tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72288195601577806002024-02-02T00:44:22.337-06:00tgdesignsnever settle. even if it is just paint.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-4044821911647922542015-08-12T14:42:00.001-05:002015-08-12T14:42:25.599-05:00Well that sucks....You might notice that all my pictures are gone. Apparently when I was locking down my stupid Google+ profile, I deleted all the pictures I'd been posting on this blog for 4 years. Insert the biggest sad face ever. I'm going to try and restore as many as I can, it might just take me a little bit. Does all this social media every just make you want to scream?!?Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-56229581119016541312015-04-10T14:17:00.001-05:002015-04-13T10:23:25.062-05:00Adding carpet to the living room: #notmyidea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, where did we leave off? Let me see, oh yes, I had just given you the run down on why I hadn't updated you with a status update of pictures. I have a tendency to get really excited about projects and then completely overwhelmed so I find something else to do with my time. But here I am, 5 months later to give you an update on where I/we am/are with the house. Today, I bring you, the living room update. </div>
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When I moved in, this was the room. At some point there had been a fire in this room so the floor was a total loss, except I didn't see it that way. I threw an area rug over it for a few months and called it good. I had plans of either painting the floor or leaving it and calling it character. The fiance had other plans*....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtY5kGQkJDaRL0GATL-2qIAtBwMoscaeCovJACKJHjhSjsk_2SxEOlWq3KniBiOgcJeiGeanzzFGuhKc_upOljeheePa7Az2jZXB504XoOA5GcMv5Hauf6v1LDz877zOapDLrBgT1J7o/s1600/upload_-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtY5kGQkJDaRL0GATL-2qIAtBwMoscaeCovJACKJHjhSjsk_2SxEOlWq3KniBiOgcJeiGeanzzFGuhKc_upOljeheePa7Az2jZXB504XoOA5GcMv5Hauf6v1LDz877zOapDLrBgT1J7o/s1600/upload_-1" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and who can really blame him...this floor was toast, literally.</td></tr>
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I received a very generous cash gift for Christmas so he decided I should spend that and some of his Christmas money on carpet for the living room. I wasn't on board at all. I wanted to spend my money on pretty things - like shoes and purses and ridiculous light fixtures and ooh, I could completely redo one kitchen wall with that money. Carpet was so so so very boring to me....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6GIgTSlDXX5Uwkh5oYPsIVqWO7HbYwnzL62rFOoMIFPCcvcVEd65wgTkjR2n0QWg7IxOcNzUExkSpby9wPXGnbr9VwzR367fEG_0JW2JuXLTsRMI-cUDEl3ayWGASQZc5WoQfBZOYUE/s1600/upload_-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6GIgTSlDXX5Uwkh5oYPsIVqWO7HbYwnzL62rFOoMIFPCcvcVEd65wgTkjR2n0QWg7IxOcNzUExkSpby9wPXGnbr9VwzR367fEG_0JW2JuXLTsRMI-cUDEl3ayWGASQZc5WoQfBZOYUE/s1600/upload_-1" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint color is Sherwin Williams Zircon. Minwax Espresso PolyShades<br />
on the trim. IKEA curtains that have been horribly hemmed with safety pins.</td></tr>
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But it was clearly necessary. There was just no saving the floor. If we sanded, we'd lose the stained design and as much as I'd like to think I'd actually redo the design, let's remember it's taken me 6 months to post on this ol blog here....<br />
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Anywho, here are some progress shots...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dev-kKA72ca7inJGCv9R0fBRyvS1IsNEXK7olWYF6xb5sCWCyvTwlbKuQXP_YIBGYtKnJKBCRObqiXedIzK8iNIGSoYWibrjVGc72NbK29NMQsf4kQ2R8EnaG0kwA5D6mryU1sOj4Tk/s1600/upload_-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dev-kKA72ca7inJGCv9R0fBRyvS1IsNEXK7olWYF6xb5sCWCyvTwlbKuQXP_YIBGYtKnJKBCRObqiXedIzK8iNIGSoYWibrjVGc72NbK29NMQsf4kQ2R8EnaG0kwA5D6mryU1sOj4Tk/s1600/upload_-1" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mqFuyy6oJT7G8VWvZ8OhigLjBbN1G81UOIo-RRMG3B5fcsLI7rh3Q5R8MFKd6JAsGl38Dn9A6f8Dg_CHKVFTQCRurYZWTY4do4NabAF0w7ZFzt-EX3tTpllpSpSFL3J9hjeGCM_I2b8/s1600/upload_-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mqFuyy6oJT7G8VWvZ8OhigLjBbN1G81UOIo-RRMG3B5fcsLI7rh3Q5R8MFKd6JAsGl38Dn9A6f8Dg_CHKVFTQCRurYZWTY4do4NabAF0w7ZFzt-EX3tTpllpSpSFL3J9hjeGCM_I2b8/s1600/upload_-1" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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And tada! The most un-epic after picture. ever. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is clearly an old picture. I did leave my tree up through the New Year though.</td></tr>
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And, an ever more un-epic before and after side by side sort of comparison.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>*and he was right. I am actually very, very happy with the decision to get carpet in the living room. It's doubling as my guest room right now so it's nice to be able to offer guests a nicer place to sleep. </i></span></span> </h4>
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Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-51988731791476643152014-11-11T16:14:00.000-06:002014-11-11T16:14:58.414-06:00Status Update - sort of like Facebook but with more picturesHey all - it's time for a quick status update on the house. It seems that this whole "doing one room at a time" things is a super slow process. I'm tempted to tear the whole house apart so I can motivate myself to actually finish something. Turns out I'm less motivated than I thought to actually get stuff done - I rather enjoy laying on the couch from 5pm-10:30pm then going to bed.<br />
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Last time I left you, it was with some tips on wallpapering. I've recently rearranged the mantel and will show you a picture soon...right after we <i>paint</i> <i>it </i>white. <i>*Sidenote - There's been an internal dilemma about the trim - I decided to not paint it white and just restain to keep the "character" and "history" of the home. But the more staining we do, the more I'm convinced that this trim, although old, is not original to this house and is some pretty rough shape. I settled on a compromise of painting the doors white and keeping the trim dark.*</i><br />
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So here's what's been happening, via unedited phone pictures so I don't bore you with wordz: </div>
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I bought these chairs on Craigslist. If you know me, you know coral is my jam. And blue and white patterned fabric runs a close second. For $60, it was hard to pass up. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MZT-LDyMQinG0w2TQVFL1yFDTeidBwOgnXi4yVbo3gU-pnb0xZ5yW2efmoLRaNGF7h7lmHJDFJo0EjODOL8cn1aVql6E9LFAvRa24KtBB_YddJWbGlXe-aLuqbK5bXoW4patiCk-QXQ/s1600/20141015_204903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MZT-LDyMQinG0w2TQVFL1yFDTeidBwOgnXi4yVbo3gU-pnb0xZ5yW2efmoLRaNGF7h7lmHJDFJo0EjODOL8cn1aVql6E9LFAvRa24KtBB_YddJWbGlXe-aLuqbK5bXoW4patiCk-QXQ/s1600/20141015_204903.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy peel and stick window coverings in the background. </td></tr>
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I mixed up a few paint options for the dining room - I'm planning on going with the one on the far right. It's super dark and moody and I think it'll totally work because this room has 3 windows and get tons of natural light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrdpCdWB7wMv1F2XQtfIADosusxNOoqHe95PYD3YXy2AusVyNOLQVzR6BKXsREw70lCHlT-0Djg3QB_Yi1vcaD9f93vJAUzJ6qWEaBcwvdH2FFLvo_mYQ5UxnvtfL90bbtwIilWlajKw/s1600/20141022_080801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrdpCdWB7wMv1F2XQtfIADosusxNOoqHe95PYD3YXy2AusVyNOLQVzR6BKXsREw70lCHlT-0Djg3QB_Yi1vcaD9f93vJAUzJ6qWEaBcwvdH2FFLvo_mYQ5UxnvtfL90bbtwIilWlajKw/s1600/20141022_080801.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got a new toilet. Perks of having a leaky tub I suppose...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1uwGxQfLYEUFqFJd-53iZFBqCOf_6Yn5PaMI1pkTjOIm4gAh4FWGDmKHryf3mYABWOTIH3W7swATEfI_ugUmzkm5UvRHXLrAEUWHE4bhSywXW7Osd4C1Maz7dgLZCAy37DJemHnqz6E/s1600/20141025_125236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1uwGxQfLYEUFqFJd-53iZFBqCOf_6Yn5PaMI1pkTjOIm4gAh4FWGDmKHryf3mYABWOTIH3W7swATEfI_ugUmzkm5UvRHXLrAEUWHE4bhSywXW7Osd4C1Maz7dgLZCAy37DJemHnqz6E/s1600/20141025_125236.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she pretty?</td></tr>
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Not so much a perk of the leaky tub? The hole in my dining room ceiling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAoA-_Rcv85owXrWUi912XWhajuAvMaK_iXE39NqtNQ5IUjSwkC-cNw-BAAu3rJAatPnLiub7Mh9Y2uz1dI2ghP0TUryxTumT8Y-46hJYM_a6pUqobIZlfbrQe-GwQH6Q92XXn6VDGO8/s1600/20141025_125258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAoA-_Rcv85owXrWUi912XWhajuAvMaK_iXE39NqtNQ5IUjSwkC-cNw-BAAu3rJAatPnLiub7Mh9Y2uz1dI2ghP0TUryxTumT8Y-46hJYM_a6pUqobIZlfbrQe-GwQH6Q92XXn6VDGO8/s1600/20141025_125258.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note to self: always put a tarp down before pulling down 102 year old plaster.</td></tr>
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I got on an 8 foot step ladder and scrapped as much of the vines off the side of the house as I could reach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BcSZwjIc2HizLlS5ofiDVfOXUUc16AILPBa7BQARkDneshbOzr0ZwOHzagPsy4hT3pvzY-XmnYneTYxmZHMmQ-_wwZNWBp1QtoM8xochHsgeXYJ-_xepxwMNHGmrrNOKsdhp-5sS89U/s1600/20141026_141628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BcSZwjIc2HizLlS5ofiDVfOXUUc16AILPBa7BQARkDneshbOzr0ZwOHzagPsy4hT3pvzY-XmnYneTYxmZHMmQ-_wwZNWBp1QtoM8xochHsgeXYJ-_xepxwMNHGmrrNOKsdhp-5sS89U/s1600/20141026_141628.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saved myself about $90 of labor but I almost killed myself.</td></tr>
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I whipped up some Halloween decorations and only had 3 Trick or Treaters - 1 of which was a friends daughter. Super sad face. But I only spent about 30 minutes on this so it wasn't a total waste of my time I suppose.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtaO8e1ntOfsgAzSJntrvvy0tCWz75ZpKO6AGkS68gSYwprMsgBn5re08AIsur3VQo8R341CSLPD784C-3eKl9FxBNWDyzuTf7LltYFq53kodGPBnqxAYfXSLEsZnxf7H5Hh42jSWISg/s1600/20141030_181605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtaO8e1ntOfsgAzSJntrvvy0tCWz75ZpKO6AGkS68gSYwprMsgBn5re08AIsur3VQo8R341CSLPD784C-3eKl9FxBNWDyzuTf7LltYFq53kodGPBnqxAYfXSLEsZnxf7H5Hh42jSWISg/s1600/20141030_181605.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing what you can do with a paper bag and some spray paint.</td></tr>
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I took a weekend trip to Forest City to see my best friend Kayla and helped her ring in her 31st birthday!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO9hrJDoXek_1qpROzNI4rt_VPrVEPE4SCRQHPV7yPkK07dorS8gElzaEFBaKS4WddwanuBsSNyb0btnrRk9YG1MW81KD7vVkEjC7bas0tJBdIXLxtizLNTfZOgSaRQkFjT6qiZGi004/s1600/20141101_202005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO9hrJDoXek_1qpROzNI4rt_VPrVEPE4SCRQHPV7yPkK07dorS8gElzaEFBaKS4WddwanuBsSNyb0btnrRk9YG1MW81KD7vVkEjC7bas0tJBdIXLxtizLNTfZOgSaRQkFjT6qiZGi004/s1600/20141101_202005.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#birthdayselfie</td></tr>
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I made lemon bars and they were delicious. I ate 2 just to make sure they were good enough to take to work and to girls night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4xJf3MKPJ_J8GiaTE5He70C6nOdFO7U1EIdyHEtNwpM75euoFG7AWxikf6_NWKWPL8HPoYOJR7OZU4dQVpK_DqpkZEVWuSjMohozgiPxP5hm1OG2KDSnfL42jsQ1kBU3-SnBs38pOd8/s1600/20141103_194450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4xJf3MKPJ_J8GiaTE5He70C6nOdFO7U1EIdyHEtNwpM75euoFG7AWxikf6_NWKWPL8HPoYOJR7OZU4dQVpK_DqpkZEVWuSjMohozgiPxP5hm1OG2KDSnfL42jsQ1kBU3-SnBs38pOd8/s1600/20141103_194450.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Perfect Brownie pan also make Perfect Lemon Bars. </td></tr>
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I got my hair french braided by my lovely friend Summer. I took it out almost immediately after.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBWBnS6KpcrgIWkdAKyOr06LQEf0WrFeU-Mt9e4V1Kr4uNUEZwu2aGfjKYjEWC1shhKOCS4V-O1tSuyp1nzETm8vQmIn1LR9XrYdWiN9OlYdokHmayetUtMTsynxmdBYTZkd59pRJVww/s1600/20141104_203346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBWBnS6KpcrgIWkdAKyOr06LQEf0WrFeU-Mt9e4V1Kr4uNUEZwu2aGfjKYjEWC1shhKOCS4V-O1tSuyp1nzETm8vQmIn1LR9XrYdWiN9OlYdokHmayetUtMTsynxmdBYTZkd59pRJVww/s1600/20141104_203346.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 going on 13. </td></tr>
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And I finally got a dinner date with these 3 hooligans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lzxv5QgJg4OuzJBlXqm6RX_wEalzR3nRkBRUhR6LV0Hvb-e6B3xGQc5_zZTL0S-oBDcQzEAeEbEkWWQUnhvrGkNBLACsu8Z-rIsQBAbexHaH78u3lr-7KwiMhtssTCMX9BT_l6A-Kqg/s1600/20141104_203405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lzxv5QgJg4OuzJBlXqm6RX_wEalzR3nRkBRUhR6LV0Hvb-e6B3xGQc5_zZTL0S-oBDcQzEAeEbEkWWQUnhvrGkNBLACsu8Z-rIsQBAbexHaH78u3lr-7KwiMhtssTCMX9BT_l6A-Kqg/s1600/20141104_203405.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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And then I made salt dough ornaments with my friend Megan and her daughter Sami. It did not go well. I salvaged these 3 stars, painted them gold and put them on my mantle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtieq6F_CJx5wg9l5qdjbfo53lvzQfUYC9X2ddn3tBSDZauaiBXj6v48fGWsCefhXbwK6fZHz5vNlSGODq-Sm3aL7odaIbFw7Zi_WwosxLo-yEDb1UTvtnUoMHExZr42vIXnUZsRHNFPw/s1600/20141105_215433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtieq6F_CJx5wg9l5qdjbfo53lvzQfUYC9X2ddn3tBSDZauaiBXj6v48fGWsCefhXbwK6fZHz5vNlSGODq-Sm3aL7odaIbFw7Zi_WwosxLo-yEDb1UTvtnUoMHExZr42vIXnUZsRHNFPw/s1600/20141105_215433.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm going to make a garland for my Christmas tree with these.</td></tr>
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And now I'm on the hunt for an inexpensive rug for the living room. Rugs USA has a ton of options and they're all on sale now. I'm contemplating this one and it's on sale for $103 plus free shipping right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdqoB82iQDkotJzOz3g8p_ZiQC4fnkfhk7BrY_APJhIErfp2t0Q265BdxGmCaXcLo2klAxcK31fddXkBpyQXlx9_m7l-DLQ4O0sqf4C3HLb2qRpJKYFw5g8mJr8RIlWUeLVdEc-whvp0/s1600/20141107_121057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdqoB82iQDkotJzOz3g8p_ZiQC4fnkfhk7BrY_APJhIErfp2t0Q265BdxGmCaXcLo2klAxcK31fddXkBpyQXlx9_m7l-DLQ4O0sqf4C3HLb2qRpJKYFw5g8mJr8RIlWUeLVdEc-whvp0/s1600/20141107_121057.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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And then I got this tea towel and box of wine as an early birthday present to myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GWXspc2nm3g1UsSWMVQOUwSkSVrWbXsE0fkQgXsx__pWGRWvEwFI_nY3mzHnHZa0-5SY6C5rL7SquDKFbUc9n2vmfHKzM0WcSNgxCLikZFKnPQgarGkUJ4u9nJ_OnbyCz5jKsAvZBiI/s1600/20141109_122006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GWXspc2nm3g1UsSWMVQOUwSkSVrWbXsE0fkQgXsx__pWGRWvEwFI_nY3mzHnHZa0-5SY6C5rL7SquDKFbUc9n2vmfHKzM0WcSNgxCLikZFKnPQgarGkUJ4u9nJ_OnbyCz5jKsAvZBiI/s1600/20141109_122006.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I already framed the towel to hang as art. </td></tr>
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Phew, that's a lot. And explains why not a lot of progress has happened at the house. I'm too busy eating, drinking and crafting I guess.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-70025815476143574822014-10-14T16:38:00.001-05:002014-10-14T16:38:58.509-05:00Wallpaper 101: You've been warned.So I tackled the wallpaper in the entry way last night. I'm hoping for one of those dramatic blogger reveals so no pictures here, whomp whomp. After I posted on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tgdesignsbytraci?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank"> my Facebook page</a> with the hashtag #donotletmefthisup, I went ahead and did just that. First piece up, got it all situated along the straight line I drew and trimmed all the edges and then I noticed it was upside down. Granted, with the pattern of the wallpaper, it probably wouldn't have been too noticeable but I noticed. And I had 33 feet to work with and I only needed about 30 of those, I could totally start over. Turns out it's not that easy. Here are a few thoughts on hanging wallpaper from yours truly :)<br />
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<b>Do not hang your first piece upside down</b>. Granted, this wallpaper doesn't appear to have an actual "way" that it should be hung, but it does. There are little grasshoppers that should not be hanging upside down. I dare you to find the damn grasshopper in the photo below... :)<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ47t7eZH-Cl7GT5rofpOvEvoSeHBrz9cst1rrOPtzO0v_2AilkjIzLy5YGKp3BS2EL1MRksiFoJbDgEg1d0DIZ3HerssIPLcU4iqXJZKwGCXgoYT39CPpDNxtbsWo76VJ-74Oj8Ljjfo/s1600/wallpaper.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ47t7eZH-Cl7GT5rofpOvEvoSeHBrz9cst1rrOPtzO0v_2AilkjIzLy5YGKp3BS2EL1MRksiFoJbDgEg1d0DIZ3HerssIPLcU4iqXJZKwGCXgoYT39CPpDNxtbsWo76VJ-74Oj8Ljjfo/s1600/wallpaper.PNG" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one would have noticed, I know. Moving on.</td></tr>
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<b>Measure 12 times, cut once.</b> I think I measured once, cut 12 times on what I thought were the easiest pieces. And always have your tape measure handy. And always have a sharp utility knife.<br />
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<b>Do not eyeball anything</b>. When you are off the 8 foot ladder, standing in the other room (and have horrible depth perception as it is), looking through a doorway, you seriously can not just say, "Oh right below this flower is where I should cut." because as you can see, <i>it'sallflowers.</i> Take the time to actually figure it out and use something other than the "put one finger here, the other here, get off the ladder, lay it on the floor, where was that spot again, oh here, cut here" method. It will not work.<br />
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<b>Maybe not start with an expensive wallpaper</b>. I've never hung wallpaper before, only destroyed it taking it down in numerous rooms. It probably would have been a good idea to start with the $1.00 roll I got at Habitat for Humanity Restore. Not the $160 roll from Anthropologie.<br />
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<b>Plan</b>. Like seriously, get your tape measure out and plan where your seams will be. I didn't do this and I should have. Why? Because I picked the worst possible wall to debut my wallpapering skills.<br />
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<b>So pick a nice flat, blank wall to practice on first</b>. Not a fireplace with 2 light fixtures, 1 giant mirror and 2 corners.<br />
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<b>And in order to avoid buying an entire roll to finish the job, piece that shit together and call it a night. </b>I took my own advice here and did just that. I was 2 rows short. Wallpaper has this thing called a "repeat" so you don't just stop one section and continue with the next. I neglected to even think about that so I cobbled about 15 pieces together to finish. From a distance you can't tell, but if you're up there changing a light bulb or inspecting my work to be an a-hole, you'll see it.<br />
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It took me 5 hours to finish the job but I am SUPER happy with it. I love how it turned out and I'm happy to have crossed it off my to-do list! As soon as my fiance (oh yea, I got engaged) gets his lawn tools out of the way - and okay, I need to hang the light fixtures back too - I'll get some pictures and get those posted!<br />
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Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-31395786396696704342014-09-30T10:29:00.000-05:002014-09-30T10:29:02.006-05:00Renovation Realities: So my contractor quit...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_xCJLCDpBRtmhmOLyfxSIUoS6Q2FyvVzFBoOpTNNFqxtlbiShJlsusuZrk4eVxIwS6W4DSmV1E1ymwJd3uANop9NvSvWvJsKjm057HcccPkPcfIn0uruacJoCglUI-npzIXPL9ycWZs/s1600/shady-contractos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_xCJLCDpBRtmhmOLyfxSIUoS6Q2FyvVzFBoOpTNNFqxtlbiShJlsusuZrk4eVxIwS6W4DSmV1E1ymwJd3uANop9NvSvWvJsKjm057HcccPkPcfIn0uruacJoCglUI-npzIXPL9ycWZs/s1600/shady-contractos.png" height="608" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.burginconstructioninc.com/8-steps-to-hiring-a-great-contractor/" target="_blank">source</a>}</td></tr>
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Sad news in the renovation realities game friends. My contractor, who has been less than stellar since the get go - what with his unresponsiveness and horrible communication skills - has finally quit on me. <i>(Pretend there are those little hand clapping emoji things here).</i><br />
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And you know what, I'm not even mad about it. And you know why? Because he sucked. Like majorly. Like I was so frustrated with him that I was ready to punch him in the face. But alas, he only showed up once to look at the work for the second time and was late because he had to stop for something to eat so I let it slide. I mean, he <i>did</i> show up. So sad when someone showing up almost when they say they will get him a pass from PunchLand.<br />
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Over the past few months he has made promises that he just didn't keep. "I'll have that quote to you on Monday." So I call on Monday, of course, he didn't answer. I went on vacation and sent him a text (because he has a hard time answering his phone) about not seeing anything coming through via email. Then I left the message with, "If you can't do this work I need to know so I can find someone else." And per his usual response time, 18 hours later, he responded that he was sorry and that he would not be able to do the work because he is too busy. I want to call him and scream and yell profanities at him.<br />
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I should have known from the very beginning. I mean, if he wasn't responsive when there wasn't work going on, what was I expecting when work was actually started??<br />
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Here's a tip - do your research!! I did not. I used a company that my Realtor had used previously and only because I needed a quote for the work prior to my closing. Turns out this idiot just threw some numbers on paper and called it a day. Which really sucks because my ENTIRE renovation financing was based on his logic and numbers. #epichomeownerfail<br />
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I'm meeting with another company on Friday that I've already met with twice. It seems promising - like the guy carries a clipboard, has a business card AND knows how to answer his phone. It's the little things people.<br />
<br />Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-19610799733760512352014-09-22T10:55:00.004-05:002014-09-22T10:55:47.338-05:00Items not mentioned in the listing....When I purchased my house, I didn't know that it came with 3 stray cats and 2 crazy cat ladies. I missed that in the listing for sure (along with the happenings of the alley that my house sits on as well). I honestly can not make this stuff up but here's the longest recap you'll ever read of a really short story.<br />
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The day I moved in, I noticed a note on my door noting that there were a few stray cats in the area and that Shelly* and her friend Carrie* were long time rescuers and were hoping to finally get these cats rescued and into good homes. I spoke to Shelly one day and she noted that one next door neighbor was an older gentleman that would leave food and water on his stoop for the cats. At some point, my front porch also became home to a food and water bowl. Prior to me moving in, there were also little shelter boxes placed next to a vent from the basement in the winter so the cats could stay warm.<br />
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Shelly stopped over to feed the cats before work, during lunch, and after work. Mind you, she lives 10 minutes away and Carrie doesn't even live in Des Moines. Carrie has been rescuing cats from the neighborhood for years, 25 cats or so, so I figured this operation was totally legit and they'd have these cats rescued in no time.<br />
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Boy was I wrong.<br />
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After coming home to this scene one night last week, I just couldn't help but laugh.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZnXwnXojaZ9Y3Vzsm7T-5xE_RqHHzOXcMJWBJvt70-I2Mk56WVjQMK1gAyYMR_iJqp1zQxTYl1T0wkRg1phZjIER31x_9SuoEpWMbxJqC-GIk8elNmM9Z5log-ZxTPsv5daXwPYJC0g/s1600/20140911_170906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZnXwnXojaZ9Y3Vzsm7T-5xE_RqHHzOXcMJWBJvt70-I2Mk56WVjQMK1gAyYMR_iJqp1zQxTYl1T0wkRg1phZjIER31x_9SuoEpWMbxJqC-GIk8elNmM9Z5log-ZxTPsv5daXwPYJC0g/s1600/20140911_170906.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px;">Cat, cardboard trap, big trap by dumpster, someone laying on the<br />ground on the other side of the dumpster. <br />And yes, I realize my dash needs cleaned. That's not the point.</td></tr>
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And then I offered up my entire front porch for their traps because I'd heard one of the cats meowing the night before. So for about 4 or 5 days, this was the scene.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyXJeHDS_RMl2xN3sdnf2xmztM3P_gJ_TeDEvlROkmBYe8tfXzjditz38ai8i6HufR0OS1VJycuh1SsR2_pyyrolOwYWacx0WzhmGmzqmHfxE0jf6xpsYx-11kWb74yrBl1zma_xGXqE/s1600/20140913_181146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyXJeHDS_RMl2xN3sdnf2xmztM3P_gJ_TeDEvlROkmBYe8tfXzjditz38ai8i6HufR0OS1VJycuh1SsR2_pyyrolOwYWacx0WzhmGmzqmHfxE0jf6xpsYx-11kWb74yrBl1zma_xGXqE/s1600/20140913_181146.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.6666669845581px;">Um yea, that cat food was INSIDE the trap but is now outside??<br />I'm thinking they didn't actually have these set to trap anything....</td></tr>
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And then I came home to this on Wednesday. Carrie had parked herself on the sidewalk in front of my house with a trap set up on the porch. This is the picture my neighbor sent me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrEh1qIX-u6B46mq9nOhyD82FmOcwBa5IcmkwnqYYDONyzoFRwhxedWtDyIokE03XNifiCt4pKyuMO5derObb4BbPq_5RjSbPWnxuKizgW69KIAC6b3sKYHGDzxldvHc9PwEAnpOb2JM/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrEh1qIX-u6B46mq9nOhyD82FmOcwBa5IcmkwnqYYDONyzoFRwhxedWtDyIokE03XNifiCt4pKyuMO5derObb4BbPq_5RjSbPWnxuKizgW69KIAC6b3sKYHGDzxldvHc9PwEAnpOb2JM/s1600/image.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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All I could think was, "Oh my god, what in the world have I gotten myself into?" Well, the neighbor that sent the photo came over and asked to speak to me alone (as I was chatting with Carrie). As soon as we got inside, my neighbor said, "That lady is crazy. She is not rescuing these cats, she's feeding them. She's been feeding them for years, they are not trying to rescue them, they want these cats to live in their natural habitat and they are not trying to find homes for them." Oh, okay. Well, I wish I had known that before I'd offered up my space.<br />
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Oddly enough, that very night, both cats were captured. I'm very suspicious of this because my neighbor has actually called the police on them many times before because she knew way more than I did. They've been trying to catch these cats for MONTHS, like before I moved in - YEARS before I moved in and then all of the sudden when the one neighbor talks to me, they are magically caught within hours of our conversation?? Sounds incredibly fishy to me. So I'll leave you with the recap from the neighbor, whose husband saw it all go down:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>Ryan actually witnessed the first cat being caught yesterday. He said that the old lady flung both arms in the air and screamed with delight! Her old male companion came running out of the car and he also had both hands in the air. Then they couldn't figure out how to take the cat home, so I believe they called Shelly and spent an hour trying to get the cat in a portable cage. After this they all hugged each other and the drama was over. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6666669845581px;"><i><br /></i></span>So the cats are gone - or at least I think they are...one of them was pregnant and I'm pretty sure I heard a meow coming from under my porch this morning....<br />
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UPDATE: I wrote this post on Thursday and as of publishing today (Monday), I can confirm that there are kittens under the porch. I'm going to try and get them out and to the Animal Rescue League. If you saw under the porch, you'd know why my trying might not be enough. It's a mess under there and full of old trim, columns, and probably a whole lot of other stuff I don't want to know about.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>*names have been changed to protect the identity of these "rescuers"</i> </span>Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-278620117267556982014-09-16T12:15:00.000-05:002014-09-16T12:15:09.647-05:00One room at a time: EntrywayI have decided to do something I have NEVER done in all my designing and decorating years. Well, I guess there are 2 things, but I'll get to the second later. But the first thing I have decided to do with this house is - gasp - only tear up ONE room at a time! Whaaa?? I know, I know, doesn't seem possible does it. I'm use to decorating in chaos and normally have 283 projects going on at once and of those, 1 or 2 actually get crossed off my to-do list. So for this new venture, this new house, I'm going to be doing things one room at a time. First up, the entry way. <div>
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<i>{Insert horrible cell phone picture here because you still don't have internet and even if you did have internet, you can't actually download real camera photos because you have an ipad}</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs6GNrq2zq5ucYPNZTWTl8o8ZULAuJXm8CB0nYyZxq6KrqX3MhMxiJ8wk1UjTLFK0uO_TaoyuCm5cqiq0jzuNsTzx6XJf-EAFOuVRR4tl65wAN6h1_z6eUqNHCGYUd8P12EZ9oH2WRXw/s1600/20140909_201728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNs6GNrq2zq5ucYPNZTWTl8o8ZULAuJXm8CB0nYyZxq6KrqX3MhMxiJ8wk1UjTLFK0uO_TaoyuCm5cqiq0jzuNsTzx6XJf-EAFOuVRR4tl65wAN6h1_z6eUqNHCGYUd8P12EZ9oH2WRXw/s1600/20140909_201728.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A</td></tr>
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I've already made some considerable changes in here - most notably is that I've completely destroyed any sort of order and it's a disaster. Second most noticeable change is that the walls are primed and ready for paint. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsn_joHuJXASyzrhPnkkXCrZRyLUdJ-o_IxJArNd6tiDV6KO_XYcgeSERTpkaaxjHKXoTe8bYkgNrj2IyvQEbmcXh_4fAJo1BMaOVIbQYAzyk_yCpQt8vmfqS2TXpUe1-D-RCx1LlcVg/s1600/20140909_222713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsn_joHuJXASyzrhPnkkXCrZRyLUdJ-o_IxJArNd6tiDV6KO_XYcgeSERTpkaaxjHKXoTe8bYkgNrj2IyvQEbmcXh_4fAJo1BMaOVIbQYAzyk_yCpQt8vmfqS2TXpUe1-D-RCx1LlcVg/s1600/20140909_222713.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It ain't pretty folks, but it's also not burgundy horribleness either.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAHicHymELia3cwOjyHD2MUkmC_iBt82rvNY8Ty0jUOqvMIIjMPP88ImBdELYN3vrUfYx8TV8YM9VXQOR2UxTOzSMMJ-zslHuyrP7wsfAm2ukhd7OgOkBdFCHvNIKPjolwVuh0vcNRvs/s1600/20140911_191111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAHicHymELia3cwOjyHD2MUkmC_iBt82rvNY8Ty0jUOqvMIIjMPP88ImBdELYN3vrUfYx8TV8YM9VXQOR2UxTOzSMMJ-zslHuyrP7wsfAm2ukhd7OgOkBdFCHvNIKPjolwVuh0vcNRvs/s1600/20140911_191111.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I <i>think </i>I know which color I'm picking. </td></tr>
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But before I pick the paint color from the samples I selected, I'm waiting for this to arrive:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52XY5QQ0tABm41ZB7aBnfzNYVrV8_9cHvUVP0nrjefCXjyRapYJpOcmUYAV-IW3sZghp2rvGGK4alfWgwQfMXC6e_oCb8xZkL4GClIgCJGSIGu1oe50ILVUoyNqyoVOI35E7n9dUhZcQ/s1600/wallpaper.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52XY5QQ0tABm41ZB7aBnfzNYVrV8_9cHvUVP0nrjefCXjyRapYJpOcmUYAV-IW3sZghp2rvGGK4alfWgwQfMXC6e_oCb8xZkL4GClIgCJGSIGu1oe50ILVUoyNqyoVOI35E7n9dUhZcQ/s1600/wallpaper.PNG" height="347" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-wallpaper/20545554.jsp#/" target="_blank">source</a>}</td></tr>
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<div>
It's a total splurge on my part - seriously, $160 (including shipping) for a roll of wallpaper. The last roll of wallpaper I bought was from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for a whopping $1.00 - and I got 2 rolls. Wallpaper is not something I normally think about hanging - in fact, I <i>removed</i> wallpaper from this room already. And now I'm going to be putting it up?? This is the second thing I'm doing that I've never done before. I've obviously lost my mind and my <a href="http://instagram.com/tiny_dangerr" target="_blank">Instagram</a> friends are all behind me too. So that's ordered and will be here Friday. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This brings me to a few other purchases I've made thus far:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHVhm-cPQ22iQ-Im5xkHXksog8hxeasw4Pbgssa-NXjAvD_ttXKjxEFG2vz0PMTvUm63K8yVxdNYKwJOAzHHduf9PZi2f-wYIGcngnNVtdnTVsmoXN03DVMrE4Me4_VrRPJWQO8PbNOg/s1600/entryway+chairs.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHVhm-cPQ22iQ-Im5xkHXksog8hxeasw4Pbgssa-NXjAvD_ttXKjxEFG2vz0PMTvUm63K8yVxdNYKwJOAzHHduf9PZi2f-wYIGcngnNVtdnTVsmoXN03DVMrE4Me4_VrRPJWQO8PbNOg/s1600/entryway+chairs.PNG" height="640" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 $10 chairs from Goodwill. They were 50% off if you took them at the time<br />of your purchase. So I texted my lovely boyfriend and he snagged them for me.<br />Of course these will get reupholstered.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc_HWpwXOaugBNFMFAH3t6FLYKKj3tpOW9Khim15BzZJvGIot4C0sutAoZeC5RHKlfBTqCieRlaDwJ03iRkf9-ZepQu-q1uHpigOOjDOMBFBdXvlZS_sX955aDlvCRyZzMr_2UFHE0x0/s1600/entryway+door.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc_HWpwXOaugBNFMFAH3t6FLYKKj3tpOW9Khim15BzZJvGIot4C0sutAoZeC5RHKlfBTqCieRlaDwJ03iRkf9-ZepQu-q1uHpigOOjDOMBFBdXvlZS_sX955aDlvCRyZzMr_2UFHE0x0/s1600/entryway+door.PNG" height="627" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass for my front door! Who knew glass was so expensive!?!? This clocked<br />in at $425 installed. I know exactly why the previous owner used plywood<br />and duct tape. </td></tr>
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<div>
And now this leads me to my next big decision - lighting. I'm keeping the original trim work (although it's getting freshened up with some new stain) and I'm keeping the original floors and may keep the sconces on the fireplace so I want a new light fixture in this space. The fixture that is in there right now is functional and pretty for 1902, it's just not my current style preference so I'd like to replace with something else. Here are my 2 options:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yCPS_f4Oi8QxAPcA3uaY4QkNyB7XtMlj86f2CdX8S9yPDeq1KjgUiM5iPD8_NYUVOGgsjYI2tzXmqCS2Uh7ZBe-Y5wT8vHcz8Ay_ZZ6bB7RRfjUI1EndR8welQ_Pwb9qW-oX_kqxCbY/s1600/Light+Fixture+-+Save.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yCPS_f4Oi8QxAPcA3uaY4QkNyB7XtMlj86f2CdX8S9yPDeq1KjgUiM5iPD8_NYUVOGgsjYI2tzXmqCS2Uh7ZBe-Y5wT8vHcz8Ay_ZZ6bB7RRfjUI1EndR8welQ_Pwb9qW-oX_kqxCbY/s1600/Light+Fixture+-+Save.PNG" height="640" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_339227-28059-CH-13_4294570300__?productId=3378902&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">source</a>}<br />Lowes - $179 and I have a 10% off coupon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqjJ0QFgLBb1yssbcEabxIQhhTyhMbYO8sBEkl3wi_NX7BcEpGDUPDZk1QBKvExISt1oElCg8B6V7JfWZrBZ4mNr6v9IdMn0KDiw5LZla_LxUkQ1QJ6mqBqU6zkA-6iYwI1paNEvUC6o/s1600/Light+Fixture+-+Splurge.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqjJ0QFgLBb1yssbcEabxIQhhTyhMbYO8sBEkl3wi_NX7BcEpGDUPDZk1QBKvExISt1oElCg8B6V7JfWZrBZ4mNr6v9IdMn0KDiw5LZla_LxUkQ1QJ6mqBqU6zkA-6iYwI1paNEvUC6o/s1600/Light+Fixture+-+Splurge.PNG" height="640" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174627068/orb-chandelier-industrial-sphere-metal?ref=shop_home_feat_2" target="_blank">source</a>}<br />Etsy - $300 (including shipping)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I LOVE the second fixture (I realize the picture isn't the best, follow the link to see a few more shots of that one) but am hesitant about spending $300 on a light fixture when I could spend $160 on something very similar. I've looked all over for DIY versions and they are doable and I haven't ruled that option out, but I do have a lot of staining, painting and reupholstering to do and I'd like this room to be done sooner rather than later. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I don't really have a set budget for this project, perhaps that's where I should start. I wouldn't count the glass for the door as this particular project, that was clearly a necessity and safety issue and I already had funds set aside to cover that cost. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What do you think, should I Save, Splurge or DIY this lighting project? </b>Or maybe you have seen something similar for a decent price? I'm open to suggestions! </div>
Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-90224755779292559732014-08-07T15:17:00.000-05:002014-08-07T15:17:45.760-05:00House Update - AppraisalPhew, buying a house is daunting. I should know this, it's practically my third time doing it but being the only one signing on the dotted line has become a tad overwhelming. I'm starting to realize that the 650 sq ft I live in right now is really not that small after all - having my laundry 2 steps from my bedroom is actually quite convenient. I'm a tad nervous about having almost 2200 sq ft (plus a basement, which I have heard you are not technically suppose to count - but add another 941 sq ft to that last number if you dare) to not only decorate - but to also clean, furnish and the most important, pay for. Between application fees, inspection fees, appraisal fees, insurance premiums, another fee to get something from the city that says they'll allow me to rebuild if the house burns down because it's less than 50 feet from the road, I'm wishing my savings account had been a bit stronger before I dove into all of this. Hate to say but my dad was right, I should have kept a better cash stash. But what's done is done, let's move on!<br />
<br />
<i>Sidenote: I've debated using actual numbers when talking about the house and I think it's important because not only will you see I'm not buying a lavishly priced home, but my goal is to keep all of my projects within an attainable budget (I won't be spending 5k on a new stove - I spent $630 on a new one actually, from the clearance and damaged section at Lowe's no less) and feel that numbers are important.</i><br />
<br />
I was anxiously awaiting the appraisal and that came back this week. Here are the numbers.<br />
<br />
$85,000 Purchase Price<br />
<span style="color: red;">$5,000</span> Credit from seller<br />
$30,000 Repair estimate for required repairs<br />
$120,000 Appraised Value<br />
<br />
The required repairs include: fix the foundation, repaint the entire exterior, repair all windows, repair the roof, replace the gutters, replace the furnace and water heater and a few other small things the city says I have to fix. My financing is through the Neighborhood Finance Corp and they provide a $10,000 forgivable loan (over a 5 year period) to use towards repairs the city deems necessary (because it's a city funded program). They also offer the option to borrow up to 95% of the appraised value so I also plan to borrow an additional $15,000 so I can finish up these large repairs that I can not (or do not) want to do myself; some things are best left to professionals<strike> that you could sue if you needed to. </strike><br />
<strike><br /></strike>
So that's where I am right now. Bleeding money and crossing my fingers this is not a sign of what is to come.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-38172742869929961402014-07-30T15:48:00.000-05:002014-07-30T15:48:21.282-05:00Follow me on Pinterest!I've created a Pinterest board titled "My old house." and have been pinning lots of ideas for my new house. Feel free to browse and let me know what you think in the comments below!<br />
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<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="http://www.pinterest.com/ihearttgdesigns/my-old-house/">Follow Traci's board My old house. on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-87033760314846499992014-07-23T10:30:00.001-05:002014-07-23T10:30:23.906-05:00Samantha's Princess BathroomI recently talked my friend Megan into painting stripes in her daughter's bathroom after she talked me into helping her redecorate the bathroom into a Princess theme. And to be honest, it was harder and easier than we had both anticipated. I've painted horizontal stripes before but this was my first go-round with vertical stripes. I must say - the green Frog tape is the way to go with stripes! You will not be disappointed with the results. Trust me, crisp, clean lines each and every time.<br />
<br />
Here's where we started:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9IZwswtAbwX3gbIFPphAFDKm2MEqct2sonyHoY8XQ_Tzzp6f6XCzAuynU5klOk8pf9IOzR_QPiQyPl2Afj-V53TxvYIIE2skanQR0G2Ts-vOFUzC7pJg8VIZV3qS_Kz9xR2fGx9_bgQ/s1600/20140720_183258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9IZwswtAbwX3gbIFPphAFDKm2MEqct2sonyHoY8XQ_Tzzp6f6XCzAuynU5klOk8pf9IOzR_QPiQyPl2Afj-V53TxvYIIE2skanQR0G2Ts-vOFUzC7pJg8VIZV3qS_Kz9xR2fGx9_bgQ/s1600/20140720_183258.jpg" height="640" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">90% of the painting job is in the prep work. Prep wisely.</td></tr>
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<strike>I'm only kidding</strike>, this is how we started:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtiZHktdwBVfljwZGaBr-h5vhK2bOeI9-ubyiTg-9VSKEGM8GU_6HBx4cP2JLLPy_EhPqhI9rKcu9kOTkNk0zItDdVhD0T-Ni2ak0dEK523XDe3M01Q7xGARdhc9FFIaWVHc_r_TLTWw/s1600/IMG_20140720_181727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtiZHktdwBVfljwZGaBr-h5vhK2bOeI9-ubyiTg-9VSKEGM8GU_6HBx4cP2JLLPy_EhPqhI9rKcu9kOTkNk0zItDdVhD0T-Ni2ak0dEK523XDe3M01Q7xGARdhc9FFIaWVHc_r_TLTWw/s1600/IMG_20140720_181727.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of tape. Use a credit card or putty knife to seal the edges of the tape. You'll thank me for that.</td></tr>
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We didn't use an exact science when measuring. The bathroom has tiles that we ended up using as a guide and we ended up doing stripes that were 2 tiles wide. And we're glad we did that - anything smaller would have been a taping nightmare. <i>Do we paint this one or not? Tape on the inside or outside of the line? Paint, no paint, paint, no paint, no paint...wait, I need to start over. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
After about 2 hours of taping and 2 beers each, we started painting. I do the detail work of cutting in and Megan rolls. We've painted enough times together to know each others strengths and she's one of the only people I can paint with and not want to take the roller out of her hand and send her away to do something else.<br />
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We removed the tape while the second coat was still wet. This is very important when painting - removing tape from dry paint can lead to also removing paint and is super frustrating. Just take my advice and remove while the paint is wet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSfBYTOY0WGyFX-lmkrmn_ZJtpUbGbG5DOA_H37h_V2QygxrNaQybbo4hzvc1XRmL5PHPVW_zh-J886Ms6jBTvlBLSacnG31QyYbs4w5Fp1nrDAMqmBGY-qzcoZiBA7xvfXguhPSUmnc/s1600/20140720_184957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSfBYTOY0WGyFX-lmkrmn_ZJtpUbGbG5DOA_H37h_V2QygxrNaQybbo4hzvc1XRmL5PHPVW_zh-J886Ms6jBTvlBLSacnG31QyYbs4w5Fp1nrDAMqmBGY-qzcoZiBA7xvfXguhPSUmnc/s1600/20140720_184957.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to work on removing beer bottles before taking pictures. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57D7rjdyWqheBhuoghO5pBQqRW35g9xLlwF8vsddfZbzuroB-4YV5N1TzCuphOowprECA27w-FYLLL1iYA-KAKUmvr1qZOeqOls6UkTIa9_2wvsoqar2oPkigX7Tw1TTK8KR39-0bUlU/s1600/20140720_194812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57D7rjdyWqheBhuoghO5pBQqRW35g9xLlwF8vsddfZbzuroB-4YV5N1TzCuphOowprECA27w-FYLLL1iYA-KAKUmvr1qZOeqOls6UkTIa9_2wvsoqar2oPkigX7Tw1TTK8KR39-0bUlU/s1600/20140720_194812.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Frog Tape for those amazingly crisp lines!</td></tr>
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The next step is also very important. You need to buy EVERYTHING PRINCESS FROM THE HOBBY LOBBY CLEARANCE AISLES, right Megan? If it was pink or princess, she bought it. I'm glad she did though because we ended up having lots to choose from. It's also very important to have a friend that can sew (ahem, me) so you can have her sew up some curtains for the space as well.<br />
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In the end, I think we have a princess bathroom that's not overly "OHMYGODI'MAPRINCESS" bathroom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua2OA8PDbI4Gg0U59TOZj1aBySCuq81B0gLnWCMNa23rHJO96C1kHvgy-TioohqBOS2uyahSgIzk5F9GU9Kw95N6PknMUFfiPOVRx6nAPoj6awQ0pf3VqGMzVfj8dT1zzqJZRdE9BEPI/s1600/IMG_5383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua2OA8PDbI4Gg0U59TOZj1aBySCuq81B0gLnWCMNa23rHJO96C1kHvgy-TioohqBOS2uyahSgIzk5F9GU9Kw95N6PknMUFfiPOVRx6nAPoj6awQ0pf3VqGMzVfj8dT1zzqJZRdE9BEPI/s1600/IMG_5383.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big giant crown over the mirror, check!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JxU6-XU86PV5ZJXXMUtFZtZ_vHX9ixMxxnft1r4E3mFsf9gvFgLc1DF2sj4VIHuP6dClOjUwyhiSN13bFucvW7tuTDOn0seFeE3l-eSYXWId9U9veEFpI7YdwzBxirWGF6m-raZ7Ny0/s1600/IMG_1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JxU6-XU86PV5ZJXXMUtFZtZ_vHX9ixMxxnft1r4E3mFsf9gvFgLc1DF2sj4VIHuP6dClOjUwyhiSN13bFucvW7tuTDOn0seFeE3l-eSYXWId9U9veEFpI7YdwzBxirWGF6m-raZ7Ny0/s1600/IMG_1914.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney princess towels and princess rules, check!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvMxUy9g-ZPd3a5rC6YRExa4lze_QFKFVjFylh3yCzipYkg0fLydhbRbDGyRG-5Lbuv2HeoKdezJR19FZT3sWaOMrbSP296tOgz_1IweDScA7wcXXQ_kgWk8EYGsB5VN2dOs3uZ3S7UA/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvMxUy9g-ZPd3a5rC6YRExa4lze_QFKFVjFylh3yCzipYkg0fLydhbRbDGyRG-5Lbuv2HeoKdezJR19FZT3sWaOMrbSP296tOgz_1IweDScA7wcXXQ_kgWk8EYGsB5VN2dOs3uZ3S7UA/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crown candle holder on toilet, check! And flower poms hanging from the ceiling, double check!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm5RnimDcmaw3riplvKX8T110IcwCkeV1ZOGnRGD7vCPVs7HlTiZ46_Q_aawTMmVXc04j5Y4_yp4hNaLPSxZVKtCm2Bkn8ez9qc4RNhfnNusvHdZQR8ppq3JsxfZS7fTbd-8INbJB-No/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm5RnimDcmaw3riplvKX8T110IcwCkeV1ZOGnRGD7vCPVs7HlTiZ46_Q_aawTMmVXc04j5Y4_yp4hNaLPSxZVKtCm2Bkn8ez9qc4RNhfnNusvHdZQR8ppq3JsxfZS7fTbd-8INbJB-No/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess, princess, S for Samantha, check!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Megan is going to record Samantha's reaction. I told her that if she doesn't like it, I was going to come over and paint the entire room white (I don't take criticism well apparently). But I'm pretty sure she's going to go nuts over this space. She's actually seen all the items but thinks that they were buying them for "Aunt" Traci and may have lost it when she couldn't use the princess towels immediately. I don't blame her, those are some pretty sweet towels!<br />
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And one more picture, because I love these flower poms - it's my favorite part of the entire room!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6JgAWD6ki6XcovOG51FTeJ3BD6XZFHS5WoAOfNEMKd54XKlC_0A0nFs562BMrpNC-tpxQCLHC4X3lZqlaayeFDH_R0XAX56x1obM6yId6FV9fWphnhh6BoJDKKXLb2HRae0jIFGAHAA/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6JgAWD6ki6XcovOG51FTeJ3BD6XZFHS5WoAOfNEMKd54XKlC_0A0nFs562BMrpNC-tpxQCLHC4X3lZqlaayeFDH_R0XAX56x1obM6yId6FV9fWphnhh6BoJDKKXLb2HRae0jIFGAHAA/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be surprised if you see these make an appearance in <a href="http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-got-boredso-i-bought-house.html" target="_blank">my new house</a>. </td></tr>
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Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-5857653085463289092014-07-17T10:26:00.001-05:002014-07-17T10:35:09.416-05:00I got bored....so I bought a house. I haven't even looked to see the last time I posted, but I know it was a long time ago. So much has happened in the past year - some good, some bad and some, well, expensive. Here's the expensive I'm talking about:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxggbNULTBq6Zq8l5tDJ9J7a1gHVlsk4RJ-F1sgP0Aivwd1ni-NE-wZwPWIKcF-vdkBVYT-bhBiY712LuEdV5co0IchyWrmWo7cYbTeaLGadVKSikGMthqwvd13WXQAP2gWbAYHdkx5uw/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxggbNULTBq6Zq8l5tDJ9J7a1gHVlsk4RJ-F1sgP0Aivwd1ni-NE-wZwPWIKcF-vdkBVYT-bhBiY712LuEdV5co0IchyWrmWo7cYbTeaLGadVKSikGMthqwvd13WXQAP2gWbAYHdkx5uw/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought a house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not talking expensive in that I can't afford it, I'm talking expensive in that it's the largest purchase I've made in the past year. But it's less expensive than my rent right now and I'm just bored without any projects to complete. And trust me, this place will give me plenty of projects.<br />
<br />
A little bit about the place: it was built in 1902 and is on the National Historic Registry (which says it was built in 1898). With it being on the National Registry, there are certain things that I can and can not do to the exterior. Their motto is "Repair before Replace" and I am all for that - except when replacing would make the home more energy efficient or is less costly. But I won't get into that now, I knew what I was getting into before I signed <strike>my life away</strike>.<br />
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My style leans towards modern, but I'll be embracing the history of this home (by not painting the trim white) but also keeping my decorating on more of the modern side (I bought magenta curtains for the living room).<br />
<br />
I close on August 29th and will begin the rehabbing process almost immediately. I'll be updating the blog with my progress and I hope you'll follow along! I'm sure my "My Opinion Monday"posts are about to get a little more interesting.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-3868658784532907102013-07-12T01:00:00.000-05:002013-07-12T01:00:00.665-05:00Oops, I did it again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93LPcmCaBJSR07KbTFjnQ3NA-NdQQhvJ3RmfE9qJU3RpuEMcZzdPW8i-8ytKcrp0MPUZWbHvp2bWDlxLUveS-0pgcAkH5AIO8E_rjqXS8EPo7QtN1GFWdYipAu3U4f-URwNp5vmgb948/s1600/pintester-movement-500-plain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93LPcmCaBJSR07KbTFjnQ3NA-NdQQhvJ3RmfE9qJU3RpuEMcZzdPW8i-8ytKcrp0MPUZWbHvp2bWDlxLUveS-0pgcAkH5AIO8E_rjqXS8EPo7QtN1GFWdYipAu3U4f-URwNp5vmgb948/s320/pintester-movement-500-plain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pintester.com/category/pintester-movement/" target="_blank">Pintester Movement</a> style though - not Britney Spears style. I think the last time I donned a slutty Catholic girl outfit was...well, never - so I guess if it were in the case of BS, I'd not be able to say I did it again. The last time I did the challenge I nailed it was <a href="http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-pintester-movement-challenge-ombre.html" target="_blank">this dresser</a>.<br />
<br />
But anyways, I'm a sucker for trying to do something better than someone else so with Sonja <i>(yes we're on a first name basis, she emailed me and all - pretty much like an autograph these days right?)</i> over at <a href="http://pintester.com/" target="_blank">Pintester</a> challenged us to do a Pin that'd she already <i>fucked up</i> (her words, not mine people), I was so on board. Until I realized the deadline was in between my 2 lavish <strike>beach</strike> Iowa lake vacations. Damn it. But, lucky for you all, I have today off and thought instead of spending it at the lake, I'd spend it Pintester style - sleeping in late, having some booze for breakfast (whipped vodka and OJ anyone??), and almost catching the house on fire. Someone pat me on the back!<br />
<br />
So, I went with the cutting a bottle fire pin. I'm not sure which tutorial she used, but they're all the same and I found the link to the first one I probably ever saw - it's <a href="http://youtu.be/yHWYjMlYH50" target="_blank">here</a> on YouTube. Now, go watch her video <a href="http://pintester.com/2013/05/cutting-glass-bottles-with-fire/" target="_blank">here</a>. You may notice some subtle differences, but the concept is the same. So I will go with that.<br />
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First up, I need a bottle. Unfortunately, all the bottles of vodka we consumed this past weekend were, well, consumed and then trashed. And the bottles I had in my house went out to the recycling bin. Oh wait, I have a bottle - functioning as a very poor vase right now. I shall use this one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2J_EhEh9zJ02qrAiJI84o6py_xLFWVZ_7zY2fInmEDfZLsl1G0xObX7SaiLui5X2aDLMI2wzHAH1o2eUG8RcRdarx59zY7wE5lznM02LfGVAcVSrT-OsDWI3_LMbC18I716Ewsw5oJM/s1600/2013-07-09+16.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2J_EhEh9zJ02qrAiJI84o6py_xLFWVZ_7zY2fInmEDfZLsl1G0xObX7SaiLui5X2aDLMI2wzHAH1o2eUG8RcRdarx59zY7wE5lznM02LfGVAcVSrT-OsDWI3_LMbC18I716Ewsw5oJM/s400/2013-07-09+16.54.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower is looking good if I might say so!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up next, yarn or cotton string. I have a craft room and then some, I should be able to find something. I found some embroidery string stuff - label says 100% cotton. Deal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BE5gz9mh7m3xD0ZLs13judjT3dAbSTZfa0GnUubipHejoui94xWWwjXe95qp5vzBNkPF1Dok9Xj7-tXpA5XY_gDLhoj6SIOYlnG07bOjLZ9d1705FAjBckU0YNogE6TGUyC9AX6fD2Q/s1600/stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BE5gz9mh7m3xD0ZLs13judjT3dAbSTZfa0GnUubipHejoui94xWWwjXe95qp5vzBNkPF1Dok9Xj7-tXpA5XY_gDLhoj6SIOYlnG07bOjLZ9d1705FAjBckU0YNogE6TGUyC9AX6fD2Q/s400/stuff.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All my ducks in a row! How can this go wrong?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And lastly, acetone. I just so happen to have some in the garage. I thought. Mineral spirits may work - it is highly flammable afterall. Pretty sure as long as the string starts on fire, this will all work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4NtZWIfKMsTliaAzxzedN2H4WHXKdrza5UuDEH1EFM8EFwfz6PdPsna73kAVUVAqQ9gt2rvj6FQ5JF5P18xcXoWFN_18-8iANb5k43v4-WgSY9k8mKnfikbpUeanB4SoD26_uopGM6Y/s1600/mineral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4NtZWIfKMsTliaAzxzedN2H4WHXKdrza5UuDEH1EFM8EFwfz6PdPsna73kAVUVAqQ9gt2rvj6FQ5JF5P18xcXoWFN_18-8iANb5k43v4-WgSY9k8mKnfikbpUeanB4SoD26_uopGM6Y/s400/mineral.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? DANGER! FLAMMABLE! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I decided to do this outside now that I'm using mineral spirits and don't feel like catching the kitchen on fire. I set up a container with some cold water and ice in it and am praying I don't catch the newly stained deck on fire.<br />
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I start with wrapping the embroidery floss around probably more times than necessary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFHFngVTGJfdcdSzVz3E5b6knPNEXi2Xr96MSlh3UO9_pypx5jtm6tQT7Acf9RgpgSnakSSYvYclc-l2PBzKRGtFc6_LtDOx5mOH5g0ZUcLDDHOPaQdhg0fFxakDm8AXFKwVreavOFZg/s1600/wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFHFngVTGJfdcdSzVz3E5b6knPNEXi2Xr96MSlh3UO9_pypx5jtm6tQT7Acf9RgpgSnakSSYvYclc-l2PBzKRGtFc6_LtDOx5mOH5g0ZUcLDDHOPaQdhg0fFxakDm8AXFKwVreavOFZg/s400/wrapped.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And the I soak that in the Mineral Spirits in a black party cup - from the Dollar Tree I'm pretty sure.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJmv8JDUMLIODEgX8OrBgfuV8PUo5YRK2bZ9GBkK5qEZNDExdbB7FsCslPsYQA884LgP_02GjZ7KIKnuwkWaCEMO42cGddH2Moaw6WHY6ngGDh2BCSGpFeHGK1nzWzsEDvnwqY0nZleA/s1600/cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJmv8JDUMLIODEgX8OrBgfuV8PUo5YRK2bZ9GBkK5qEZNDExdbB7FsCslPsYQA884LgP_02GjZ7KIKnuwkWaCEMO42cGddH2Moaw6WHY6ngGDh2BCSGpFeHGK1nzWzsEDvnwqY0nZleA/s400/cup.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, it's soaked. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I light it on fire. I will admit, this step was terrifying. When I saw that the mineral spirits were dripping down the bottle, I figured this was not going to go well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5axj7s1qtGabEX1P4oP6Dh9Y47rapKK9I_Fyd7AwKvhdHZjjApo8Cg4DbO06kkKtwUbLu33-T6CBepgbWPZjKvrhjIuFQNTDjUC9-BVub35XVAeRaYpmqjG0bK3wYL6pxYuhQVIezcE/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5axj7s1qtGabEX1P4oP6Dh9Y47rapKK9I_Fyd7AwKvhdHZjjApo8Cg4DbO06kkKtwUbLu33-T6CBepgbWPZjKvrhjIuFQNTDjUC9-BVub35XVAeRaYpmqjG0bK3wYL6pxYuhQVIezcE/s400/fire.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I was right. (This photo is UNedited. Straight out<br />
of the cell phone camera. Terrifying)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then I did was the Pintester did:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69QbtrgSazp50XZY6_Jciaknkth49D8YMgPLEzw7Sd7LrWkG5N329k_s9B5GMx1Dogtedrduq_v9OQbHQoVwX-LTLhXZRLbdcIsU4KRlMnhlUpb-bx9Vtk-YvMOkmjj4tnNr32NjJGVw/s1600/nope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69QbtrgSazp50XZY6_Jciaknkth49D8YMgPLEzw7Sd7LrWkG5N329k_s9B5GMx1Dogtedrduq_v9OQbHQoVwX-LTLhXZRLbdcIsU4KRlMnhlUpb-bx9Vtk-YvMOkmjj4tnNr32NjJGVw/s400/nope.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Threw it in the ice bath bucket and said fuck it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvtFIn2cuIRGD2-uripbuEkOOKNdVUhuoEqC7OJLIcx0psaT_zzvGCegtZYtOSOosCTOpyp0jDSuOVfIfmNwGOkOOoTn-Kc9dKS7ns7YbWwQpVr87cmt6a2A9ihzuhgypLBEFbUuAzBk/s1600/vase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvtFIn2cuIRGD2-uripbuEkOOKNdVUhuoEqC7OJLIcx0psaT_zzvGCegtZYtOSOosCTOpyp0jDSuOVfIfmNwGOkOOoTn-Kc9dKS7ns7YbWwQpVr87cmt6a2A9ihzuhgypLBEFbUuAzBk/s400/vase2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll just use it as a vase. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-44460212660863472982013-06-28T14:24:00.001-05:002013-07-01T12:27:36.898-05:00Follow me on BlogLovin'!<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6905677/?claim=evmzbuu4xz5">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-79530135686004762242013-05-30T01:00:00.000-05:002013-05-30T10:15:18.162-05:00The Pintester Movement Challenge - Ombre dresserIf you are not reading the blog <a href="http://pintester.com/" target="_blank">Pinterster</a>, you need to get over there after you read this post and check it out! I'm serious. This girl is something else. She created her blog testing pins from Pinterest and I would consider her success rate less than impressive - but she completely owns that and has made a job of attempting pins and documenting her final product. I would consider her effort super impressive considering she's done far more pins than most of us with a Pinterest account. She threw down the gauntlet and <a href="http://pintester.com/2013/05/the-pintester-movement-craft-all-the-things" target="_blank">challenged her readers</a> to get to moving and actually do something they'd actually pinned.<br />
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Challenge accepted.<br />
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<a href="http://pintester.com/2013/05/the-pintester-movement-craft-all-the-things" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1XSFTlHyydSX5U19strT_i4dsa0bWO9K3pQfJrusO6qVVMb7NLco2sQO038WIYy8rcXpNZdfGI5RYcL3EfnOG7DhG4-ow3ZkTomXoyT_e7zUDvInpGMgCc0XjWyBSce8opsaWE8Nm1U/s320/pintester-movement-500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here you can see my board called "<a href="http://pinterest.com/ihearttgdesigns/everything-gets-painted/" target="_blank">everything gets painted</a>" - and here is what I have been dying to do every since I pinned it:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fv0Wjuh-cdj0i-cs_qMOfogHqigfo3hPyPANNzSp9douhwf0JgfEyJ8ocwqVnnad2uvfckHCvj9QEomfSXJQdJ-WaECygxgsqalfVgxrz4ItvsFxLBfGml9relz49r9pH0cS0abGEXw/s1600/1O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fv0Wjuh-cdj0i-cs_qMOfogHqigfo3hPyPANNzSp9douhwf0JgfEyJ8ocwqVnnad2uvfckHCvj9QEomfSXJQdJ-WaECygxgsqalfVgxrz4ItvsFxLBfGml9relz49r9pH0cS0abGEXw/s400/1O.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2012/06/05/59754/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, it just so happens that a friend of mine, Summer, was having a little girl and had a dresser that they wanted painted. I <strike>told her I would do it if I could do</strike> suggested ombre in pinks. She was on board - her husband would take some convincing considering it was a piece from his family and rather old. But, his wife was pregnant and that's what she wanted, so that is what we did.<br />
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Here's what I started out with:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiq5RxyOsNEywkSufm_mLfq4xeOcZkKWiiPjeIjQgnUoTi29hRnYQbag0i9_dZJFPQ4Awr0XCHq9IeLWvyikYhqpLNNt-eKuF2bSYuCw4Puqb1Gq9U3ETd22DaxIQ6ymIfj0xHvv7q40/s1600/2013-05-11+08.25.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiq5RxyOsNEywkSufm_mLfq4xeOcZkKWiiPjeIjQgnUoTi29hRnYQbag0i9_dZJFPQ4Awr0XCHq9IeLWvyikYhqpLNNt-eKuF2bSYuCw4Puqb1Gq9U3ETd22DaxIQ6ymIfj0xHvv7q40/s320/2013-05-11+08.25.10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luckily, I didn't have to sand this piece. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S_pGx38Fo2n-RGFHDckmmfWj4fa6KldksfTq-me-gnhZccHrM4y7y-0c8QM9zsk0VJ9YXFXY4RV0e6OJBeAriae9cdP3v5vK_0ngKdfgKKeO5L7VeGvPIuXwpGqFrRBGJL3p0-6RGOE/s1600/2013-05-11+08.25.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S_pGx38Fo2n-RGFHDckmmfWj4fa6KldksfTq-me-gnhZccHrM4y7y-0c8QM9zsk0VJ9YXFXY4RV0e6OJBeAriae9cdP3v5vK_0ngKdfgKKeO5L7VeGvPIuXwpGqFrRBGJL3p0-6RGOE/s320/2013-05-11+08.25.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But I did use my Norwex dusting mitt to remove<br />
all the dust prior to priming. </td></tr>
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Then I taped everything off (which I feel is important if you're going to be doing any type of painting - nothing ruins a good paint job like splatters and drips):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhs60VU8KdKKrr1ilpBkF6IIKMvb5k0i3-KFkRRhRzcNSra22ga8lNEUeaZu3EcqnJNUvXmE9tZOF-5o1gFInAmuO3q-QZ0ozdF9TPMGVKBiDqLe6A87N3EWF8D4Tb1lliCY-k0V08P8/s1600/2013-05-11+09.09.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhs60VU8KdKKrr1ilpBkF6IIKMvb5k0i3-KFkRRhRzcNSra22ga8lNEUeaZu3EcqnJNUvXmE9tZOF-5o1gFInAmuO3q-QZ0ozdF9TPMGVKBiDqLe6A87N3EWF8D4Tb1lliCY-k0V08P8/s320/2013-05-11+09.09.20.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was probably the trickiest part....</td></tr>
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Then I got to working:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_4IfOgy8IxghkVdIGfF7ydmwHH_SrkoKWI2vrW0c1_LbjtrAwAD9nAexUAOxXsIkgQ-dPrgAseiMOxApJREe6evbyBl9DD7qPT31LPU-BD9v65IGS9cxoU7kZdAwVxRuINxYqlVwrDI/s1600/dressercolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_4IfOgy8IxghkVdIGfF7ydmwHH_SrkoKWI2vrW0c1_LbjtrAwAD9nAexUAOxXsIkgQ-dPrgAseiMOxApJREe6evbyBl9DD7qPT31LPU-BD9v65IGS9cxoU7kZdAwVxRuINxYqlVwrDI/s320/dressercolors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooo pretty pretty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgOUmgq82kIblfEL2C-SZqDk2jDFJi7zsvLcKvxFvZA2vVY17oIfbdazOIR5vRJT9aKh5DH4dlxJL_gAJ-BfrnINJpXOy884qFiAaqG5EwPsd0ql0FlsQwb3rKZfKZSmJNa3vq3IAfDk/s1600/2013-05-11+12.53.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgOUmgq82kIblfEL2C-SZqDk2jDFJi7zsvLcKvxFvZA2vVY17oIfbdazOIR5vRJT9aKh5DH4dlxJL_gAJ-BfrnINJpXOy884qFiAaqG5EwPsd0ql0FlsQwb3rKZfKZSmJNa3vq3IAfDk/s320/2013-05-11+12.53.08.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I did spill some pink paint in the process.<br />
Make sure you close the container before shaking. </td></tr>
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I primed everything white to begin with. I used spray primer from Sherwin Williams but I should have used a roller for the primer. This was a really old dresser that had recently been sanded down so the spray did not give me the finish I was hoping for. I used a foam roller for the entire dresser after that. The white took me a few more coats than I would have liked, but sometimes that happens. The finish of a paint job is determined by the prep work and because my prep wasn't exactly as I would have liked, it took me a few tries to get the finished product to get to my standards.<br />
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I gave it a few coats of water-based poly to protect it from what is sure to be years of use and ended with a little something like this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV78MEE5d2bL_NuXMhGC32q3SoPEnuybKnaJ8_3tVR7PHbXiLvDCkjlFkngEEDTwQCayTRNFvU5lvfIpvk7lZx2waYoKdIQ8Lg82V2nAExgXx9bQvRSG-yW8uo1avOyqE3pMMu71txys/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV78MEE5d2bL_NuXMhGC32q3SoPEnuybKnaJ8_3tVR7PHbXiLvDCkjlFkngEEDTwQCayTRNFvU5lvfIpvk7lZx2waYoKdIQ8Lg82V2nAExgXx9bQvRSG-yW8uo1avOyqE3pMMu71txys/s640/dresser.jpg" width="483" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for baby!</td></tr>
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I used sample paints from Sherwin Williams - they sells quart samples for around $6, which is a great deal considering you only get a few ounces at other stores for around the same price.<br />
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Now, if I can just get to moving on the other 112 pins I have on the "<a href="http://pinterest.com/ihearttgdesigns/projects-to-complete/" target="_blank">projects to complete</a>" board and 61 pins on the "<a href="http://pinterest.com/ihearttgdesigns/projects-for-friends/" target="_blank">projects for friends</a>" board...<br />
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<br />Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-64854458334601505052013-05-13T13:54:00.002-05:002013-05-14T11:51:26.075-05:00My Opinion Monday - Getting back to me. As you faithful 19 blog followers know, I opened an Etsy shop last November. And then I stopped blogging. And then in the name of trying to create a brand, I moved all my "My Opinion Monday" posts to another blog - myopinionmonday.blogspot.com (oh you didn't notice that...well, I did). I didn't want people to not like my stuff because sometimes my opinion isn't the nicest or with the majority or very tactfully written.<br />
<br />
Over the past 6 months I have not crafted my way to being a millionaire - or hundred-aire really - I'd like to think that I just NOW broke even (although adding up all the receipts that I've misplaced and refuse to try and find might tell me otherwise) and you know what, it's a lot of work. A lot of time. A lot of sacrifice. A lot of money. A lot of stress. And I knew it was going to be a lot of time, work and money when I went into it so blindly. But what I didn't realize is that it was going to be more of all those things than I had expected. <i>Oh you want to throw me a surprise birthday party? I need to go home after work and sew up a couple wine holders for a prize tomorrow for a show I just decided I'd be in! </i>(No joke people, I screwed up my boyfriend and friends plan of throwing me a surprise 29th birthday party this year - I felt like a total loser...and the show was the day after a Wilson Phillips concert, so you can imagine how amazing I was feeling....). Shows are a lot of work. I only did 2. Mad props to the handmakers out there that do that every weekend!<br />
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To add to the level of stress, my sewing machine took a nose dive a few weeks ago. Not a colossal one, but enough for me to know that I should stop using it. My machine is from 1975 and it's a solid piece of metal. All the parts are metal - even the foot petal is metal - and when metal parts are not oiled and maintained as they should be for 38 years, they're bound to stop at some point. I felt like that point was a few weekends ago when I was in the middle of a large order for a bride - she had ordered 7 clutches for bridesmaids. I threw out a bunch of cuss words and borrowed my lovely friend Summer's machine and finished the order. Just in the nick of time for Etsy to tell me that I was right on time shipping it; thank gawd because I don't need another stat going in the red. Stress me out.<br />
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On top of this, I have a full time job. So after my day job, I'd come home and retreat to my basement where I'd taken over all but the laundry area and do work (son). It was miserable. Well, it was fine when it was snowing out but now that the weather is finally getting nicer and the sun is out and I'm lazy on Monday and I'm playing volleyball on Tuesdays and I've got a standing date with Summer every Thursday and then it's Happy Hours on Friday...and Wednesday should be laundry night. So that left me with weekends to do work (son). Just what I wanted to do. Hole up in the basement for 7 long hours of work. eeeffffff!!<br />
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So where am I going with this? Well, when I'm at my day job and my computer shuts itself down for no reason (or because I have 100 files and screens open and haven't restarted in 19 days), I figure it's telling me it needs and break and I'll do some organizing of my desk and filing and maybe pick up some things in the main office area and tidy things up. So that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to let my sewing machine rest (and get it tuned up too). I'm going to organize some items in my craft room and make room for a bit of a man cave as the boyfriend has requested to use some of the space (I guess the entire upstairs is not enough for his lounging needs?? Who knows, it's technically his house so I feel like I need to oblige). I'm going to take a step back and figure out what I liked about doing so many orders and what I didn't like. I'm going to take an impromptu weekend trip without worrying about finishing orders on Sunday because I've procrastinated enough and need to ship something on Monday. I'm going to enjoy the weather and sit outside on our awesome deck and sip a cocktail. I might even get myself up for my 5AM workout (I have been telling myself that since February, perhaps writing it down will help).<br />
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Most importantly (as cheesy as this sounds), I'm going to get back to me. I love being creative and doing projects - I just don't know if I love doing it all the time and under certain deadlines and concerns the feedback isn't going to be what I want. Criticism gets me down and I take it so very personal and have a really hard time letting bad/rude comments/feedback go. One bad comment makes me forget that I had 20 good ones. It's just how I am. They say you have to give this business 100% and right now, I'm just not in it 100%. I want to be able to give it 100% because that's when I do my best work. I can't have a bunch of items out there with my cute little tags on them that only got 60% of me because I had other orders I had to finish at the same time. I don't to create a brand that way.<br />
<br />
So here's what you can expect of me. I'll be importing my My Opinion Monday (or MOM as I so lovingly call them - because my Mom does read them - Hi Mom!! -..and because it's the acronym) posts back into this blog - because this is who I am. I'll be posting more MOM's because that is who I am. I'll be doing a few things here and there and posting them on the blog. I'll be working on getting organized because I know that will make me less stressed. And again, just working on getting back to me.<br />
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Thanks to everyone that has supported me, "liked" my Facebook page (which I'm keeping up and will post some projects from time to time) and helped me with this venture. As Arnold once said, "I'll be back!"Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-77281839596211565992012-11-27T15:03:00.003-06:002012-11-27T15:03:45.300-06:00Check out my Etsy shop!You can now purchase any of my items via Etsy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tgdesignsbytraci">http://www.etsy.com/shop/tgdesignsbytraci</a>.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-2930392064367622902012-11-07T13:41:00.000-06:002012-11-07T13:41:14.477-06:00{Holiday 2012}Well we had a great show at the Ankeny Art Center sponsored Santa's North Pole vendor show! Here are a few of the holiday items that are either ready or can be replicated at your request!<br />
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You can contact me via my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tgdesignsbytraci, commenting on the blog post or emailing me at tgdesignsbytraci{at}gmail{.}com.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-54039372056859812502012-11-03T09:29:00.001-06:002012-11-04T13:55:37.361-06:00Find me on Facebook!<div>
Hey friends, find me on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tgdesignsbytraci">www.Facebook.com/tgdesignsbytraci</a></div>
Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-72641013010908229012012-10-08T16:25:00.000-05:002012-10-08T16:25:28.772-05:00My Opinion Monday - Runners on the left, walkers to the right...please.<div>
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I found myself saying this a few times this weekend. I mean, I did participate in 2 5k's this weekend! Okay okay, the first one was just a walk but the second one, well, Val and I went balls to the wall and ran the whole damn thing. Yeah, we're pretty proud of ourselves. We celebrated with lots of booze and fried food...and by missing our morning workout today. I'll take credit for that, I sent the "I'm not going to make it" text. Whateves, we ran 3.2 miles and to us, it was like running a full marathon. We've only been "running" - I use that word loosely, I've been tripping and falling more than running - for a few weeks now but have managed to take a whole minute off our mile time. MILE, not 3.2 MILES. This is the furthest we've run together. And like we told the boys after the race, we always finish together. Novel idea, right boys?</div>
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Anyways, so my peeve this weekend was dealing with slow ass people in the left lanes of the race. I mean, if they read the 10 page packet they would know that they should scoot themselves to the right of the path to let those that are actually trying to finish the race running pass by without having to give them elbows and want to push them down. And even if they didn't read the packet, come on people - it's common sense. Pretend you're driving on the interstate. You pass on the left and drive super slow in the right lane. That same theory applies here too. </div>
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I'm not an avid runner, but I was trying to prove to my<strike>boyfriend</strike>self that I could actually finish something and was kind of excited to see my boyfriend <strike>not show up to the finish line</strike>. I just felt like the people that gave me dirty looks for saying "excuse me" in the nicest possible way -<a href="http://www.thecolorrun.com/" target="_blank"> I was at the happiest 5k on the planet</a> - were being real assholes. I tried my best to be polite and I think I did do that. But I think the next time I plan to actually run the entire race, I'm going to get a shirt that says "If you're walking and I just had to dodge around you, move to the right." I might through a cuss word in there, people tend to respond to cursing quite well. </div>
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Anyways, here's proof that Val and I finished The Color Run:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7SJtB7dgi_Ydk5LBLsCRbS_6Yrp8SHYHxvExgbRvaBrpVfJTWjhL5MINq_pb-WP9nCxPV2ltPWjWo0nWaacOGxpHDv4LtujPgngJ2lvMgWz9OlqOAPknHZ4uiS77RSf3X-NMzLUIPsI/s1600/lightenup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7SJtB7dgi_Ydk5LBLsCRbS_6Yrp8SHYHxvExgbRvaBrpVfJTWjhL5MINq_pb-WP9nCxPV2ltPWjWo0nWaacOGxpHDv4LtujPgngJ2lvMgWz9OlqOAPknHZ4uiS77RSf3X-NMzLUIPsI/s400/lightenup.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this photo is named lightenup.jpg. Not because I need<br />to lighten up, but because I lightened the picture up. </td></tr>
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So anyways, read the pre-race packets or just use some common sense and move over if you're walking. That way I don't have to get in a big tizzy about it. </div>
Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-29294310204035950902012-10-05T09:08:00.000-05:002012-10-05T09:08:05.052-05:00Gettin' busy...<i>in the craft room people, geesh. You know my mom reads this, I have to keep it pretty G rated. </i><div>
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Look what I just received:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyNJsxaFIk1_zk-KHoRJKcK34SkfJnv6Amm8pTsCAaouqic5IG6uuJ1o1TSTEE4irShr8w_5zBUaVQ6Ipzi89ofxAuleOCbB_rdSlmpYxwcPROfClAhX58jk0EHEIznDWYNEihV01tgY/s1600/2012-10-04+11.56.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyNJsxaFIk1_zk-KHoRJKcK34SkfJnv6Amm8pTsCAaouqic5IG6uuJ1o1TSTEE4irShr8w_5zBUaVQ6Ipzi89ofxAuleOCbB_rdSlmpYxwcPROfClAhX58jk0EHEIznDWYNEihV01tgY/s640/2012-10-04+11.56.13.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll notice the quality of this picture is much better than you're use to seeing. Also, it's from<br />my new CELL phone camera!! New camera AND new phone - whoop whoop!</td></tr>
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These are about to be made into <a href="http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas stockings</a>, wreaths and pillows. Get excited!</div>
Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-64348539137669811712012-09-27T09:16:00.001-05:002012-09-27T10:40:36.624-05:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!Well, not <i>everywhere</i> you go, but most places. If you walked into my house you'd see this hanging from the mantel:<br />
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Oh, did I mention, I got a new camera. I'm learning how to use it and make my pictures look better than they did on the cell phone. Work in progress people. But anyways, you'll be seeing more of these. I grabbed some gray and cream chevron fabric too, expect to see a few of those on the 'ol blog too. and wreaths, and pillows, and whatever else I can dream up!Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-9984189013980333292012-09-24T16:09:00.000-05:002012-09-24T16:09:29.538-05:00My Opinion Monday - On raising a fish.A year ago, boyfriend and I got a fish. A beta to be exact. We named him Ron. Boyfriend liked to refer to him as "master" beta -(get it??) he's 28 folks. Anyways, we took care of Ron really well in the beginning. Changed his water regularly, (over)fed him, and had him right on the mantle so everyone could see him.<br />
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Fast forward a few months. We got rid of the rocks that were in his bowl, and the other things too. They were just gross to clean out <i>when we actually did that. And by we, I mean me. Boys don't know how to do everything you know. </i> And then he set on our desk. Which was in the back of the living room, making it harder to remember that we actually had a fish.<br />
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Then Tyler's niece discovered Ron. She always fed him when she came over and made sure he was entertained. She asked to take him out of the bowl many times to play with him. Bless her heart. Mya was the last one to feed Ron and realize he was actually alive. 2 weeks ago.<br />
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Last night after we came home from having a few drinks with some friends, I suddenly remembered we had a fish. And poor Ron. He was not floating, but he had sunk to the bottom of his poorly cleaned bowl. Tyler said he sank because he was a treasure (he'd had a few drinks). We said our good-bye's and sent him off to be with Nemo (meaning we flushed him).<br />
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So now we have 2 fish bowls (<i>because I bought him a new, smaller one a few weeks ago, put water in it and set it next to him...obviously never getting around to actually moving him over to cleaner water)</i> and some fish food leftover.<br />
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Here is the only picture we have of Ron. May he rest in peace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCX37bNU2AkKBTxpohvCi_iceaCxIA8Uh6w_e5d_U2SPhnfoOnSLOW28vgP_NVIp4wSmm51H4BXmFzuvutsJc0p3u7V00q7F5xKsEDusDlxXSy5MHRkuIIAopD4LJUn0Yig-NYJxqdcU/s1600/62019_10151222141726096_1208704379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCX37bNU2AkKBTxpohvCi_iceaCxIA8Uh6w_e5d_U2SPhnfoOnSLOW28vgP_NVIp4wSmm51H4BXmFzuvutsJc0p3u7V00q7F5xKsEDusDlxXSy5MHRkuIIAopD4LJUn0Yig-NYJxqdcU/s400/62019_10151222141726096_1208704379_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron. 9/2011-9/2012. </td></tr>
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And may we re-evaluate the whole getting married to have kids thing.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-88077523112880720642012-09-19T13:41:00.001-05:002012-09-19T13:41:50.569-05:00Happy Birthday, Mom!Someone has a birthday today...it's my mom! I won't tell you her age, but one year ago for her 60th birthday, I took her to Graceland to celebrate with the King!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjiCG9aLcwL3aBOIiY-KW2ztNpc3NPWX21NT1O-fvNmwUxYlEZ4uwbUmQxdru8WGZsc46otjyOp0uIOrJ5A04rxIxBNvRwtSLSaBv9Ce4SatDLy8Jers_efEaTQXu6famouXhrnKXGxo/s1600/meandmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjiCG9aLcwL3aBOIiY-KW2ztNpc3NPWX21NT1O-fvNmwUxYlEZ4uwbUmQxdru8WGZsc46otjyOp0uIOrJ5A04rxIxBNvRwtSLSaBv9Ce4SatDLy8Jers_efEaTQXu6famouXhrnKXGxo/s640/meandmom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made her wear a Disney princess "birthday girl" button around Beale Street. (And I can no longer fit into that vest!)</td></tr>
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Here she is with "The King" himself...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUczddpermmDgOnEJZUEne7BBBvwOm3qQKtZdyHog6krIwFaqOsom401ULfUElUxpg5wiqCesQLrZfKnrWCp-BgB_o-cq8TMp-NIixD_y1OY5Uf_wHENNsPrRhTN0CyzC24ByjbLnZyw4/s1600/momandelvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUczddpermmDgOnEJZUEne7BBBvwOm3qQKtZdyHog6krIwFaqOsom401ULfUElUxpg5wiqCesQLrZfKnrWCp-BgB_o-cq8TMp-NIixD_y1OY5Uf_wHENNsPrRhTN0CyzC24ByjbLnZyw4/s640/momandelvis.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, maybe not the <i>real</i> King, but close enough. <br />Being with the "real king" would have landed us in jail for digging up a corpse...<br />or at least kicked out of Graceland. </td></tr>
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I'd say she had a great time last year....and I did too!<br />
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Sorry we can't celebrate like this every year mom! I did manage to find a special picture for you though...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgNx_Sq6jb66wH0oeOnNBIIJc_CGFCkDHcGjm5TaDQYL59PgSij-Kq3Yh27YdMaMpGEZfRYShRwKQZ5sIaWRzu84pubbSqMsATruYi9-OPvDOGalBbkHcPTclDu9fCGBHTq8FbwhAgm4/s1600/elvis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgNx_Sq6jb66wH0oeOnNBIIJc_CGFCkDHcGjm5TaDQYL59PgSij-Kq3Yh27YdMaMpGEZfRYShRwKQZ5sIaWRzu84pubbSqMsATruYi9-OPvDOGalBbkHcPTclDu9fCGBHTq8FbwhAgm4/s400/elvis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I'm pretty sure he was singing Happy Birthday to you in this picture...</span> </i></td></tr>
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Happy Birthday, mom! Love you!<br />
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<i>I hope this makes up for the fact that I suck and didn't get your card in the mail until yesterday so you won't get it until tomorrow :) </i>Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-27788131684029773422012-09-11T09:09:00.000-05:002012-09-11T09:09:40.100-05:00My Opinion Monday - The padded sports braI should note that from the time I was in 6th grade (and on) was a very tramatic time for me (and my boobs). I was inducted into the IBTC (itty, bitty, titty committee) and called the "great plains" while my friend who was most likely only an A at the time was referred to as the "rocky mountains." In 8th grade I was dumped by a 6th grader for a girl that had a B-cup. No joke. And in high school my volleyball coach made a comment about not having my sprots bra on. I spouted off about how it was unfair that everyone knows how small chested I was just by looking at me, while we could not tell just by looking at guys what they were packing (you know, down below). I'm sure I would have been suspended indefinitely for saying that these days.<br />
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<i>mom, this is where you tell dad this blog, well, he probably doesn't want to read it. Just tell him my car is running just fine and I'll need an oil change this weekend. </i><br />
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I'm 28 years old. I haven't worn a sports bra since I was in 6th grade. I didn't need one then and I don't need one now.<br />
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Well, I didn't need one until I gained 15 lbs in a 12 month span. Besides adding some extra inches to my stomach, hips and thighs, I managed to get some extra fat where I really wanted it - in the boobies!<br />
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Unfortunately, I can not keep all this weight. I have not put on a pair of pants (that I didn't buy this summer because I couldn't fit into old ones) since last fall/winter. With the time of year quickly approaching, I'm on a mission to lose some weight and get into shape so I can look fabulous in jeans and sweaters - which seems really dumb since I'd rather look great in a swimsuit but, this is how I do. I started running a few weeks ago to get in shape for the upcoming Color Run. And that's when I noticed that my little everyday training bra was not going to cut it if I was going to get serious about working on my fitness.<br />
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So yesterday after Val and I went and got our bodies measured up (my thighs are the same size as some peoples waists), we headed out on a shopping spree of sorts to get some new gear. We needed a yoga mat, some weights and a jump rope. The first two things I picked up where a sports bra and a new top. Par for the course when Val and I are shopping.<br />
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I guess I thought all sports bras were like those from 6th grade. You know the ones - white cotton with a one inch elastic band around the bottom, give you a glorious uniboob <i>(or in my case, just letting everyone around me know that I do wear padded bras and am working with pretty much nothing in that area).</i> They are not. I picked up a nice padded sports bra that yes, does indeed make me look as though I'm rocking a decent A cup, rather than some AAA that those of 6th grade would have made me look like.<br />
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Today was our first day of this FitCamp we're attending. We had to run a mile. I wore my new sports bra and oh.my.god. Life changing. Who knew?! It's just one less area of pudge giggling around reminding me how I shouldn't have eaten the 6 crab rangoons with my Chinese takeout all those times over the past 12 months. UGH.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228819560157780600.post-3584995575992916532012-08-31T12:40:00.002-05:002012-08-31T12:40:58.697-05:00I can explain....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi all, I know that you have been missing my posts. And I can explain. See, I have been using my cell phone camera to take pictures of my projects. Well, said cell phone camera has finally bit the bullet and rather than taking a picture, just shuts my cell phone down for a restart. So I am without any way of taking pictures until I get a new phone or an actual camera. </div>
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For your reference, here is the phone I am rocking. Yes, you see the 2009 copyright under the picture? That means I've had this phone for 3+ years. It has served me well with its slide out keyboard and 3megapixel camera. I am deathly afraid of the new keyboard-less phones. I tried to use one last night to send my mom a text and somehow locked up the phone and then converted it to Spanish, all in a 3 minute time-span. It was stressful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRzH3O1GssAPgSSB69YF-gJBTdM07LP61Sai37p91vV_zyy9w-nV-Ry3a_KJD9NMU1KiuIbIxbKgRWBIfIcIMGHoFYW9F7ZS94votlYfZUSLKAE8bPRbw_crOkSpVgheDpEMJjP1iM98/s1600/lg+tritan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRzH3O1GssAPgSSB69YF-gJBTdM07LP61Sai37p91vV_zyy9w-nV-Ry3a_KJD9NMU1KiuIbIxbKgRWBIfIcIMGHoFYW9F7ZS94votlYfZUSLKAE8bPRbw_crOkSpVgheDpEMJjP1iM98/s1600/lg+tritan.jpg" /></a></div>
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Boyfriend and I are getting a cell phone plan together. I think we understand that this will be more of a commitment than a house or marriage would be. We are going with US Cellular though, and they have no contracts so maybe we can get out of it when we break up?? We shall see.<br />
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Until then, I will do my best to come back with some opinions on Mondays. The ones I want to talk about involve pictures - either me drawing them or from my phone - so I'll have to come up with something else that annoys the piss out of me. I'm sure that won't be too hard.<br />
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I'll be back...just wait and see.Traci G. http://ihearttgdesigns.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01907883559954545610noreply@blogger.com1