrobial protection, which prevents bacteria from building up as it does in other porous stone materials. And quartz is resistant to acids and is extremely hard. In fact, it's the toughest interior surface available, resisting scratches, staining and scorching. Which I'm sure will be helpful when we have kiddos in the future! Here they are templeting our countertops...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkViE0k2xky7rCQd0BfEB0xHxACr9MuwNHceiB8sC7Xm_2g4g_HFj7x7u5BfjiiS0sfRmxs-VgYvJn2B__Xpn5ef9XGT_GhOKN7sEq9PYjbVp8qUT5V5noAJkBON7rYEVZI02ImtkmVQ/s1600/template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkViE0k2xky7rCQd0BfEB0xHxACr9MuwNHceiB8sC7Xm_2g4g_HFj7x7u5BfjiiS0sfRmxs-VgYvJn2B__Xpn5ef9XGT_GhOKN7sEq9PYjbVp8qUT5V5noAJkBON7rYEVZI02ImtkmVQ/s1600/template.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Putting in the wood backer...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yt1dcLwjgSfdSYdMyKpYY6iDJVXfxeZDe0d-nSYwPFpoDlFkfxRlnDU9VMlmd7PIW2Os6kFJO4R84mYLo9jpE4ZtXWeGqY2QzBM8f_S1JU02Bj309F_UXdfly7HQ8LZwpXUu7EEFbkA/s1600/counter_wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yt1dcLwjgSfdSYdMyKpYY6iDJVXfxeZDe0d-nSYwPFpoDlFkfxRlnDU9VMlmd7PIW2Os6kFJO4R84mYLo9jpE4ZtXWeGqY2QzBM8f_S1JU02Bj309F_UXdfly7HQ8LZwpXUu7EEFbkA/s1600/counter_wood.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first slab goes in...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8m1QIQT_9zLOQmb3cmyM-rBTKbEPTRcYKc6i2SgTJRE5aTouPECuZapsNpMZ0XRQaLoeVqefuWn2ovk2P9NEiNAh4fovI_b16HedbbyELWtH-yV3dDVnLlZi5z3c7pEvG6J4sFa0uAw/s1600/counter_corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8m1QIQT_9zLOQmb3cmyM-rBTKbEPTRcYKc6i2SgTJRE5aTouPECuZapsNpMZ0XRQaLoeVqefuWn2ovk2P9NEiNAh4fovI_b16HedbbyELWtH-yV3dDVnLlZi5z3c7pEvG6J4sFa0uAw/s1600/counter_corner.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the final product!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mAgnvDSSw32kTSpzXwirJyPPvWGQch6uVhzePhSCdyKOWd89a1CB8AG9vJMARp9BmO9d1gsPllv-XxdnZ6w0bMYvjYC9AwoCxrwpvWitGXbvaRVXNz7orrZU3pTSEWt-2_-TN7jKtEY/s1600/counters1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mAgnvDSSw32kTSpzXwirJyPPvWGQch6uVhzePhSCdyKOWd89a1CB8AG9vJMARp9BmO9d1gsPllv-XxdnZ6w0bMYvjYC9AwoCxrwpvWitGXbvaRVXNz7orrZU3pTSEWt-2_-TN7jKtEY/s1600/counters1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please excuse all the stuff on the counters and the lack of styling. This is real life at the Ellerbroek house! We bought our farmhouse sink at Ikea for only $199! Most similar farmhouse sinks start around $800-$1,000 and go up from there. So we were thrilled to find this deal! Apparently Ikea discontinued this sink about a week after we bought ours. Good timing!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qgqo-hWEZjcrRv73slez4A5Cdib-gZb1hoiNajxy2_U7bSLx9KYw4l-QhWqtQIoNaSVIcMK6UkhYbFG2o_ZoIdDQXqjdL2lQuAMhTz-MtpbfjlGGaxC23b73yDEIsyz21NATslXx8pg/s1600/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qgqo-hWEZjcrRv73slez4A5Cdib-gZb1hoiNajxy2_U7bSLx9KYw4l-QhWqtQIoNaSVIcMK6UkhYbFG2o_ZoIdDQXqjdL2lQuAMhTz-MtpbfjlGGaxC23b73yDEIsyz21NATslXx8pg/s1600/sink.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCpDNoyTnnsyhicPP5SKwhh2FA8FNV_JbpnNxfja8AwpWVUv4IdnmNesj7YjVIUShXDSMVKj2glqYJtlaeYm9SFATq3lLYDCKnxPGYFYx7GPSBIMF6IFfUYF-fhk2p6KxYd7bZwcwRc4/s1600/counters2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCpDNoyTnnsyhicPP5SKwhh2FA8FNV_JbpnNxfja8AwpWVUv4IdnmNesj7YjVIUShXDSMVKj2glqYJtlaeYm9SFATq3lLYDCKnxPGYFYx7GPSBIMF6IFfUYF-fhk2p6KxYd7bZwcwRc4/s1600/counters2.jpg" /></a></div>There's still more to come! Our gorgeous tile backsplash (my favorite project in our house to date!), new appliances, and our fun breakfast nook!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-41951489550941861372011-02-03T08:49:00.000-08:002011-02-03T08:49:14.488-08:00Kitchen Remodel: CabinetsIf you remember my <a href="http://lauraellerbroek.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-inspiration.html">post</a> about our <a href="http://lauraellerbroek.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-inspiration.html">kitchen inspiration</a> photos, you'll remember that I was dreaming of white uppers and black/brown lowers for an open, spacious feeling. So, we ordered just that from Ikea in the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=ramsjo">Ramsjo</a> style doors. But when our cabinets were delivered and we opened one of the nearly 100 boxes, we found the white doors to be more white wash than bright white. The problem is that the wood showing through the white wash is a pinkish colored birch. Baby pink kitchen? No thanks! So, we made the decision to switch to black/brown uppers to match the lower cabinets. Not exactly what I had in mind. But our only other option if we wanted bright white was to go with a different door style, and the OCD designer in me couldn't handle the inconsistency of that. Luckily, we have very few upper cabinets, and LOTS of light in our kitchen, so it wouldn't totally ruin the open, airy feeling I was going for.<br />
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We hired a local company called <a href="http://www.greatspacesaz.com/">Great Spaces</a> to assemble and install our cabinets for us. We were planning to do it ourselves with the help of Phil's parents (aka The Slaves :), but they decided it was worth the money to have professionals take care of this house project, and generously gave us $$ towards the bill.<br />
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So, without further adieu...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLscQFClmdHiRd9M0T0mWTR0anbmrGgPEtnWMHAcPGBqBz5ELRx2H3HNufKZVBCDShLTER9XW2dY7l8cQH80bVTSKSt1ZjOAPIVnsksbU5EyEzquwV6B1S_tKBk3BXae5LSfAYUiQlgk/s1600/cabinets1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLscQFClmdHiRd9M0T0mWTR0anbmrGgPEtnWMHAcPGBqBz5ELRx2H3HNufKZVBCDShLTER9XW2dY7l8cQH80bVTSKSt1ZjOAPIVnsksbU5EyEzquwV6B1S_tKBk3BXae5LSfAYUiQlgk/s1600/cabinets1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8E31i-QBGxUgkO6w01S20CaHl20hudAhbcK0AlTwmP6jUw_HnpXqg5lN8SvQwjbxy1oRUq0OGM1EJHl3HH4MmDNEmIq6MWYxurVXpBv1qThNCzBH1JI7X0vb44gnFwekptQlKYLEcqA/s1600/cabinets2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8E31i-QBGxUgkO6w01S20CaHl20hudAhbcK0AlTwmP6jUw_HnpXqg5lN8SvQwjbxy1oRUq0OGM1EJHl3HH4MmDNEmIq6MWYxurVXpBv1qThNCzBH1JI7X0vb44gnFwekptQlKYLEcqA/s1600/cabinets2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yKBF4h3kAckgQ6TXGPbg4muLe8lDlWkFUMf_c1MFZZWHXnAAYjln90VxaLb2fgfEf8E7a7s4qCZBhgknaEUzlmbCqEfIc_fF0HfG3G3AmEUylLgHulXVCBqe9DKEhFgIqqdNQmEKkbs/s1600/cabinets3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yKBF4h3kAckgQ6TXGPbg4muLe8lDlWkFUMf_c1MFZZWHXnAAYjln90VxaLb2fgfEf8E7a7s4qCZBhgknaEUzlmbCqEfIc_fF0HfG3G3AmEUylLgHulXVCBqe9DKEhFgIqqdNQmEKkbs/s1600/cabinets3.jpg" /></a></div>I'm loving our glass front upper cabinets, the sweet little bookshelf to the left of the sink, the lazy susans in the corners (where we didn't even have a cabinet before!), and the deep drawers for our pots and pans! And the 42" uppers (minus the soffit) make the room feel so much more big and open! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Still to come: the countertops, tile backsplash, appliances, and kitchen nook!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-44983570852466974462011-02-01T21:59:00.000-08:002011-02-01T21:59:43.136-08:00Kitchen Remodel: Before and Soffit RemovalWe're finally almost finished with our kitchen remodel, and I finally got a card reader to download photos from my camera, so here we go! A few before shots:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyreaYHnucj52kqSDSmZ55ZxVknpyIYfVar0vvjyVgRvBx_nIP-KAAwf7Tkot2F9EJChpG_G1K2F7pE-fD45KUtNa0ZUPJfYPnh_624vL4UPG5QICZQh55kt2WIKiM5E4s00ZWYQlKyz0/s1600/before1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyreaYHnucj52kqSDSmZ55ZxVknpyIYfVar0vvjyVgRvBx_nIP-KAAwf7Tkot2F9EJChpG_G1K2F7pE-fD45KUtNa0ZUPJfYPnh_624vL4UPG5QICZQh55kt2WIKiM5E4s00ZWYQlKyz0/s1600/before1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kl4qCMqYMJMF86oIVTEHp0pKybcpYdvrHdEtqUHVHR3m2ibnyCbACx2EwbF4wKDiKEH2KSRg3awfivoIi9pb_U8LvlUPzgcvfoBHC0R9C1_qf_2S-X3H29LCYW8PoLnG61Ju8bRtzMc/s1600/before2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kl4qCMqYMJMF86oIVTEHp0pKybcpYdvrHdEtqUHVHR3m2ibnyCbACx2EwbF4wKDiKEH2KSRg3awfivoIi9pb_U8LvlUPzgcvfoBHC0R9C1_qf_2S-X3H29LCYW8PoLnG61Ju8bRtzMc/s1600/before2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E5vWofkF32_yQSXJG6QJth76Ugg6IGml5_2iv12SpJyzzf9GBB_GnHeTTMW-Wfs8Xu08eKMT8wIR_DjbywevTnKapJ-JlruPwL9B5IyW-IcR1srBzIwLaWeGgcqIDuFK_tqykEbpZmQ/s1600/before3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E5vWofkF32_yQSXJG6QJth76Ugg6IGml5_2iv12SpJyzzf9GBB_GnHeTTMW-Wfs8Xu08eKMT8wIR_DjbywevTnKapJ-JlruPwL9B5IyW-IcR1srBzIwLaWeGgcqIDuFK_tqykEbpZmQ/s1600/before3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="postwhite">As you can see, our kitchen felt small and out-dated. And we didn't care for the style of it, nor did it match the rest of our house. So, to get started we had the cabinets, countertops and appliances removed:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBXM6p9JCJMFG25JIOr2lQMide2vy84PKkp9_llQOgjEvAf9vMPiy7x8X23cMbUY7DXL9cdpqLvpHnb-cv4snI_nGEGBlNyow-kqIilC1KoqJu1mbFrtM5t_dFIJFPsropwxmIGbhsas/s1600/empty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBXM6p9JCJMFG25JIOr2lQMide2vy84PKkp9_llQOgjEvAf9vMPiy7x8X23cMbUY7DXL9cdpqLvpHnb-cv4snI_nGEGBlNyow-kqIilC1KoqJu1mbFrtM5t_dFIJFPsropwxmIGbhsas/s1600/empty1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAlUdEWl2QPSSXePHTqaSM0s3d6Z8uETKMgbUl1JM2xiEdJlsvvd94PGvzYNCzEc-aKZQWVd4ZO3F7nu_VQJxmbRcTAbZc1QKaMzncfBDp37DgOF7_Jl3s6ITtKVcm-O3jIDmy_alSMY/s1600/empty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAlUdEWl2QPSSXePHTqaSM0s3d6Z8uETKMgbUl1JM2xiEdJlsvvd94PGvzYNCzEc-aKZQWVd4ZO3F7nu_VQJxmbRcTAbZc1QKaMzncfBDp37DgOF7_Jl3s6ITtKVcm-O3jIDmy_alSMY/s1600/empty2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aWtMPpFZDE8RmwrFcoo53HT_z_RnYfHEQ8VkOrd8YUQb8O7sqAlU_zZdlKBE-ew8-CVjlRhWPHYIcO3Bj5OY1q6z57QHjXydei-aLYyKkk8rYngLuTIDlXcOtQWdRnQGw-iU4vK47dE/s1600/empty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aWtMPpFZDE8RmwrFcoo53HT_z_RnYfHEQ8VkOrd8YUQb8O7sqAlU_zZdlKBE-ew8-CVjlRhWPHYIcO3Bj5OY1q6z57QHjXydei-aLYyKkk8rYngLuTIDlXcOtQWdRnQGw-iU4vK47dE/s1600/empty3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Next, since it served no functional purpose, we decided to have the soffit removed to create a more open feel, and give us another 10 inches of vertical space in the upper cabinets. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnMs_WSVEkFU8AsqOKveGWrA5A7XVgO3k9AMvjff7SYe841GDQ_kLDunFgfxY-AB7NigELmbu3eScdQZW97plVIl0skoKqrj8rTJLg1hW62bvhk6p0KDXk_H6ErENgsSC5gSLBzYnphg/s1600/soffit_removal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnMs_WSVEkFU8AsqOKveGWrA5A7XVgO3k9AMvjff7SYe841GDQ_kLDunFgfxY-AB7NigELmbu3eScdQZW97plVIl0skoKqrj8rTJLg1hW62bvhk6p0KDXk_H6ErENgsSC5gSLBzYnphg/s1600/soffit_removal.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizh8NkGHtWyLIcUOf0vE8RKWibeyGgCb-FLm830irButnikwkfD0ljd5JPO8loCkConlY8ZMQEEYaoy1PcMew69gRDvYakialak1LiQYyuHhvDcZsotyM0bBWnAwYCS6gADAuDHOAAKXI/s1600/soffit_removal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizh8NkGHtWyLIcUOf0vE8RKWibeyGgCb-FLm830irButnikwkfD0ljd5JPO8loCkConlY8ZMQEEYaoy1PcMew69gRDvYakialak1LiQYyuHhvDcZsotyM0bBWnAwYCS6gADAuDHOAAKXI/s1600/soffit_removal2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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After the soffit came out, all of the wiring had to be moved up above the beams, and the drywall repaired:<br />
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We were then left with one night to quickly get the room painted before the cabinets were to be installed the next morning! (A huge thanks to my bestie Linda for helping me tackle this job while Phil was in class. Press on soldier! :) You can see my test swatches in the photo above. We ended up going with the middle swatch, Behr Ultra Premium Plus Flat/Matte in Roman Plaster.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpM45RQVRRPUomGyTSotwevukOX1wt8Ec_rgge9UWknmOlEQLXEiX1LPPIOBmK9_ly6Q-C1ybYPH7pV96Gn7v40UDO-Kr6ykuCz2202EXd8FEmJKnTg01nbdZSjaCrILEkBJ-3RtS5BM/s1600/paint1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpM45RQVRRPUomGyTSotwevukOX1wt8Ec_rgge9UWknmOlEQLXEiX1LPPIOBmK9_ly6Q-C1ybYPH7pV96Gn7v40UDO-Kr6ykuCz2202EXd8FEmJKnTg01nbdZSjaCrILEkBJ-3RtS5BM/s1600/paint1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Sorry for the dark photo. It was early in the morning and I only had a quick moment to snap a picture before the installers got started. Up next, the cabinets and countertops!<br />
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<img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-42375633893316162132011-01-28T09:04:00.000-08:002011-01-28T09:04:08.452-08:00Happy Birthday to my Hubster!One last birthday post this week to wish my hubby a Happy Birthday!!! You are my light. My very best friend. I love you to the moon and back. Especially that cute little butt ;-) Have a wonderful day babe!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdtlDt7wzR5giRdceR0J7T1KkHf9TkhNSRmgY257QWIXPxZ4-p9qWKf9QdWNJJDPjKDf4SgYnxG4Q5FaowUpo_1IFMYUkwAQX8ULISyrJ2kWpg1632Rx02NtTwITb6j3Yfk5NGThw0QE/s1600/phil_bday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdtlDt7wzR5giRdceR0J7T1KkHf9TkhNSRmgY257QWIXPxZ4-p9qWKf9QdWNJJDPjKDf4SgYnxG4Q5FaowUpo_1IFMYUkwAQX8ULISyrJ2kWpg1632Rx02NtTwITb6j3Yfk5NGThw0QE/s1600/phil_bday2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-46485772132444912122011-01-26T22:57:00.000-08:002011-01-26T22:57:28.598-08:00Birthday Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZDd_unpOxBMexfka8ipxF4A09PoVo3D0CHMvhHW8Rt12nznjcy0f0o1hoiAYx-uUFlo2vE4r8Gk4lGWPCuCuipvRmDe-VHGLVusGCZ-i4PMPjl9PKoqpoaA3o_d2CI1fshESDxOoKbU/s1600/birthdaystrawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZDd_unpOxBMexfka8ipxF4A09PoVo3D0CHMvhHW8Rt12nznjcy0f0o1hoiAYx-uUFlo2vE4r8Gk4lGWPCuCuipvRmDe-VHGLVusGCZ-i4PMPjl9PKoqpoaA3o_d2CI1fshESDxOoKbU/s640/birthdaystrawberries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Tonight at lifegroup my amazing girlfriends surprised me with this awesome birthday treat! Aren't they creative?!? I seriously love them to pieces :) Inspired by these lovely ladies and a <a href="http://kikiscrowd.blogspot.com/">college friend</a> of mine, I would love to hear from all of my friends out there! Or get to know you if you read my blog and we haven't met yet! It would completely make my day :) So tell me about yourself... How did we meet? How did you find my little slice of the web? What do we have in common? What did you do to celebrate your last birthday?<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you <a href="http://amandasprettylittlethings.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>, Rachael, and all my lifegroup chicas for your thoughtfulness! I love you ladies!!!</span></i><br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-20766835621273477292011-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:002011-01-26T07:26:23.834-08:00Birthday WishlistI still can't believe it: I'm turning 29 in just two short days! I don't <i>feel</i> 29. More like 26. I suppose that's better than feeling older than I really am! No matter what the number, I'm so thankful for another amazing year. I feel like God has really poured out his blessings on me this past year, and fulfilled so many of my heart's desires. I'm excited to see what these last 12 months before 30 will bring! There's one thing in particular I'm really hoping for... a MASSAGE! The past few weeks at work have been super busy and I've clocked far too many hours in front of the computer. My neck would love an hour of relaxation. So what else is on my wishlist?<br />
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My computer bag is literally falling apart. But I would like to replace it with just a simple laptop sleeve. I'd like something simple and classy like these beauties: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOncCqWSgoDAyB-b-decUXVvC53RtFSj054KEBfxFuDdlFeuwmXO9IFRRjylvgX6gu4JZZg1ykEkFrH-XcSN2Vocts21V-z8e809LTsOrPFeMwE5hw7rjNE9AOzwLJsrVHYWWdiwYxdQ/s1600/sleeves-laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOncCqWSgoDAyB-b-decUXVvC53RtFSj054KEBfxFuDdlFeuwmXO9IFRRjylvgX6gu4JZZg1ykEkFrH-XcSN2Vocts21V-z8e809LTsOrPFeMwE5hw7rjNE9AOzwLJsrVHYWWdiwYxdQ/s1600/sleeves-laptop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zappos.com/lodis-accessories-cairo-daisy-technology-sleeve-silver">Lodis Cairo - Zappos</a>, <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360336815459&hlp=false&rvr_id=203332536532&crlp=1_263602_304652&UA=M*F%3F&GUID=b37176c11250a02681942ab4fff5a374&itemid=360336815459&ff4=263602_304652">Lodis Cayman - Ebay</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My running shoes are totally shot from using them for hiking. I would love a pair of black Nikes to wear to the gym and for our evening runs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5DWNoq5vNYPHcTxTRVX6UlO4Ph_lZCT_Ygy_f8HRr_Ics8mDIQH3LveHAj6B11G2YiFhyphenhyphen8wh1pOjUmRmBexelIw8yFeR9VSQyABGc4CQfFQDiyhuGVwGEuxhtKM5-mlExxPkzmRHWnE/s1600/nike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5DWNoq5vNYPHcTxTRVX6UlO4Ph_lZCT_Ygy_f8HRr_Ics8mDIQH3LveHAj6B11G2YiFhyphenhyphen8wh1pOjUmRmBexelIw8yFeR9VSQyABGc4CQfFQDiyhuGVwGEuxhtKM5-mlExxPkzmRHWnE/s320/nike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finishline.com/store/catalog/product.jsp?sourceid=shopping&productId=prod666468&NIKE&cid=42&CAWELAID=662920611">Nike Shox NZ Running Shoe</a></div><br />
That's it. I can honestly say I have pretty much everything I want/need and more: a loving husband, amazing family, loyal friends, an inspiring church, beautiful home, sassy dog, and a job that pays the bills. What more could a girl want? Well, maybe just one more little "something"... ;-)<br />
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Have you had a particular birthday that felt different or significant in some way? Or a milestone birthday that surprised you with how <i>insignificant</i> it felt? <br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-43497408753669771492011-01-18T21:06:00.000-08:002011-01-18T21:07:06.205-08:00Fruit Basket FOUND!Not an exact match, but pretty darn close. Thank you <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%C3%A9cor/tabid/508/List/0/CategoryID/132/level/a/ProductID/4796/ProductName/Scroll-Fruit-Bowluu/Default.aspx">Pier 1</a>! And my mother-in-law Barbie for finding it :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6R1PNwK0MgzQipoXO8Q1gGI7CY2-RcNHq8rvlP1slgsT1knehsY6xssEpUH7Fp-al16Zn9kHsHOVBGV0TgvNOkBm7805q4iOMzk_A2mfwoZcyVSL0MDR7Ka50trcPKpOqg53OGL7ei4/s1600/fruitbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6R1PNwK0MgzQipoXO8Q1gGI7CY2-RcNHq8rvlP1slgsT1knehsY6xssEpUH7Fp-al16Zn9kHsHOVBGV0TgvNOkBm7805q4iOMzk_A2mfwoZcyVSL0MDR7Ka50trcPKpOqg53OGL7ei4/s1600/fruitbasket.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-75598458361043213692011-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:002011-01-11T13:00:50.023-08:00Tiered Fruit BasketsAnyone know where I can find tiered fruit baskets similar to the ones below? My kitchen would love these!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvRepTt3-aw4T04aGJEUHHcd3PyMQ25G7NAOU7EWqyRN7dnC5CGWAXt0AYP6qHPqsoseRZdbCfKwe3rOPvCp5GxvuPSz9W8_xzrY0f04FDanwKNvqZB3cZRKNimLRNkew2BvwM0Et-KA/s1600/scandokitch-MSLiving-266x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvRepTt3-aw4T04aGJEUHHcd3PyMQ25G7NAOU7EWqyRN7dnC5CGWAXt0AYP6qHPqsoseRZdbCfKwe3rOPvCp5GxvuPSz9W8_xzrY0f04FDanwKNvqZB3cZRKNimLRNkew2BvwM0Et-KA/s1600/scandokitch-MSLiving-266x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-51086643983208637182011-01-08T22:49:00.000-08:002011-01-09T02:11:25.072-08:00Bittersweet BirthdayToday my sister Jessi would've been 27 years old. I would imagine she'd have been a hairstylist by now. She would be even more beautiful today than she was at 19, with perfect hair and a stylish wardrobe. I'm sure she would've loved that I live in Arizona, and she would come to visit me often. Maybe even move into our guest bedroom! She would've loved being an aunt to our nephews, Elijah and Jacob. And they would've loved her because she was always so much fun - the life of the party! She would continue to keep us entertained with her endless escapades and wild stories. But she passed away far too young - eight years ago when she was only 19. We love you and miss you every day you're gone Jessi. You'll always be remembered in our hearts and our memories. Happy Birthday Sis.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GQt_DFh6DO7VTIv5Yvu39HhZjUCE9-LRf5zcCKpal6q3hHxDY0hn2cqEAm_x_OmzP0ttHYS45kGmW0DY3Rv80P5CMTtwH3ziC1p2Ei4p-_8zePIbeO-zeaNS1xZv3296MV-9NJOM6Yg/s1600/jessi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GQt_DFh6DO7VTIv5Yvu39HhZjUCE9-LRf5zcCKpal6q3hHxDY0hn2cqEAm_x_OmzP0ttHYS45kGmW0DY3Rv80P5CMTtwH3ziC1p2Ei4p-_8zePIbeO-zeaNS1xZv3296MV-9NJOM6Yg/s1600/jessi1.jpg" /></a></div>Jessi, me and Kelli. My mom made sure the three of us had a photo taken together every single Christmas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh7Gh1gUZc70LvKmpPCgRTdPVGjs8xV-iFA8_yVYbG0nG_s8JjEm74ddrYw0NlXc2gEGM6Qqh0Ky4CHEw3yng1NmT9oCHpxIj6XZQE-A9aZGqBSjDEPa7_j7C7gNNGQ54mkbj3O3TcEU/s1600/jessi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh7Gh1gUZc70LvKmpPCgRTdPVGjs8xV-iFA8_yVYbG0nG_s8JjEm74ddrYw0NlXc2gEGM6Qqh0Ky4CHEw3yng1NmT9oCHpxIj6XZQE-A9aZGqBSjDEPa7_j7C7gNNGQ54mkbj3O3TcEU/s1600/jessi2.jpg" /></a></div>Jessi loved doing hair. Here she's given me a lovely Princess Leia updo :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-_Jkm8VW2Ca73FcgTtnKU6Dz2Rqh0wTvvRhV8Uu9c6V63iTQyC0IbBicAYQvV37c6RZSvJh34cgAvDSAtopb-Knv7S7cnnTGHAlWG6hkkIr0rOC6CJjm0J6ZusTr3SBewHfIJeo_HDA/s1600/jessi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-_Jkm8VW2Ca73FcgTtnKU6Dz2Rqh0wTvvRhV8Uu9c6V63iTQyC0IbBicAYQvV37c6RZSvJh34cgAvDSAtopb-Knv7S7cnnTGHAlWG6hkkIr0rOC6CJjm0J6ZusTr3SBewHfIJeo_HDA/s1600/jessi3.jpg" /></a></div>The Christmas photos continue... Kelli, me and Jessi. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFyXYnLHVQhyphenhyphenxdLAmRu2dsI6aI9qpShewgSjKtAnVmv6sH1ceFT8lMBXyweClpx_n0c_zDFpOwb7-1cohgfEkHmH6QUD0qbpG6-VTHVXDJNdCOEgGfN_MfaQl2tCnwUna6PX5kKGbg-Q/s1600/jessi4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFyXYnLHVQhyphenhyphenxdLAmRu2dsI6aI9qpShewgSjKtAnVmv6sH1ceFT8lMBXyweClpx_n0c_zDFpOwb7-1cohgfEkHmH6QUD0qbpG6-VTHVXDJNdCOEgGfN_MfaQl2tCnwUna6PX5kKGbg-Q/s1600/jessi4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My gorgeous sister Jessi.<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-48182222502269413722010-12-25T17:27:00.000-08:002010-12-27T12:30:45.645-08:00Merry Christmas!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqxuN3mxnQsQ-i8bbQw-FW4Ugl_DJvq1YfBsR45W3AyzU1KHr1UKCKk5DEfOcWQNEfvKjYTtm5cKgCgyoNF7VV_EuLR8X5MSae7nCX_e85pr9P9CrKKYHm2UnROXghn9rvDcdQCcPVrg/s1600/Christmas_Postcard_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqxuN3mxnQsQ-i8bbQw-FW4Ugl_DJvq1YfBsR45W3AyzU1KHr1UKCKk5DEfOcWQNEfvKjYTtm5cKgCgyoNF7VV_EuLR8X5MSae7nCX_e85pr9P9CrKKYHm2UnROXghn9rvDcdQCcPVrg/s640/Christmas_Postcard_2010.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-30192659984097252432010-12-14T16:52:00.000-08:002010-12-14T16:52:23.321-08:00Christmas Wishlist: Kitchen EditionSince I've got kitchen on the brain, I decided to come up with my kitchen Christmas wishlist. Here are a few items I can't get off my mind:<br />
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<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/AVvXsEh1D7Ytbm7VzB9OqfXkhvOXb1Xh9-TRoUF2sIuBB2yx2P-FCGs2C4TKuDOKcFop3h3P9nwjp5FuArWJa-HkxLn69C9bWw5f6wdYN0aYj9XE0h07TRDQZ0hEQixEyCrNo7yNvKUF0sHrA88/s1600/baxton_studio_chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D7Ytbm7VzB9OqfXkhvOXb1Xh9-TRoUF2sIuBB2yx2P-FCGs2C4TKuDOKcFop3h3P9nwjp5FuArWJa-HkxLn69C9bWw5f6wdYN0aYj9XE0h07TRDQZ0hEQixEyCrNo7yNvKUF0sHrA88/s1600/baxton_studio_chair.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I'm loving these <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00874078000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6">Birch Sapling white accent chairs</a> by Baxton Studio from Sears/Kmart. They would be perfect for our breakfast nook! And after discounts, they're a perfect price of only $75 each!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjnsEb91CyG9wZc367LJ0eQ8JtlJQE1BR891e-X4M9UpTVwyOVHc_FARAyG3FzO6QAQKCyf7KAMJjH0tabMPtIYc-doUrdqJXoJ7V8bvXdcMM4CCR-zyPxwlUc31D4cFfGCHwUyiBZKA/s1600/Trousseau+Apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjnsEb91CyG9wZc367LJ0eQ8JtlJQE1BR891e-X4M9UpTVwyOVHc_FARAyG3FzO6QAQKCyf7KAMJjH0tabMPtIYc-doUrdqJXoJ7V8bvXdcMM4CCR-zyPxwlUc31D4cFfGCHwUyiBZKA/s1600/Trousseau+Apron.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/">Anthropology</a> has me wanting nearly everything in their store! How adorable is this <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=083164&catId=HOME-PERFECT-PAIRS&pushId=HOME-PERFECT-PAIRS&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=65&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=006&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=true&templateType=templateC">Trousseau Apron</a>? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oc4JbyQ8NDSMvETvYVwXPiBEQwh8nq2UnfIwPEb0mza0fOyPSum-uN4cH1Lab0wwX-NXejDCm17AqGd446dYdNZ5TK-4fHA93LSFO8gw3pZsyHakN55zwdijMHszPvM6Q5p1wA3DHGs/s1600/laboheme_measuring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oc4JbyQ8NDSMvETvYVwXPiBEQwh8nq2UnfIwPEb0mza0fOyPSum-uN4cH1Lab0wwX-NXejDCm17AqGd446dYdNZ5TK-4fHA93LSFO8gw3pZsyHakN55zwdijMHszPvM6Q5p1wA3DHGs/s1600/laboheme_measuring.jpg" /></a> <br />
These <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=073102&parentid=BAYNOTE">La Boheme Measuring Cups</a> are the prettiest measuring cups I've ever seen :)<br />
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On the topic of prettiest ever, these <a href="http://www.wasserstrom.com/restaurant-supplies-equipment/Product_480856">wine glasses</a> also fall into that category. I love the shape. The Elephant Bar uses these, and we bought a set as a gift for my in-laws. My mom-in-law says they look like jewelry :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yNRZw2VUqYcZBQry8oyvtC6yJcLtNJiVL2SxCGlu1Xx8jYJ1aUuV4wJsaFRx3On0JyzHf4dbi1cfy0km5e4j1v-nkbsmKdsUrLCLjgnqpYr_ZoMv5yuOT5BJBpbB2mbmP1rZEMAeOBk/s1600/everyday_italian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yNRZw2VUqYcZBQry8oyvtC6yJcLtNJiVL2SxCGlu1Xx8jYJ1aUuV4wJsaFRx3On0JyzHf4dbi1cfy0km5e4j1v-nkbsmKdsUrLCLjgnqpYr_ZoMv5yuOT5BJBpbB2mbmP1rZEMAeOBk/s320/everyday_italian.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br />
I borrowed this cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Italian-Simple-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1400052580">Everyday Italian</a>, from my friend <a href="http://alanandsteph.blogspot.com/">Steph</a> a few months ago for a dinner party, and every recipe was a hit!<br />
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Even if I don't get a single item from this list, I'm ok with that. I enjoy just looking at all these pretties. And more than anything, all I want for Christmas is to be home in South Dakota with my family. They're the best Christmas present of all :)<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-10398719965381359802010-12-13T21:28:00.000-08:002010-12-13T21:29:03.207-08:00Butternut Squash and Roasted Corn Tacos<a href="http://www.herbboxcatering.com/thelocations.html">Herb Box</a> is one of my favorite restaurants, and my favorite dish there is their Butternut Squash and Corn Enchiladas. Lucky for me, my friend Michelle shared a similar recipe with me! Even though it's a vegetarian dish, you carnivores won't miss the meat. But if you want to bulk it up a bit, you can add some shredded chicken. Or try making these into enchiladas. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Butternut Squash and Roasted Corn Tacos</b><br />
(serves 2-4)<br />
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1 packages frozen cubes butternut squash ($2 at Whole Foods, or you can bake your own.)<br />
2 Tb evoo<br />
½ cup diced onion<br />
1 Tb minced garlic<br />
1 cup fire roasted corn (Frozen section at Trader Joes $2)<br />
Dash of cumin and chili powder<br />
6 corn tortillas<br />
½ cup feta cheese<br />
1 jar tomatillo salsa<br />
1-2 avocados (Diced)<br />
black beans *optional<br />
sour cream *optional<br />
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1. Saute garlic and onions. Mix in the warmed butternut squash and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Heat through. Remove from heat.<br />
2. Put 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Put one corn tortilla in the hot oil and fold into a taco shell shape until it is browned. Remove and put on paper towels and repeat with remaining tortillas.<br />
3. Fill tortillas with squash mixture, avocados, feta, salsa and sour cream.<br />
4. Serve with black beans on the side.<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-86644681151317158072010-12-09T18:23:00.000-08:002010-12-09T18:23:44.004-08:00Love me some Jayme Dee!<div>A few days ago I was blog stalking <a href="http://www.promisetangemanblog.com/">Promise Tangeman</a> (she's awesome, check her out!) and saw her recent post on <a href="http://jaymedee.com/">Jayme Dee</a>, a singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist from LA. This girl will be only 19 tomorrow, and she's AMAZING!!! Check out her super fun song "Love Whiplash!" below, as well as her cover of "Dear John" by Taylor Swift. Her voice is incredible. Seriously - INCREDIBLE! </div><div><br />
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Check out her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/jaymedee333">YouTube page</a> for lots more covers she's done on some of my favorite artists including Coldplay, John Mayer and MGMT. I can't wait for her new album coming out sometime in 2011!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-20142227929934866402010-12-03T16:42:00.000-08:002010-12-06T20:12:54.000-08:00Subway Tile with a TwistHey all! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. I still haven't found my camera computer cord, so I haven't had any photos to share with you. I know, I really just need to go out and buy a new cord this weekend. I'm really doing it Harry. Speaking of really doing it, our kitchen remodel has started!!! Our existing counter tops and cabinets were taken out this week (and sold on Craigslist). We also had a soffit in our kitchen removed so we could put in 42" upper cabinets. I'll show pics soon. Promise.<br />
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So, when deciding on the finishes for our kitchen, I really wanted white subway tile because I like how it's both classic and contemporary. It's timeless. Our house is really a blend of old and new, and I wanted the kitchen to continue that. But I also like the unexpected, something a little unique. So when I saw these photos of subway tile laid in a herringbone pattern, I fell in love!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPSv0uc_wmlajd181qM-t868xOXv7MddPgoWcwj6dLVvFRkw63d4yuVmtVVf5kuIFPF1xAI8-y1GQ6V4MocqqzMIxCfpnBYYQHBCRpQA5OqnuZtVek_QdlrZ9ciRON7ULTfaUs40dI6w/s1600/herringbone_subway_tile_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPSv0uc_wmlajd181qM-t868xOXv7MddPgoWcwj6dLVvFRkw63d4yuVmtVVf5kuIFPF1xAI8-y1GQ6V4MocqqzMIxCfpnBYYQHBCRpQA5OqnuZtVek_QdlrZ9ciRON7ULTfaUs40dI6w/s1600/herringbone_subway_tile_web.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vEAUqngewD_FyQMv8BIzEihhhhPWv9YBPx7Jvi7E2bxRECiwInPaFyIiPowVBfroeBZA_9oC761SFV16xScY4bLXO50BQw25hQLvS53yNeZnYCmsXneJoOh7iVOzGVw1d_1LTwnJk7o/s1600/herringbonesubway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vEAUqngewD_FyQMv8BIzEihhhhPWv9YBPx7Jvi7E2bxRECiwInPaFyIiPowVBfroeBZA_9oC761SFV16xScY4bLXO50BQw25hQLvS53yNeZnYCmsXneJoOh7iVOzGVw1d_1LTwnJk7o/s1600/herringbonesubway.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Can't wait to do this in my own kitchen!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-92018364631631429402010-11-19T13:33:00.000-08:002010-11-19T13:33:02.855-08:00Pacific Northwest: Bend, OregonIn September, Philip and I went on a super relaxing vacation to the Pacific Northwest. It was much needed and truly felt like ten long days away from home and work. Our trip included Bend, Portland, Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle. In true Laura fashion, we packed a lot of sightseeing into every day, so I’m going to break our blog posts up by city, giving you our top five picks for each one.<br />
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We’ll start with Bend since that was our first stop. We absolutely adored this town! It was so clean and well-manicured, it almost felt like the set of Stepford Wives. Seriously, freakishly perfect. But these residents obviously care about their property, and it really shows. We would love to one day own a summer property here, or at least go back often to escape the Arizona heat. If you’re interested in flying to Bend from the Phoenix area, check out <a href="http://www.allegiantair.com/">Allegiant Airlines</a> for $39 fares each way. We stayed at <a href="http://www.ameritelinns.com/ameritel_hotels.asp?PID=16">AmeriTel Inn</a>, which is in the super charming <a href="http://www.theoldmill.com/">Old Mill District</a>. Our hotel was very nice, conveniently located, and they gave us a free room upgrade at check-in. Bonus!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Laura and Phil's Top Five Picks for Bend, Oregon:</b></span><br />
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<b>1. Sea of Lava</b><br />
West of Bend, on the way to Portland in the Willamette National Forest, are three lava flows - Belknap Crater Flow, Yapoah Crater, and Little Belknap Flow. We didn't even know this existed until we drove right into it. Amazing!!! It's crazy to imagine red hot lava flowing here 1,500 years ago. There are casts of trees that the lava flowed around, and the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/tripplanning/pointsofinterest/dee_wright.html">Dee Wright Observatory</a>, a sweet tower built out of lava rock. So cool!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopjLWkV8TJ844agXsi6uQLue-i_zRxSUaOD4RI4gBr_hy_8of-lisjt7ZdMAFD9I7Et23vffo1q3w6uoqDUAC1X6z4xA1bTQ6xxovCzXGNeV3_UHGZsdyu9rMjijdRa-apKlvphG-7hA/s1600/bend_lava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopjLWkV8TJ844agXsi6uQLue-i_zRxSUaOD4RI4gBr_hy_8of-lisjt7ZdMAFD9I7Et23vffo1q3w6uoqDUAC1X6z4xA1bTQ6xxovCzXGNeV3_UHGZsdyu9rMjijdRa-apKlvphG-7hA/s640/bend_lava.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/brewery/brew-pubs/bend-pub/default.aspx">Deschutes Brewery</a></b></div>This was our first stop when we arrived in Bend, and the perfect start to our trip. Tasty food, great beer, and a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Be sure to try the Mirror Mirror, a barrel-aged barley wine (Phil's favorite), and BenderWeisse, a light, sour German beer with traditional syrup sweeteners of Rasberry and Woodruff (Laura's favorite).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR3s0YfgbAkQygM8eQsYRS1lW6-08IHsGmMwhCC6IcdL5StINsms6Yo09oYjcOY01BHbaXwNBg3Rn4rxoe8V6OC-TRg6GKSoTLBdKlL6OAasnhYdiXaRUGCYwg0x-br6F0TeGYm1sEyI/s1600/bend_deschutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR3s0YfgbAkQygM8eQsYRS1lW6-08IHsGmMwhCC6IcdL5StINsms6Yo09oYjcOY01BHbaXwNBg3Rn4rxoe8V6OC-TRg6GKSoTLBdKlL6OAasnhYdiXaRUGCYwg0x-br6F0TeGYm1sEyI/s640/bend_deschutes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3. Tumalo Falls</b></div>Just outside of Bend are the Tumalo Falls. The viewpoint of the 100 feet high falls is just off the parking lot, but a short hike took us to the top of the falls and a beautiful overlook. Another .75 miles through Deschutes National Forest are the Middle Tumolo Falls, a series of three cascades totaling 60 feet in height. We really enjoyed how quiet and peaceful the forest was, and breathing in that fresh, mountain air!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXwmd7z78uUvCxbpUqW0DTaDo2j0IKi-hSO1yKIK8R7WMebIK3eFlxpuaBzs3anwZXN_ylUUw6BS-0EybRA7wEmkYo1Ix1-nbILzhb-y3iJtMJEyP3VhxVAqRq-Z2DqZ0Y1cUxJYignw/s1600/bend_tulomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXwmd7z78uUvCxbpUqW0DTaDo2j0IKi-hSO1yKIK8R7WMebIK3eFlxpuaBzs3anwZXN_ylUUw6BS-0EybRA7wEmkYo1Ix1-nbILzhb-y3iJtMJEyP3VhxVAqRq-Z2DqZ0Y1cUxJYignw/s640/bend_tulomo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4. Beer Festival </b></div>What better way to get to know a town than to attend a local festival?! We were fortunate enough to be in town for the <a href="http://www.thelittlewoody.com/">Little Woody Barrel Aged Brew Festival</a>, featuring beers aged in wine barrels, whiskey barrels and oak barrels, which uniquely flavors and intensifies the beer. There were ten breweries at the festival, as well as great food, live music, and lots of friendly Bend locals!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF4bmdmsmueSBBvDPS48Y9wOUkWnAW2LYX74nrJABXLdRojA-WBIDDsDWzqarDrTW-GAy4tD6ztsTri3EbNR_LHxIsdujfkVlAkUaGi5KL2X8ncfE4om6MF0aTrQiR7qQFDKTo2tpOy8/s1600/bend_festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF4bmdmsmueSBBvDPS48Y9wOUkWnAW2LYX74nrJABXLdRojA-WBIDDsDWzqarDrTW-GAy4tD6ztsTri3EbNR_LHxIsdujfkVlAkUaGi5KL2X8ncfE4om6MF0aTrQiR7qQFDKTo2tpOy8/s640/bend_festival.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>5. Sisters Coffee Company</b></div>Just west of Bend is a cute little town named Sisters, and in Sisters is a cozy coffee shop named <a href="http://www.sisterscoffee.com/">Sisters Coffee Company</a>. A log cabin with a big wrap around porch, this is the perfect spot to spend a lazy morning. Be sure to try their Banana Nut syrup - it was the best latte I've ever had!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would also suggest checking out <a href="http://www.mcmenamins.com/691-old-st-francis-pub-home">McMenamins</a>. It's another great pub and brewery we stopped in, but was pretty quiet that night due to the Little Woody Beer Festival. You can grab a beer and a seat on one of their comfy couches in the movie theater, or take a dip in their saltwater soaking pool! Lot's of fun to be had in Bend!</div><br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-91055029111149130762010-11-11T14:27:00.000-08:002010-11-11T14:31:14.447-08:00Baby Announcement Photo ShootMy girlfriend <a href="http://alanandsteph.blogspot.com/">Steph</a> recently found out she's pregnant with their second baby and asked me to do a mini photo session of her family for their <a href="http://alanandsteph.blogspot.com/2010/11/blog-post.html">announcement</a>. So we went up to DC Ranch and were able to get a handful of photos just before the sun went down. Here's the photo they used for their <a href="http://alanandsteph.blogspot.com/2010/11/blog-post.html">announcement</a>: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5xB2NzOXz8PI4sC7n6-OqeNHXpgc5jnpn4voiYdgyev3IkKkSLmUhQ3P14thpp7rFqVSxTGPAB5CktCzaJwGi07zJuV1aVwmhCAGtAeWgJFwkEXz0le5w1Bpyl-Tq5-DMxe_r1bg8ZM/s1600/flies_announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5xB2NzOXz8PI4sC7n6-OqeNHXpgc5jnpn4voiYdgyev3IkKkSLmUhQ3P14thpp7rFqVSxTGPAB5CktCzaJwGi07zJuV1aVwmhCAGtAeWgJFwkEXz0le5w1Bpyl-Tq5-DMxe_r1bg8ZM/s1600/flies_announcement.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Isn't Miss Nora one of the cutest little girls of all time?!? I love her :) Congratulations Steph and Alan! I can't wait for number two!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-30871943746420168762010-11-10T08:07:00.000-08:002010-11-10T08:07:15.638-08:00Kitchen InspirationWith talk of our upcoming kitchen remodel, I've been scouring the internet, books, and design blogs for inspiration. Here are our favorites:<br />
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Notice a theme? White upper cabinets with glass doors, dark lowers, white countertops, white subway tile backsplash, silver pendant lights, open bookshelves, and stainless steel appliances (although those might be a year or so down the road). Love, love, LOVE!!! I love the contrast of light and dark. And how the dark cabinets start feeling like furniture while the white uppers fade away, leaving an open and airy feeling to the room. What are your thoughts on different color cabinets for uppers and lowers?<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-88812255936495146682010-11-08T21:43:00.000-08:002010-11-08T21:43:52.190-08:00Pool Resurfacing - Day 6 - FINISHED!!!The last day of our pool resurfacing consisted of polishing the PebbleTec and an acid wash. Quick and easy! The polisher looked like a weed wacker. Then they dumped gallons of acid on the surface and sprayed it off. All done! <br />
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Then they put the hose in the pool and began the long process of filling the pool back up... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bSACcSUoRQdlkbYYcqWVKHTgCWPoav9axZ08jAW6stNDSZzrJtj-Bb6GDI6DorgeX9Y7uj-vmWPHppLeu50ZUX2eZavMNlSz9bVLqXoE-tjhJQLL69W9P4AOkkj3gtpxM5O6kYSNSNw/s1600/finish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bSACcSUoRQdlkbYYcqWVKHTgCWPoav9axZ08jAW6stNDSZzrJtj-Bb6GDI6DorgeX9Y7uj-vmWPHppLeu50ZUX2eZavMNlSz9bVLqXoE-tjhJQLL69W9P4AOkkj3gtpxM5O6kYSNSNw/s1600/finish2.jpg" /></a> <br />
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...36 hours later, and our pool is ready to use!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128352154622810050.post-21204600612611291852010-11-03T21:37:00.000-07:002010-11-03T21:44:41.164-07:00Pool Resurfacing - Day 5Day five of our pool resurfacing, and it's finally time for PebbleTec! I had no idea it would be such a production! The guys first covered the pool deck and tile with plastic and taped it down. Then they tied ropes all across the pool, so they could hang their hoses over them so they wouldn't drag across the wet PebbleTec. The product came through hoses from a huge truck in front of our house. Then the guys put spikes on the bottoms of their shoes to walk across the surface and spread the PebbleTec out evenly. The color we chose is White Diamonds. And it really almost sparkles! We love that it gives the classic/retro look of white plaster, but obviously with the low maintenance, lifetime guarantee of Pebbletec. It looks beautiful! The uneven color will disappear once it drys. One more day till our pool is done!<br />
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<div class="postwhite"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/21cdzl4.jpg" /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07230327019122048748noreply@blogger.com0