tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48311778463798683752024-02-07T21:36:07.857-05:00Quaint OaksWe wish that we could see our friends and family more often and invite them over to see all of the exciting things we have going on at Quaint Oaks. We hope that this will be a way to keep everyone up on what we've got going on in our new home.Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-5032268842472712902015-12-14T22:01:00.002-05:002015-12-14T22:01:33.563-05:00How to Make a Town Platform out of wood, for Pretend PlayOne of my son Denver's favorite books is the iSpy series where you look inside each picture to find hidden items...or you can simply enjoy making thousands of observations in each picture image. The displays created for each picture in the book series are extremely well done, to say the least. One of the subjects for an image is a town platform with cars, blocks (for buildings), people, animals, and other random objects carefully set up throughout the town. It is his favorite image to enjoy, so I had the idea to build him a platform and paint it like a town so he could play with his cars and trucks, use Legos and blocks for buildings and practice his creativity and general motor skills. It proved to be more challenging than I expected, but worth the work...he loves it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-75URJDP7B9Q/VZKTHasS8zI/AAAAAAAABJw/4md2T9mPuPg/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1445171190459.9744" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-75URJDP7B9Q/VZKTHasS8zI/AAAAAAAABJw/4md2T9mPuPg/s500/image.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
If you get the idea to make one of these for your son or daughter, hopefully this post will help you with ideas and suggestions. This is by no means the only way to make one, it's just the way mine turned out.<br />
What you will need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Mitre Saw</li>
<li>Electric Sander (sandpaper)</li>
<li>Hammer</li>
<li>Power drill</li>
<li>Shower board</li>
<li>8' 2X4's (3)</li>
<li>2" nails</li>
<li>3-4" deck screws</li>
<li>Tape measure</li>
<li>Ruler</li>
<li>Wood glue</li>
<li>Paint brushes & paint</li>
<li>Polyurethane</li>
</ul>
Step 1: The Base Frame<br />
<br />
I tried to make several of these platforms before this one worked out. The most difficult part was finding a way to maintain a flat surface so that there is absolutely no slope, or the matchbox cars will roll off of it. I assumed that I could just make it from one sheet of flat plywood, but finding a perfectly flat piece of plywood at Lowe's, or Home Depot (one that wasn't warped) was impossible. A piece of flooring grade plywood would work, but it was too expensive for my budget. I planned to build a base from 2X4's and then nail a piece of shower board to the top. The shower board is the white smooth board material with a dark backing. It's somewhere around $12 for a large piece at Lowe's.<br />
Below is a list of steps that I took to make the base frame.<br />
<ul>
<li>Cut the 2X4's into 4 pieces at 3 foot length each. This will become the base. I always used my electric sander to sand the rough edges of every cut and every piece of wood so that everything is smooth and sanded. I don't want any splinters, but I also don't want a pull in my carpet if we use it to play in the living room. Screw the cut pieces together using the deck screws to make a square frame base. I used 2 screws per board.</li>
<li>Measure and cut 2 pieces of 2X4 to size to fit within the base to act as reinforcement. Those 2 pieces will be a little less than 3 feet long each. (They run east-west in my picture below). Screw those into place using the deck screws.</li>
<li>Measure and cut pieces of 2X4 to fit between the base and the reinforcing boards. (The 8 short pieces pictured). Screw each into place.</li>
<li>Cut the showerboard to size to fit the top of the base. I used a piece of sandpaper to smooth out the cut edge.</li>
<li>Lay the showerboard onto the base with the dark side facing up (white side down). I assumed that the dark side would be easier to paint.</li>
<li>Pre-drill holes that you will use to nail the showerboard to the base. Don't pre-drill holes that are too deep, only through the showerboard is sufficient. Use the 2" nails to nail the shower board to the base. Use nails only around the perimeter and be careful not to create any slopes, you want it as flat as possible. Use sand paper to smooth over any roughness at each nail hole.</li>
<li>This completes the base construction.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zrgjZ26HH6c/VZKTFnxKBUI/AAAAAAAABI8/q3yfZAR-3P0/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="640" id="blogsy-1445171190482.009" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zrgjZ26HH6c/VZKTFnxKBUI/AAAAAAAABI8/q3yfZAR-3P0/s500/image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJ1Sy352neQ/Va_VE7gRy-I/AAAAAAAABKk/khQ6m84wHuc/s210/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="210" id="blogsy-1445171190402.6316" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJ1Sy352neQ/Va_VE7gRy-I/AAAAAAAABKk/khQ6m84wHuc/s210/image.jpg" width="158" /></a> Pre-drill holes for the nails and then nail the shower board to the base with the dark side facing up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
Step 2: Painting the environment</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
I modeled the design used in the iSpy book, which includes a few streets at the edge of a town, a river, 2 bridges, streets running out of town, a pond and some paved surface and grassy areas. You should feel free to create any environmental design you wish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Begin by first pencil sketching the roads, water and any features. Be sure to label them so you don't forget what color they will be. For the roads, use a ruler to make sure the road is always 4 inches in width. That is a good width for 2 matchbox cars to pass each other on the road.</li>
<li>There is no need to use Kilz on the surface, however I do recommend multiple coats of paint for each color. I used Valspar for the black and green, and acrylic paints for the gray sidewalk and blue water surfaces.</li>
<li>I painted the roads first, the paved surfaces and sidewalks next, then the water and grassy areas last. Plan for any bridges that you may want because you will need to measure and draw where the sidewalks will end.</li>
<li>If your little one is home while you work, I suggest letting him play nearby with sidewalk chalk. That way he/she isn't in the way and you can keep an eye on them.</li>
<li>It's up to you if you want to paint yellow lines in the road. I found it unnecessary. I painted lines on one road going out of town to see if I would like it.</li>
<li>I also suggest that you do take your time and do a good job painting, but don't be so upset if lines aren't absolutely perfect, after all, it's charming being hand painted and looks good in the end anyway. You're kid won't be critical of your lines!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MCRdDgg4Ozo/VZKTFdf_oHI/AAAAAAAABI4/lUuWKoqKyKA/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="640" id="blogsy-1445171190401.4873" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MCRdDgg4Ozo/VZKTFdf_oHI/AAAAAAAABI4/lUuWKoqKyKA/s500/image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HDh3K7nZJxc/VZKTGDWbkXI/AAAAAAAABJI/MILg_wlGXfE/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="640" id="blogsy-1445171190483.014" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HDh3K7nZJxc/VZKTGDWbkXI/AAAAAAAABJI/MILg_wlGXfE/s500/image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZbLa2NkwHZo/VZKTH4Jr_mI/AAAAAAAABJ4/mIhn1_Vq_b0/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="640" id="blogsy-1445171190398.3408" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZbLa2NkwHZo/VZKTH4Jr_mI/AAAAAAAABJ4/mIhn1_Vq_b0/s500/image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iC__cH5dnCA/VZKTGyimDLI/AAAAAAAABJc/r531WBWHljM/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1445171190435.974" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iC__cH5dnCA/VZKTGyimDLI/AAAAAAAABJc/r531WBWHljM/s500/image.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
Step 3: Finishing touches and set up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>For the bridges, I used Lincoln Log pieces with flat bottoms. I used epoxy to affix them to the surface, which turned out to be the right choice because my 9 month old likes to play with us and she like to try to pry those up. The epoxy holds, not sure if Elmer's would. </li>
<li>I considered affixing other permanent things to the surface, like trees and such, but refrained because I liked the option of setting up different environments every time.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The pictures below show some of the "towns," and set-up's that we have played with. We like to use Legos to build the buildings, Lego characters for people, Dora and other characters like Super Mario, Batman and Chase from Paw Patrol usually "stop in." We use trees and look-out towers from an army-man set and animals and other objects for props to have fun with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkZWFHaqJe0/VZKTIEw68fI/AAAAAAAABJ0/IFL2D_BBpNo/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="640" id="blogsy-1445171190474.3364" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkZWFHaqJe0/VZKTIEw68fI/AAAAAAAABJ0/IFL2D_BBpNo/s500/image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evsAAlkcxm4/VZKTL1WlxsI/AAAAAAAABKA/F_2yUNzxPd4/s640/image.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="640" id="blogsy-1445171190471.7559" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evsAAlkcxm4/VZKTL1WlxsI/AAAAAAAABKA/F_2yUNzxPd4/s500/image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
To finish this post, I'd like to share some of my observations, experiences and ways that we use this "toy" so that you can too enjoy with your son, or daughter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>My 9 month old little girl loves to sit/crawl around and on the platform while Denver and I play with it. It's a great way to have them playing together with the same toy and gets them sharing toys and space together. Just be careful and aware of the sharp edges so that your little one doesn't fall onto them.</li>
<li>When Adeline (my 9 month old) is playing, we call her Godzilla, since she tends to destroy parts of the set up. So Denver and I have fun flying a helicopter around town announcing an emergency, people should take cover. We drive the fire trucks and police cars around town saving people and animals after her destruction. Construction vehicles usually are called in to rebuild.</li>
<li>The platform is great for general motor skills and dexterity. I've observed denver improve on his lateral movement and skill in moving around the base. It also gets me moving around as well! I do not allow him onto the platform, I don't want to create a "bow" in the surface but I also think it's good for him to practice his spacial and kinesthetic mobility.</li>
<li>It's also a great toy for imagination play.</li>
<li>We have built a variety of buildings and utilize them to tell stories. Have your child create and then tell a story using a "set-up." Denver once built a bank and created a story where a bank robber broke into the bank, stole the gold and tried to flee the town. But a hero was watching from a nearby building and thwarted the plan by setting up a roadblock on a bridge out of town. The robber was stopped when he tried to turn around and renter town....the police were there! Pretty good for a 3-year old I'd say.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Ok well there you go. I realize that one of these platforms could be built much easier, this is just the story of how mine came out. Thought I'd share for you moms and dads out there who love to do DIY projects.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">
<br /></div>
Burleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190951626020619832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-53294998403996594222015-01-12T17:00:00.001-05:002015-01-12T17:01:51.855-05:00A "Wheelie" Cool PartyI am so thrilled that I finally have a house big enough to hold more than 4 people for a real birthday party! Perfect timing since Little D turned 3 this year and was excited to actually celebrate his big day. My inner Martha Stewart was super-psyched to host a real party so I ran to Pinterest, gathered all of my ideas, and got to work. Since I got <strike>most</strike> all of my ideas from Pinterest, and I don't want to take credit for any un-original ideas, I'll show you what I created and where the idea came from. I should also tell you that I wanted to keep this party to a pretty slim budget so I kept it simple and tried to use things that I already had around the house.<br />
<br />
Our invitations let people know the theme of the party right away! ...idea borrowed from <a href="http://www.blissbloomblog.com/2009/05/station-break-car-party.html#.VLQUeodbsZ4" target="_blank">Bliss Bloom Blog</a>. Poor picture but you get the idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOaPdylr4CyxJO3CsDSNcbOSJZGy8Xss6tgrl42qSzxcUAsl7XFueJcnOleGug3I03oJzBelMyZwN6AZnOGZ4U5FCLQrZFQWcjVrSCqRdphOKaJPYOj6WVDVkwTTeCRfTMskUgI-3iiM5/s1600/lights2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOaPdylr4CyxJO3CsDSNcbOSJZGy8Xss6tgrl42qSzxcUAsl7XFueJcnOleGug3I03oJzBelMyZwN6AZnOGZ4U5FCLQrZFQWcjVrSCqRdphOKaJPYOj6WVDVkwTTeCRfTMskUgI-3iiM5/s1600/lights2.jpg" height="400" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
I am in love with my giant front porch, but I am not a huge fan of the gray outdoor carpet...or the light fixtures...both will be replaced one day. It sure did make a great road, though! I just ran some yellow duct tape down the middle and then added some blow up road signs that my mom found at Oriental Trading. If the weather was nicer, my plan was to put Denver's PowerWheels ATV on the porch/road and let the kids drive to the party...but it was about 20 degrees outside so I had to nix that idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCQZhnsut6a1mdabywCz6vcOO3xvTp1CHsRik2DIz1ju1MJLZD3vAZMo1u6SJs4wR361yxQYkV-PbY0ZzomYMjLzU76bayoCNjyLxpXKRop2lGqdidoLYAVgXhoK46lXf_7uUgF7TZ6SL/s1600/DSC_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCQZhnsut6a1mdabywCz6vcOO3xvTp1CHsRik2DIz1ju1MJLZD3vAZMo1u6SJs4wR361yxQYkV-PbY0ZzomYMjLzU76bayoCNjyLxpXKRop2lGqdidoLYAVgXhoK46lXf_7uUgF7TZ6SL/s1600/DSC_1064.JPG" height="640" width="425" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH0Ym9it22rQOg84dOdoo3LA2ZSPMRAgoFa6S5nmPohDWTjWtVIDWI1CcugC578FFUFlRZN0uua73cShNVMOUkybWo18L6F4RfO6fil4Y7k1K4KIdSGUrKEbFVpbsD61Rwbk1E4hmOy73/s1600/DSC_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH0Ym9it22rQOg84dOdoo3LA2ZSPMRAgoFa6S5nmPohDWTjWtVIDWI1CcugC578FFUFlRZN0uua73cShNVMOUkybWo18L6F4RfO6fil4Y7k1K4KIdSGUrKEbFVpbsD61Rwbk1E4hmOy73/s1600/DSC_1068.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Loved this idea for a door sign from <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/1473394" target="_blank">Catch My Party</a>. I was psyched when I discovered checkered duct tape from way-back-when, when Little D was just a baby and I made him a <a href="http://quaintoaks.blogspot.com/2012/04/sensory-nibble-bag.html" target="_blank">sensory nibble bag</a>. The tape that was once used for its bold, geometric, baby-friendly design, was perfect for his big-boy car party because it looked like race flags!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKA_CiDlCg_625SJqGRiMSeU_3hyM0m3XpCOMaKbqYDozAc6c3rEK1JPjOwpVwyrApkATB2NeaFGI1QVkLzu8SlJXcXp3zygYFZNT6RI8AbKzSteR0qidFnriXjI4qODBaBLhwVesV03O/s1600/DSC_1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKA_CiDlCg_625SJqGRiMSeU_3hyM0m3XpCOMaKbqYDozAc6c3rEK1JPjOwpVwyrApkATB2NeaFGI1QVkLzu8SlJXcXp3zygYFZNT6RI8AbKzSteR0qidFnriXjI4qODBaBLhwVesV03O/s1600/DSC_1062.JPG" height="640" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started to plan activities for the kids, but then I realized that 2-3 year olds just want to eat snacks and play, so we set up a space for just that. I have to admit that we have a pretty awesome basement...it was definitely a selling point for the house. We're lucky to have a lot of space and a lot of really neat toys, so the kids had a great time. I'll show the basement in another post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was adamant about making a snack table for the kids. The ideas were borrowed from many different Pinners, so it would impossible to credit them all. Instead, here is my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonburley/kids-parties/" target="_blank">Kids' Parties Pinterest Board</a> where you can see a compilation of all of the ideas that came together in this kid-friendly snack buffet. The pictures are not great...actually, they're awful since we have terrible lighting in the basement, but you get the idea. This little snack table was set up on a low TV stand, so it was a perfect height for toddlers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGj5FI4ONIdwGpDJHkWyyLrN_CyGCHhRoA5RQAbNGfGYo_DaDmvtYF30JCep_5qPV44vPimJO7wsKZ4s7aetPQMkNAGEvswL1ucC9yAnInyMpszjQ7AFWLmhpuC8e4s8QkbyPnst10_Q6/s1600/DSC_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGj5FI4ONIdwGpDJHkWyyLrN_CyGCHhRoA5RQAbNGfGYo_DaDmvtYF30JCep_5qPV44vPimJO7wsKZ4s7aetPQMkNAGEvswL1ucC9yAnInyMpszjQ7AFWLmhpuC8e4s8QkbyPnst10_Q6/s1600/DSC_1070.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkskqbUhpgPUcK8OnYOPQnT_NN8l2JQ4N25BpBuBZLJvvavVQj4n_HCWA8djUxnUlEZRkhYXZ6uNrF7dDQrAnZlFdKQn-oX4qRvLL7oRFch6cG4Nxg0L-urDSkPE_rYVax4MgLoAEp6lv/s1600/DSC_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkskqbUhpgPUcK8OnYOPQnT_NN8l2JQ4N25BpBuBZLJvvavVQj4n_HCWA8djUxnUlEZRkhYXZ6uNrF7dDQrAnZlFdKQn-oX4qRvLL7oRFch6cG4Nxg0L-urDSkPE_rYVax4MgLoAEp6lv/s1600/DSC_1074.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfOAjrALhKEUFKfj0xwQV4WtN2w5vktBMyC74vfcqkZFMMSejuumhO6wcsMlWWWkV1pMEvrOGiDLTTF3lDCEgLt6dfzV8EzHLihhHeiVPugcTmImD0Gu_l4n5h2fEyY_CJqGVMrSvanlF/s1600/DSC_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfOAjrALhKEUFKfj0xwQV4WtN2w5vktBMyC74vfcqkZFMMSejuumhO6wcsMlWWWkV1pMEvrOGiDLTTF3lDCEgLt6dfzV8EzHLihhHeiVPugcTmImD0Gu_l4n5h2fEyY_CJqGVMrSvanlF/s1600/DSC_1075.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have to admit, I'm pretty happy with how the dining room looked. Simple, but fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXfmC0jA7yU5XO-Z3yFahCaG08_LdQowu8ztDOA-NVqGW9Y8AOAQg4UdxxfmyViOuABAtgxTa8PRX_OqrJgiUUR6u3XUhQp4gBUkU3bL-GkVBFQGjMg6NmtUgt84-mpIlguFyMXekcbXU/s1600/DSC_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXfmC0jA7yU5XO-Z3yFahCaG08_LdQowu8ztDOA-NVqGW9Y8AOAQg4UdxxfmyViOuABAtgxTa8PRX_OqrJgiUUR6u3XUhQp4gBUkU3bL-GkVBFQGjMg6NmtUgt84-mpIlguFyMXekcbXU/s1600/DSC_1022.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The collage was a nice way to see how our little guy has grown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6oRw3ehj5tjNGA7zAqrCWJ338hHNvwL-ycV4ESBsZk5AhC_hv83a2wOCwDl1sFVvyT2pxdbG7xme55_rSR9fp620otvyUASgBubrBLBIgaZWQTlJ4ipPPD5t7zUkYQ8oTX10Oer_L00K/s1600/DSC_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6oRw3ehj5tjNGA7zAqrCWJ338hHNvwL-ycV4ESBsZk5AhC_hv83a2wOCwDl1sFVvyT2pxdbG7xme55_rSR9fp620otvyUASgBubrBLBIgaZWQTlJ4ipPPD5t7zUkYQ8oTX10Oer_L00K/s1600/DSC_1034.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love all of the little details on the table. I bought a black table
cloth and ran some yellow duct tape (same from outside) down the middle
to look like a road. For the goodie bags, I just glued some yellow
strips of paper to plain black gift bags, also made to look like a
road. A little overkill? Perhaps. I used the same checkered duct tape
from the door sign to add a little fun to the water bottles. Balloons
were held down by monster trucks and toy tires from one of Denver's
games. Most of these ideas can also be found on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonburley/kids-parties/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIm9MLFEpaBdhmxG9pWdxMn7uhGeHIEhtxQeXRTxDyrB9Af5KzJTFsyQkuYjpkcT44LmOicPOqkvFQFtBDMVLYF55JZfq0AjvlXbXqZMV8Y12YqyEHh1F4uysTEQPOECM7OwDTZBMBiOf/s1600/DSC_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIm9MLFEpaBdhmxG9pWdxMn7uhGeHIEhtxQeXRTxDyrB9Af5KzJTFsyQkuYjpkcT44LmOicPOqkvFQFtBDMVLYF55JZfq0AjvlXbXqZMV8Y12YqyEHh1F4uysTEQPOECM7OwDTZBMBiOf/s1600/DSC_1024.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdcgCiiCeLzrtshiXxpf7zRJzU7ULvv0tP3Uj2vGtSxEkIsnG4VPnTs_tuV_DeYzEiOOx8abRanovK0jtJGHreDnJ0gJeifiEWZueyZ0Ws2z2nZGF9wvMFmFhdeR-Vy2hpEoAZxktPxAR/s1600/DSC_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdcgCiiCeLzrtshiXxpf7zRJzU7ULvv0tP3Uj2vGtSxEkIsnG4VPnTs_tuV_DeYzEiOOx8abRanovK0jtJGHreDnJ0gJeifiEWZueyZ0Ws2z2nZGF9wvMFmFhdeR-Vy2hpEoAZxktPxAR/s1600/DSC_1026.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoc1HPhg6YH7kwcissUY3FqJOYRyNb2LBF8iGybGW_kKvjShFDeUTAoVItvTYTOgAqYUPi_YAenzGPsAjMjtWVnvVzYg8MEyJ3pTNScfD1hMrM1twpz2E4Pv_SuzwjkUby856kG8CCD66/s1600/DSC_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoc1HPhg6YH7kwcissUY3FqJOYRyNb2LBF8iGybGW_kKvjShFDeUTAoVItvTYTOgAqYUPi_YAenzGPsAjMjtWVnvVzYg8MEyJ3pTNScfD1hMrM1twpz2E4Pv_SuzwjkUby856kG8CCD66/s1600/DSC_1028.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, something I'm most proud of...the cake. I am not a baker. In fact, I hate to bake. It requires too much precision and way too many dirty bowls, pans, and tools to clean. But, cake decorating is something I can definitely get into. I was determined to make my little guy's birthday cake...trouble was, I had zero experience. Luckily, my sister is an amazing cake decorator already had all of the right tools...money saver! I found a cupcake cake on Pinterest that I wanted to recreate, but it was just a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugardivacakes/4023698972/" target="_blank">Flickr image</a> with no link for instructions, so I had to go it alone. I found mini cars at the dollar store and awesome novelty candles at the party store. The little road signs came from a free printable at <a href="http://www.printablesigns.net/category/traffic">Printablesigns.net</a>. I just printed two copies of each one and glued them back to back on a toothpick. Then, after some practice with the cake piping bag and some cool decorating tips and dyes (and Wilton instructional videos), I created Denver's car cake! I love the way it came out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4cBOeshecG6osva0OTB6yU0KoSY8uzznM98H55FwqIO6Zg2pMp2JekH-Y2E2EOzF02p07fswvOdvHfqcs6eVJZhvB5A4t5G0dVNOHCno4qdLyklUyoDRiBZ72UKZnWqt-7r7MvPkx4tJ/s1600/DSC_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4cBOeshecG6osva0OTB6yU0KoSY8uzznM98H55FwqIO6Zg2pMp2JekH-Y2E2EOzF02p07fswvOdvHfqcs6eVJZhvB5A4t5G0dVNOHCno4qdLyklUyoDRiBZ72UKZnWqt-7r7MvPkx4tJ/s1600/DSC_1085.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think the party was a big success! A great time was had by all. I can't wait for our little lady's 1st birthday in October so I can get my craft on again and take a stab at another cake. Not so sure the family is as excited for the crazy that comes with my party planning, but I only get to do this twice a year...might as well live it up. Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-71395550264229228172014-10-04T18:30:00.001-04:002014-10-04T20:45:56.579-04:00Adeline's NurseryI still can't believe we are having a little baby girl! In only three short weeks...or whenever she's ready...we are going to bring little Adeline home.<br />
<br />
The minute we found out we were having a girl, I got started on her nursery. I fell in love with coral and mint bedding that I saw on Etsy, but $350+ for bedding was not exactly in our budget. I knew it was time to call in reinforcements. So, I ran to Jo-Ann to pick out some fabric--where I had a mini panic attack because I am awful with decisions. My aunt, a woman of many talents, came up from North Carolina to help me sew. Together, we sewed bedding that I think is just as nice as anything on Etsy! It sort of got away from the original coral and mint...but pink and teal became a very fortunate accident.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrCx45EffQgY79DsIwklgI3-y1_vT3649jqmGz-oRuf6cDGTZoksC0RMSdBKocbxya2h90wnG_-XStjItb2etMP7-0y2Lp2F0b9iuaRM2MKB0jN4L2Akbq6EsQ2rPaspDE1MRw7KLRUiT/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrCx45EffQgY79DsIwklgI3-y1_vT3649jqmGz-oRuf6cDGTZoksC0RMSdBKocbxya2h90wnG_-XStjItb2etMP7-0y2Lp2F0b9iuaRM2MKB0jN4L2Akbq6EsQ2rPaspDE1MRw7KLRUiT/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I used my left over fabric to make a mobile. If you look at tutorials for fabric puff balls, they talk about cutting out 4 yards worth of 4-6 inch circles, or some kind of nonsense like that. I don't have that kind of <strike>time</strike> patience, so I got to ripping squares. Instead of a fancy, flowery puff, I went for more of a shabby, scrappy look...and I love it! The bunting over the crib also used scraps of fabric. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSHcaoaz0mQaDVx8R1Q4oO46SZWSlwlqUhZFaCUlGD3UJC5crvYMsiPOyVT_4rtmsxrpvvXMESl5mh9Ex9kZBw0JFKBP1rR6h_AtTVfQQPDMxE0nptxfBxC9MMMtnN9MQw02pD-ZpZrqW/s1600/DSC_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSHcaoaz0mQaDVx8R1Q4oO46SZWSlwlqUhZFaCUlGD3UJC5crvYMsiPOyVT_4rtmsxrpvvXMESl5mh9Ex9kZBw0JFKBP1rR6h_AtTVfQQPDMxE0nptxfBxC9MMMtnN9MQw02pD-ZpZrqW/s1600/DSC_0589.jpg" height="425" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglclsKFtivy7t7XYjDT7NB7rR7OC_cOIWs7GPluapOSg_frFWuO4iI5bFoH0tsytTNdNv9SqOsn4JAjnUFqX9abP53BkDt9kN5muvO-Nh1NTPvlMv242-bjRqtZFmARw-u7R-a2Fs9OtFK/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglclsKFtivy7t7XYjDT7NB7rR7OC_cOIWs7GPluapOSg_frFWuO4iI5bFoH0tsytTNdNv9SqOsn4JAjnUFqX9abP53BkDt9kN5muvO-Nh1NTPvlMv242-bjRqtZFmARw-u7R-a2Fs9OtFK/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGEYSMkWRwNBGxgNfqd9F1ZL9KZF28toAwaIbsL_q4V0UFN8bQ6SVrW11n3vonx5FHT9WlIIYV1oJyUBGlWrF8Q-neD-0IgXn1iQOuhj7irKZEG3DBSov03UJf2eKHaKNzD-FTRWG5Ftx/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGEYSMkWRwNBGxgNfqd9F1ZL9KZF28toAwaIbsL_q4V0UFN8bQ6SVrW11n3vonx5FHT9WlIIYV1oJyUBGlWrF8Q-neD-0IgXn1iQOuhj7irKZEG3DBSov03UJf2eKHaKNzD-FTRWG5Ftx/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG" height="424" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDF4wEMH7eqvOtId0GwDfVQI6THHyJTOwyIIbtPDAvbVBCUVcZem67V0jdl3pYili_08moVijouAjl3LssMZA4nl7OFg6d4rKHn9Im47-dHnxGJzSBUOluSsAzERyadWFTyxFCjRRFsiR/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDF4wEMH7eqvOtId0GwDfVQI6THHyJTOwyIIbtPDAvbVBCUVcZem67V0jdl3pYili_08moVijouAjl3LssMZA4nl7OFg6d4rKHn9Im47-dHnxGJzSBUOluSsAzERyadWFTyxFCjRRFsiR/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next...curtains. I'm incredibly <strike>frugal</strike> cheap, so to buy new curtains was not an option. Instead, I recycled Denver's old curtains. I immediately ran into an obstacle because if you remember our old house, the ceilings were terribly low, and therefore all of our window dressings were hemmed very short. But then, I remember something I saw on Pinterest where someone sewed a contrasting color fabric to the top of the curtain panels. So, after another looong trip at Jo-Ann, I picked out fabric to match the bedding and called my mom who used a French hem to lengthen my recycled curtains. I love the way they came out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed86vzRcbJ2PR0I-OI2JVca8ihSxtBWG6BT40OatrirUtts9Klnx2lGVPzLJGUj6x60NdaVcvxH18PygnF77I9E3oG2j1pa8XrAb3kzYuvZxBpUXR_OYkLH1hWwW-XvRtlZiuFn_gjWbf/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed86vzRcbJ2PR0I-OI2JVca8ihSxtBWG6BT40OatrirUtts9Klnx2lGVPzLJGUj6x60NdaVcvxH18PygnF77I9E3oG2j1pa8XrAb3kzYuvZxBpUXR_OYkLH1hWwW-XvRtlZiuFn_gjWbf/s1600/DSC_0583.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wVdY0-tsWZFkxkIJMlHktnfJftJqON7hTfCDYsVxd6uIf_er2gMpot8EnPKNzZOOZlFpt6cOsT51gzD9w1HVoZvPAgiEFhxhyphenhyphendE_pSxDPmikqkfA7WhaF-kw525Y62APzyeo8gWVA2DT/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wVdY0-tsWZFkxkIJMlHktnfJftJqON7hTfCDYsVxd6uIf_er2gMpot8EnPKNzZOOZlFpt6cOsT51gzD9w1HVoZvPAgiEFhxhyphenhyphendE_pSxDPmikqkfA7WhaF-kw525Y62APzyeo8gWVA2DT/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So what to do with the leftover fabric? Looms, of course.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySYKOL33fPYiQCKzU3VctN60_vEY71CUlvCX0t20sIqYVvHPAavNu6tkxA5cmIxSHpIZ_QgnJF-k7yaeAfjMGHeN1CVkXFT5s3cOiYZHAg2NU7NkyWMN9zmFSneyhSZ7Mx20tdtukfAqJ/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySYKOL33fPYiQCKzU3VctN60_vEY71CUlvCX0t20sIqYVvHPAavNu6tkxA5cmIxSHpIZ_QgnJF-k7yaeAfjMGHeN1CVkXFT5s3cOiYZHAg2NU7NkyWMN9zmFSneyhSZ7Mx20tdtukfAqJ/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Next, I bought these two great laser-cut frames from Michael's...at a whopping$7.99 each! It took me a while to decide what to do with them, but after a while, I came up with framed fabric flowers made from the train of my wedding gown, and a butterfly collection, where some butterflies magically came to life and started to fly away. I love the way these came out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrmWkALIv6AeYf7jLuK9LTjN5WlMMLnoaAZwQoEmVGG3fclH8RmmGqB3XLnrep4gcgoqcFf_mMTiT5YcIioW13dkD9tPswTZPDU4iT9O1s511FrYgbmtPif0ES9HmEmhTuoDNZULtE7Kf/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrmWkALIv6AeYf7jLuK9LTjN5WlMMLnoaAZwQoEmVGG3fclH8RmmGqB3XLnrep4gcgoqcFf_mMTiT5YcIioW13dkD9tPswTZPDU4iT9O1s511FrYgbmtPif0ES9HmEmhTuoDNZULtE7Kf/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP9uB4wvPUcL1OPrhVu0k_hbjb0vN5KNl-hXp-Fs-B0aAbYlBWqbUmZo7EIPYyuB-geOGKTDYh0H1vPj9YTWIE7x_JUg6qXTel373lSV0zmZ1SU_8E70oNACBG3tyvWchEMmOjWflxfUD/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP9uB4wvPUcL1OPrhVu0k_hbjb0vN5KNl-hXp-Fs-B0aAbYlBWqbUmZo7EIPYyuB-geOGKTDYh0H1vPj9YTWIE7x_JUg6qXTel373lSV0zmZ1SU_8E70oNACBG3tyvWchEMmOjWflxfUD/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtHLVfE25tchDiVOXb4TMzDLuDxfmGBNxaMiC6L-LDEYFV9ue7VH1vwBWVfT2u2uyIZ_ZE_XtFdCdFkoNR-imfDYpUO7aemXQqhoveICdNbcQ_w5Z0k7Egy9Aq-EqOM2toL8v9URf0MSN/s1600/DSC_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtHLVfE25tchDiVOXb4TMzDLuDxfmGBNxaMiC6L-LDEYFV9ue7VH1vwBWVfT2u2uyIZ_ZE_XtFdCdFkoNR-imfDYpUO7aemXQqhoveICdNbcQ_w5Z0k7Egy9Aq-EqOM2toL8v9URf0MSN/s1600/DSC_0576.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The rest just came together as I tried to use up fabric and scrap book paper. Anything I see that is pink and teal finds a place in Adeline's nursery.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdYE1zdnQFZIRbI9v9NBxaLSTVS8-DG4Fy1WwFEOie0l2jGsqUTHLgZ5xFnFkTn1b5G6hrrGGmMoJcMVBXPWGxce9exIECD-Y8zDniOLOG96mdcMR5xY3z3HyrsnqqMpNGpveFrzny8qC/s1600/DSC_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdYE1zdnQFZIRbI9v9NBxaLSTVS8-DG4Fy1WwFEOie0l2jGsqUTHLgZ5xFnFkTn1b5G6hrrGGmMoJcMVBXPWGxce9exIECD-Y8zDniOLOG96mdcMR5xY3z3HyrsnqqMpNGpveFrzny8qC/s1600/DSC_0564.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzj9MVXj5qmJBCVhaVzyD0iXX2SnsyKai9-4TrgXTxVF6aHHQAmas0fp6LjerWOVtVRzjsyTRUCt9_zdQuaZXU-pM-65w9nsxzJMQtnEeWFP7O1pzmPY7qf_LtdOWIm82uk7p7OsP4kTS/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzj9MVXj5qmJBCVhaVzyD0iXX2SnsyKai9-4TrgXTxVF6aHHQAmas0fp6LjerWOVtVRzjsyTRUCt9_zdQuaZXU-pM-65w9nsxzJMQtnEeWFP7O1pzmPY7qf_LtdOWIm82uk7p7OsP4kTS/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qYIb1CW_f4-K6HQ57qmjwoOwuYVYgUA3CCahn3K-ua6-QErysXB8VIKGTMDSoFlCLHLFfZg8_3G4krKRtry9STfHfqZs_CujKQOmxOBKyRJLMgoqG3xj9OzKF_47ViEaleas9ak3mHMw/s1600/DSC_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qYIb1CW_f4-K6HQ57qmjwoOwuYVYgUA3CCahn3K-ua6-QErysXB8VIKGTMDSoFlCLHLFfZg8_3G4krKRtry9STfHfqZs_CujKQOmxOBKyRJLMgoqG3xj9OzKF_47ViEaleas9ak3mHMw/s1600/DSC_0569.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Fabric and thread for string art...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPCiWsf8RHKqTbLenE55ypmk6SkNTbzn4CHCNUmt6XVnyFjcHmUUxl-B9z4kxNkQu-eyhNRIu0IEwaaIbtq2Pw1JOJ2GUf6_9cEWzxKCFAJ9lyvcJfEGn9S3sIWddMw2u09x1f6InuTRQ/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPCiWsf8RHKqTbLenE55ypmk6SkNTbzn4CHCNUmt6XVnyFjcHmUUxl-B9z4kxNkQu-eyhNRIu0IEwaaIbtq2Pw1JOJ2GUf6_9cEWzxKCFAJ9lyvcJfEGn9S3sIWddMw2u09x1f6InuTRQ/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Bird cage display with Grammy's baby rattle...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8fPBJpqcnBub5HUn7ntRPA0edoZeuGXaUwzjKaEmCHGl0Kz03ZeVXfqsFJc3mMHDL6_MqE9UhFkfxCXSDcDjtE5vS91yCDmF31SJucgfQujrCEBWbqKFzKTGUansgeluRo8AUtt-ygUE/s1600/DSC_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8fPBJpqcnBub5HUn7ntRPA0edoZeuGXaUwzjKaEmCHGl0Kz03ZeVXfqsFJc3mMHDL6_MqE9UhFkfxCXSDcDjtE5vS91yCDmF31SJucgfQujrCEBWbqKFzKTGUansgeluRo8AUtt-ygUE/s1600/DSC_0574.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Some finds from the antique shop and Mod-Podged boxes... <i>(the dress up doll's name is Adeline!)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTRX2X9RfDu87GLat3aHe2ySoiR0FExjX3vayzOQvX5fOo0LZRs69pNyJ7c70aOhm8dvUrwBpQxL6X9SYbWbZY5xjKiWHG1-9f3l8lkRjmo0mfH-zH6RwwBkNXk93TzNakNW_D_0jNlZu/s1600/DSC_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTRX2X9RfDu87GLat3aHe2ySoiR0FExjX3vayzOQvX5fOo0LZRs69pNyJ7c70aOhm8dvUrwBpQxL6X9SYbWbZY5xjKiWHG1-9f3l8lkRjmo0mfH-zH6RwwBkNXk93TzNakNW_D_0jNlZu/s1600/DSC_0550.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSBe6StOkO3-jkjWyvkjG0WJD84MV88pV0RhNzNrlgoLXETBZ-WEo7KNXjC8m9U88sKmKPv4EBa4f-veoWjeaElGno_p3H2banWeM2tFa-5rBaObcu5NzGMXs-Bd5H-J435X1oKz44y5U/s1600/DSC_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSBe6StOkO3-jkjWyvkjG0WJD84MV88pV0RhNzNrlgoLXETBZ-WEo7KNXjC8m9U88sKmKPv4EBa4f-veoWjeaElGno_p3H2banWeM2tFa-5rBaObcu5NzGMXs-Bd5H-J435X1oKz44y5U/s1600/DSC_0556.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even Denver wanted to create something beautiful for his baby sister.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljbri_5N0f2Oxviy4UfFIY27U_pZvWaPdluoxpZmknPxgazMxGwCORieXYcBbRqNOs4_-w6ee_JnfBz58K2klJe9ULCc7AGiz3DQGPt2os90v11hoCOnX85HnqvvRkjX2dJGT9t30zWgy/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljbri_5N0f2Oxviy4UfFIY27U_pZvWaPdluoxpZmknPxgazMxGwCORieXYcBbRqNOs4_-w6ee_JnfBz58K2klJe9ULCc7AGiz3DQGPt2os90v11hoCOnX85HnqvvRkjX2dJGT9t30zWgy/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He's so excited! We made a paper chain to count the days until Addy's arrival. Every night we remove a chain and talk about what life is going to be
like once Adeline comes. Denver can't wait to be a big brother! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipX7oi3Gyyy7wEcAlbW3qo0Ps7ZZo4l6y7-oDuyKaoFZU-ctSKPBhXZ495y6elsCjnANheB8qarphuBwhoyTj3MMJv9WrFOkc2ecG6EJHui1R3U8jmjWntRFn2_mbPO1OejicVddbVzOq/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipX7oi3Gyyy7wEcAlbW3qo0Ps7ZZo4l6y7-oDuyKaoFZU-ctSKPBhXZ495y6elsCjnANheB8qarphuBwhoyTj3MMJv9WrFOkc2ecG6EJHui1R3U8jmjWntRFn2_mbPO1OejicVddbVzOq/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was so much fun to put this room together. I can already see myself sitting in the rocker, listening to lullaby's, rocking little Adeline to sleep. I can't wait.<br />
<br />
I will try to post tutorials for some of the nursery projects in my "free time." Stay tuned!<br />
<br />Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-47121118674200976292014-08-15T11:19:00.002-04:002014-08-15T11:19:34.148-04:00Taking a RiskIan and I finally did it...well at least we're on our way. We are officially going to try to sell our Growth Chart Rulers and some other little handmade treats that I have enjoyed making. I think my hesitation came from not wanting to put a lot of time and money into making products and designing a website--obviously. But, with our little lady on the way and money getting pretty tight, it was something we had to try. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpPURKDGV0fFFP2HjN5FYu468nATxVQAT8KmZXuYtwOGT0kC9N8hHIf1dOZKH1Cwajo-3EsMvu6aY3nLcO3kf4IyGxoj7lZepcaAVGlostv7Zs68ELmhvg23d28Y0KjrLfEoBhEiB6mPT/s1600/Mosaic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpPURKDGV0fFFP2HjN5FYu468nATxVQAT8KmZXuYtwOGT0kC9N8hHIf1dOZKH1Cwajo-3EsMvu6aY3nLcO3kf4IyGxoj7lZepcaAVGlostv7Zs68ELmhvg23d28Y0KjrLfEoBhEiB6mPT/s1600/Mosaic6.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So here it goes...the big reveal. Please check out our <a href="http://aburle6.wix.com/growwithme#!growth-chart-rulers/c1m1x" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomentsSaved?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase rulers through our website at this time, but it is a nice way to browse our latest items. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping this new online venture helps me to be more diligent with this blog. Is it weird that I keep thinking that when our little one arrives in October, that I will have more time for this? Hold back your laughter...I know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSZHRZ8jDHJlPEjy0x21RIm2RUHMkWzq1sLmW34Uc5GjXLJW9UOuL9l1YHgtMUy5O_sY_ljes1B8yx-IKz7XNf00GuIhB3tvKkdnOrzniG2maAfEA7QfvGUF5MLvTO-yvimKT0GQrwp0D/s1600/Mosaic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSZHRZ8jDHJlPEjy0x21RIm2RUHMkWzq1sLmW34Uc5GjXLJW9UOuL9l1YHgtMUy5O_sY_ljes1B8yx-IKz7XNf00GuIhB3tvKkdnOrzniG2maAfEA7QfvGUF5MLvTO-yvimKT0GQrwp0D/s1600/Mosaic5.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-58818076037057092652014-08-13T10:56:00.001-04:002014-08-13T20:23:52.074-04:00Big ChangesToo many of my posts begin with an apology to explain why I have not blogged in so long...this post is no different. But I have a really great excuse this time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://httpshttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxortY3plT9PLyxhICARH3q5h4tNZCauMNTooyHApU9b8ImqySqZjZH3xtHxHg_8pvfzK4XFkbn1ejM0HgL4L4Uj9n_uN1V6K9yK9biOIoX-fvq5xmLu5D82hJo8To7zYgWLDjs0FPTNus/s767/Photo%25252020140813105442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="504" id="blogsy-1407941762414.0156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxortY3plT9PLyxhICARH3q5h4tNZCauMNTooyHApU9b8ImqySqZjZH3xtHxHg_8pvfzK4XFkbn1ejM0HgL4L4Uj9n_uN1V6K9yK9biOIoX-fvq5xmLu5D82hJo8To7zYgWLDjs0FPTNus/s500/Photo%25252020140813105442.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
That's right! We sold Quaint Oaks, bought Not-So-Quaint-Oaks, and found out that we're having...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLCucFwkDhLeP1pbPLsxBofiiSHlqAolmNC9luBHd_aLJ8KlKi-JFh0dQAOswIDL-StUSE_5dhdv7Hb1NB_DuvBxmyBYuF-eeDOvFZYnJd7FAUDNboA4wrBP-rIE1qocFd8_5GvS4wO57/s716/Photo%25252020140813105442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="666" id="blogsy-1407941762438.1338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLCucFwkDhLeP1pbPLsxBofiiSHlqAolmNC9luBHd_aLJ8KlKi-JFh0dQAOswIDL-StUSE_5dhdv7Hb1NB_DuvBxmyBYuF-eeDOvFZYnJd7FAUDNboA4wrBP-rIE1qocFd8_5GvS4wO57/s500/Photo%25252020140813105442.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
So how about a short house tour? I implore you to look back out our house tour of Quaint Oaks...really puts things in perspective. I saw a quote on Pinterest recently...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i>Love grows best in little houses with fewer walls to separate where you eat and sleep so close together, you can't help but communicate. And if we had more room between us, think of all we'd miss. Love grows best in houses just like this.</i><br />
</div>
<br />
This rang true for us, but with our growing collections and a little one on the way, it was time to find our home...the place where we would raise our family. So here it is...Not-So-Quaint-Oaks.<br />
You already got a glimpse of the front, but because bigger is always bigger...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIWB7rEFq8XGgR0mfZX9m2FeMlyrCZukHGpvD3z2Sq1S0NZO9uNQNi0P7SZVEpZn_homV-S5mwW7K1skS-aVwtsCNetGU2s0R2IJ2gD_Esca_faYmBA_D05vupV5R3L7qC02lCZYHaEYR/s1016/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762426.3618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIWB7rEFq8XGgR0mfZX9m2FeMlyrCZukHGpvD3z2Sq1S0NZO9uNQNi0P7SZVEpZn_homV-S5mwW7K1skS-aVwtsCNetGU2s0R2IJ2gD_Esca_faYmBA_D05vupV5R3L7qC02lCZYHaEYR/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdDF17JBK5Bt6ElZ3m0Tz9P94_qPepWcVtf86C78EWaFGlcBE18WgfTqHk2bWHmuVsb3gGeOlm4iB9lnLyFH8YA5UTQAXX0xHa1JNAEbqwFktj6R3gYmvAuFGhEwIhA5WRU8gCiz-msHB/s1024/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762443.9292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdDF17JBK5Bt6ElZ3m0Tz9P94_qPepWcVtf86C78EWaFGlcBE18WgfTqHk2bWHmuVsb3gGeOlm4iB9lnLyFH8YA5UTQAXX0xHa1JNAEbqwFktj6R3gYmvAuFGhEwIhA5WRU8gCiz-msHB/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
...and the back...with a huge deck! And room for a pool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQoAHPPtwBDH8CQZw_cb93nL9602fNrPE5YlhYJo9SirFMDxBffzY6M9-vEaOnIEltvpPuSgXxmKgdN9RuA0e8B6AMauyGg8LirJrmaDaZPjoQfnELsjW2fD2gVLBRvgWPx-qHbDYrZ7N/s1024/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762422.381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQoAHPPtwBDH8CQZw_cb93nL9602fNrPE5YlhYJo9SirFMDxBffzY6M9-vEaOnIEltvpPuSgXxmKgdN9RuA0e8B6AMauyGg8LirJrmaDaZPjoQfnELsjW2fD2gVLBRvgWPx-qHbDYrZ7N/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOGj3vr57HjsSsBYP0UgludUa44aUI0NDsZ2mLq_BtS0Db6TcozodxlhbqAc0gnuROtaVhjnghI_9IpbCSi8q-l1Cl0DF2akLmV7DJXsOiMPuthozrnIt9-jN2LqNjidjj4tydJ0LRhkw/s1024/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762435.145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOGj3vr57HjsSsBYP0UgludUa44aUI0NDsZ2mLq_BtS0Db6TcozodxlhbqAc0gnuROtaVhjnghI_9IpbCSi8q-l1Cl0DF2akLmV7DJXsOiMPuthozrnIt9-jN2LqNjidjj4tydJ0LRhkw/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
The outside is perfect...beautifully landscaped, private...just perfect. But the inside is even better. I won't bore you with pictures of bedrooms and bathrooms...they're pretty normal (except for our bedroom that opens up to a huge balcony!). I also don't need to post pictures of the 4-room finished basement...but I will tell you that it is big enough to house Big D's new trampoline. And a perfect craft room just for me! And I didn't even mention that Ian gets a library in this deal. So here is what sold us...<br />
<br />
Big, open, living space...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7FVv-17K69t5jwIXnpQfl0QejRgsLB4sRHa_ge_4OeFJHVZQzEvCj7EKkj-freHELXySS6vwSoWCioMpUq25W0gXsiFvlyp2XTi3jkUfW9J_-PFv4jP4szCt1SqU9Gex-N1Tkumik5bF/s1011/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762402.942" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7FVv-17K69t5jwIXnpQfl0QejRgsLB4sRHa_ge_4OeFJHVZQzEvCj7EKkj-freHELXySS6vwSoWCioMpUq25W0gXsiFvlyp2XTi3jkUfW9J_-PFv4jP4szCt1SqU9Gex-N1Tkumik5bF/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
It's worth showing a picture of what our old living room looked like on the day we moved..not a huge difference.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IrTqnp2eGzIPIy-whmzfXKidK40F5szFx3rguGk4XRZjsp_I1tjlzhlA9OXH21ckf8QlEqKZuNQALaj9IsTTyYjNLjlvFrOeGCa91UYwc7uJVGBrL7pdGlscLpGf364zZJT9SGKa834F/s1024/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762400.4976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IrTqnp2eGzIPIy-whmzfXKidK40F5szFx3rguGk4XRZjsp_I1tjlzhlA9OXH21ckf8QlEqKZuNQALaj9IsTTyYjNLjlvFrOeGCa91UYwc7uJVGBrL7pdGlscLpGf364zZJT9SGKa834F/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check out our new kitchen... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknM3IItJtmKoN_xRe7S5ZFLBKP2Q4FroGYPbtOfBOium6ZEKD7EMrhkgOayRNkyHHeW4foQvkDWUytUv0thbaaEMu2IBBKpM0zDI1hgnTlD1Czjg_uP1nFBiit5ax56HJvxJgHjFqL1RM/s1017/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762439.257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknM3IItJtmKoN_xRe7S5ZFLBKP2Q4FroGYPbtOfBOium6ZEKD7EMrhkgOayRNkyHHeW4foQvkDWUytUv0thbaaEMu2IBBKpM0zDI1hgnTlD1Czjg_uP1nFBiit5ax56HJvxJgHjFqL1RM/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
And custom cabinets! My dream come true...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BbM33IsF9JiZ61FW5p0Z6THZOoIZQ0e56Jq1KXAMsArYNjKs3rWySUHGwto0yeBtdHDNPm1TrwlYuPEmTR6sqpLr8ncpXhcYhCizCJ1L-nPOzKS8YJaSNw94dGRPrtlPePu0lAjvY6mG/s1024/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762482.7983" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BbM33IsF9JiZ61FW5p0Z6THZOoIZQ0e56Jq1KXAMsArYNjKs3rWySUHGwto0yeBtdHDNPm1TrwlYuPEmTR6sqpLr8ncpXhcYhCizCJ1L-nPOzKS8YJaSNw94dGRPrtlPePu0lAjvY6mG/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
There will be lots of pictures to come, especially as we start making this home our own. It is clear that whoever lived here before us, cared about this place a whole lot. They took excellent care of it and truly made it a home for a family. We knew we made the right choice because it felt like a home the first time we saw it...our home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Goodbye Quaint Oaks.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HOO8OG5uBBotpnpoafD9WXAWH726cxo54yGIFn3dYzV7Z2eqCFB2VKjxHwxwDQ3LUpE3bzrO4PZrVOd9bu67fhvS8G0xfrVG3heB1VmaY88_eJawCiuiJIjQhl6g-gxI5UGNDq-zRpcw/s1020/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1407941762412.3674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HOO8OG5uBBotpnpoafD9WXAWH726cxo54yGIFn3dYzV7Z2eqCFB2VKjxHwxwDQ3LUpE3bzrO4PZrVOd9bu67fhvS8G0xfrVG3heB1VmaY88_eJawCiuiJIjQhl6g-gxI5UGNDq-zRpcw/s500/Photo%25252020140813105443.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Stay tuned, as changes to the blog are on the way. In this year of growth and improvement, nothing is safe! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" height="20" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>
Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-55391444335168672552014-02-01T23:58:00.001-05:002014-02-01T23:58:41.169-05:00Rainy Day Web Games<p> Even with all of his toys, gadgets, and cars, Denver gets bored when he's stuck inside for too long. On days that I know we are housebound, I usually wake up to enjoy a cup of coffee and a Pinterest hunt, looking for creative ways to keep the little guy busy and entertained. I found a great idea from <a href="http://happykidsidea.com/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Happy Learning Education Ideas</a>...the link doesn't seem to take you directly to the post anymore, but I want to try to give credit where direct is due. Anyway...</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs_MGHUUct_xU2jW1WzN6xb6fLp-gsbcrGV48aZrZEH-EOtC1_DHXIB62gSsnRgLBtuFgt9_FxzTOK25EsFcHrn_FVkfedCgX3c294t6Anpndy5F6y2VZXDm5JGK6Ys99y_cuxsCtm6P6/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs_MGHUUct_xU2jW1WzN6xb6fLp-gsbcrGV48aZrZEH-EOtC1_DHXIB62gSsnRgLBtuFgt9_FxzTOK25EsFcHrn_FVkfedCgX3c294t6Anpndy5F6y2VZXDm5JGK6Ys99y_cuxsCtm6P6/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391317120679.8135" class="alignnone" width="406" height="531" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> ...painters' tape, open doorway, and poms poms. Enough said. </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-81044323536072781612014-02-01T23:06:00.001-05:002014-02-01T23:10:21.720-05:00New kinds of projects...It's amazing how kids transform your entire world! They not only force you to alter your sleep schedule, eating habits, and routines...they change your entire way of life. Our house has transformed from a cozy cottage to a full-blown kid zone.<br />
<br />
Little D started with a play area. Then he took over the sun room. His toys eventually spread onto the second floor and into our living space. Now, he has infiltrated the dining room with his play kitchen...which I love...but more on that later. Now, he has moved beyond floor space. He has recently moved onto the walls. Yes, Denver--who can barely hold a paint brush--has his own art gallery.<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Funds are tight so I went to the basement in search of old frames. I wish I had some bigger ones lying around, but our house is so quaint that the smaller frames really look just right...and I kind of think it is cute when his artwork hangs over the edges of the frames.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I started by laying out the pictures on a roll of brown paper so that I could figure out my layout. I wanted a nice mix of portraits and landscapes. </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Never without my iPad, I snapped a picture that I could edit in DoodleBuddy to plan my color patterns. I number the frames so I wouldn't get confused. I love the brown paper idea because then I trace and cut out a pattern for each frame and hang those on the wall with painters' tape to get a real sense of the layout and help me to hang everything in just the right place.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6rTCIvEblogGIo0QZA4cY5OZkJGQ3qUxDcPKV8EWWV1Vwa_fEP1qDS5qZiQFMjFBy1o01sd0glkUgfMohr5Mf0NReCb3D4UpQnd6Lq61_E2a-6hLQYxX7NUZfHs9uiVKH5YizehnfXFk/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1391314003203.987" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6rTCIvEblogGIo0QZA4cY5OZkJGQ3qUxDcPKV8EWWV1Vwa_fEP1qDS5qZiQFMjFBy1o01sd0glkUgfMohr5Mf0NReCb3D4UpQnd6Lq61_E2a-6hLQYxX7NUZfHs9uiVKH5YizehnfXFk/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I was so close to sticking to the same white that frames all of the pictures in our house, but I thought I would take a chance and go with some color. This goes against my obsessive nature because the color of <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">D's artwork would surely clash with the frames...but I had to take a chance. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeLy-C-gngwAcw4E4vvE-m00cqiXbLDcZjpQWjTqSh8LYMtggTH2Efiz4mB5x5teRvw1OpEZaOdMl49UwXZRB26WL8Ne2N1aFl_2_UUQZG6rd8UXuoqKL_QU6qF9v_rMSe-OE92bAND6r/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1391314003252.5908" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeLy-C-gngwAcw4E4vvE-m00cqiXbLDcZjpQWjTqSh8LYMtggTH2Efiz4mB5x5teRvw1OpEZaOdMl49UwXZRB26WL8Ne2N1aFl_2_UUQZG6rd8UXuoqKL_QU6qF9v_rMSe-OE92bAND6r/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the frames were painted and dried, I came to the most difficult part of the project. I wanted to attach a string from one end to the other from which Denver's art would hang. But, I also wanted the frame to lay flat against the wall, so I could use eye hooks. Instead, I shamelessly hot glued twine from one edge to the other. I am not proud of the method, but it worked!<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how I would hang the frames since I removed their backings so that the wall would show through each one. I decided to try to 3M Photo Strips. I didn't really trust them at first, but then I thought, if these things could hold up frames with real art and glass, then surely they could hold up empty, cheap frames with construction paper. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeruI8QOvhtT-DM3dLxS0DEdX56zdTuAnDmGUc6q8LNW5vEjFD11gzjBERX61D758ctq2C6QAFR1Et1adTpKTK-pKgTsQ5kQKtthaL74kB16QLo6gqWhU-OFLsriErLGjHG_se0yntG5p/s574/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="320" id="blogsy-1391314003250.2915" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeruI8QOvhtT-DM3dLxS0DEdX56zdTuAnDmGUc6q8LNW5vEjFD11gzjBERX61D758ctq2C6QAFR1Et1adTpKTK-pKgTsQ5kQKtthaL74kB16QLo6gqWhU-OFLsriErLGjHG_se0yntG5p/s320/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm actually really happy with how it turned out. The colors work and because there is not glass, I can just change out the projects every time Denver brings home another paint splattered paper plate and scrap-papered contact paper shapes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMEBdmMBTpc_zULQaED_biLdmyjRh0v3iVKkCUkwzkS3zag8xJ4QfbFWFMDoO8rwnJd2ZyddhAIzHr7UzuGCyHVUwSIn78L28IRcOLJ-VdDCX5u5dfDqAxJ4xAD7XqBgdwt8XxjzLMqz5/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="375" id="blogsy-1391314003289.6694" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMEBdmMBTpc_zULQaED_biLdmyjRh0v3iVKkCUkwzkS3zag8xJ4QfbFWFMDoO8rwnJd2ZyddhAIzHr7UzuGCyHVUwSIn78L28IRcOLJ-VdDCX5u5dfDqAxJ4xAD7XqBgdwt8XxjzLMqz5/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252010%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
The best part of this project is that once. The painting was done, I got the whole thing done while the little guy...and the big guy...took their naps. Usually I'm not allowed to put holes in the wall, but with the 3M Photo Strips, I silently created an entire art gallery wall in under 2 hours. <br />
Do you have a creative way of hanging your children's art work? Please share!<br />
<br />
<div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" height="20" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>
Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-54771232961726327752013-03-27T22:03:00.001-04:002013-03-28T14:26:42.781-04:00A Thank You Gift<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Today was a BIG day for us! As we walked into <strike>daycare</strike> school, I anticipated the dreaded moment when Denver grasps my sleeve, his lip starts to quiver as he breaks into tears, and he makes a face that screams, "don't go!" But today, nothing. Not a tear. He happily went to his teacher and even walked me out as he helped the teacher get milk from the kitchen. Denver likes school! It took him a while to adjust, but today was the first morning I went to work feeling completely okay with my decision to have Denver spend a few days a week at daycare. Today was a great day...<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Actually, it was bittersweet because yesterday I received the unfortunate news that Denver's teacher was leaving. Denver absolutely adores her...and so do I! She gives me such great first-time-mom advice and takes such good care of my little guy. Even though we have only known her a very short time, I have really grown to like her and am going to miss her. Tomorrow is Denver's last day with Miss Kathleen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I needed a special way to thank her for helping Denver adjust, and taking care of him when he suddenly got a fever, and giving him seconds at snack, and knowing to give him the red truck when he is sad. With little time to get a gift, I had to think fast so I obviously turned to Pinterest and remembered these delicious jar scents from <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/Natural_Room_Scents">The Yummy Life</a> that I made for myself this past winter. It's the perfect gift.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" id="lnkimg43fd040f-46e4-4351-80d0-84c6b545244a" target="_self"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCziknolzN1au6iyjzvScqRQHfCrfdWZHrsqRA3eOqNcoQS3VHezltnXI1x14z2qBSyHgp9B0Xr4q25pbn6tJ8xMP2GCmWbkeiHYXNVmGd5CEIJ7ICDj_8Fz2AEvVz-iqN_o2JWAwaZmK/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCziknolzN1au6iyjzvScqRQHfCrfdWZHrsqRA3eOqNcoQS3VHezltnXI1x14z2qBSyHgp9B0Xr4q25pbn6tJ8xMP2GCmWbkeiHYXNVmGd5CEIJ7ICDj_8Fz2AEvVz-iqN_o2JWAwaZmK/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
I sliced up four lemons and <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">squished them in a jar. Then I added water...I had to play with the lemon slices a bit so they lined the jar rather than pile up in the middle. I also strategically squished in </span>6 sprigs of rosemary and then topped it all off with 4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Now, all Miss Kathleen has to do is pour it in a small pot and simmer, adding water as needed. People say this scent is the same that greets you in Williams Sonoma, but I can't tell. I think it will be perfect now that spring is coming and we'll all be opening windows and airing out a long winter. I added some twine and a paper circle for the lid, and there you have it. Nothing fancy, but simply perfect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-52103564635287862912013-02-12T13:08:00.000-05:002013-02-12T13:09:52.186-05:00Toddler Valentine Trail Mix<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
I won't lie and say that I wasn't super excited when I realized Little D was starting school a week before Valentine's Day...our first Valentine's Day party! ...with real Valentine's. So of course I jumped on Pinterest to look for toddler-appropriate Valentines, and I found so many great ideas. Even though I am all about taking on the class-mom role, I also don't want to seem too over-eager with this whole crafty mom thing, so I checked with the teacher to see what the Valentine's Day protocol was in her room. Much to my disappointment, she said the parents don't do Valentines at this age and also that they will have a small party with some basic snacks. I signed up to bring in the cheese...so of course it will be the best darn Valentine's-themed cheese ever! ...blog post to come... But I just couldn't help myself. How could I not send Denver in with Valentines?! So here's what I came up with...inspired by a lovely blogger from <a href="http://babysteps365.blogspot.com/2012/01/toddler-valentine-snack-mix.html">One Step at a Time</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqEoPUdGDItardltiLSDAACCqFrH_BB31s-XHu7w5gNMlkO_H0Pb8YFWR3mRyit58YPmldaIRREc3OucTOErMjiZL6AW7IsYFQnHzo1aSZQNiUQSrSRK_pnJvLI7_3BDXUDzFkIwUKxv_/s1600/photo+1(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqEoPUdGDItardltiLSDAACCqFrH_BB31s-XHu7w5gNMlkO_H0Pb8YFWR3mRyit58YPmldaIRREc3OucTOErMjiZL6AW7IsYFQnHzo1aSZQNiUQSrSRK_pnJvLI7_3BDXUDzFkIwUKxv_/s400/photo+1(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Toddler trail mix! The variety from <a href="http://babysteps365.blogspot.com/2012/01/toddler-valentine-snack-mix.html">One Step at a Time</a> is much sweeter and has a little bit more variety, but I put together a very simple mix that should meet most parents' approval. All I did was combine Cheerios, freeze-dried strawberries, and Gerber strawberry yogurt drops. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDijMRp949C5YlU0QceRfwgZ6Z_6K8fLoX2wBtjhMjZhOCrN4JrwoSIXob8ZBxINpvLcfB9VSWHFxXlMHdsIX13R7tKfEG8l7rN5JGjIqMkMBD7FyG0GwRM3Bwwfp_ipREwBSKWfNVKklV/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDijMRp949C5YlU0QceRfwgZ6Z_6K8fLoX2wBtjhMjZhOCrN4JrwoSIXob8ZBxINpvLcfB9VSWHFxXlMHdsIX13R7tKfEG8l7rN5JGjIqMkMBD7FyG0GwRM3Bwwfp_ipREwBSKWfNVKklV/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Then I just added a note from Denver that said he was happy to have so many new friends...seemed appropriate since he was the new kid. So what do you think? Is it too much? Did I just help, or hurt, Denver's friend status?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGabJJ_8XdpjtR5ThmHQU9_n-OWkmKCAMPnoK3hmOVN2hMbhNuC-xaqax4Wq6zm43RFKlybpYFW5l554b5fw0pBjFyhjQBCgPMzk0P5UaCUMObPhACjhvXJ8jrlEwSh4qbEFESMOGEL_x_/s1600/photo+2%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGabJJ_8XdpjtR5ThmHQU9_n-OWkmKCAMPnoK3hmOVN2hMbhNuC-xaqax4Wq6zm43RFKlybpYFW5l554b5fw0pBjFyhjQBCgPMzk0P5UaCUMObPhACjhvXJ8jrlEwSh4qbEFESMOGEL_x_/s400/photo+2%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-78355121380791845832013-02-10T17:51:00.002-05:002013-02-10T17:51:48.547-05:00Shake, Shake, Shake!<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
This is one of the best projects I made for Little D. To answer your question...of course I found it on Pinterest, so to give credit where credit is due...this great find came from Heather who writes a blog, <a href="http://littlemomentstoembrace.blogspot.com/2012/10/stackable-sensory-boxes.html">The Little Moments</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqwo5u9M4F-_kO7F0jqYM4MbhDVyGBVoCWHdLUtN_BPWDsQBaC0yFX4bxNld8L1AC1hUagJA8Dp7wh93I-bs50YNiK5DEL1rgRjMaaIWTXil53XnMp4xr9_AwX1M2HHrxdMARprYLNfj-/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqwo5u9M4F-_kO7F0jqYM4MbhDVyGBVoCWHdLUtN_BPWDsQBaC0yFX4bxNld8L1AC1hUagJA8Dp7wh93I-bs50YNiK5DEL1rgRjMaaIWTXil53XnMp4xr9_AwX1M2HHrxdMARprYLNfj-/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4831177846379868375" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>In case the picture isn't clear, these are just little mini containers filled with various items for Little D to shake...that's it! The little containers are from the Dollar Store; I had a lot left over from my baby food-making days. Then, I looked for things to put in them that made different sounds. I decided to use...<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Tic Tacs</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Pennies </div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Rice</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Coarse salt</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Cut up sponge</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Small rocks</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Wooden beads</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Elbow macaroni</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Beans</div>
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 5em;"> </span> - Miniature sleigh bells</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I tried to make them even better by letting Ian draw different colored numbers and shapes on them, but these are starting to rub off. I love these shaker boxes because Little D will like them for different reasons as he grows and develops. As a baby, he enjoyed simply shaking them like rattles. As he's gotten older, I've noticed him shaking them, looking for different sounds. He's even started stacking them just the hear the sounds they make when they fall. Maybe one day we can play <i>Guess the Sound</i>, or he can write songs with them. And the best part...all 10 little boxes fit perfectly into his first shoebox! Now the sentimental pile of mush in me can justify hanging onto this silly cardboard memory.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvPAUR1RUXmlaiGyyAB4zzRYRnsKvIO3KQawqJyvud7TcyJILoUeMSYV9KaId3sEUD3fBfYCl08an-MKCePEVA5SkzZ-zREf5FPMlXtCD68iwTMlugpQ62jY-YEfiWWhnEDZtfqotxx9y/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvPAUR1RUXmlaiGyyAB4zzRYRnsKvIO3KQawqJyvud7TcyJILoUeMSYV9KaId3sEUD3fBfYCl08an-MKCePEVA5SkzZ-zREf5FPMlXtCD68iwTMlugpQ62jY-YEfiWWhnEDZtfqotxx9y/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
**Bit of advice...try to seal the edges with hot glue. One time, I let Little D play with these in his high chair. I only turned around for a second, but he had opened the salt box and was trying to eat the salt! I felt pretty bad, but his face was totally worth it.</div>
Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-87528892669136915342013-02-01T22:24:00.001-05:002013-02-01T22:24:23.469-05:00Color Crazy<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">Poor Little D...I will think of any way to sneak in a learning opportunity. It's going to be a looong 18 years, kid. I came across this wonderfully colorful idea on <a href="http://mumcentral.co.uk/activities/colour-baskets#.UQhSc7_KfKM">MumCentral</a>. It was super timely because I was just trying to think of ways to teach Denver his colors, beyond repeating the colors of things over and over again...and again... Then I came across a Pin that had the perfect idea.<div><br></div><div>On <a href="http://mumcentral.co.uk/activities/colour-baskets#.UQxkUbO9KSN">MumCentral,</a> I saw an idea for color baskets. I immediately started thinking about what I would need to go buy to make the perfect color baskets...isn't that terrible that I first think of what I can buy?! But then I realized that I had everything I needed! I took bins from Little D's toy shelf and just filled them with colored toys. It was actually kind of fun...like a scavenger hunt! So here's what I ended up with...</div><div><br></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img3265c29f-fe81-42aa-a120-48e6ed290807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtUGQgQTMk-YdZldbxd7fDZVtxfFoGw3jvxTXQjuB_40LsB7FursjsHK-QtQKX1ZECATQD8hb5B246Se19_WO0AZ9rcJECjOMc7T7nljmkkUfe1OqqpbgsXEnH9tAjqdn4ZYGagLvIV1b/" class="" mvc="false" style="height:300px;width:400px;opacity:1;left:260px;top:210px;background-image:none;background-color:transparent;padding:5px;border-width:1px;border-color:rgb(76, 60, 27);background-position:initial initial;background-repeat:initial initial"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted there to be a nice mix of toys so that Little D wouldn't get bored. You could include...</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- blocks</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font>- animals</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font></font></font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font></font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- craft materials</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font></font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- cars</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- small books</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font></font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- fabric</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- letters</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font></font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- kitchen utensils</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font></font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- clothes</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- trains</div><div><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font><font style="text-indent: 5em; "> </font><font> </font>- balls</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgde043fb2-d5b6-4404-8132-cbf7ce17ea8c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAn3inwLO0jBG_48x7sdJ71y2IRMEwLg1e5wfPAjvmyePgpKWFOwf7mNK1rivq7JazT3L9EB1sCXd9oizeQQWiXFDETzqlPH9Qf1qbtVJcRWwv9wl_ISuyVUd_mpQb169VppMG0yX3tjo/" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Something about them just makes me happy! </i></div></div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-1774694005720541742013-01-26T16:16:00.001-05:002013-01-26T16:16:43.032-05:00Ruler Growth Chart<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div>Ok, so I am terrible at this blogging thing. Every time I think I am going to finally get back into it, I stop halfway through a post...usually because Little D needs someone to play with him or change his diaper...only to find said post months--yes, months--later when I once again try to <i>get back into it</i>. It's a pattern. So, here's one that I started in August, found about a week ago, and am finally posting today...hopefully. So let's get back to why we're really here..</div><div><br></div>No Pinterest find is safe! I just can't help myself. One of my very first Pinterest finds, ever, was this ruler growth chart. Anyone who is a regular <i>Pinner</i> has surely seen this one from <a href="http://517creations.blogspot.com/2011/04/ruler-growth-chart-pottery-barn-knock.html?m=1">517 Creations</a>...<div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a id="lnkimgd29820c0-08ff-4db9-87d7-275930b860ef" target="_blank" href="http://517creations.blogspot.com/2011/04/ruler-growth-chart-pottery-barn-knock.html?m=1"><img id="imgd29820c0-08ff-4db9-87d7-275930b860ef" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx6KhkW61fyJc1kwbC84-ra0YNVLqx9ytcc9M9EW4dYr-ox3b0BgGqoHQ1BbkQ0DT0XtMzbEqDI0IRRJG_9xa1RdG_7pSJbqjUsDQr5Ek1hKg7GgJdO5eBEDehfF94qQ1HVSvCbHtChH4/" style="height:426.07359790802px;width:282.37424767017365px;opacity:1;background-image:none;background-color:silver;padding:6px;background-position:initial initial;background-repeat:initial initial" class="" rotate="-1.3607330322265625" scale="1"></a></div><div><br></div><div>What a great way to watch the growth of your little ones. Plus, it makes for great wall art, especially with our awkwardly small wall space at Quaint Oaks. The best part, no tearful goodbyes to a piece of molding or wall when we move one day. This growth chart can come with us! </div><div><br></div><div>Pardon the less-than photo quality. That's another hang up when it comes to blogging. I always wanted to try to post perfect pictures. Well, forget that. No time. You get what you get. iPhone pictures edited with a free app. Enjoy!<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img068e92f3-0642-43c2-9beb-6465d4063bc2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxRBnIQRj6DA_DjDq2SsMWywLvcZ3dcWD2VzsJhi6iMXwS6Xy01Dudf7c3Y7u8brRf9biP-WlxM-9PR36E34FCX7fwfwemqn3TRKzBj_8IWFiEKsABOlwO_HcG4idVPW0fCnBPHWiQ5tu/" style="height:400px;width:300px;opacity:1;background-image:none;background-color:silver;padding:6px;display:inline;left:210px;top:260px;background-position:initial initial;background-repeat:initial initial" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>This project is so simple! I bought a piece of wood from Lowes, 1x8x6, for $11. Ian stained it for me to give it a school ruler color. Then, I marked off every inch along the side. Using my handy dandy t-square and a fine point Sharpie paint marker, I went over my lines. To get that ruler look, I made all of the lines 1 inch, except for the quarter lines which I made 2 inches. </div><div><br></div><div>The numbers were a little tricky. I printed numbers 1 through 6 in a font that looked ruler-like. I think I used Georgia, size 125 or so...remember, I did this <i>months</i> ago! Anyway, rub the backside of the numbers with pencil. Then, using a ball point pen, trace the outer edges of the numbers so that the pencil marks are impressed on the wood. I used an extra fine point Sharpie marker to go over the pencil lines and color in the numbers. This part requires a steady hand, which I don't have, but it was easier than you would think. Finally, I sprayed it with a clear, semi-gloss spray seal. That's it! </div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img33006e6c-8d61-412d-9b77-ca24d1fcf4dd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5TjAfmFnQxkstFXdVuUNm0A7y8r_jlwFNu6g9mF0Ydg_iLdj5tO0n_m9QClMGpJgJWOuPH8GKEABHGSJrCN7Td6wvZoEjXDh-uShy1FmUduL-Btx5Z8GyfQtQzj-_SGexJx97nNOgAji/" style="height:400px;width:300px;opacity:1;background-image:none;background-color:silver;padding:6px;background-position:initial initial;background-repeat:initial initial" class=""></div><br><div>Check out <a href="http://517creations.blogspot.com/2011/04/ruler-growth-chart-pottery-barn-knock.html?m=1">517 Creations</a> for better step by step instructions. People absolutely love these and they make great shower gifts! All of my friends are popping out babies so I have an assembly line going. So far I've marked Little D's height when he started standing, took his first steps, and started walking...obsessed. </div></div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-84886649036977170592012-04-29T08:10:00.000-04:002012-04-30T07:13:18.630-04:00Sensory Nibble Bag<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Is anyone getting sick of my Pinterest re-do's? Since there's only, oh, I don't know, 5 readers at best who read this blog, I'm going to just keep on keeping on. Hope you don't mind.<br />
<br />
Pinterest is loaded with ideas for toddlers, but what can you really do with infants??? I am so excited to start making things for Denver to play with and learn from, but he is too little for most of the things I've pinned. Then I found this <a href="http://www.plainvanillamom.com/2012/04/sensory-bag-for-baby.html" target="_blank">sensory bag from Plain Vanilla Mom</a>! It's perfect because he is starting to get curious and grasp and touch things. Also, it could be made with stuff from the dollar store...love that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPoszhC89tMZWiZUTIqQSidjaMztOgR2qOhSMIw8_89eCuntpuzD9u3JlsquBoR5MPp1S12HB6xUYj9qqWVIV9RsW_SCblwDtkRxBDlUV19W-MDD49GoJow1HaybJm4Q_6HyWOWxdIK6u/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPoszhC89tMZWiZUTIqQSidjaMztOgR2qOhSMIw8_89eCuntpuzD9u3JlsquBoR5MPp1S12HB6xUYj9qqWVIV9RsW_SCblwDtkRxBDlUV19W-MDD49GoJow1HaybJm4Q_6HyWOWxdIK6u/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Take a ziplock bag--freezer bags are best because they are the thickest and most durable. Fill with a bottle of hair gel, and then whatever little trinkets you can find. I got some beads, plastic fish and frogs, marbles, and a shiny new penny. Then, I trimmed the whole thing with duct tape to make sure it wouldn't leak or spl<span class="Apple-style-span">it open at the edges. I love decorative duct tape! And the black and white checkers are a perfect bold visual for infants! </span><br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJPkagfQ1PKq0ENuDsvtV6957InkuVHMERPtD6dDfbYwJ8QKO7ytBX3QmtvNr6NJZ8SLbb_f3fXKogFxuX-B2uUbk4Tqos6R6GLrndvYZcLm-LOuBkYF8ZyIBq0dtWS4WyP8JOqfd0IBw/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJPkagfQ1PKq0ENuDsvtV6957InkuVHMERPtD6dDfbYwJ8QKO7ytBX3QmtvNr6NJZ8SLbb_f3fXKogFxuX-B2uUbk4Tqos6R6GLrndvYZcLm-LOuBkYF8ZyIBq0dtWS4WyP8JOqfd0IBw/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Denver <i>loves</i> this toy...in fact, it might be his favorite. when I hold it up in front of him, he gets so excited...it doesn't even really do anything, he just loves to look at it. Maybe it's the color, or the bold edges. When I give it to him, he grabs at it a bit which is what he's supposed to do with it since its a <i>sensory</i> bag...and then right into his mouth it goes! I guess even the sensory bag is a little too advanced for him. So for now, it's a nibble bag. Luckily he has no teeth yet so we don't have to worry about him biting through it. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDA-TiOHeEkw68uAptUZRq3mnXTYdrMLOox9egC_7FiEpUj8fxArG1M4laXlS8BAf91wk6thhoeOF5IFx_mqnHUVkRNrhc2KFA2Z_twzC9iYcQjfSkhEe9VnLSdDJsSvRQt6yzguhKU92/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDA-TiOHeEkw68uAptUZRq3mnXTYdrMLOox9egC_7FiEpUj8fxArG1M4laXlS8BAf91wk6thhoeOF5IFx_mqnHUVkRNrhc2KFA2Z_twzC9iYcQjfSkhEe9VnLSdDJsSvRQt6yzguhKU92/s640/photo(3).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-37907091964328771492012-04-29T07:45:00.001-04:002012-04-29T07:45:11.166-04:00Anti-Anti- Pasto<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
My aunt and uncle threw a little soirée to welcome my cousin home from his deployment in Afghanistan and they asked that everyone bring something. So what was the first thing that I did??? I excitedly went running to Pinterest looking for appetizer ideas. I wanted something that would travel well, wouldn't need to be warmed, and would be easy to eat. Within seconds, I found it! Antipasto skewers! <a href="http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/2011/02/antipasto-kabobs.html" target="_blank">The Hungry Housewife</a> offered a great recipe.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWv6BFlhDjeE_-JuqTCAsGAtOCDEYN_JTfhFl267xZQSQykaCeZx_Yl3Kt2dTN-_s05MmL2P2PcHeJXl7YzJzPWpOyaw5cq8cjFxv228SsP68u6CA1vm3sl1oZ8dVqkUy-g9yoBuEzHQ-/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWv6BFlhDjeE_-JuqTCAsGAtOCDEYN_JTfhFl267xZQSQykaCeZx_Yl3Kt2dTN-_s05MmL2P2PcHeJXl7YzJzPWpOyaw5cq8cjFxv228SsP68u6CA1vm3sl1oZ8dVqkUy-g9yoBuEzHQ-/s640/DSC_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mixed up the original recipe to better suit my taste...and make them a bit more substantial...because lets face it, bigger is better! Also, with the tortellini, I guess it's not really <i>antipasto</i>, so I call mine the <b>anti</b>-antipasto. Ian did cut the skewers down a bit so they would fit on my dish, and it also helped the food to fit perfectly without too much skewer left over. So, here's what I ended up with...</div>
<div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Large green olive</li>
<li>Pepperoni </li>
<li>Cheese tortellini - cooked and marinated in balsamic vinaigrette overnight</li>
<li>Provolone cheese</li>
<li>Cherry tomato</li>
<li>Prosciutto</li>
<li>Marinated mozzarella ball</li>
<li>Salami </li>
<li>Black olive</li>
</ol>
I thought a small Parmesan chunk would be a nice touch...but pricey!<br />
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGIlWnXVgQ0Nm3TkgjaJHG1AVnc_tWN7G76S6cS11ns4Y4h2JyKY5D45P7t0ESoSQI66larYMjz25J2acou1VsQ7XsQIMy1WXqtLHORVBishQDEtw9W9JNZtAymAywWaaULL5jDADsTWQ/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGIlWnXVgQ0Nm3TkgjaJHG1AVnc_tWN7G76S6cS11ns4Y4h2JyKY5D45P7t0ESoSQI66larYMjz25J2acou1VsQ7XsQIMy1WXqtLHORVBishQDEtw9W9JNZtAymAywWaaULL5jDADsTWQ/s640/DSC_0009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you know me, then you know that I definitely obsessed over the order of the tasty bites for quite some time. I wanted the skewer to be a journey of sight and taste...kidding. But yes, I did obsess over the order.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So easy, huge hit...and no leftovers :(</div>
</div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-25852680658445170322012-04-13T22:26:00.000-04:002013-12-05T07:50:33.738-05:00What I've Learned as a New Mommy<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Denver just passed the 3 month mark. I know it's cliche, but <i>he is growing so fast!</i> Ian made a good point, that 3 months is a big milestone. It's a dividing line in development and clothes! ...well, for our looong boy, we hit 3-6 month clothes a while ago! Anyway, I thought that even though I am no expert and I still have plenty to learn, this would be a good time to write about some of the things that I have learned so far. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq5veA_OZ3F_r4-5nrkCRBAV_Na6SYQyOdgLul-cpqKaIpkVsf2GHR2JUCorzsuRts05hZQ-6cGgLruc3sEucv2ICZ2crCKCLOXnSKtHDw5wyo8X9b0Gi2lQ5ghQ72ZxXot8czzUK0Ufa/s1600/-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq5veA_OZ3F_r4-5nrkCRBAV_Na6SYQyOdgLul-cpqKaIpkVsf2GHR2JUCorzsuRts05hZQ-6cGgLruc3sEucv2ICZ2crCKCLOXnSKtHDw5wyo8X9b0Gi2lQ5ghQ72ZxXot8czzUK0Ufa/s400/-7.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>All babies really are different</b>. You read all of the books, magazines, websites, community boards and you wonder if you're baby is normal, ahead, or behind. I am finally realizing, with a baby in 6-9 month clothes (because of length, not weight!) that I can't compare him to anyone else.</li>
<li><b>It's okay not to breastfeed</b>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span>I was devastated when I stopped trying. Everyone talks about how there is no closer bond and how it's the most beautiful thing in the world, yada yada yada. Those things weighed heavy on my mind when I was ready to give up. Denver hated it! He would scream mercilessly, to the point where he was almost choking and hyperventilating. I couldn't do it anymore, especially when we were both at the point of exhaustion. And it has been okay! He still has unconditional love for me. I am still the one who settles him down. We still have those special moments where we stare into each others eyes. No regrets. <a href="http://www.fearlessformulafeeder.com/2012/04/fff-friday-i-wasted-those-first-few.html" target="_blank">Here is a blog</a> that supports other mommies who struggle with breastfeeding. </li>
<li><b>Tri-fold cloth diapers are the best burp cloths</b>. That's it.</li>
<li><b>Babies don't have to hate belly time!</b> Many do because they sleep on their backs. Denver screamed when we would try to put him on his belly to exercise his neck muscles. Then we tried laying on our backs and laying him on his belly, on our chests so that he could see our faces. It took a couple of weeks...first he screamed, then the screams turns to cries, the cries turned to squeals, the squeals turned to whines, and now he actually smiles and laughs because as he lifts his head, he sees us smiling and encouraging him. This has become a great game.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS4NBQh0ngSmRUQiS7ugkrn3kPykocewgcp6_Q_j23GMaZVEjb-5CN0DTtVbMGNvBtDD_3jEhvwmmVODC26eLF2lIk40NaH4cNSbvKGwnig3nSD6QlJ4stWg70vyBdDJzwwikEcT8WQNn/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS4NBQh0ngSmRUQiS7ugkrn3kPykocewgcp6_Q_j23GMaZVEjb-5CN0DTtVbMGNvBtDD_3jEhvwmmVODC26eLF2lIk40NaH4cNSbvKGwnig3nSD6QlJ4stWg70vyBdDJzwwikEcT8WQNn/s400/-3.jpg" height="400" width="343" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>There is no such thing as a schedule</b>. Sure, they may sleep through the nit eventually and patterns may develop, but each at is different. Take today for example. Denver usually takes a nap 2 hours after he wakes up, for about 30 minutes, then a longer nap anytime from 11am-2pm, and then another around 4 before he goes to bed at 6:30ish. I had all kinds of plans today based on that pattern and the little man only took three 20 minute naps at odd times. So much for my to-do list.</li>
<li><b>You can't really get babies into a routine</b>, try as you might. It will just happen. I researched and read all about how to help baby sleep through the night. You can read more about that <a href="http://quaintoaks.blogspot.com/2012/03/zzzzz_30.html">here</a>. I tried lots of things to help him get to this milestone, but one night, he just did it. Maybe my hard work accumulated and had some influence, but Denver was ready. Lesson learned: don't try so hard.</li>
<li><b>Take lots of pictures</b>! Even in 3 short months, they grow so much.
Without pictures, I would have no way to see Denver's incredible
growth. He's a little boy, now. It's hard to remember what he looked
like in his earlier weeks. I even take a weekly picture every Sunday so
that one day I can make a collage or some sort of timeline. Already,
it's amazing to see his changes week to week.</li>
<li><b>Sleepers are comfy and awesome</b>...not the sleep sacks, though they're nice, too. But I love the footed pajamas. However, there are those that snap and those that zip. Go with the zip! Makes those 3am diaper changes less challenging.</li>
<li><b>Bottle warmer, shmottle shwarmer</b>. I thought we needed a bottle warmer to avoid hot spots, so we got one. More often, I just use the microwave. Takes about 1/8 the time.</li>
<li><b>You really can interpret cries</b>. I wasn't sure about this at first, but then I read something online that helped me crack the code. Long drown out cries, sometimes even fake, mean hungry. Whiny, squeaky cries are gas...often associated with stiffening body and jerky legs. Unexplainable, indistinguishable cried means wet diaper. If you are playing and the baby looks away, they are done and want to be left alone. Sounds crazy, but thanks to these tips, Denver rarely has crying fits. </li>
<li><b>Trust your instincts</b>. This is a tough one as a new mom
because I've never had motherly instincts. It's strange to have a
feeling and just know. You are the mom, you really do know best...not
because you're the boss or all-knowing, but because you know your baby,
better than even you realize. <span class="Apple-style-span">It's not a cliche...you just do! </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUI8jTcbbbRXnxaE2lvScbVY_dSgjtJVPaJ1KOMhCDIG-1EtJGZUzdM5QRrmdiF09QSA0UxZbJU1AjiXKec2pOZV9wYdOgfQh8JfLghE_RzArqBN-2X3T44oE8rYYRE7IInkIKCkovWN-/s1600/-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUI8jTcbbbRXnxaE2lvScbVY_dSgjtJVPaJ1KOMhCDIG-1EtJGZUzdM5QRrmdiF09QSA0UxZbJU1AjiXKec2pOZV9wYdOgfQh8JfLghE_RzArqBN-2X3T44oE8rYYRE7IInkIKCkovWN-/s400/-2.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Dust if you must</b>. My mom taught me this. I was feeling kind of guilty because I am home and Ian has to work, so I was trying to be mother and wife of the year...hot meals, clean house, clean laundry. I managed, but I was exhausted. Worse than that, I found myself hoping Denver would sleep so that I could do everything on my to-do list. Then I realized that when I go back to work in September, I would look back and regret nt spending every possible minute with him. That's when I started letting things go. It's okay. The house is still clean, we still eat, and we wear clean clothes.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Go outside</b>. My mom told me the my
nana said, even if it is only for a few minutes, you should take your
baby outside everyday. And that's what we've done! Denver loves the
fresh air, and the sites and sounds. In fact, if he's having a meltdown,
all I have to do is step outside, and all is right in his world. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIKvb-8jwRrCmsynOzddnIHyU0o5WfJ3C6H2MR_I4XmtV0fWJsN9h6I25h45lNVrGkS2x41UbbE5HdUHLATLAuPn0QrQ5OqfWa5I1tVGhKomR_VIXb22H6C_5dwZtu1PhDzP6Y3w-1F-C/s1600/-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIKvb-8jwRrCmsynOzddnIHyU0o5WfJ3C6H2MR_I4XmtV0fWJsN9h6I25h45lNVrGkS2x41UbbE5HdUHLATLAuPn0QrQ5OqfWa5I1tVGhKomR_VIXb22H6C_5dwZtu1PhDzP6Y3w-1F-C/s400/-5.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Don't let others tell you what to do.</b> Only weeks after I was home, people were pressuring me to get out of the house, take a break, get some me time. I didn't want any of that. I just wanted to take in every possible minute with my son. I listened to them, though. I left the house...and I hated it. I found myself resenting the people who were trying to help. I just wasn't ready...and that's ok. Now, Denver is 3 months old and I leave him with other people. I have been for weeks. I go out and get me time, and now it's right. I'm ready. Don't let other people, even if they are well-intentioned, force you to do things you don't want to do. They mean well, but move at your own pace.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Thermos...genius</b>! Ok, I'm not claiming to be the mother of this brain child, but in all of the books, magazines, websites, and discussion boards that I have read, I have never seen this. I have been struggling with how to manage bottles on long day trips. I have a car warmer, but it takes a while and it's hard to get the temperature just right. I could ask restaurants to heat up a bottle, but what if there's no restaurant? Then I thought to myself, there must be a way to carry warm water so I can mix a bottle when I need one. Surely, something must exist that can help me with this. DUH! Thermos. Well actually, my first thought was to put warm water in a travel coffee mug. Longer day trip??? Thermos! If anyone has a better idea, please share! I should market this.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7yg30ZXVcfUyHYV_TJGD-1u_yGNTlACJcwcZ0m7Zk0J2Tllb5krMJ7y11muHhndpLlvPoYHjLzQawqI0gLlYBgfwFnA5PBwPYnv1FbGJZnKFwOimJN5_t4J8oykfn6vvIJC-TOwPgY7O/s1600/-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7yg30ZXVcfUyHYV_TJGD-1u_yGNTlACJcwcZ0m7Zk0J2Tllb5krMJ7y11muHhndpLlvPoYHjLzQawqI0gLlYBgfwFnA5PBwPYnv1FbGJZnKFwOimJN5_t4J8oykfn6vvIJC-TOwPgY7O/s400/-6.jpg" height="400" width="347" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span">3 months isn't just a milestone for Denver, but also for Ian and me. As parents, we are more confidant. As husband and wife, we are finding our balance, which has been tough since we went from two to three. We still have so much to learn, and I'm sure there are things that I am leaving out, so this will be Part 1. To be continued...</span></div>
</div>
Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-46128652831538134772012-04-13T20:02:00.000-04:002012-04-13T20:16:38.444-04:00Perfect 1st Anniversary Paper Gift<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
<i>Jessie just received her anniversary gift, and she loved it! </i><br />
<i>Now it's safe to publish this post...</i><br />
<br />
I just love it when Ian is home from work. Not only did I have time to finish some crafty odds and ends, but I am actually sitting, feet up, coffee nearby (still hot), and am blogging from the couch...watching Disney because I can't reach the remote...while daddy feeds little Denver. Love today! <br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yfXOnWbRlvtDHuXFq7OAEJVQezoRnXTJbG6HCKX778hquBpHath4VnR0oyo_ilnbMiuUqCMabOQtMXdG954OuJR3MXQENfo8j3O1sp2ZrufKOOrfzMGU0BVQ9ED4T7SAjFwFFdPj8h3J/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yfXOnWbRlvtDHuXFq7OAEJVQezoRnXTJbG6HCKX778hquBpHath4VnR0oyo_ilnbMiuUqCMabOQtMXdG954OuJR3MXQENfo8j3O1sp2ZrufKOOrfzMGU0BVQ9ED4T7SAjFwFFdPj8h3J/s400/photo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
April 8 was my sister's one year anniversary and since one year is paper, and I just loved this calendar idea from <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/12/diy-project-vintage-postcard-calendar-journal.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a> that I found on Pinterest, I knew exactly what to give Jessie and Brian! I made one for myself, but I definitely like the way that theirs came out better...it's more personal, as you'll see.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/12/diy-project-vintage-postcard-calendar-journal.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeBC8q8_xQT3k8u_9F-DoU_OIUBDKYOII3Mib0hRMPtfIyxjOK2bjRGXbiL38fqPEM2HdHO-3zY6TMgOmZbMe_SSE91KqsB0xgEETPyMrRv4aWo4NSpj7BVHKI6RyFb8y7_acOWrgUDh8/s400/calendarjournal-08.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Pruitt @ Design Sponge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, I bought the largest index cards I could find and cut them in half. Easy. Then I bought a date stamp. This was super cheap at Staples and since I plan on making lots of these perpetual calendars, I cut off the year band of the stamp so that only the month and date remained. Then I stamped each card with a date until I had 365 cards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdr_BmAMtBIIwlXThdDQlUUkr2uCu9xwV8w9N1CBLlEyASWgjW2ZrOHAHN7oqPtIApjAfcWoArSpiWNHeJQSU-EYjdtgLvC5u87gC7ogUeV2BJPtGQMmsuexeiWRDeYPo795_nEetgJTM/s1600/DSC_0487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdr_BmAMtBIIwlXThdDQlUUkr2uCu9xwV8w9N1CBLlEyASWgjW2ZrOHAHN7oqPtIApjAfcWoArSpiWNHeJQSU-EYjdtgLvC5u87gC7ogUeV2BJPtGQMmsuexeiWRDeYPo795_nEetgJTM/s400/DSC_0487.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJzRm9q-pQORtG92pLZbfQbyjcubErOa5xAO6e7bXA-ZKssZm1xclhFhcebyAicGknSvVBP3wv9pPLJhB2ifvQeIDsXCaXLbTYCnEcZHFVj1OMIJK-l2sINWijw9VWyE-WR4yPVmXo-l6/s1600/DSC_0488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJzRm9q-pQORtG92pLZbfQbyjcubErOa5xAO6e7bXA-ZKssZm1xclhFhcebyAicGknSvVBP3wv9pPLJhB2ifvQeIDsXCaXLbTYCnEcZHFVj1OMIJK-l2sINWijw9VWyE-WR4yPVmXo-l6/s400/DSC_0488.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Quick story, because with all of the bad out there, you hardly ever hear about people who do good: A few weeks ago when Ian and I went antiquing, I saw used, wooden, fruit containers that would be perfect for my calendar. There were four tied together with some ribbon. I can't remember how much they were so I don't want to exaggerate the price, but I remember thinking, <i>I can't spend <b>that</b> on <b>those</b>!</i> So I thought I would continue my search for another perfect container...but none existed. I couldn't stop thinking about the overpriced fruit boxes. I had to have them. Trouble was, I couldn't remember if I saw them at the first or second stop. We went to one of the two antique shops...I rushed in as if there was a run on used fruit boxes! I asked the woman if she had any in the shop and explained the story about how there were four used fruit boxes, tied together with ribbon, but that I couldn't remember if I saw them at her shop or the one up the street. Much to my disappointment, she said she did not have the containers. She was asking me all kinds of questions, like what i wanted them for and how they were sold at the other store...i got the impression she was fishing for ideas. Then she disappeared. So, Ian and I did a quick walk-about to see if any new gems had come in. The woman found me as we were leaving and had six of my fruit containers! She said she was shocked that anyone would charge for them, let alone charge such a ridiculous price! So she gave them to me, for <b>free dollars</b>! All she asked was that I come back to show her the finished project. Deal! See, good people really do exist!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, back to it. I had the perfect containers...now I needed postcards to divide each month. For my own calendar, I bought a lot of vintage postcards on eBay. I didn't care where they were from. I was just interested in color. But for my sister's I wanted something more special. Her husband collects vintage postcards from the New Jersey Shore...that's where we are from and they still live there. So back to the antique store I went! I picked out 12 beautiful Jersey Shore post cards. It's like two gifts in one! And it really brings home the <i>paper anniversary</i> theme.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSthQ9DfrCPsxV2YOr22UgVa6E9HKAAKK9wnxTQYC2COfA3RdC0Z5TK5yWx6NXVj72XhbbNcN5JXqHCxvxniUp6qBEDZ0Meiw463HUJIxBfwlueg-IVk0dMuE1ydAPgOHcDuYU5JJfz0Z/s1600/DSC_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSthQ9DfrCPsxV2YOr22UgVa6E9HKAAKK9wnxTQYC2COfA3RdC0Z5TK5yWx6NXVj72XhbbNcN5JXqHCxvxniUp6qBEDZ0Meiw463HUJIxBfwlueg-IVk0dMuE1ydAPgOHcDuYU5JJfz0Z/s400/DSC_0592.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SN4ebvWUvQdIoVZBiUNKtBbOKZ0XFeo3bOCIbWsy-P4o4RQ23aXzq5EEYChmlYcSb1VaLqgHV1Ouc4zhZzLzBWRYcFwrnNBpl6eOLxlbSV3xkHaQrROiTLRk-iyhHDeyw40F7zsDO5Vo/s1600/DSC_0607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SN4ebvWUvQdIoVZBiUNKtBbOKZ0XFeo3bOCIbWsy-P4o4RQ23aXzq5EEYChmlYcSb1VaLqgHV1Ouc4zhZzLzBWRYcFwrnNBpl6eOLxlbSV3xkHaQrROiTLRk-iyhHDeyw40F7zsDO5Vo/s400/DSC_0607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Finally, I wrote some instructions...in case index cards in a box don't make sense. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgs5x-3BPhqyvJOs5VCF8WEpLk-GrgwPE_RsUdrAakUQVJYsGYtdkQWSU74-XjqEb7hWEkC6pgHjXx5MRZjZZni8WY7k1gggLYD0tEeUz3gyrvWGe3Z6oYbcUEkgnpoAp9tU7b5h0zAKW/s1600/DSC_0610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgs5x-3BPhqyvJOs5VCF8WEpLk-GrgwPE_RsUdrAakUQVJYsGYtdkQWSU74-XjqEb7hWEkC6pgHjXx5MRZjZZni8WY7k1gggLYD0tEeUz3gyrvWGe3Z6oYbcUEkgnpoAp9tU7b5h0zAKW/s400/DSC_0610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I wrapped up the entire package in baking twine...it was such a nice touch in the original Pinterest find that I couldn't resist! </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ_iQnfRsDztwDBRz8gUCHLU3C0-46Dkj3SAAHU9l5FZDbBAuYEYTGk5Fj7xQANglcjZ9NElZ3f0DAFmTkxtWzveqykpFk3kIk2nOZCMPjtybExCe3mbfJZwcdfMwI32Z1vgV2BhS9RKF/s1600/DSC_0611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ_iQnfRsDztwDBRz8gUCHLU3C0-46Dkj3SAAHU9l5FZDbBAuYEYTGk5Fj7xQANglcjZ9NElZ3f0DAFmTkxtWzveqykpFk3kIk2nOZCMPjtybExCe3mbfJZwcdfMwI32Z1vgV2BhS9RKF/s400/DSC_0611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made them a card...yep, more paper! I also used the baking twine for some extra pizazz. It's so charming...and when I buy a new craft toy, I can't help but overuse it.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS0H8lTTov7itDiUqOxNYvYVJwxZ1vEi0iOboMirf6pH0aKcdq7GfGaZTr2pRVAj8eYzuX4tYitjwIdvCbTEOKaAjgDwe65sRNOdcFENXzRhzKPPf33p8it47yg_pVmitTA4UMOrc5i2S/s1600/DSC_0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS0H8lTTov7itDiUqOxNYvYVJwxZ1vEi0iOboMirf6pH0aKcdq7GfGaZTr2pRVAj8eYzuX4tYitjwIdvCbTEOKaAjgDwe65sRNOdcFENXzRhzKPPf33p8it47yg_pVmitTA4UMOrc5i2S/s320/DSC_0599.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZSyxong5RpFOzgfmBpgxx6jbUWO5aNkMAZat8YahsCPA2Gy4IveNcuMxHLZyh8n-iny3yfN07jxwPPZohjYl2PZ96WfexOpFdAjPr7nPst2vJ8csEFihRFgu0ljTrztXvTN0dfvienUQ/s1600/DSC_0613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZSyxong5RpFOzgfmBpgxx6jbUWO5aNkMAZat8YahsCPA2Gy4IveNcuMxHLZyh8n-iny3yfN07jxwPPZohjYl2PZ96WfexOpFdAjPr7nPst2vJ8csEFihRFgu0ljTrztXvTN0dfvienUQ/s400/DSC_0613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I packaged it up and stuck it in the mail. I was a little nervous about the presentation upon arrival, but it is what it is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWDUC0jP-gS3ns8kvD6Xpw0eV5vBKB7nDJUMeShS4V3eA5Px3kVOM5ZBxIAtar-ywgkghyxAWwU29_lxb12EyG535EeRjBs7YKdASwQiV84TcZ2En5xrhoU2PNbYQcE1v6RHVhWKZoMyV/s1600/DSC_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWDUC0jP-gS3ns8kvD6Xpw0eV5vBKB7nDJUMeShS4V3eA5Px3kVOM5ZBxIAtar-ywgkghyxAWwU29_lxb12EyG535EeRjBs7YKdASwQiV84TcZ2En5xrhoU2PNbYQcE1v6RHVhWKZoMyV/s400/DSC_0612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY JESSIE & BRIAN!</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgD8aMz87XUd5bK7rRt2viX4fSLTuSSgzGGwIh1iLp1QQZX4w79jdFv_qMQd2Cp-QFkqONDzEX7iYQZB9BsGr0CyNFNevyOLyu0htiRjUhvu2wuDVuWF3y5EVWsxnBtpJrGUKRGpE-iFj/s1600/265084_10100637640355499_8840466_62304628_6785385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgD8aMz87XUd5bK7rRt2viX4fSLTuSSgzGGwIh1iLp1QQZX4w79jdFv_qMQd2Cp-QFkqONDzEX7iYQZB9BsGr0CyNFNevyOLyu0htiRjUhvu2wuDVuWF3y5EVWsxnBtpJrGUKRGpE-iFj/s400/265084_10100637640355499_8840466_62304628_6785385_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-382919795320234732012-04-11T21:50:00.000-04:002012-04-12T07:40:35.787-04:00My Storybook Baby ShowerThis is long overdue, but better late than never!<br />
<br />
I am so lucky to have the most thoughtful mommy and sister! They threw me a storybook shower...literally. It was a book-themed event, down to every detail. Here are some of the highlights.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The invitations were made to look like Golden Books. Everything was inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATxujyrnOV7TxkMZCEDbVQ6arzPkTiWxUecg4cGYEaGSsOB-A7EYr4Txgb2Br9puuTj8OR1W3yFHKDbC1FDpzwT7VuhTdfst7xuY2idRanLFS_3UnNFWug9eT5spWXgYd_XNu_NS9qHlP/s1600/387796_10150480482272214_698832213_10786741_300344676_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATxujyrnOV7TxkMZCEDbVQ6arzPkTiWxUecg4cGYEaGSsOB-A7EYr4Txgb2Br9puuTj8OR1W3yFHKDbC1FDpzwT7VuhTdfst7xuY2idRanLFS_3UnNFWug9eT5spWXgYd_XNu_NS9qHlP/s640/387796_10150480482272214_698832213_10786741_300344676_n.jpg" width="504" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdSZ5h4ABWVgJvVfKDZd5OGgKPJcQVjwyA9GTX68GlubpUVEvPfZdeUsePO7ukqNTR9acMytqB3pFWTbcbDYLRYyBqmi3YjwWg3bN0e1Hs8oBJI_G7ybmbOsJXDd9MxcnmO2maFFx0P2d/s1600/302419_10150480482392214_698832213_10786745_739137664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdSZ5h4ABWVgJvVfKDZd5OGgKPJcQVjwyA9GTX68GlubpUVEvPfZdeUsePO7ukqNTR9acMytqB3pFWTbcbDYLRYyBqmi3YjwWg3bN0e1Hs8oBJI_G7ybmbOsJXDd9MxcnmO2maFFx0P2d/s640/302419_10150480482392214_698832213_10786745_739137664_n.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The shower information was printed on library cards...love! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xoLkWqSXZ8MzfI26G-rm04oGmuEGff8SavROOPfUahQvuSodltxkt0fhRVAtJKAROn50IhzTHZnFb_xw_NGMa6ATsrTEgMCdlwvEdoKvBVPx54avqsE4PFaGbfdgaUiuucIWaJZnkmi0/s1600/302419_10150480482402214_698832213_10786746_267782977_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xoLkWqSXZ8MzfI26G-rm04oGmuEGff8SavROOPfUahQvuSodltxkt0fhRVAtJKAROn50IhzTHZnFb_xw_NGMa6ATsrTEgMCdlwvEdoKvBVPx54avqsE4PFaGbfdgaUiuucIWaJZnkmi0/s640/302419_10150480482402214_698832213_10786746_267782977_n.jpg" width="473" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each invitation had a bookmark that explained the wishing well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhyphenhyphenNKH7XH0l2KReDbORxxu3DCFk2viXkZfXS1urK2l_fbj54QjpY2N4DqnvILe5kMy6V_nvpwiP6qZ8FRqsoOlEFZbo75cqqP2H2nf_SmnOIEXzWU_1BCIBFdi-9xpP4_gRdASRwKDn9d/s1600/313675_10150480488657214_698832213_10786794_278132184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhyphenhyphenNKH7XH0l2KReDbORxxu3DCFk2viXkZfXS1urK2l_fbj54QjpY2N4DqnvILe5kMy6V_nvpwiP6qZ8FRqsoOlEFZbo75cqqP2H2nf_SmnOIEXzWU_1BCIBFdi-9xpP4_gRdASRwKDn9d/s640/313675_10150480488657214_698832213_10786794_278132184_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guests were asked to put this label in the book that they brought for the wishing well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VJbuJL6PXXrAr_6Lm9G7GTgb_PUIR95vBUxVu8RZmu1o1kAbt82A93wdvrfNVEZ45NfP8BBc855UB93yDssUKyQ5ohvaohlvi-5NZEznToLNhTh1tXw7HKNohHW1SBFz2DcKZcNkGVwp/s1600/313675_10150480488677214_698832213_10786795_1833583800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VJbuJL6PXXrAr_6Lm9G7GTgb_PUIR95vBUxVu8RZmu1o1kAbt82A93wdvrfNVEZ45NfP8BBc855UB93yDssUKyQ5ohvaohlvi-5NZEznToLNhTh1tXw7HKNohHW1SBFz2DcKZcNkGVwp/s640/313675_10150480488677214_698832213_10786795_1833583800_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The tables each had antique, glass baby bottles holding baby's breath...get it? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They also had wooden baby blocks, jars of baby food as candle holders, and printouts of classic children's books. Every seat had a little packet, fastened with a blue diaper pin, with games and spaces to write messages to the baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_rqpfQLIUUUofAwW763vFqIzLQchFZDYOgUaJGuAlep3bl-eydsasVxKuwLa6EJ5dyG8gacw6IZSzDD_zB0XNbB66ZS6stuqYF479bLqxhiIwVxl2FDIMnmyY6PXqtqE3nYZQwlreVi0/s1600/381475_10150397255711573_702886572_8795682_442276884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_rqpfQLIUUUofAwW763vFqIzLQchFZDYOgUaJGuAlep3bl-eydsasVxKuwLa6EJ5dyG8gacw6IZSzDD_zB0XNbB66ZS6stuqYF479bLqxhiIwVxl2FDIMnmyY6PXqtqE3nYZQwlreVi0/s640/381475_10150397255711573_702886572_8795682_442276884_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZ_grBFA7xSIwN0ibC_MDYmmMgzM3LqXplusKPuOlCWxtFLI3k0ltRX_f6Sg8HbOzwT5u97SkAq7sw3FUiX2DsVbk9u1BTVVxuTgj1hmrVRCbXErTewYBAYEOsoOKKWFtC2rDQabLK-Vh/s1600/319605_10150480427922214_698832213_10786286_1862333156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZ_grBFA7xSIwN0ibC_MDYmmMgzM3LqXplusKPuOlCWxtFLI3k0ltRX_f6Sg8HbOzwT5u97SkAq7sw3FUiX2DsVbk9u1BTVVxuTgj1hmrVRCbXErTewYBAYEOsoOKKWFtC2rDQabLK-Vh/s640/319605_10150480427922214_698832213_10786286_1862333156_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The wishing well was a bed...for all of the bedtime stories...get it?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9D4GhXb2KUo-8WP1y50Ws3nGfZwLLreMPvf2Ynu1iNjx3dtBpP0AXZx3MTtJxiZi8r0tSFqVRHOZJTFc5g4HicRvyq3n7WrUfcMFmV-0lHQNLwTM2_DnDzb2yejtt0EoamEdKNXqcKXg/s1600/386750_10150397255781573_702886572_8795683_49999341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9D4GhXb2KUo-8WP1y50Ws3nGfZwLLreMPvf2Ynu1iNjx3dtBpP0AXZx3MTtJxiZi8r0tSFqVRHOZJTFc5g4HicRvyq3n7WrUfcMFmV-0lHQNLwTM2_DnDzb2yejtt0EoamEdKNXqcKXg/s640/386750_10150397255781573_702886572_8795683_49999341_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I highly recommend <i>My Book About Me</i>. It's a Dr. Seuss activity book
where children learn and write about themselves. Also, <i>On the Night You
Were Born</i> is a great book that you are supposed
to bring to the hospital when baby is born. Everyone there--doctors, nurses,
guests--writes a little note to the baby in the book. Then, you read
all of the sweet notes every year on your child's birthday. It was hard
to get people to sign the book, but I am looking forward to reading the
notes that we did get on Denver's first birthday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_-GU0oJGOd6wObZeFojPVq8x073HqhwKNN0KqUR6UAwrAeE3nYwNOphcse2nfgj5JjgNsOU714SdKFUiGe3vlmVfONDlEetJghu9lqs_iGcgftuXk2oW-V4g0MFV-4JlQmBbVaIleiQY/s1600/375618_10150480428472214_698832213_10786290_1468493070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_-GU0oJGOd6wObZeFojPVq8x073HqhwKNN0KqUR6UAwrAeE3nYwNOphcse2nfgj5JjgNsOU714SdKFUiGe3vlmVfONDlEetJghu9lqs_iGcgftuXk2oW-V4g0MFV-4JlQmBbVaIleiQY/s640/375618_10150480428472214_698832213_10786290_1468493070_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The favors were mini books that were actually boxes. Inside was a moon bookmark.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO5izCkGyh1DDsUFThRen6KHS-Zc7jq8rqcc5oQZYj5On5pn1YBnpW_3r-e2EFhrbaSvAxetY8O50uAuDmg4Qt8UIG0dXjOw-ZGCIXf719zWQEiDpYN5YqhQwQ__EJFrt9PH7Vg7nDtUj/s1600/313675_10150480488702214_698832213_10786797_2023857849_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO5izCkGyh1DDsUFThRen6KHS-Zc7jq8rqcc5oQZYj5On5pn1YBnpW_3r-e2EFhrbaSvAxetY8O50uAuDmg4Qt8UIG0dXjOw-ZGCIXf719zWQEiDpYN5YqhQwQ__EJFrt9PH7Vg7nDtUj/s640/313675_10150480488702214_698832213_10786797_2023857849_n.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A candy buffet! ...storybook themed, of course. I am crazy for candy buffets!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my very best friends put this together. She did such an incredible job!<br />
Does the banner look familiar? It hangs over Denver's crib, now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBjzKghTQ5pWHYm8AnI-XS1L5Qak2VFdAw0YcccW7FIig1af6pZc0pHCpX6233hGtXlBP8Mh89VHYuHC7JO5JOW-mWI_BdMMfWuCNfOG33MEGQ3laHYMtgYsSWcQD7s6BKt7QIiw4Tt4r/s1600/390160_10150397254871573_702886572_8795673_1454902026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBjzKghTQ5pWHYm8AnI-XS1L5Qak2VFdAw0YcccW7FIig1af6pZc0pHCpX6233hGtXlBP8Mh89VHYuHC7JO5JOW-mWI_BdMMfWuCNfOG33MEGQ3laHYMtgYsSWcQD7s6BKt7QIiw4Tt4r/s640/390160_10150397254871573_702886572_8795673_1454902026_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each candy matched a classic book title.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MoRetN2tvuL8SHHR5iKOKzQc5xipdbzKSFVPOo3flIKiPikotTciunJ1L64RJHkyS9aDEiVy2mt4Cma2yALLMPYiv_79zRUpiXMp2fXHHW7RfD6LxIDttFQKDWPnr9R6m_1HFmMPKPfR/s1600/316349_10150480426462214_698832213_10786275_1911406088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MoRetN2tvuL8SHHR5iKOKzQc5xipdbzKSFVPOo3flIKiPikotTciunJ1L64RJHkyS9aDEiVy2mt4Cma2yALLMPYiv_79zRUpiXMp2fXHHW7RfD6LxIDttFQKDWPnr9R6m_1HFmMPKPfR/s640/316349_10150480426462214_698832213_10786275_1911406088_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD_AVwDVJaIETSL9EW9WVLLVb-SEdwY0QYZpNqzhi78XsvE2hg1F8-v1vTGNRlFnoVGj5A8433NJedHz-mGIXoIZ6rVZ9tRr_w5vzAsYHaP0gE8rRU2z5ljgYIT4fRVVGrRulHH9LoDXQ/s1600/373830_10150480426977214_698832213_10786279_1742836804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD_AVwDVJaIETSL9EW9WVLLVb-SEdwY0QYZpNqzhi78XsvE2hg1F8-v1vTGNRlFnoVGj5A8433NJedHz-mGIXoIZ6rVZ9tRr_w5vzAsYHaP0gE8rRU2z5ljgYIT4fRVVGrRulHH9LoDXQ/s640/373830_10150480426977214_698832213_10786279_1742836804_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pz4U2SfJjPTCEYKmGfRGD2EOWp1u2veW83WrYU7YKU3pBlPSHOcOdHEI2ixe0MFHolk4_r9VSfPajKDCb0SYPNbqg3v-Ey3dga9_fLgzwZ960gNS_RQGVYB4mdLOgscfG36xFNqQnNIr/s1600/375679_10150480427137214_698832213_10786280_1647693649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pz4U2SfJjPTCEYKmGfRGD2EOWp1u2veW83WrYU7YKU3pBlPSHOcOdHEI2ixe0MFHolk4_r9VSfPajKDCb0SYPNbqg3v-Ey3dga9_fLgzwZ960gNS_RQGVYB4mdLOgscfG36xFNqQnNIr/s640/375679_10150480427137214_698832213_10786280_1647693649_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2deNKpXNs_ZIcpKaoUnsjjq6Jjl1SAh9Qd1mfdHqvcaewo-5R1oo0gIehkPMVGemu75wm6OaiYS53Lj3FPH1WGUcmO8P2zNhPfxZ9sAhY4Gln3YhAbTiwfyiKkA1QPr25pk5pabB7cHAK/s1600/375362_10150480426862214_698832213_10786278_92016040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2deNKpXNs_ZIcpKaoUnsjjq6Jjl1SAh9Qd1mfdHqvcaewo-5R1oo0gIehkPMVGemu75wm6OaiYS53Lj3FPH1WGUcmO8P2zNhPfxZ9sAhY4Gln3YhAbTiwfyiKkA1QPr25pk5pabB7cHAK/s640/375362_10150480426862214_698832213_10786278_92016040_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4CHT_ZzzWBo9Am2gYMq67bGA_kLpFYIhg7EHXWfCCNT7wIDiKvjDrr0CBeRYww9Kivq6prnLkSm2yaw8jS6Ssi_ekrmgDNF30WC0XeWJbMyWEMNjwrVmIJORXaESWNKVp9mdPGLXw-t6/s1600/376391_10150480427312214_698832213_10786281_1709459139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4CHT_ZzzWBo9Am2gYMq67bGA_kLpFYIhg7EHXWfCCNT7wIDiKvjDrr0CBeRYww9Kivq6prnLkSm2yaw8jS6Ssi_ekrmgDNF30WC0XeWJbMyWEMNjwrVmIJORXaESWNKVp9mdPGLXw-t6/s640/376391_10150480427312214_698832213_10786281_1709459139_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw4nu2iYFZEPeHJge5Uh1iJlbNbJiS8mKtNSPnUq2VYEpy-HeK_y5r2nn4dbNxaQmQlUhz4fHTJuyzrwf6MQ25MjHA0_o0cu66iM22IEsU17rV-wFLARp48JtEDQwznJlPn3hEprl-N7w/s1600/377287_10150480426277214_698832213_10786274_487278890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw4nu2iYFZEPeHJge5Uh1iJlbNbJiS8mKtNSPnUq2VYEpy-HeK_y5r2nn4dbNxaQmQlUhz4fHTJuyzrwf6MQ25MjHA0_o0cu66iM22IEsU17rV-wFLARp48JtEDQwznJlPn3hEprl-N7w/s640/377287_10150480426277214_698832213_10786274_487278890_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBmt2wTVTJqwH7KhAwTVMup4L7P2K1H0RJLSBoLJaI25IGu7I7THq7muWYm5Z0SC4O9KBo-HiwkQ8nwx6Q0-DXo0PBewvg1KQRSQDX8eG2koXakDlEFhdgiHR9RnDJ9BJY28KQnO9oCoj/s1600/381231_10150480426752214_698832213_10786277_1415885712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBmt2wTVTJqwH7KhAwTVMup4L7P2K1H0RJLSBoLJaI25IGu7I7THq7muWYm5Z0SC4O9KBo-HiwkQ8nwx6Q0-DXo0PBewvg1KQRSQDX8eG2koXakDlEFhdgiHR9RnDJ9BJY28KQnO9oCoj/s640/381231_10150480426752214_698832213_10786277_1415885712_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beautiful, right? Everything was incredible. Isn't it crazy how much thought and time goes into these celebrations, and then they go by so quickly?! I really tried to take it all in. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>...I miss my bump. I loved being pregnant! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYfYAf9ksZe4bhPREdKbiAS_no0tWvAcieu6UC8dkQMJyA6M9hU6TdwNJpLsKQpb9jShoVxkRaoXUlhvldtCbWLzMfnJNtMzrRYPWAJf_AibnWuoZyW8gXNsOynqxO8ph2HwuEShOJGDa/s1600/392274_10150480430637214_698832213_10786319_1838950413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYfYAf9ksZe4bhPREdKbiAS_no0tWvAcieu6UC8dkQMJyA6M9hU6TdwNJpLsKQpb9jShoVxkRaoXUlhvldtCbWLzMfnJNtMzrRYPWAJf_AibnWuoZyW8gXNsOynqxO8ph2HwuEShOJGDa/s640/392274_10150480430637214_698832213_10786319_1838950413_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a wonderful day with amazing friends and family. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And to think...it was all in preparation of this little man.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXmwueQ8XimV4n3Bxx9c0vZXaNEE5_8vgGAixx8IRNwQgW0hyphenhyphen1L3NUQhP3coWQMRmrQuFtzuSNSmOkwZlxcdeeF8vxee1yfZ_1f6AlpF4SQvWUhf4YbHaVIWPE81bESJZJSnDPjxKBSt4/s1600/DSC_0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXmwueQ8XimV4n3Bxx9c0vZXaNEE5_8vgGAixx8IRNwQgW0hyphenhyphen1L3NUQhP3coWQMRmrQuFtzuSNSmOkwZlxcdeeF8vxee1yfZ_1f6AlpF4SQvWUhf4YbHaVIWPE81bESJZJSnDPjxKBSt4/s640/DSC_0370.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-34052043729934592702012-04-11T20:18:00.002-04:002012-04-12T07:02:08.073-04:00A Spin on the Perfect Gift<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
For Christmas, I made my sister an <a href="http://quaintoaks.blogspot.com/2012/01/ornament-remembrance-gift.html">ornament</a> that held her wedding invitation. Perfect for a gift-giver on a budget! ...and super sentimental!<br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://quaintoaks.blogspot.com/2012/01/ornament-remembrance-gift.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvMw1b_BkSqV97-QDQBqGcglJCUTbnqfqp5AS4_dxb5yqxPixpfVL5bNdi0k5WgBJcpTyx-DJUfsq7aX86rut4TeQkvrThOkccbU9Jw_y5NEzwSi1eqfK3rZ9rMbRFbWfK-0fqOpsQ85w/s640/ornament.jpg" width="529" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(wish I could have gotten a better picture)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I mentioned in that post, it was not my idea...I snagged it from Pinterest, which you can read about in my <a href="http://quaintoaks.blogspot.com/2012/01/ornament-remembrance-gift.html" target="_blank">earlier post</a>. Is my addiction becoming apparent yet???<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://christyrobbins.blogspot.com/2011/07/wedding-invitation-ornament.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8KLvMPFJvSZ0LT1uJ61WvKZsN3laW5Bwxvh6Vq-knuvHyFVkzuGE8D3VLlsgafTSlUMzWqdF2_JSgwwchzfY1ZiMg1VRqtmu30nBW3Ub2zsMDVfrokjMwLXp-A76msZFq51dvplB-fcc/s640/IMG_9569.JPG" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Christy @ <a href="http://christyrobbins.blogspot.com/2011/07/wedding-invitation-ornament.html" target="_blank">From Glitter to Gumdrops</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I vowed to never throw away another invitation or announcement! ...and that's just what I did. Sorry friends and family...<i>spoiler alert</i>. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I held onto one of my friend's invitations with the intention of making her one of these clever gifts. I was so careful to keep it in a safe place that I couldn't find it! After a week of frantic searching, I finally spotted it amongst all of the cards we received when Denver was born. Then, I made Ian go into the depths of our attic to get my clear Christmas ball ornaments. I sliced up the invitation, curled the pieces, twisted them in...and then it hit me. My soon-to-be married friend celebrates Hanukkah, not Christmas. That's right. Some friend I am. So off to the craft store I went, with my little sidekick who was perfect the whole time.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tOXWrnam8cafyvjnTSjlsbp4WElwIy_osyHRyH2U9jRqPSOeaYgDPgrVX36ycV4Fk3PYKeWpxHHA12jL8UfFWYP3MdcqnGXASaC6a3KSnr4C_wdRpjHClfqcCc1OemYW29LXNbLcwh1e/s1600/photo(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tOXWrnam8cafyvjnTSjlsbp4WElwIy_osyHRyH2U9jRqPSOeaYgDPgrVX36ycV4Fk3PYKeWpxHHA12jL8UfFWYP3MdcqnGXASaC6a3KSnr4C_wdRpjHClfqcCc1OemYW29LXNbLcwh1e/s640/photo(2).jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My friend had a beach wedding in Aruba so I found this perfect round bottle with a cork and a nice starfish charm, and problem solved! I think it came out just as nice as the ornaments and it can stay out all year.<br />
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPFwX90ESHI6Y5Mc50OQZV0nR1wGgR2emJ36A-RGMLoh3ttk5pY0nYJx_Am2KVbULnTmcnE5eFYbfr0eoYIVh7PICe7T_GA5lcpPPwsCVYVyleD7B4Aq3BOmwIuD3-BgCZxRFHdr41ydG/s1600/DSC_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPFwX90ESHI6Y5Mc50OQZV0nR1wGgR2emJ36A-RGMLoh3ttk5pY0nYJx_Am2KVbULnTmcnE5eFYbfr0eoYIVh7PICe7T_GA5lcpPPwsCVYVyleD7B4Aq3BOmwIuD3-BgCZxRFHdr41ydG/s640/DSC_0468.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Another successful craft project! Thanks Pinterest!</i></b></div>
</div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-47350356752059089742012-04-08T21:38:00.000-04:002012-04-08T21:38:24.018-04:00Picture Problem Solved<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
If you pin as much as I do, you probably came across this gem. I had no idea it would be so easy, but it really really was! If I can do this, anyone can do this.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/_NjYbAAQ4vw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_NjYbAAQ4vw&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_NjYbAAQ4vw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
Ian and I were looking for a way to display our first family picture. I was going to order a canvas print but it was expensive! Worse than that, it was really hard to create a canvas print in Shutterfly...sorry Shutterfly...you know I love you, but seriously. So, our picture ended up in a plain, old, boring, matte-less frame. So lame! So lame, in fact, that I shamefully displayed my beloved picture in a dark corner of our house. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3yNgzp4Bo3re87jzV4P0NGq4-QWMGlXG7lMYx_-TwMN78sy2flCTKkGam1xVXObZYNSbWHRUjpS8ripOziShh7TOhJD_lFH83DVrrIB7EMwxjn6JpOTrzj2GX98GT0rLzbKA8dawpqhyphenhyphen/s1600/31413-_MG_8718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3yNgzp4Bo3re87jzV4P0NGq4-QWMGlXG7lMYx_-TwMN78sy2flCTKkGam1xVXObZYNSbWHRUjpS8ripOziShh7TOhJD_lFH83DVrrIB7EMwxjn6JpOTrzj2GX98GT0rLzbKA8dawpqhyphenhyphen/s400/31413-_MG_8718.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Then it hit me...I pinned something that just might work perfectly. So off to Michael's I went. In fact, it was my first shopping trip with Denver. He was great! I bought Mod Podge and a gel medium...I had a super hard time finding the gel medium since I had no idea what it was or what it is really used for. <b>Hint</b>: check the paint aisle. Then as I was taking advantage of Denver's awesomeness, I stumbled upon a slice of a tree, bark and all, for $6! </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjSUjf482-3w9RtyLP0Ml6fVViDk-jK0ODKWirdEiMVHZwJhU4GFRoOkMRQouvoyALr5g9D_gT-puqXUyRunKf4nQlj172powXri7WOySEzZOBe_P74Gbc2e1PyIVT85z1VH8UcNTxR2K/s1600/DSC_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjSUjf482-3w9RtyLP0Ml6fVViDk-jK0ODKWirdEiMVHZwJhU4GFRoOkMRQouvoyALr5g9D_gT-puqXUyRunKf4nQlj172powXri7WOySEzZOBe_P74Gbc2e1PyIVT85z1VH8UcNTxR2K/s400/DSC_0474.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Next stop, Staples to make copies of our family picture. I made a black and white and a color copy because I wasn't sure if one would look better than the other. While there, I also bought a date stamp for another project. More on that later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I followed the super simple video step by step. First, gel medium and face down print...let dry over night.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKz_fy8cO-6wDLtT3XKaVnp-ONmCcaXxYB0fQ4Q3nory1lZWs69SILx6fcPEN45cXE_qzlWD_YJhbIHmRgJczOO7qqM3QieLIC6WCNrji-GV8aGt4Gtb3NQOoTgZPYPeuUl2tQFi1cywB/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKz_fy8cO-6wDLtT3XKaVnp-ONmCcaXxYB0fQ4Q3nory1lZWs69SILx6fcPEN45cXE_qzlWD_YJhbIHmRgJczOO7qqM3QieLIC6WCNrji-GV8aGt4Gtb3NQOoTgZPYPeuUl2tQFi1cywB/s400/DSC_0477.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next, wet and rub off all paper residue.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2KIrQNFpp_4jrgUBDbaSZu_g-7CiOxc3KD3d6XkBAK8WKBiweKxZ_dr0_v4pxjltUZbBHt0saBM57Xc_Za0-Ib0c4ewl9mnCGU5S6xBRQ6Im3gC2KZ7Z4srDI_dkYIfb5nOr-JQQepvQ/s1600/DSC_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2KIrQNFpp_4jrgUBDbaSZu_g-7CiOxc3KD3d6XkBAK8WKBiweKxZ_dr0_v4pxjltUZbBHt0saBM57Xc_Za0-Ib0c4ewl9mnCGU5S6xBRQ6Im3gC2KZ7Z4srDI_dkYIfb5nOr-JQQepvQ/s400/DSC_0479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, Mod Podge.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF_z3KUvGPs91nNX0S8iBnSbxMDIPR6ZWlii7QcJ7O0JKRFS_HMkt_68GvwQxSsP64DTciedYWib-wygFA-9RMIg1CBe4EHMh_ksfBgqJpRv06RqSkCYHcVhrffvJrWoMt1fKJrsOpJFe/s1600/DSC_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF_z3KUvGPs91nNX0S8iBnSbxMDIPR6ZWlii7QcJ7O0JKRFS_HMkt_68GvwQxSsP64DTciedYWib-wygFA-9RMIg1CBe4EHMh_ksfBgqJpRv06RqSkCYHcVhrffvJrWoMt1fKJrsOpJFe/s400/DSC_0481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's it! Too easy. This is definitely a go-to project for gifts...you hear that friends and family? You might just get one with a big red bow one day!</div>
</div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-54833087421226425882012-03-30T21:35:00.001-04:002012-03-30T21:35:22.614-04:00Zzzzz...<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Denver finally did it! He slept through the night! I guess you could say that since he slept for 11 hours...too bad he went down at 6:00pm and was ready to start his day by 5:00am. Now all we need to do is push back bedtime a bit...as if this single accomplishment sets a new sleep standard. I guess we'll see over the next few days.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="img474b534a-d739-4f42-bb81-ae8c16addf0f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VyHsq4xb6cyMISskwmSQf5JQ5A0e5L4hfT_tK_Z_7s3RhRqQ5378GxGLSpiJuFKXlY3pw_vv132lk7XT47nr5qdEId3PySMYCIyUxKSXqunwzexd-1UnSo6hNsTbyxPy-6UiC4D-GwKU/" style="height:225px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">So how did he do it? I searched everywhere and read every tidbit on how to get little ones to sleep through the night. What I learned is that every baby is different...no doy. And although not every strategy met Denver's liking, I did appreciate reading about what other people had tried, whether it was successful or not. I am no expert, and I would hardly call one night a milestone, but I am so excited (and well rested) that I thought I would blog about what works for us...my way of giving back to other new moms, haha.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="img60e7f8bb-0cdb-41c5-bc81-6028db9454c0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hQL9ObXJABFWgbCp2fY-7a-VgauQ5jL0U5yFJc62SQAOa7vLK-T0Vc9ceAOlBNb5u2BQe50-0BUmdt2SC_OajFIyGfiqV6LmxsxTvTw6ENd6Rj3c4ro-x7ID2jkUYmIg2Li6JFaio_rb/" style="height:401px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">At first, I thought that if I could keep Denver up most of the day, he would tire out and sleep well at night. WRONG! My mom suggested more regular naps throughout the day, morning, noon, and afternoon. Then our pediatrician told us that "good sleep begets good sleep." In other words, if he rests well during the day, he will rest well at night. She explained that just like we get overtired and buzzy, so do babies. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="imgc3e889da-b16f-475c-92c0-1686ac960537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHY6AiJjEP3zOUAQmyCzHOsiO0HteG-ZdgAnppqT90r9BiW09wBLF9nb9AF9KBU3o3G3bly72-xtbHHiRELwEnWGUG85-0n7zHhLHvq6wKs9eEr0b2okrI-wrtZSpjm7D-SYzWHRMwi3/" style="height:401px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Around 5 pm Denver gets very cranky. Like I mentioned, I used to try to get him to work through this in an effort to push back his bedtime and tire him out. WRONG! I read about bedtime routines and decided I wanted to start trying our own bedtime routine in the early evening when he is obviously ready for bed. It has definitely eased the crankiness! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="img3765f9cc-c510-4c16-b2ab-3a38999191c7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawt0snkaAB6plnMgQ1A-SnQcF15Q2y_-4DMlVGva79AoSIQdgcoVpTJ-ujmYTOE6P_wjCgjvSJIk0QcHeQJ4Poeyit6_lmXXJMOKY5vycPE3Uv1mhVDj7Bxe_6GyVarLThiSTpd9Q9ZwY/" style="height:401px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I read about a lot of other people's routines and took bits and pieces that work for us. I have to say that our bedtime routine has become my favorite time. It is so calm and relaxing, and it has become a very special time for the two of us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I start by drawing the curtains in Denver's nursery and I put on Pandora lullabies. Then I lay him on his changing table...it helps that this is by far his most favorite place in the whole world! We talk a little bit as I start to undress him for bed. I change his diaper, wash his face and neck with a warm washcloth. I add a dab of Johnson & Johnson's body wash to keep him fresh and clean. Now that I think about it, I'll probably go buy the bedtime wash. It comes in a purple bottle so maybe it has lavender which is supposed to help you sleep. Noted. Then I put baby powder on him while I give him some baby massages. He loves this. We talk and sing and just enjoy the calmness. I really take my time with all of this because I want him to be relaxed but I am trying to push back his bedtime a little bit, too. I also take this opportunity to brush his teeth. I know it may sound crazy, but we got an infant and toddler oral care kit. It not only cleans his gums, but it massages them for teething and also gets little ones used to brushing their teeth at night. It can't hurt! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="imgc34e9ffe-846c-4cf9-b545-3739d469fa86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBJ2uR-WfFQh4yPoLoidYlS1izXB5e7pjF1j4z-sbQ3gGWeYMK8Duj6SvY4gwD16VQgKu6U7bBBE-XbtVJRCurAbL26uXPjPVJ1U1bOGZmQxt2wor2tscOytpRD1Mug5xbOm1TCtP13Ba/" style="height:304px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, we will usually slow dance to a song or two. He loves to dance and it always tires him out. If he's in a really good mood, I can usually get him to sit for a story or two...but this is rare, for now. I think once we sit in the rocker he expects his bottle so a book just annoys him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">So last but not least, I give him a bottle. I usually give him just a little bit more than he is used to drinking throughout the day so that he doesn't wake up hungry too soon. I turn out all of the lights, except for his nightlight and I put on some white noise. I got a great app for my iPhone called Sleep Pillow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="img94a05684-a1f6-4517-b939-c3316673ac1a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LWEAyTNV-wYEZccP-Wy6D6TFlvt8ZoyW8e9bUV0sy8_DblcXyThGVTijQqaHj_W6y7joWC7jwYe5LSv4fLzluPnkTUWLmtTs_BOouKVIMi2xhWoKLlzJU3ebP3L7pX0P3HxYh2RPZtZK/" style="left:164px;top:216px;width:277.16954231262207px;height:417.0868593454361px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-7.767608642578125" scale="0.9" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've tried lots of white noise apps and there are plenty that have a lot more sounds and options, but I like that I can multitask and use other apps (Pinterest) at the same time while he sleeps. He usually falls asleep as soon as he is done with his bottle but I hold him until he is in a deep sleep...otherwise he will wake up as soon as I put him in his crib. I know we need to start sleep training, but that will come. He's already pretty good at putting himself to sleep in his crib in the middle of the night, so I know he'll be able to do it for naps and bedtime when the time comes. Like I said, I truly enjoy letting him fall asleep in my arms. And once he's sleeping, I get to Pin away and look at his gentle sleeping face at the same time! Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="img5df83063-9d5c-443f-bf5e-b909fa585506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4utPW5jnkKFDXTnWXJInIZSeh3uKccDg2SdgBp8MfxNSF7TTBDr4XRnQckQeUSq__8xtnO1VFoHNUFxJLzBtdWQOfIzojXWsIm8NVcpP3evviIwR059PkwP7tkcNO31wwlxxxY2EHLHJr/" style="height:401px;width:300px;opacity:1"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I will be thrilled if a full night's sleep becomes more common! I could certainly use it. I hardly had a restful night because I kept waking up anticipating him waking up. The little man sure got me. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="imga1803930-a876-4b0d-a179-b6bf32071e59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchYtU7zJ-sO6yzPNJU2Az2VqZL1YymmQLLKt-OhCPxCnjHneLCpd1n6sZwpAwEJsKYGE_Sjz0cYlRDR38SUOjJb2mhtJhdAsgtpWXoyYAu2UOaG_rpFsLd3IAaS9JxDYhXk_CoTYU1RVQ/" style="height:401px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The best part of Denver going to sleep is that this is what I get to wake up to in the morning. It's 5 am with poor lighting and blurry, but you get the idea.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="imgaf923d76-f9e6-43d6-94c5-b5936d834e52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1gpZigV_7xVZEHCx-fQDI3T4aNRZLdfWvwFAQGI0Xsv42L_adCPXPvL-Ww5gHcrGmfb6PHpP3AsOKmgbkwLjXxPdPP_FkSgcKJ4G5EE7sRrGdA1rL8MwQTU_0Jf5j81hLZ7z8uepWOOX/" style="height:401px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>FOLLOW UP</b>: I didn't have time to actually post this yesterday but I am happy to report that Denver slept through the night again! And even better news, he pushed back his bedtime by about an hour so he woke up closer to 7 am! Needless to say, I am well rested and very excited about this new chapter...although I'm not expecting it to be this good forever!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img id="img32d69b29-28d4-41c6-a299-6d5af3e4b9a8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsy7nL7xynQd-pj5xHLJx89IDQpB9pNc0Ct93iPREBtqs3t9fwzv4nTsRn-C4Kcst4aXqTAUz2-gvVSFrWBseWbcfQxG4Cnm0fbJ3lfQmFxPwRlwhaPYLGNvqH6oWsG3qK0VFlK5y19JH/" style="height:401px;width:300px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-65660247759885152972012-03-27T21:01:00.001-04:002012-03-27T21:01:51.422-04:00DIY Mobile<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">One of the DIY pieces in Denver's nursery is this mobile. <div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="imge0869f1a-478c-4826-8175-69024cccb48c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFSupdOsTOus66mUlsJ1nGtHmEB9K5HwfF1Nt5CJOeKjedMN_alu1vfk4wmnwilWYxKZi60rhmYldsg2rwi-Ux4Tg46Ft1tZBJ4IxudsGOAAkG_BXEZxt_bmFjwbYV-eV-T3SnVjNLYI8/" style="opacity:1;top:43px;left:232px;display:inline;width:419px;height:286px" class=""></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I searched everywhere for something unique, colorful, and inexpensive, but I couldn't find anything I really liked. Then I came across a mobile on Pinterest from <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/my-room/my-room-omanomaha-ne-155697">ohdeedo.com</a> that I thought I could work with. </span></div><div><div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="imga1623f33-d81a-4afa-b68d-4e298fd98e8d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzmM6HkGSG1OFDUg7491iGluzDVhj_w0fHPcu6wPTFWofoyn2dgIwwx0tVeFEUTqA35d_igqgnqB7AglhetperuvhngqX9KK_B97Nc0rdF_ak_6X97JH6I_pxdJHLPoh0SR0H4C1Uk14g/" style="top:41px;left:0px;display:inline;width:310.4406849145889px;height:407.2177405357361px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-9.046260833740234" scale="0.8"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Without a tutorial or a close up view, I had to wing it. Unfortunately, while making my mobile, I didn't think to snap pictures for a future blog post...lesson learned. So follow me, if you can...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">1) I bought a book of scrapbook paper that was boyish and full of primary colors.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">2) I used a circle punch to create hundreds of uniform circles. I also used a smaller punch to make smaller circles so that I could layer here and there to add some extra pizzazz. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">3) Using a stylus, I punctured a hole in each circle. By making the hole just slightly off-center, the discs lean in different directions. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">4) Then, I strung the circles together using lightweight, clear jewelry wire...or you could use fishing line. You can make your strings as long or as short as you like. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">5) When I had all of my circles strung, I had to start assembling the three concentric rings that would create a layered mobile. I bought three circular looms in three different sizes and painted them white. Then, I tied each string of circles around the inner ring of each loom. I used clear Scotch tape to keep them in place. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">6) The hardest part was bring the three rings together. To do this, I cut four pieces of white ribbon, all the same length. I measured out four points of equal distance on each ring. Then, I wrapped the ribbon around corresponding points on the three rings to connect them into tiers. This was not easy...Ian had to help!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">7) Then, I replaced the outer ring of each loom to finish off each layer. This also helps to hold everything in place. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">8) I gathered the four ribbons at the top and tied them to a ring so that I could hang the mobile over Denver's crib. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="img92ad6c40-7215-4a52-b4f1-3e716eac5e0f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiK-JihTRlqebge0iSiylz4VCeY6onbOeZIe142QSufMOEmiZtlolXw60w-VNTpRCU8GfX4iama6IaV4PdLNxf8GQxR8W0OWJBr8Sva3DRF8oG4MeuOiNsS2DDoQJax6pENGq-W-hpqLZ/" style="left:187px;top:250px;width:259.50126910209656px;height:389.25190365314484px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="1.2945632934570313" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Now that Denver is almost 3 months old, he is able to focus on the mobile and enjoys watching it when I make it spin. I think I am going to go to Radio Shack and buy a small, simple motor so that it can spin on its own...more on that later!</span></div></div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-67484961976008692742012-03-26T16:29:00.001-04:002012-03-26T20:28:32.565-04:00Baby Giftwrap<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
I guess the crazy, obsessive teacher in me wants to make sure that I provide opportunities for Denver to learn and be enriched...even at 11 weeks old (<i>please keep eye rolls and snickers to a minimum</i>). I am also always looking for ways to spice up cards and gift wrap....<b>ding ding ding</b>, learning opportunity! Denver has been practicing his art while also exercising his hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. ...at least I'm telling myself that all of this is happening. <br />
<br />
Denver is going to meet his cousin for the first time this weekend. They are about a month and a half apart in age so I am excited for them to become best buds. Anyway, Denver wanted to get something for his cousin so I of course had to think up some sort of crafty gift wrap. I took some old wrapping paper and taped it to a lap desk. Then, I had Denver grasp different color markers and unintentionally draw all over the wrapping paper. He loved it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJDcadjgezpe80arqqzkmvs8auGe-HgfYSdZmdUCO3brpUqboYfEbs4SgO2OmpAkUKNzQ6wtIe3JsuG8FSvqiyKCPBpOlIbaQJvf2v4n9yvahy-RpkyUztWwBzDNjdFrHTFt8KcZ0kDJf/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJDcadjgezpe80arqqzkmvs8auGe-HgfYSdZmdUCO3brpUqboYfEbs4SgO2OmpAkUKNzQ6wtIe3JsuG8FSvqiyKCPBpOlIbaQJvf2v4n9yvahy-RpkyUztWwBzDNjdFrHTFt8KcZ0kDJf/s400/DSC_0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><img class="" id="imgb70400d6-f9bf-46cf-b049-608e154dbc16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVreM3J2UNPXgAx-bm_KWKobAK8_tnSkba-uwBX2QGbnJ9bJ2akq2aWSyRKBAN1rXfBYfwFy-ire5VAXLzoC7iuuXS96kyF2yidJEpsemQzN2V1RQosQpPTGM3lraagKrqjTyEULZQUxXN/" style="height: 302px; opacity: 1; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just added some ribbon and links for a little embellishment (and every mommy knows what prized items links can be!), and suddenly had a super cute, super personalized gift wrapped gift!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><img id="img05f1069d-a28a-4be7-b521-6b8218101112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQI6QqP3hpvQEnZL6vdMJ-b2ChHeBbVwvkjbp3hP2q57blFEz5iplAc7GQm0mJEznzNUR5WQ3t8T1VhSR5zkVQ_QUOlrMo7tocl4rRAUROFZxLbUQKsS_qLKDLwVK1KP85gVN7guggmE4/" style="height: 402px; opacity: 1; width: 400px;" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><i>...I think he's going to be an artist</i></span></div>
</div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-68214965557570594652012-03-26T15:20:00.001-04:002012-03-26T15:20:24.338-04:00Am I Ready to Blog???<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div id="drlimg"></div>I think my husband and I were both <strike>slightly</strike> fiercely disillusioned when we thought that I would have more time to blog since I was staying home to raise our son for his first 8 months of life. Ian bought me an iPad, acting under the assumption that I would have free time during my maternity leave and that I would have ample time to blog about all of the projects I was completing and meals I was cooking. I'm lucky if I have time to brush my teeth! But now, as Denver approaches 3 months old, I realize that I have managed to be productive, and even a little crafty. I have also become a master multitasker. So, here is a mini post to say that I am going to try to get back into this blogging thing. If I can do one thing a week, and blog even once a week, I will consider that a success! So here goes...<div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img id="imgdc0003ed-0863-43e4-ae6a-97bc4d4cff2d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUnBclOCX42mPhIS93ZAkcxiY4pWIR-0BNvELXbab-ZItrt6aSnbb6yevA6woIIIMsV21bu9WF0KeIqbhMNYNIzJhU3w6HFRiO7-5CNBodVvvfyasOaEWuQw1AqobsZ7jl9FghfThuPDe/" style="height: 267px; width: 400px; opacity: 1; " class=""></span></div></div>Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-47884148323647287502012-01-17T02:47:00.000-05:002012-01-17T02:50:30.731-05:00Denver is Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3xxmU4AKo3zh5MCT26zjFKnt_9BkTA1C-bXJCc-CE3TSYzWPW0QVqS8XPqGsXWCBFnUiPWpfl2bebStQNYN2ThGszEFqg4ZDc9lhgnYArwfNthlW8WuAQ_Q0hs6sBpRnD2OLrcZqX6y2/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3xxmU4AKo3zh5MCT26zjFKnt_9BkTA1C-bXJCc-CE3TSYzWPW0QVqS8XPqGsXWCBFnUiPWpfl2bebStQNYN2ThGszEFqg4ZDc9lhgnYArwfNthlW8WuAQ_Q0hs6sBpRnD2OLrcZqX6y2/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can't believe that one week ago, we became a family. Denver
Jude joined us on January 8...just as mommy and daddy both predicted he
would. This week has been an incredible learning experience. As new
parents, you really have no idea what to expect. There is no
instruction manual or how-to guide that can prepare you for the changes
and experiences that come with a newborn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbGmSUoyodqM6grS_FJbvm6bUH0ODcoPAwJ2R-2wa1vfWXQ4BDZ8cGVThcQus7GM3_1QiGuEGxG697Ks-NyGC61oD3HHp6anxHUniefnnOjzvZRWiSMCtGEyzHUv-vI0M30OwBqsxtDWv/s1600/1+Week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbGmSUoyodqM6grS_FJbvm6bUH0ODcoPAwJ2R-2wa1vfWXQ4BDZ8cGVThcQus7GM3_1QiGuEGxG697Ks-NyGC61oD3HHp6anxHUniefnnOjzvZRWiSMCtGEyzHUv-vI0M30OwBqsxtDWv/s400/1+Week.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the hardest things was preparing for this little man, when I had no idea what I would need. Here's a few must-haves that helped us get through the first days with our bundle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Snugabunny</b></div>
This swing is incredible! We thought he might be too young to use a swing, but it put him right to sleep when he was tired, and let him sit with mommy and daddy when he was awake. Any swing is probably great, but what I love about this swing is that it rocks in three different directions, and it plugs into the wall so no batteries! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCeHH43WLjUvaFrHOYQlnCgYAy-XW4MW4dVKiBt1PhdCg5U-NHx2CY892Ah8SM-Emg7Z1tCmv1GSqzRO4zu6g8UGxZ8_hLqdqvREU8Cx2dww4eL_QaJfgnYlv152IGU_LCzosDS-DI90B/s1600/Snugabunny.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCeHH43WLjUvaFrHOYQlnCgYAy-XW4MW4dVKiBt1PhdCg5U-NHx2CY892Ah8SM-Emg7Z1tCmv1GSqzRO4zu6g8UGxZ8_hLqdqvREU8Cx2dww4eL_QaJfgnYlv152IGU_LCzosDS-DI90B/s320/Snugabunny.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>Dr. Brown's Bottles & Bottle Warmer</b></div>
We weren't sure what kind of bottles to choose. That is by far the most intimidating aisle at Babies R' Us. You have no way of knowing which nipple your little one is going to like. A friend let us try a Dr. Brown bottle and we had instant success! I think Denver appreciates the little vent system that prevents air bubbles. I appreciate the convenience of the bottle warmer! I didn't think I needed the extravagant warmer and figured I would use the microwave or stove top, but there is no denying that this handy contraption is one of the best purchases we made. I throw a bottle in, hit the button, change Denver's diaper, and it is just the right temperature in just the right amount of time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloZZ8fcUQWCzSZtGLA-xFXTPHdELVAehw8yOkr98VHNlp63tA0yEHmIGnnnMDuw6FTQjMBeSeVklxTAUqmkRDqvBCjvadyI4zXOpnsW5hNNeyxuNjpQcltrYst1YyWOc3pD7flmHYxwHd/s1600/bottle+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloZZ8fcUQWCzSZtGLA-xFXTPHdELVAehw8yOkr98VHNlp63tA0yEHmIGnnnMDuw6FTQjMBeSeVklxTAUqmkRDqvBCjvadyI4zXOpnsW5hNNeyxuNjpQcltrYst1YyWOc3pD7flmHYxwHd/s320/bottle+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cloth Diapers</b></div>
We use these for everything...except diapers. They make great burp cloths, eye boogy grabbers, spit up catchers, and just about any other strange baby ooze getter you can think of.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjI-EcELBXGfLzOOIUsrmigTVjCvy8t6nMCOknsXe_5ZxrnlzP3UA-vbblWMOp_YeFPnshjiRj0hS69I4cEy60WWpfiRqvhfgK18LLgjJnTSSlG8x85IO47wDwvKWEICpXeEEht-WDbjt/s1600/pTRU1-10101339reg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjI-EcELBXGfLzOOIUsrmigTVjCvy8t6nMCOknsXe_5ZxrnlzP3UA-vbblWMOp_YeFPnshjiRj0hS69I4cEy60WWpfiRqvhfgK18LLgjJnTSSlG8x85IO47wDwvKWEICpXeEEht-WDbjt/s1600/pTRU1-10101339reg.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>Medela Nipple Shields</b></div>
For some reason, the lactation consultant at the hospital let me struggle tirelessly all day and night to get little Denver to latch on and breast feed. This was impossible, then frustrating, then a little depressing. Then, she told me that she had a little trick up her sleeve...a nipple shield. Why couldn't we start with this?! It basically turns you into a bottle so your little one will latch on a little more easily. Genius. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR16OWKkYmoeIXR30sqVti68eA0H-R_YwuZDPX7Z4lGLHBC9oy_DArmzO4sRyP9MSyDqn1hSBcRHTloi0iWlXtpYXIGIRez3vjPEs17f1joPfz2quTdAqj8Kt8RoTyXLJXLJzw0Ns1zvvO/s1600/Medela_Nipple_Shield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR16OWKkYmoeIXR30sqVti68eA0H-R_YwuZDPX7Z4lGLHBC9oy_DArmzO4sRyP9MSyDqn1hSBcRHTloi0iWlXtpYXIGIRez3vjPEs17f1joPfz2quTdAqj8Kt8RoTyXLJXLJzw0Ns1zvvO/s200/Medela_Nipple_Shield.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cute Socks</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just because they're so darn cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXHPM0F11kdVdsrbIjXdrknAGziZsvG-NMDhro6j6LD1utiQ2rv4UEjG6rKoSjVVbM2DRGwo8r_8UeRkVia-nopiF6J2V9v5qYtK0BPcLFdMHyX6p8vNHXF6dOXbClaQMyRD6-lBc84bt/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXHPM0F11kdVdsrbIjXdrknAGziZsvG-NMDhro6j6LD1utiQ2rv4UEjG6rKoSjVVbM2DRGwo8r_8UeRkVia-nopiF6J2V9v5qYtK0BPcLFdMHyX6p8vNHXF6dOXbClaQMyRD6-lBc84bt/s400/DSC_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Amazing Husband/Daddy</b></div>
Someone who will wake up with you in the middle of the night. Someone who will help you with the laundry, dishes, and dinner. Someone who will cheer you on when you wonder if you will be a good mommy. Someone who will change diapers when you can't get out of bed. Someone who will sing to the baby when he thinks nobody can hear him on the other end of the monitor. Someone who will love that baby just as much a you do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKEO2OaScYdpIqhCS-8Z3ObS1p_dvL-9H5p-gb2Pt1mz0EzQELyvLbBeEJoQcsJuuv-Xvxag-s1e0_SVbcNDio7Bm_6MNarVK4aztDeYyxI0TdIW7Gr8-hghCQk3Z4ydVr3GHhXpTGwv8/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKEO2OaScYdpIqhCS-8Z3ObS1p_dvL-9H5p-gb2Pt1mz0EzQELyvLbBeEJoQcsJuuv-Xvxag-s1e0_SVbcNDio7Bm_6MNarVK4aztDeYyxI0TdIW7Gr8-hghCQk3Z4ydVr3GHhXpTGwv8/s400/DSC_0183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831177846379868375.post-84940060474285327022012-01-04T21:08:00.000-05:002012-01-04T21:08:47.932-05:00Ornament Remembrance GiftChristmas was a little rough this year since all of our funds are going straight to baby savings. We had to get a little creative with our gift giving. I won't claim credit for thinking of this. In fact, I found it via my new addiction, Pinterest. I am not very sentimental and I tend to toss invitations and announcements...but never again!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://christyrobbins.blogspot.com/2011/07/wedding-invitation-ornament.html">From Glitter to Gumdrops</a> shares a great tutorial on how to turn a special mailing into a treasured ornament. I won't walk you through this steps since Christine does a great job. Here is her ornament. Lovely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF9LyLYu8Glxs702hTCEL4MUdBmC3VEx1-mA0tbnx60MyOkNdVJVaNwy2ODXujJ68DNqvz0mDBN9uxEa-5Cz788DUhGC08XERi9m3tD2pK2Kyrxby6Tv_K_UJpBd4-nPi6UOpq9Q1b8Xa/s1600/IMG_9569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF9LyLYu8Glxs702hTCEL4MUdBmC3VEx1-mA0tbnx60MyOkNdVJVaNwy2ODXujJ68DNqvz0mDBN9uxEa-5Cz788DUhGC08XERi9m3tD2pK2Kyrxby6Tv_K_UJpBd4-nPi6UOpq9Q1b8Xa/s400/IMG_9569.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to do this for my sister and her husband for their first Christmas as husband and wife. I think it came out pretty good. The little Eiffel Tower is actually from her wedding. It was a charm that we attached to her wine bottle favors. It was hard to get a good shot, but basically I used my paper cutter to cut her invitation into strips, then wrapped them around a pencil to make curly-q's, and then twisted them into the ornament. I stocked up right after Christmas and bought a dozen clear ornaments for future gifts. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj6vErOSza4j-dpj8AbSfO-aMlm7glOPqVK8ywpNVFR3ok-KBLdVaZ9W2KWJfAWPkpc-cgd_ByG2i1dvnHaMW7RMF2EsnoemjrVpOImovO_Vn23uuYpKI8t5shp2x9OeL7s6q1kKB-8he/s1600/Ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVj6vErOSza4j-dpj8AbSfO-aMlm7glOPqVK8ywpNVFR3ok-KBLdVaZ9W2KWJfAWPkpc-cgd_ByG2i1dvnHaMW7RMF2EsnoemjrVpOImovO_Vn23uuYpKI8t5shp2x9OeL7s6q1kKB-8he/s400/Ornament.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It's all in the presentation. It looked great in this red box that I have been hanging onto for years. You know when you get a box for a gift and it is such a great box that you keep it because you know it will be perfect for you to use one day? Well, probably more than 10 years later, this box finally found the perfect gift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVBNNnypaoPk82bgpR_KXRMomEBjIsERAzTiUiIjkGmryPaPXfwDIzF5i-JZn9t0XlYrKbDe7IGkNN_IKCPHfzG-Nh1CPd5aqxA40nZWYIxCEl1iqz3O8LUyFEvg_wBqJl1nSe-9Z8ThH/s1600/Wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVBNNnypaoPk82bgpR_KXRMomEBjIsERAzTiUiIjkGmryPaPXfwDIzF5i-JZn9t0XlYrKbDe7IGkNN_IKCPHfzG-Nh1CPd5aqxA40nZWYIxCEl1iqz3O8LUyFEvg_wBqJl1nSe-9Z8ThH/s400/Wrapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Allison @ Quaint Oakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05691257718802406554noreply@blogger.com0