tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77662329023969969942024-03-13T14:22:25.533-04:00Savor the Small ThingsKristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-789442374664404202011-10-13T16:06:00.001-04:002011-10-13T16:06:15.342-04:00Feather WreathY'all. Look at this wreath. Is it not so pretty??? I was browsing the West Elm website and came across this gorgeous <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/feather-wreath-c413/?pkey=e%7Cfeather%7C57%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">feather wreath</a> and it's only $19! I know Christmas is still a solid 2+ months away, but I already can't wait to decorate for the holidays. This puppy is going to take center stage and will be hung with some pretty ribbon on the mirror over my fireplace. Who knows, I may even dress it up by pinning a little cluster of holly leaves or something on it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiEKQGDcMCA/TpdAwx8vpfI/AAAAAAAAAis/m4VbeTwLgoI/s1600/feather+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiEKQGDcMCA/TpdAwx8vpfI/AAAAAAAAAis/m4VbeTwLgoI/s320/feather+wreath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I already can't wait for this to show up on my doorstep, and I know it's going to take all I have not to hang it up now. I love that it's something I'll be able to leave up through the winter and not a decoration I have to pack away with the ornaments and stockings.<br />
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Here's some other wreaths hanging on mirrors that I think are pretty.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORBELsqH9ik/TpdCs5MxkMI/AAAAAAAAAi0/WzqlHIlXuX0/s1600/wreath+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORBELsqH9ik/TpdCs5MxkMI/AAAAAAAAAi0/WzqlHIlXuX0/s320/wreath+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/accessorizing-a-mirror/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">via</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/accessorizing-a-mirror/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">via</a></span></div>
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I kind of want to make one of the ball wreaths for the front door - I just may have to add that to my fall DIY list.<br />
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I know I'm crazy for already thinking about Christmas decorating...but seriously...I love Christmas more than I love chocolate. And that's saying a lot.<br />
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Anyone else looking forward to Christmas decorating already??<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-59349343370760530292011-10-04T11:06:00.000-04:002011-10-04T11:11:11.262-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Skillet Lasagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_7DQ9MfZzk/TosgR4CRGFI/AAAAAAAAAio/0uib3svbQE0/s1600/SFS_SkilletLasagna_article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_7DQ9MfZzk/TosgR4CRGFI/AAAAAAAAAio/0uib3svbQE0/s1600/SFS_SkilletLasagna_article.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm a lasagna nut; it's been one of my favorite foods since I was a little
girl. But a real lasagna takes so much time and effort to make! I
found a recipe for skillet lasagna and made it for the first time last
night. It was delish! I modified the <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=20856">original recipe</a> slightly, since cottage cheese scares me, so the recipe below is my slightly modified and oh-so-yummy version!<br />
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<i>Ingredients:</i> <br />
<ul>
<li> <span itemprop="name">1 lb lean ground beef</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 small onion (chopped)</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">3 Cloves Garlic (minced)</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1-1/4 cup water</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 cup tomato sauce</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 tbsp dried parsley flakes</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 tsp dried basil leaves</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 tsp dried oregano leaves</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 tsp salt</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">2-1/2 cup noodles</span><span itemprop="name"> (you can either break up lasagna noodles, or use penne like I did)</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 cup skim ricotta cheese</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name"></span><span itemprop="name">1/4 cup fat free grated Parmesan cheese</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">Dash Basil and Pepper (optional)</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">1 egg</span><span itemprop="name"> </span></li>
<li><span itemprop="name">Shredded fat free mozzarella cheese for garnish</span></li>
</ul>
<div id="ingredients">
<span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> </span> </div>
<i>Directions:</i><br />
In a large skillet, brown beef with onions and garlic. Drain. Add tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, and salt. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.<br />
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Combine ricotta and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl. Mix in the egg. Sprinkle in basil and pepper to taste.<br />
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Drop cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons onto pasta mixture. Cover and cook for 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and serve. <br />
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Number of Servings: 6<i> </i><br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-28971634883401298422011-10-03T07:30:00.000-04:002011-10-03T07:30:01.062-04:00Insert "Corn"y Joke Here<br />
Fall has definitely arrived in North Carolina and I, for one, am so glad it's here! The weather was G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S this weekend - you couldn't ask for a better first day of October! Perfect for that corn maze I was so excited about :)<br />
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Let me begin by reporting that adults were not allowed in the bounce house. Major disappointment for me...but probably for the best! <br />
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This picture looks like we were way out in the country, but the maze was actually just outside of Raleigh. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08fDaFfJAMY/Tokei37wynI/AAAAAAAAAic/3hjDpYQYeN0/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08fDaFfJAMY/Tokei37wynI/AAAAAAAAAic/3hjDpYQYeN0/s400/IMG_2374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We passed this sign in the maze (several times) and it cracked me up so I had to get a picture.<br />
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There were ten numbered spots in the maze that you were supposed to try to find...we found seven of them before
calling it a day.<br />
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Yep. That's (a lot of) corn behind us... <br />
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On the way home from the corn maze, we stopped at the pumpkin patch near the house and got some great pumpkins and gourds for fall decorating. Pictures to come this week! When we were loading the trunk with the loot, a bus pulled up and it was a bride and groom and their wedding party! They had stopped to take pictures at the pumpkin patch on the way to the reception - how fun is that for a fall wedding??<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-66925489210853850342011-09-30T07:30:00.000-04:002011-09-30T07:30:00.726-04:00WeekenderThis weekend is one of the only ones this fall where I won't be a) going to a wedding, b) going to a UNC football game or c) hosting friends in town. I'm looking forward to having a fun fall, but the weekends are going to be go-go-go!<br />
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I'm going to take advantage of this non-booked weekend and enjoy some downtime.<br />
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Saturday will of course be filled with watching some college football. LSU plays Kentucky at 12:20, and UNC is at East Carolina at 8pm.<br />
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I bought a Groupon last week for a corn maze, so we're going to do that on Saturday afternoon between football games! I did one several years back and had a good time - it's a fun fall activity, and they have other stuff to do too (hayrides, pumpkin patch etc.). The weather is supposed to cool off (finally) and be in the 60s so it will be perfect for something like this! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpSNIlKRKRA/ToSIZ0a5_MI/AAAAAAAAAiY/KjOXOhq2eBg/s1600/corn-maze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpSNIlKRKRA/ToSIZ0a5_MI/AAAAAAAAAiY/KjOXOhq2eBg/s320/corn-maze.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The best part is it was only ten bucks for two people with the Groupon!
Wait, scratch that. The best part is they have a bounce house. Please oh PLEASE let adults be allowed to
jump. That would seriously make my day. (And would probably land me in the hospital with a broken arm. But whatever.)<br />
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I also want to get my fall decorating done! There's a great pumpkin patch just down the road that has all sorts of unusual pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorating goodness, so I plan on stopping there this weekend to load up on some decor. Pictures to come next week! <br />
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Do you have anything fun planned for your weekend?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-87305742732647325172011-09-28T07:30:00.000-04:002011-09-28T07:30:04.082-04:00Scents for FallAs the days start to cool off, I'm beginning to think about fall wardrobes and accessories. While technically not an accessory, a good perfume can definitely step up your presentation a notch! My absolute favorite is Vera Wang Sheer Veil, but it's a very light scent.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NWzCVo0lb4/ToEb3-O02NI/AAAAAAAAAiM/mKcTRCCmdN4/s1600/Sheer+Veil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NWzCVo0lb4/ToEb3-O02NI/AAAAAAAAAiM/mKcTRCCmdN4/s1600/Sheer+Veil.jpg" /></a></div>
It's great for spring and summer, but I'm looking for something that's not quite as floral and fresh for the fall and winter. I always have the hardest time picking out new scents! What are your favorites for fall that I should try out?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-90753386713141984242011-09-27T07:59:00.001-04:002011-09-27T09:57:48.423-04:00Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Spice BreadOne of my favorite things about fall is the flavors! Pumpkin, in particular...simply deeeelish. <br />
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I made this Pumpkin Spice Bread over the weekend and brought a loaf to some friends we
visited in Greensboro who were kind enough to have us over to watch
football before going to a wedding Saturday night. The other loaf I kept, and let me tell you, it is some kind of good.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJhJiM19VJo/ToEx8HqftQI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/fDvS5oiH5kI/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJhJiM19VJo/ToEx8HqftQI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/fDvS5oiH5kI/s400/IMG_2368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Pumpkin Spice Bread</b><br />
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<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i></i>1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (make sure you don't accidentally pick up canned pumpkin pie mix!)</li>
<li>4 eggs</li>
<li>1/2 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li>1/2 cup applesauce (sweetened) </li>
<li>2/3 cup water</li>
<li>2 cups white sugar</li>
<li>1 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li>2 teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons salt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li>1 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon ground ginger</li>
</ul>
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<i>Directions:</i><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.
</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs,
oil, applesauce, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk
together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and
ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just
blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">
Bake for about an hour.
Loaves are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.</span></li>
</ol>
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"></span><i><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Makes (2) 8x4" or (3) 7x3" loafs - or you can make muffins instead!</span></i><br />
<i><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span></i><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4vx_0bPMCA/ToDCgfqzz3I/AAAAAAAAAiI/Cnbj81IQG4U/s1600/FabulousFallChallenge1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4vx_0bPMCA/ToDCgfqzz3I/AAAAAAAAAiI/Cnbj81IQG4U/s1600/FabulousFallChallenge1.png" /></a></div>
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I'm linking up again today to Neely and Amber's <a href="http://www.chroniclesofneely.com/2011/09/fabulous-fall-blog-challenge-day-7.html">Fabulous Fall Challenge</a>. Their
Fall Recipes topic for today fits perfectly with my Tasty Tuesday theme! <br />
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Enjoy! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-20372581469656901082011-09-26T09:20:00.000-04:002011-09-26T13:28:20.329-04:00Fall TV Lineup<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-labj_BDyS7Y/ToCxUApuETI/AAAAAAAAAiE/K9hh0y19OzE/s1600/FabulousFallChallenge1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-labj_BDyS7Y/ToCxUApuETI/AAAAAAAAAiE/K9hh0y19OzE/s1600/FabulousFallChallenge1.png" /></a></div>
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I'm linking up today to Neely and Amber's <a href="http://www.chroniclesofneely.com/2011/09/fabulous-fall-blog-challenge-day-6.html">Fabulous Fall Challenge</a>! The topic is Fall TV. I'm excited about all of the goodness that is this fall's TV lineup. I
love always having something new to watch on my DVR list! This fall
I'll be watching some old standbys and trying out some new shows as
well.<br />
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<b style="color: #674ea7;">Oldies but goodies: </b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLyJ0MZC6YY/Tn_EpPB8vYI/AAAAAAAAAhI/8Q3QKDMbZNI/s1600/Modern+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLyJ0MZC6YY/Tn_EpPB8vYI/AAAAAAAAAhI/8Q3QKDMbZNI/s320/Modern+Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Modern Family: </b>Love, love, love this show. Cam and Mitchell are my favorites, they always have me rolling on the floor laughing. Last week's (two!) season premiere episodes were no exception.<br />
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<b>Parenthood: </b>I started watching this show last season because my parents watch it (ironic, right?), and love it. I think Erika Christensen is great. She just seems <i>real</i>.<br />
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<b>New shows I'm going to try out:</b></div>
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<b>Up All Night: </b>I watched the pilot last week and thought it was a keeper. Will Arnett and Christina Applegate are hilarious together.<br />
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<b>New Girl: </b>Saw the pilot for this one too last week and decided I'll keep on watching. I think Zooey Deschanel is adorable. A lot of fluff, but hey, sometimes that's what TV is for right?<br />
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<b>Whitney: </b>Looks like it could be entertaining? <br />
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<b>Suburgatory: </b>I know, I know. It's ridiculous that I want to watch this. It premieres Wednesday so I'll make the call on whether or not it keeps a DVR spot or not after that.<br />
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What's on your fall lineup? Anything I'm missing?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-4544826396969281552011-09-25T15:39:00.002-04:002011-09-25T15:39:58.253-04:00Fall is for FootballYou know fall is underway when football season is in full swing. <br />
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My LSU Tigers played an awesome game last night against WVU - they just might earn themselves a #1 ranking after last night, but even if they stay at #2 for now, well...I suppose I can live with that.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMvKZN112a4/Tn9_r4lzFaI/AAAAAAAAAhA/j1fdF-ubydQ/s1600/LSU+WVU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMvKZN112a4/Tn9_r4lzFaI/AAAAAAAAAhA/j1fdF-ubydQ/s320/LSU+WVU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44654175/ns/sports-college_football/">Source</a></span></div>
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Unfortunately the Tar Heels didn't fare so well...they hung in there but ended up losing to GA Tech. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://eye-on-collegefootball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/32215099">Source</a></span></div>
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Who's your favorite college team to pull for?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-69127858536980524982011-09-23T09:16:00.000-04:002011-09-23T15:23:47.035-04:00Fall Reading Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I participated in a fall reading challenge a couple years back over at Callapidder Days, and thought I would participate again this year to help hold myself accountable to some the books on my to-be-read list!<br />
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Below is the list of books I'd like to read this fall - the <a href="http://callapidderdays.com/2011/09/fall-into-reading-2011-start-reading.html">challenge </a>runs September 23rd - December 21st, so I have about three months to get 'er done. I'm going to stick to what is actually reasonable for me...I could list about a hundred books I want to read (and, after clearing the shelves at a Borders going out of business sale a couple months back, I have a to-be-read stack that's about as tall as me). But, I've got lots going on this fall (trips...weddings...football games...countless DIY projects), so in the interest of having a life AND getting in some good reading, I'm keeping it manageable :) If I had a beach vacation coming up, I'd whiz through all of these in a matter of days, but sadly, sun, sand and nothing else to do just isn't on the fall agenda.<br />
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Hopefully I'll be able to make it through these, and if I find I have more time on my hands than I thought and get through them all, I will update my challenge and add more books! Be sure to check out the other participants in the challenge, it's a great way to find out some new books to add to your reading list!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Luck-Club-Amy-Tan/dp/0143038095/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316753602&sr=8-1">The Joy Luck Club / Amy Tan</a> - I've wanted to read this one for years, and finally picked it up when the local Borders store closed a few months ago. <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Water-Elephants-Novel-Sara-Gruen/dp/1565125606/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316783495&sr=1-1">Water for Elephants / Sara Gruen</a> - Will definitely have to see the movie after I finish the book!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ragamuffin-Gospel-Brennan-Manning/dp/159644133X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316753701&sr=1-1">The Ragamuffin Gospel / Brennan Manning</a> - I heard about this one from someone at my church, and it is supposed to be a great one - we're all ragamuffins and anyone who says they aren't is straight up lying.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Flower-Secret-Fan-Tie-/dp/0812982711/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316783428&sr=8-1">Snow Flower and the Secret Fan / Lisa See</a> - This is another one I've been wanting to read for years and finally got around to buying at the Borders clearance.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Played-Vintage-Crime-Black-Lizard/dp/030745455X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316753721&sr=1-1">The Girl Who Played with Fire / Stieg Larsson</a> - I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for my book club earlier this year, and want to finish the trilogy (this is the second book in the series).<br />
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As I finish the books, I'll be posting updates!<br />
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What's on your nightstand right now?<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" />Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-56234599067236589122011-09-23T00:24:00.000-04:002011-09-23T00:24:42.198-04:00SUYL: Favorite Places to ShopToday's <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2011/09/show-us-your-life-favorite-places-to.html">SUYL </a>over at Kelly's Korner is favorite places to shop. Give me a million dollars, and I'm going to want to spend it on home stuff, not clothes. But hey, I can't go around naked so a girl's gotta have some clothes too.<br />
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My job is very casual (I wore shorts and flip flops most of the summer, and I was the most dressed up person in the office on most days), which is great, but it gives me little incentive to look stellar during the week.<br />
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Ann Taylor Loft is always a go-to for me, both for work and play clothes. They have stylish clothes that aren't too trendy (let's face it, I'm not a style trendsetter), and are reasonably priced, especially if you use one of the coupons they're always offering.<br />
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I also am a fan of Target - I wore <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Women-s-Trapunto-Dress-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13563176">this </a>dress to a wedding at the beach last weekend:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Women-s-Trapunto-Dress-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13563176"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ystc8-zFU88/TnwC62LPQZI/AAAAAAAAAgs/n6fslKlc4XY/s320/Target+dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also like Gap and Old Navy (though they are hit or miss, both with finding cute stuff, as well as with quality). I like the no-button cardigans in the fall, like <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8993&vid=1&pid=871000">this </a>one from Gap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lH5-drAZxrU/TnwHKR4wh5I/AAAAAAAAAgw/I2VT3DHSCxs/s1600/Cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lH5-drAZxrU/TnwHKR4wh5I/AAAAAAAAAgw/I2VT3DHSCxs/s1600/Cardigan.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A new boutique called the Clothes Hound just opened up down the street from me; they've been online for awhile and this is their first actual store. I went in and bought a couple dresses last weekend, and am excited to wear them! Most everything in the store is under $150, and the dresses I got were about half that - isn't this one cute? (I'm not trendy enough to wear one sleeve out though...I'll have both arms covered up!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nihc9Ah08vM/TnwIzIiAPfI/AAAAAAAAAg0/bECiGcLIy4k/s1600/Glam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nihc9Ah08vM/TnwIzIiAPfI/AAAAAAAAAg0/bECiGcLIy4k/s320/Glam.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
If I'm in the market for a great classic party dress, White House Black Market never lets me down. A good pair of jeans - Nordstrom. There are some things you just can't skimp on. <br />
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Just a couple weeks ago, I stumbled on a local "designer resale boutique" and ended up finding a like-new pair of Seven jeans for fifty bucks. I've never bought any clothes from a consignment store before and always sort of turned my nose up at the thought, but this place may have me converted - they had all sorts of high-end stuff in great condition at really good prices. I'll definitely be paying them a visit again.<br />
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What about you? What are your favorite places to shop?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-33827870139414295052011-05-04T21:03:00.002-04:002011-05-04T21:06:27.661-04:00Stripe Colors Picked!I went to the paint store on Monday to get a few sample cans of paint before embarking on my downstairs <a href="http://savorthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2011/04/stripe-inspiration.html">half bathroom striping project</a>.<br />
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I am not one of those people who can just hold up a few paint chips and pick a color. I have to actually see the paint on the wall. Which means I have a plethora of paint samples in my garage (do you think I could sell these on Craigslist??). The fact that I only bought four sample cans for this room that requires two colors has to be some kind of record.<br />
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Anyway, the winners are...<br />
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<i>Benjamin Moore Cloud Nine</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODS87h10UM8/TcHukg5xiXI/AAAAAAAAAek/TUvD56Suhjc/s1600/Cloud+Nine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODS87h10UM8/TcHukg5xiXI/AAAAAAAAAek/TUvD56Suhjc/s320/Cloud+Nine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i>Benjamin Moore Seashell</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7q4nKMauU7k/TcHup68uKmI/AAAAAAAAAeo/8WZRUK7sB9s/s1600/Seashell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7q4nKMauU7k/TcHup68uKmI/AAAAAAAAAeo/8WZRUK7sB9s/s320/Seashell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
They're both in the same paint color family; Cloud Nine is a shade lighter than Seashell and I think they will complement each subtly, but nicely. Cloud Nine looks pinkish in the MyPerfectColor picture above, but it's really just a nice cream.<br />
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I've been doing some prep work tonight - I took down the mirror, towel racks and random two stick toilet paper holders (Seriously, who does that? Don't they realize this type of holder goes sideways!??) and have been working on spackling the holes and sanding down imperfections.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf2OJH6da_M/TcHw4-9wr2I/AAAAAAAAAew/sxtHkGzfCrg/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf2OJH6da_M/TcHw4-9wr2I/AAAAAAAAAew/sxtHkGzfCrg/s320/IMG_1698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'll head to the store tomorrow at lunch to buy my paint, and tomorrow night hope to get the base coat on and maybe if I'm lucky, get the stripes taped. That will definitely be the hardest part of this project!<br />
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I'm excited to get this small but important room finished!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-54511789031568761752011-05-03T09:34:00.001-04:002011-05-03T09:34:24.088-04:00Shoe BargainLast week, I was cruising Target last week looking for some inexpensive cute shoes to wear to the wedding I went to this past weekend. Sadly, I had no success on the wedding shoe search, but I did stumble across these adorable shoes on clearance for only $5.74. That's right...less than six bucks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPzxA2CgHvg/TbrRtni5rTI/AAAAAAAAAdI/qd4aGu9yBkQ/s1600/Makana+Black.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPzxA2CgHvg/TbrRtni5rTI/AAAAAAAAAdI/qd4aGu9yBkQ/s200/Makana+Black.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFUgxtc4ycI/TbrSRtkUvYI/AAAAAAAAAdc/bzVcvVxtSGs/s1600/Makana+Red.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFUgxtc4ycI/TbrSRtkUvYI/AAAAAAAAAdc/bzVcvVxtSGs/s200/Makana+Red.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fosk96qISo0/TbrTiAP65MI/AAAAAAAAAdg/YlsEp0YJE7M/s1600/Makana+Off+White.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fosk96qISo0/TbrTiAP65MI/AAAAAAAAAdg/YlsEp0YJE7M/s200/Makana+Off+White.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XHd6aHHN7c/TbrRwKHLD-I/AAAAAAAAAdM/3Fm3yDAFjDY/s1600/Makana+Blue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XHd6aHHN7c/TbrRwKHLD-I/AAAAAAAAAdM/3Fm3yDAFjDY/s200/Makana+Blue.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're still full price on <a href="http://www.target.com/Merona-Makana-Cutout-Sliver-Wedges/dp/B0045ZKCOK/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_3">Target's website</a>, but a whole pile of them were on clearance in my store.<br />
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I love the slight wedge - the hint of elevation is flattering for the legs, and they make my feet look dainty! I got a black and a cream pair (I think the cream will look great with jeans for a crisp spring look). I love the blue and red, too - and they also have yellow and pewter!<br />
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Beware...they do run a little small; I'd recommend getting a 1/2 size bigger than you normally wear.<br />
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Anyone found a good fashion bargain lately?</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-72403633336794194082011-05-02T18:34:00.000-04:002011-05-02T18:34:57.202-04:00Wedding WeekendI attended two weddings this weekend - one for British royalty, and one for my beautiful commoner friend who looked every bit the princess as Kate. I honestly had not gotten into the whole Royal Wedding hype - I didn't obsessively watch every Will and Kate special on TV, I didn't care what she wore - heck, I actually thought the wedding was on Saturday. But then, on Thursday night, some friends started exchanging e-mails about the wedding, and I began to think that it was maybe something I should pay some attention to (once I found out it was on Friday, not Saturday...).<br />
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I got up Friday morning and turned on the TV at 6am, right as Kate was getting ready to walk down the aisle (perfect timing!). And let me say...she looked beautiful. I absolutely loved her dress - I thought it was such a timeless look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYBDFl4plMY/Tb7FpnbaKeI/AAAAAAAAAeA/HGZlOqJPc-U/s1600/kate-wedding-dress_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYBDFl4plMY/Tb7FpnbaKeI/AAAAAAAAAeA/HGZlOqJPc-U/s400/kate-wedding-dress_300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
My favorite Royal Wedding moments:<br />
<ul><li>When Harry turned around before William to see Kate coming down the aisle.</li>
<li>William telling Kate she looked beautiful after she finished the loooooong walk down the aisle</li>
<li>The hymns - beautiful music choices</li>
<li>Kate saying "Oh wow" when they first stepped out of the balcony at Buckingham Palace </li>
<li>Two smooches on the balcony</li>
</ul><br />
<ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UD7AcYAbpI0/Tb7iO-eC52I/AAAAAAAAAeE/y3cjFUOA_T4/s1600/Royal-Couple-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UD7AcYAbpI0/Tb7iO-eC52I/AAAAAAAAAeE/y3cjFUOA_T4/s400/Royal-Couple-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I went down to Charlotte this weekend to see my beautiful friend, Day, get married. What an amazing weekend! Day and I have been friends since middle school. A handful of my closest friends from growing up were at the wedding and it was so fun to all be together again since we're now scattered across three states. This is a picture of two of my amazing friends before leaving for the wedding. It felt like prom, all of us getting dressed up and having one of our parents take pictures! One of our other friends, Leigh, was a bridesmaid, so I got to be her boyfriend's date to the ceremony, ha!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxjmCKi1llw/Tb7kbVGYPJI/AAAAAAAAAeU/5YOspc6LLzU/s1600/Days+Wedding+Girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxjmCKi1llw/Tb7kbVGYPJI/AAAAAAAAAeU/5YOspc6LLzU/s400/Days+Wedding+Girls.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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Day was a stunning bride - absolutely radiant. She was smiling so big during the ceremony that she could barely get the words out. I was an idiot and didn't take any pictures at the actual wedding, but I did get one of all of us with the bride at the rehearsal reception on Friday night. I love these girls so much!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QaDsdvtR1A/Tb8u2UiIHkI/AAAAAAAAAeY/DIfkriSleFg/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QaDsdvtR1A/Tb8u2UiIHkI/AAAAAAAAAeY/DIfkriSleFg/s400/IMG_1663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<ul></ul><br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-55151314354132276042011-04-28T23:52:00.000-04:002011-05-02T14:20:56.012-04:00(Fern)tasticSince the day I moved in, my mom has been eyeing the fake hanging plants on my front porch that the old owners didn't take with them (I wonder why?) Quite honestly, while I did agree that they were rather ugly and also hung way too high, it didn't bother me all that much. I mean...I've lived here almost four months and just now have gotten around to taking them down and replacing them with something a bit more aesthetically pleasing.<br />
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I scooted over to Lowe's today at lunch and picked up a couple of Boston Ferns for $9.97 a pop. I spy a curious kitty inspecting the new greens...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eKkn5_Og9uU/TbotPXaAdnI/AAAAAAAAAc8/GmM0Gdjtbwc/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eKkn5_Og9uU/TbotPXaAdnI/AAAAAAAAAc8/GmM0Gdjtbwc/s400/IMG_1643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I did a quick dismantle of the old baskets and chucked the fakes in the trash. Thankfully, the hooks already installed were heavy-duty enough to hold my ferns, so that made things easy. I did take off the S-hook and chains from the old hanging baskets to use to attach to hooks on my plants, which makes them hang at an appropriate length. I hung them up, did a little trimming and fluffing, and I was done! <br />
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<b>Before:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebWuqhnepzQ/TborpeiJh-I/AAAAAAAAAcw/92miN8uk9kQ/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebWuqhnepzQ/TborpeiJh-I/AAAAAAAAAcw/92miN8uk9kQ/s400/IMG_1640.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>After:</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtd5v1kMo6I/TboxxTSwHxI/AAAAAAAAAdE/a4R5g4FRp4c/s1600/Ferns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtd5v1kMo6I/TboxxTSwHxI/AAAAAAAAAdE/a4R5g4FRp4c/s400/Ferns.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><br />
<b>Before:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvlE6p6_iyo/TboseXxX1_I/AAAAAAAAAc4/j97yooPD14Y/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvlE6p6_iyo/TboseXxX1_I/AAAAAAAAAc4/j97yooPD14Y/s400/IMG_1642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b>After: </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b61njjZY1zk/TbouxhCdHnI/AAAAAAAAAdA/uknDZQcVpk0/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b61njjZY1zk/TbouxhCdHnI/AAAAAAAAAdA/uknDZQcVpk0/s400/IMG_1654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Mom will be happy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-27662524424200019162011-04-27T20:42:00.000-04:002011-05-02T14:21:01.560-04:00The Walls...Came Tumbling DownWell, not the walls, technically. It was actually the ceilings. But Def Leppard sang about walls tumbling down, so that's what I'm going with. When I was house-hunting, I had only one major criteria that had to be met: NO POPCORN CEILINGS. I hate them. They are my nemesis. I know they don't offend <strike>some </strike>most people, but for me, they are just u-g-l-y and icky and date a house. But guess what. I went and bought a house that had popcorn ceilings. And they had. to. come. down. Unfortunately, I don't have a great before photo. Bad blogger, I know. But just imagine a ceiling looking more pimply than a thirteen year old boy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
For anyone who has ever tackled popcorn ceiling removal, you know it is one of the messiest projects on the planet. If you haven't tackled it, allow me to tell you. <i>It is one of the messiest projects on the planet. </i>Because of this, it's something that is much easier to do when there is no furniture in a room than when all of your stuff is settled. So, being that I was moving into a new (to me) house, I had a small window of time in which I could go crazy and make a mess without having to worry about my belongings getting dirty.<br />
<br />
If you're not familiar with how popcorn ceilings are removed, it goes a little something like this:<br />
<ul><li>Wet the entire ceiling. Not delicately dampen it. Soak it.</li>
<li>Using a scraper, gently scrape the gooey wet texture off the ceiling. It should come off in sheets as you scrape against the sheet rock.</li>
<li>Find out there are all kinds of imperfections in the ceiling sheet rock that need to be spackled smooth.</li>
<li>Spackle. Let dry.</li>
<li>Sand. Sand. Sand. Create the biggest dust storm imaginable. In your house. (Wear a mask!) - Note: if your house was built in the 1970s or earlier, have a sample tested for asbestos before you start bringing down the ceilings.</li>
<li>Prime. Paint. </li>
<li>Bask in the glory of smooth ceilings.</li>
</ul> After forking out a lot of dough at closing, the last thing I wanted to do was spend another small fortune on getting popcorn ceilings removed. But remember, I loathe them. With every fiber of my being. They absolutely had to go - there was no way I could live there with those ceilings hanging over my head.<br />
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The day after I closed, I had a couple of companies come out to give me quotes (a lot of painting companies do popcorn / textured ceiling removal). I nearly had a heart attack at the estimates they gave me. Then I had about an hour of insanity where I thought, I can do this! It's not that hard! Aaaaand then I came to my senses. I decided if I wanted it done before I moved in, I had to pay someone to do it. It's do-able as a DIY project, but not with my timelines. I went with a company who had a lot of experience doing the removal (you want to make sure you work with a good company, because you really don't know what you're going to find under the popcorn and you want to make sure they will know what to do, no matter what they find hiding underneath the texture.)<br />
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Here's a poor quality shot that I snapped with my phone one night after the workers had left for the day and I was checking out the progress. You can see that the ceilings are down and the sheet rock and joint tape are exposed. Excuse the freaky shadows cast by the ceiling fan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrViolgDjxg/Tbh8PvmxuVI/AAAAAAAAAcc/f30KAP2zclo/s1600/IMG_20101230_194734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrViolgDjxg/Tbh8PvmxuVI/AAAAAAAAAcc/f30KAP2zclo/s400/IMG_20101230_194734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Even with a team of professionals, it still took about three and a half days to get everything done. It was the biggest mess imaginable - it looked like a crime scene. There was plastic covering all of the floors and walls, and I am STILL (three months later) cleaning up dust. Being a DIY girl, I really hated to pay someone to do a project that I theoretically could do. But in reality, it just wasn't something I could get done with my timelines. So I paid a pretty penny. But it was worth it. Sooooooo worth it. Look at these beauties (this is the tray ceiling in the master bedroom - you're looking at four separate ceiling surfaces in this picture).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z75Lfzy3Gfc/Tbisl9UKmiI/AAAAAAAAAck/zCzLhEywTzw/s1600/IMG_20110427_173549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z75Lfzy3Gfc/Tbisl9UKmiI/AAAAAAAAAck/zCzLhEywTzw/s400/IMG_20110427_173549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I could lick them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-49630443779080569862011-04-25T12:59:00.000-04:002011-04-25T12:59:17.168-04:00Stripe InspirationI've been contemplating what I want to do with my downstairs half-bath. It's so drab and builder-blah right now. I don't even have a good picture, but imagine basic white walls, boring fixtures, and a standard unframed mirror above the pedestal sink.<br />
<br />
Lately I've been loving the stripes look:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihjsE73N-X0/TbWkfW3hZtI/AAAAAAAAAb0/w1w40IWBsSo/s1600/Stripes+2+-+YHL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihjsE73N-X0/TbWkfW3hZtI/AAAAAAAAAb0/w1w40IWBsSo/s400/Stripes+2+-+YHL.jpg" width="292" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/06/walking-the-line/">Young House Love</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SfaHxFX0-I/TbWkDyYa06I/AAAAAAAAAbw/iOqnNt3gMi4/s1600/Stripes+1+-+Apartment+Therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SfaHxFX0-I/TbWkDyYa06I/AAAAAAAAAbw/iOqnNt3gMi4/s400/Stripes+1+-+Apartment+Therapy.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/stripes-in-the-bathroom-099913">Apartment Therapy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think if I decide to do stripes, I'll do a cream-on-cream, kind of like the Young House Love pic above. Subtle, but gorgeous. Maybe I'll get some paint samples this week...</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-67140498904844787452011-04-24T11:46:00.000-04:002011-04-24T11:46:18.482-04:00The Great Exchange<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mwBJwdl_NA/TbREoFUpuvI/AAAAAAAAAZc/gqtcEeHWL-A/s1600/Cross%252520At%252520Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mwBJwdl_NA/TbREoFUpuvI/AAAAAAAAAZc/gqtcEeHWL-A/s320/Cross%252520At%252520Sunrise.jpg" width="292" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">My sin. His holiness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">My sorrow. His joy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My works. His grace.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My shame. His glory.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My wounds. His scars.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My selfishness. His kindness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My pride. His humility.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My self-righteousness. His gift of righteousness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My rebellion. His obedience.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My clenched fist. His open hand.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My wandering. His seeking.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My running. His pursuit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My failed attempts. His finished work.<br />
My brokenness. His healing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">His death.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His resurrection.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My eternity.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Borrowed from <a href="http://dannyfranks.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/the-great-exchange/">here</a>.</div><br />
He is Risen! Happy Easter!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0pt; border-left: 0pt; border-right: 0pt; border-top: 0pt;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-69325612194727644452011-04-22T14:30:00.001-04:002011-04-22T14:32:06.295-04:00Happy Earth Day!I will be the first to say, I am not as "green" as I should be. It's something I'd like to work on though. Don't tell anyone, but I didn't even recycle when I lived in my apartment. Since I've moved into my house, I have started recycling, which at least is a small step. Having a bin in my garage makes it easy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4OuQGUWaGs/TbHHuIikgOI/AAAAAAAAAZY/jhn4YdR5unM/s1600/recycling-bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4OuQGUWaGs/TbHHuIikgOI/AAAAAAAAAZY/jhn4YdR5unM/s400/recycling-bin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One product I do use, which I love because they're not only eco-friendly, but stylish too, are these cute reusable shopping bags called <a href="http://www.hotsacks.ca/">hotSACKS</a>. I sometimes get funny questions from the cashiers and baggers about the "hotSACKS" name, but everyone seems to think they're fun. Way better than the boring ones you can buy at the grocery store!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGCiUsOAfF0/TbHDcYV5SjI/AAAAAAAAAZU/jwFjLui47ps/s1600/Hotsacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGCiUsOAfF0/TbHDcYV5SjI/AAAAAAAAAZU/jwFjLui47ps/s400/Hotsacks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Something I'd like to look into is a rain barrel, now that I have a house and a yard. I'd love to start a little vegetable garden, and am wanting to do some flowers in the front yard. A rain barrel would be great for watering! Young House Love did a <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/04/a-barrel-of-earth-day-fun/">post today on rain barrels</a>, and it has inspired me!<br />
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Happy Earth Day! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-1730240120964454862011-04-21T16:30:00.001-04:002011-04-21T23:08:14.440-04:00House TourIt's time for a little house tour! All of these pictures were taken before I moved in, when the house was empty except for a few hideous staging pieces (we actually had to call the seller's agent on closing day when we did the walk-thru to tell them to come get their junk out of the house...they had completely forgotten about it!). I've already made lots of changes, which I'll share piece by piece in further posts.<br />
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On with the tour! <br />
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Here's the front door and little porch. Don't you love the fake-leaf wreath with a random ribbon hanging on it they had on the door, as well as the fake hanging and potted plants? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuB7LRdTbrg/TbCHNEGU4FI/AAAAAAAAAY8/gyQYmdhkJ50/s1600/Shallcross1+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuB7LRdTbrg/TbCHNEGU4FI/AAAAAAAAAY8/gyQYmdhkJ50/s400/Shallcross1+078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The front door opens into the living room. This was somewhere that I had to make a little compromise - I wanted a true entryway / foyer, but some things you just have to let go. I've been able to sort of section off the living room area with furniture, so there is at least a defined entry space. Pictures to come :) The living room runs across the front of the house. I love how much light this room gets during the day. Note: the walls are no longer green!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6wuILe4Weo/TbCHKSxnZAI/AAAAAAAAAYA/XE5aGXTrFJA/s1600/Shallcross1+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6wuILe4Weo/TbCHKSxnZAI/AAAAAAAAAYA/XE5aGXTrFJA/s400/Shallcross1+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Behind the living room, along the back of the house is the kitchen and dining room. It's not a formal dining room, but it's a little more than an eat-in kitchen. The kitchen is a little smaller than I'd have ideally liked, but it's plenty sufficient, and it's open so doesn't feel too small. (And again...the mustard yellow is already gone, and those "accent pieces" are all (awful) staging items.) The whole downstairs is hardwood, which I love!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZjvJdNaJwY/TbCHKc5AxsI/AAAAAAAAAX8/yVLhi4vGTPA/s1600/Shallcross1+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZjvJdNaJwY/TbCHKc5AxsI/AAAAAAAAAX8/yVLhi4vGTPA/s400/Shallcross1+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Next to the kitchen is the dining "room", which also connects to the living room. There's a sliding glass door that leads out onto the deck. Don't be too jealous of those gorgeous curtains I inherited. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwedjNlEQOM/TbCHKddo-YI/AAAAAAAAAYE/pcflfrOUa1g/s1600/Shallcross1+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwedjNlEQOM/TbCHKddo-YI/AAAAAAAAAYE/pcflfrOUa1g/s400/Shallcross1+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jjjhZzCOxg/TbCL5Xwv2lI/AAAAAAAAAZM/l0SbA1VDmO8/s1600/Shallcross1+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jjjhZzCOxg/TbCL5Xwv2lI/AAAAAAAAAZM/l0SbA1VDmO8/s400/Shallcross1+012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Off behind the kitchen is the pantry, powder room and laundry room. I'm excited to have an actual laundry room, and not just a dinky closet! I've got big plans for updates to that space.<br />
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The laundry room opens out to the two-car garage. The previous owners put random shelves, hooks and odd posters all over the place in the garage! So strange.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IU1K2-LLrVc/TbCHLA0gqgI/AAAAAAAAAYI/JUFRpWyWoaY/s1600/Shallcross1+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IU1K2-LLrVc/TbCHLA0gqgI/AAAAAAAAAYI/JUFRpWyWoaY/s400/Shallcross1+032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now...up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, there's a split. To the right is the bonus room. Right now, this room is the place where all of the odds and ends that haven't found their home currently live. There's no furniture in there. It's also where the kitties do their biz-ness, so it's out of the way. The plan for this room is to make it a space where I can do all sorts of fun DIY projects. I want to get a big table in there so I can have a good work space. Maybe getting this room done will inspire me to break out the sewing machine I just had to have for Christmas two years ago, but have never used.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd-RSRJ7Cms/TbCHLWnf4aI/AAAAAAAAAYc/jKPOED-C6qs/s1600/Shallcross1+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd-RSRJ7Cms/TbCHLWnf4aI/AAAAAAAAAYc/jKPOED-C6qs/s400/Shallcross1+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
At the top of the stairs to the left are the bedrooms. Out of the three bedrooms, two have gotten paint makeovers already, the one that I'm using as a guest room and the one that I'm using as an office / library. The master bedroom is below, and it will be getting a color makeover in the very near future. I love the tray ceiling! It looks out over the backyard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwsHrN_RbRE/TbCHMFwcvhI/AAAAAAAAAYk/gqxFkWlfOmU/s1600/Shallcross1+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwsHrN_RbRE/TbCHMFwcvhI/AAAAAAAAAYk/gqxFkWlfOmU/s400/Shallcross1+054.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
And the master bath with walk-in closet, double vanity, and a separate tub / shower...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8_APXdKkfA/TbCHMIq_kLI/AAAAAAAAAYs/6ECAbq0cek4/s1600/Shallcross1+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8_APXdKkfA/TbCHMIq_kLI/AAAAAAAAAYs/6ECAbq0cek4/s400/Shallcross1+056.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The other two bedrooms (i.e. guest room / office) aren't too exciting pre move-in and look pretty much the same - although the guest room does have a lovely pastel child's fan :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfW0hlwWGa8/TbCHLYp9ztI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/0zzi5UQ_yIg/s1600/Shallcross1+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfW0hlwWGa8/TbCHLYp9ztI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/0zzi5UQ_yIg/s400/Shallcross1+043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There's a bathroom for the two extra bedrooms to share, and a linen closet in the hallway.<br />
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Here's a (not so great) shot of the backyard - it's not huge, but that's fine with me, because the lawn service = ME. Before I moved in, I'd never used a lawn mower in my life (that's was a brother chore!). Thankfully, my sweet dad gave me his old lawn mower, which is still in great shape, since after my brother went to college, he decided it was time for a lawn service and hasn't used the lawn mower since! I have a small deck, and one day would love to build out some sort of patio behind the house, so there's more space for entertaining. I've already done a bit of work in the back clearing out some of the brush in the island, but it's an area where there's still a lot of work to do (again...the random furniture and accents were 'staging' pieces).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg6ystXWEkc/TbCHLPi0cpI/AAAAAAAAAYM/CBUu6nLTapw/s1600/Shallcross1+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg6ystXWEkc/TbCHLPi0cpI/AAAAAAAAAYM/CBUu6nLTapw/s400/Shallcross1+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2YUbksVwWA/TbCL5tYmzxI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/c3_IJDZ2fgc/s1600/Shallcross1+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2YUbksVwWA/TbCL5tYmzxI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/c3_IJDZ2fgc/s400/Shallcross1+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And last but not least, one more shot of the front. You can see I'll have my hands full here too with the landscaping on the front of the house, which needs some work and pretty colors! Ick.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zSZ-hh14Oi4/TbCHM2q7Y0I/AAAAAAAAAY4/psPzMM7D_sA/s1600/Shallcross1+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zSZ-hh14Oi4/TbCHM2q7Y0I/AAAAAAAAAY4/psPzMM7D_sA/s400/Shallcross1+076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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That's it for the pre-move-in house tour! I'll be doing individual posts for each room, so you can see everything I've done so far. <br />
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It's almost Friday...yay!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-25862972906133638022011-04-19T21:55:00.002-04:002011-04-21T23:08:06.363-04:00Home Sweet Home!<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHKgnuEv84U/Ta41zhWJ5EI/AAAAAAAAAXY/PHRSoZi4wqM/s1600/D.C+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHKgnuEv84U/Ta41zhWJ5EI/AAAAAAAAAXY/PHRSoZi4wqM/s400/D.C+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I finally finished the house search! On December 28<sup>th</sup>, I closed on my very first house, and I moved in on January 6<sup>th</sup>! After seven long months of looking (I started the house hunt way back in March 2010: see <a href="http://savorthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2010/03/house-hunt-is-on.html">this post</a>), I found a place in Raleigh in October and put in an offer. After a long weekend of going back and forth with the sellers (who didn’t speak much English, and had already moved to California at the time they put the house on the market), the house was mine! I love it. I <i>hated </i>house hunting, but the search was so worth it.<br />
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The house was in the same neighborhood as another house that I had looked at earlier in my search. I really liked the neighborhood when I first saw it, but for various reasons didn't love the other house. So, I was keeping my eyes open for other listings in the neighborhood. I initially overlooked this house because it was listed as a 4BR. Um, hello...it's just me. I don't need four bedrooms (do I even need three?)! One day, I was talking to a co-worker about it and he said, "So...you're telling me there's a house you like, in a neighborhood you like, that is within your price range, and you're not going to consider it because it has TOO MANY BEDROOMS????" With my tail between my legs, I made an appointment with my (very patient) realtor to take a look, and ended up deciding that it was the one. At this point in the search, I honestly was so over the house hunt that it was almost a "yeah...whatever, sure, this one will do". Not to say that I didn't love it, but I got my heart crushed over another house that I let myself fall in love with, only to have it snatched out from under me by a sneaky buyer during the negotiation process. Ever since that incident, I told myself that I absolutely would not let myself get emotionally attached to another house until AFTER I was under contract. So, I didn't! (But now, I'm attached!)<br />
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For the record - when we went and looked at the house (well, really when I just took a closer look at the listing), I realized that it wasn't <i>really a </i>four bedroom house...it was three bedrooms plus a bonus room, which they could technically count as a bedroom since it has a closet. For most buyers, a fourth bedroom is a positive, but for me, it was a negative since four bedrooms is WAY more than I need. Even though it has three bedrooms and a bonus room, it's not huge - right around 1700 sq ft., which is perfect for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'll do another post this week with a pictures of the inside. Lots of changes have already happened, so I’m excited to share those DIY projects! Let me just say…I have been a painting FOOL. I’ve painted the living room, dining room, kitchen, guest room and office already – all. by. myself. And before you go thinking I have no friends or family who will help me, know that’s not the case! I am just SUPER anal about painting and would prefer to do it myself, so any imperfections are my fault. How snotty, I know. But if I mess up (which…I’ve definitely had some oopsies), I know it’s all me and I can’t blame anyone but myself. And, I actually <i>enjoy</i> painting. I tell people this and they can’t believe how anyone could actually enjoy painting. Call it an illness, I don't know. But I love to paint!<br />
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To the very few kind souls out there who follow my blog, even though I consistently let updating it fall off my radar...thanks for hanging on. I say it every time I come back after a reeeeeally long break, but I really do hope to keep up with posting, especially now that I have a lot of new blog topics, what with the million house projects on my to-do list!<br />
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Stay tuned for a tour of the inside!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-86309310234928994282010-03-15T23:16:00.001-04:002011-05-02T14:21:09.311-04:0021 Houses in 2 DaysThe house hunt is ON. I saw 21 houses over the weekend, and I have it narrowed down to 2 (both townhomes). They are in the same neighborhood and the same floorplan, just small things in each that are different. This is so hard. I'm going to visit the top 2 tomorrow afternoon back to back and I pray that God will steer me to the right one. I know I'd be happy in both, it's just a matter of choosing! My sweet mom came up this weekend to look with me, and it was so helpful to have here there as a second set of eyes - she also took about 400 pictures (ha!) over the 20+ houses, so I have great documentation of the details of each place, since after you look at 20 houses, they all start to blend together :)<br />
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So, I don't have too much to say at this point, other than I am beyond exhausted - house hunting is mentally, physically and emotionally draining. <br />
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Because of that, I'm going to BED!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-10341351533830162922010-03-13T08:33:00.000-05:002010-03-13T08:33:39.679-05:00I Heart Make-A-Wish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5qUxSQqeCI/AAAAAAAAARg/tmb7urhDmWo/s1600-h/Make-A-Wish+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5qUxSQqeCI/AAAAAAAAARg/tmb7urhDmWo/s400/Make-A-Wish+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today’s Show Us Your Life theme over at Kelly’s Korner this week is favorite charities. My favorite charity is the <a href="http://www.wish.org/">Make-A-Wish Foundation</a>. I’ve been volunteering for Make-A-Wish since last year, and it is such a fantastic organization. I wish I’d started volunteering a long time ago.<br />
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Make-A-Wish is a non-profit wish-granting organization that is recognized nationwide, but I feel like there that there are a number of misconceptions about the organization. I think the most common misconception is that the foundation grants the wishes only of terminally ill children. This can be the case – but not always. The criteria for a child being approved for a wish is that they must have (a physician-documented) life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy. So, it does have to be a life-threatening condition, but not necessarily one where the child is terminally ill (does that make sense?). These kids and their families go through so much, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation is able to bring them a slice of joy in a world filled with frequent trips to doctors offices and hospitals and everything associated with those visits.<br />
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After a child has been referred to Make-A-Wish (this can be by a doctor, social worker, or even a parent), the foundation confirms their eligibility with the primary doctor of the child. Once a child has been determined to be eligible, a team of Wish Granters (that’s me!!) is assigned to work on the wish. The Wish Granters go out to meet the child and their family to learn about the child and find out their one true wish. Wishes fall into one of four categories:<br />
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I want to <b>have</b>…<br />
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I want to <b>go</b>…<br />
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I want to <b>be</b>…<br />
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I want to <b>meet</b>…<br />
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So, a child could want to <b>have </b>a puppy, <b>go </b>to Hawaii, <b>be </b>a fashion designer, or <b>meet </b>Brad Pitt…or anything else! Those are just some examples of what I would wish for :)<br />
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The Wish Granters capture the child’s wish, then relay it back to the local Make-A-Wish chapter. The chapter pulls everything together (makes travel plans, arranges for the celebrity meeting, whatever the wish may be), and then the Wish Granters get to ‘deliver’ the wish to the child. It’s such an awesome sight to see how happy these children (and their families) are when the wish is granted.<br />
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If you’re looking for an organization to donate either time or money to, I’d highly recommend you look up your local Make-A-Wish chapter and see how you can help. You’ll have fun while contributing to a great foundation!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-13979043219786213912010-03-11T20:35:00.001-05:002010-03-11T21:08:29.678-05:00New Kitchen ObsessionI recently got the coolest kitchen accessory and just had to share! My mom gave me a "Rub-Away" stainless steel bar of "soap" that eliminates yucky food odors (like garlic, onions, fish, etc.) from your hands...and it totally works!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5mZlySjMKI/AAAAAAAAARY/idzQfVikiH8/s1600-h/100311_RubAway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5mZlySjMKI/AAAAAAAAARY/idzQfVikiH8/s400/100311_RubAway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I tried it for the first time tonight after chopping up an onion for my beef stroganoff (I'll have to share this recipe for for a Tasty Tuesday post - love it). I have such a problem with my hands smelling like onion (or garlic) for DAYS after I chop the fresh stuff. No more with this little guy! You just "wash" your hands with this bar of "soap" and the odors are gone! Something about the ions neutralizing the odors when combined with water...I don't know. All I do know is that it works and I love it. And, it looks cute next to my sink! You should definitely try it out - worth the seven bucks (and no, I'm not getting paid for this post!)<br />
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Like my blog title says...it's the small things in life! Ha!<br />
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Glad tomorrow is Friday! Any big plans for the weekend? I'm house hunting!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-24250280498578668692010-03-09T22:17:00.000-05:002010-03-09T22:17:50.536-05:00Tasty Tuesday: Salsa ChickenToday's Tasty Tuesday post is yet another crockpot recipe...yum. Even though the weather is starting to get warmer, crockpot recipes are still a great go-to. This is one I love to make, and it is SO easy, and healthy too!<br />
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<b>Salsa Chicken</b><br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />
1 packet of taco seasoning<br />
1 cup salsa or picante sauce<br />
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup (like Campbell's Healthy Request)<br />
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream (optional)<br />
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<i>Directions:</i><br />
Place chicken in slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken. Add salsa and soup. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Stir in sour cream before serving (optional). Serve over rice!<br />
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Yum! Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766232902396996994.post-40481908760164100272010-03-08T20:52:00.001-05:002010-03-08T20:53:30.108-05:00Scrap ExchangeOver the weekend, I went to the coolest store, the <a href="http://www.scrapexchange.org/">Scrap Exchange</a>. I'd heard about the Scrap Exchange and had been meaning to take a trip downtown to see what it's all about for awhile, and on Sunday I finally did. LOVE IT!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R2sckTNsI/AAAAAAAAARQ/5PJgtOjCQm0/s1600-h/100308_Scrap+Exchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R2sckTNsI/AAAAAAAAARQ/5PJgtOjCQm0/s400/100308_Scrap+Exchange.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Scrap Exchange is a store that collects donations of all kinds of materials - everything from fabric remnants to glass vials to bottle caps - and sells them (for super cheap)...there is some awesome stuff there for those with a crafty bone!<br />
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Here's my haul (close-ups below): <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1RBmiXoI/AAAAAAAAAQg/KhcJdkrALEg/s1600-h/100308_All+Items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1RBmiXoI/AAAAAAAAAQg/KhcJdkrALEg/s400/100308_All+Items.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1bOwUzJI/AAAAAAAAAQo/RA1U8uetUDA/s1600-h/100308_Burts+Baby+Bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1bOwUzJI/AAAAAAAAAQo/RA1U8uetUDA/s400/100308_Burts+Baby+Bee.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Burt's Bees Baby Bee bottles ($1.25 each) - how cute would these be filled with pretty colored liquid soaps / body wash in the bathroom? I need to find some sort of lid / stopper for them if I do this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1hi5EUkI/AAAAAAAAAQw/zFTvd1O1uUo/s1600-h/100308_Ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1hi5EUkI/AAAAAAAAAQw/zFTvd1O1uUo/s400/100308_Ribbon.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ribbons for wrapping (the blue and the bottom tan are raffia) - $1.00 each</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1leXSGQI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/W6Ojj6HHn0s/s1600-h/100308_M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1leXSGQI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/W6Ojj6HHn0s/s400/100308_M.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An "M" that was $1.00 (actually, I think it's a W...) - I figure I can paint and distress it, or Mod-Podge it to make it cute (my last name starts with an M)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1qZcv5nI/AAAAAAAAARA/XBJc15GSD3c/s1600-h/100308_Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1qZcv5nI/AAAAAAAAARA/XBJc15GSD3c/s400/100308_Wallpaper.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are wallpaper remnants - same pattern, one is light blue, one is tan. Only $0.50 each! I thought these would be pretty in black frames (maybe in a bathroom in my HOUSE??)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1xffYT0I/AAAAAAAAARI/Cn9U94QMGeY/s1600-h/100308_Mini+Chalkboards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2KWrGJawy34/S5R1xffYT0I/AAAAAAAAARI/Cn9U94QMGeY/s400/100308_Mini+Chalkboards.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mini chalkboards ($0.75 each) - not sure what I'm going to do with these, but I've seen so many cute chalkboard ideas on blogs that I'm sure I can find something to do with them! Definitely will need to paint the frames.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a cool store - I can't wait to go back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/310/C57DF889B8671D1E3C6C829461830851.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none;" /></a>Kristen @ Savor the Small Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309544744007120234noreply@blogger.com5