tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36032974629805241962024-03-13T11:12:56.163-07:00StyleBurbYvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-28275091526041177792011-12-11T09:44:00.000-08:002011-12-11T09:44:40.283-08:00Outdoor Winter UrnIt's been a while!<br />
<br />
I haven't been kidnapped by aliens...<br />
<br />
or living it up in Las Vegas... <br />
<br />
I've just been busy with the day-to-day life of three kids and a dog, volunteer commitments - and now Christmas. Nothing terribly exciting has happened (unless you count <a href="http://www.blogger.com/School%27s%20Out%20For%20Summer:%20Meet%20The%20Kids">Awesome Possum's</a> braces as exciting - I'm sure he doesn't).<br />
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I couldn't stand seeing the Hallowe'en post on my blog one day longer, so I thought I would show you my big decorating accomplishment for the last few weeks ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VueKfxntCSo/TuTnQ7Y1V7I/AAAAAAAAAtc/CmRd1dyRJ14/s1600/urn3+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VueKfxntCSo/TuTnQ7Y1V7I/AAAAAAAAAtc/CmRd1dyRJ14/s1600/urn3+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Every year my dad brings me an assortment of dogwood, pine, fir and cedar boughs to decorate my outdoor urn. This year I kicked it up a notch and asked for some birch logs. They seem to be the trendy thing to add to outdoor displays this year...<br />
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... and I'm nothing if not trendy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zNv4-eCEos/TuTnPivbc3I/AAAAAAAAAtU/Fa5GPLmVzRM/s1600/urn+closeup+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zNv4-eCEos/TuTnPivbc3I/AAAAAAAAAtU/Fa5GPLmVzRM/s1600/urn+closeup+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My dad always manages to get some branches with pine-cones. I'm not sure what the red berries are - but they are real and they look great.<br />
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I still have to add the twinkle lights and since I've got some free time today I might even add some ribbon...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBdj98aE9rY/TuTnOqi221I/AAAAAAAAAtM/L4fdmInRTPw/s1600/urn+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBdj98aE9rY/TuTnOqi221I/AAAAAAAAAtM/L4fdmInRTPw/s1600/urn+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
... Las Vegas and the aliens can wait.<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-2535069495492814672011-10-29T12:09:00.000-07:002011-10-29T12:09:13.847-07:00Yes - We're THAT HouseWhen it comes to Halloween, we don't do 'cute'. As a matter of fact, we pride ourselves on being the scariest house on the block... <br />
<br />
... you know...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7kOC8riqfQ/TqtJ7g7RjPI/AAAAAAAAAqw/MNf21srewPU/s1600/adams+family+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7kOC8riqfQ/TqtJ7g7RjPI/AAAAAAAAAqw/MNf21srewPU/s1600/adams+family+house.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Addams Family House</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
... <b><i>THAT</i></b> house...<br />
<br />
the one that frightens away more than a few trick-or-treaters. Our 'decorations' are decidedly geared towards braver souls.<br />
<br />
Inspired by those old movies that terrified the daylights out of me, this Halloween post will be presented to you in black and white.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Mr. Hitchcock. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCxvLq7ZYT8/TqtJ8UearUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/YZOkCDoZpjo/s1600/bates+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCxvLq7ZYT8/TqtJ8UearUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/YZOkCDoZpjo/s1600/bates+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The House From Psycho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This skeleton hangs in the tree above the sidewalk in front of our house. We put a few mini spot lights in the branches around him, just to make sure he's seen and appreciated! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ37w-KJPjM/TqtKC5sjvbI/AAAAAAAAAsY/I_kugASxr9I/s1600/skel+500+bw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ37w-KJPjM/TqtKC5sjvbI/AAAAAAAAAsY/I_kugASxr9I/s1600/skel+500+bw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When our kids were younger, they <b>never</b> trick-or-treated at houses like ours. Once Awesome Possum turned 9, he couldn't wait to make Halloween dummies with his dad.<br />
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This gangsta dude has been with us for a few years. He never fails to surprise me - even in daylight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-je2cuvMbefg/TqtJ_EVjdVI/AAAAAAAAArg/hzUTTLa-gVg/s1600/gangsta+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-je2cuvMbefg/TqtJ_EVjdVI/AAAAAAAAArg/hzUTTLa-gVg/s1600/gangsta+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
'Granny' is a Purplicious creation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9KrdNwR9R4/TqtJ_nJVZCI/AAAAAAAAAro/ZOqDqYmV2Kc/s1600/granny+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9KrdNwR9R4/TqtJ_nJVZCI/AAAAAAAAAro/ZOqDqYmV2Kc/s1600/granny+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
What happened here?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixx5IxPv3qI/TqtKAJpYTcI/AAAAAAAAArw/FNPZ5oSrIb4/s1600/hanging+guy+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixx5IxPv3qI/TqtKAJpYTcI/AAAAAAAAArw/FNPZ5oSrIb4/s1600/hanging+guy+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Rattley bones...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YlXyFuoqRo/TqtKDZXZ4WI/AAAAAAAAAsg/HVymKjPgTDQ/s1600/skeleton+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YlXyFuoqRo/TqtKDZXZ4WI/AAAAAAAAAsg/HVymKjPgTDQ/s1600/skeleton+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our graveyard...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2h74PO2h3w/TqtJ8xfDMDI/AAAAAAAAArA/IOtDuXIutOM/s1600/bones+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2h74PO2h3w/TqtJ8xfDMDI/AAAAAAAAArA/IOtDuXIutOM/s1600/bones+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Who's over there... in the background?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bet9GNXhwfA/TqtJ-UannwI/AAAAAAAAArY/DZ8F6iqT6pg/s1600/front+graveyard+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bet9GNXhwfA/TqtJ-UannwI/AAAAAAAAArY/DZ8F6iqT6pg/s1600/front+graveyard+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I guess the marriage didn't end well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zx8B0STnaR4/TqtKA2_TueI/AAAAAAAAAr4/jJWdCjYf4lE/s1600/mr+and+mrs+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zx8B0STnaR4/TqtKA2_TueI/AAAAAAAAAr4/jJWdCjYf4lE/s1600/mr+and+mrs+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On Halloween night, our front porch goes from creepy...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8DWi7gOwc/TqtJ94D4rTI/AAAAAAAAArQ/xE4KHtkn1J0/s1600/front+door+500+bw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8DWi7gOwc/TqtJ94D4rTI/AAAAAAAAArQ/xE4KHtkn1J0/s1600/front+door+500+bw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... to creeptacular ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIHKne-8rWw/TqtJ9ZABW2I/AAAAAAAAArI/PHejdumtA8I/s1600/front+door+2+bw+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIHKne-8rWw/TqtJ9ZABW2I/AAAAAAAAArI/PHejdumtA8I/s1600/front+door+2+bw+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I think there's a rat on the roof!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SfyeuGLiRk/TqtKBNd3m8I/AAAAAAAAAsA/RkRPzNKuQX8/s1600/rat+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SfyeuGLiRk/TqtKBNd3m8I/AAAAAAAAAsA/RkRPzNKuQX8/s1600/rat+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Did it make you scream?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsvvFAOMdPo/TqtKB5IljHI/AAAAAAAAAsI/TZ1OuexBAmQ/s1600/scarecrow+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsvvFAOMdPo/TqtKB5IljHI/AAAAAAAAAsI/TZ1OuexBAmQ/s1600/scarecrow+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Halloween!</span></i></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-81379534981539028262011-10-20T17:19:00.000-07:002011-10-20T17:35:53.549-07:00Creepy Curb AppealWe gave the house some creepy curb appeal this week. The big night is a little over a week away and we're getting into the <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">spirit</span></i></span> of Halloween!<br />
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We freakified the front lawn (which I'll show you in my next post), and spooked up the main entrance of our house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43hSTwPKzm4/Tp7--7zdbXI/AAAAAAAAApg/BgiSO3_gFDI/s1600/front+door+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43hSTwPKzm4/Tp7--7zdbXI/AAAAAAAAApg/BgiSO3_gFDI/s1600/front+door+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There is something a little bit chilling about black birds this time of the year.<br />
<br />
I don't think I've ever recovered from watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056869/"><u>The Birds</u></a>, and sometimes I still startle myself when I see these ravens sitting in their nest of twigs (an idea I got from a decorating magazine a few years ago).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWZxsrHfIm8/Tp8dwzrCWgI/AAAAAAAAAp4/WJb7O1P8U1A/s1600/crows+nest+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWZxsrHfIm8/Tp8dwzrCWgI/AAAAAAAAAp4/WJb7O1P8U1A/s1600/crows+nest+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We don't spend much money on our Halloween decorations - most of them are homemade and reused from year to year. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VM0BNjDTI/TqCnnc1iQ_I/AAAAAAAAAqA/o67k5aetrBI/s1600/close+up+ravens+nest+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VM0BNjDTI/TqCnnc1iQ_I/AAAAAAAAAqA/o67k5aetrBI/s1600/close+up+ravens+nest+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you lookin' at me?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once I toss the dead annuals from the urn, I gather some sticks, secure them in the soil, and then layer smaller twigs on top. I perch a pair dollar store ravens on the sturdier sticks, and it's as easy as that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQKbiYRy5ww/TqCnoZQD1sI/AAAAAAAAAqI/NGDJegtZASY/s1600/close+up+ravens+nest2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQKbiYRy5ww/TqCnoZQD1sI/AAAAAAAAAqI/NGDJegtZASY/s1600/close+up+ravens+nest2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The nest is a cheap and easy Halloween idea. It takes about 5 minutes to put together, costs under $5.00, and it gets a bunch of compliments!<br />
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I love it when Mr. StyleBurb gets into a spray painting frame of mind! He suggested giving our tired-looking gold Christmas wreaths.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15LOq6nKZzw/TqCnr7hScUI/AAAAAAAAAqo/Wf9rRAVf6YQ/s1600/wreaths+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15LOq6nKZzw/TqCnr7hScUI/AAAAAAAAAqo/Wf9rRAVf6YQ/s1600/wreaths+before+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... the Halloween treatment.<br />
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The wreaths look perfectly eery now that they're painted black.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr8O85Msk1w/TqCnqJrhyvI/AAAAAAAAAqY/_EXoGPqqaCA/s1600/front+door+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr8O85Msk1w/TqCnqJrhyvI/AAAAAAAAAqY/_EXoGPqqaCA/s1600/front+door+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Pumpkins and corn stalks finish off this part of our Halloween house. I can't wait to show you who has been creeping around the front lawn!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-86393519831744639872011-10-14T15:57:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:58:42.538-07:00Autumn In A Jar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is another fall display I really should have photographed earlier...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWkaaZVnUxU/Tpi0WIeDk1I/AAAAAAAAApA/VH6EZpQopvI/s1600/closeup+apothecary2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWkaaZVnUxU/Tpi0WIeDk1I/AAAAAAAAApA/VH6EZpQopvI/s640/closeup+apothecary2+500.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />
... because those adorable little white pumpkins don't enjoy being trapped in their glass prison. (I have cleverly positioned the pumpkins so that you can't see the brownish spots.)<br />
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This is the first time I've put these mini white pumpkins in my apothecary jar.<br />
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Live and learn.<br />
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It was very easy to put together this fall display. I used leftover Christmas nuts (I can't believe I kept them!) for the base...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rpnBeMQIic/Tpift9BWtuI/AAAAAAAAAoo/znZa8gxArtQ/s1600/apothecary+jar+nuts+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rpnBeMQIic/Tpift9BWtuI/AAAAAAAAAoo/znZa8gxArtQ/s1600/apothecary+jar+nuts+500.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>... added in pine cones, the little white pumpkins, and fake fall foliage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlthPa-e5TQ/TpifssIRMxI/AAAAAAAAAoY/yUmGYJMnqfo/s1600/apothecary+jar+gourds+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlthPa-e5TQ/TpifssIRMxI/AAAAAAAAAoY/yUmGYJMnqfo/s1600/apothecary+jar+gourds+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The great thing about faux plants and leaves is that they don't start rotting just when you want to take some attractive pictures.<br />
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The apothecary jar sits on this table in my front hall and I have fun changing it for the seasons. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Dc0cmKxEA/TpiftfMZKPI/AAAAAAAAAog/VfEpBUGyrUI/s1600/apothecary+jar+inside+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Dc0cmKxEA/TpiftfMZKPI/AAAAAAAAAog/VfEpBUGyrUI/s1600/apothecary+jar+inside+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Since Halloween is right around the corner I don't mind changing the display a bit early. I have some bones and rats that I can use as filler.<br />
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Fake bones and fake rats, that is.<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-35680966611446167282011-10-10T15:09:00.000-07:002011-10-22T09:24:43.279-07:00Neutral Fall MantelI planned to show off my neutral fall mantel about two weeks ago....<br />
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.... but sometimes the best laid plans of mice and men often get put on the back burner because life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.<br />
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Or something like that! <br />
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Usually I'm all about color when it comes to decorating for autumn. I had given the family room a <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/05/family-room-sequel.html">mini makeover</a> in the spring by adding lots of white accessories, so this year I felt I needed to keep the mantel neutral and natural.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0GgqsCCSpE/TpNSonDf66I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/shOVEUIU2nE/s1600/fall+mantel4+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0GgqsCCSpE/TpNSonDf66I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/shOVEUIU2nE/s1600/fall+mantel4+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I began by filling an old brass and glass vase with some branches cut from the crab apple tree in my front yard. I bought the vase 20 years ago from Bombay Company. Thank goodness I rarely throw out anything that's home decor related. I <b><i>knew</i></b> I'd need it one day.<br />
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Hmmm... I think I may have heard that exact phrase used on Hoarders once or twice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZTWiI0SQs8/TpNQH_HN3CI/AAAAAAAAAnU/h6kj_3EaWa4/s1600/centre+fall+mantel+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZTWiI0SQs8/TpNQH_HN3CI/AAAAAAAAAnU/h6kj_3EaWa4/s1600/centre+fall+mantel+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I copied Pottery Barn's styling trick of turning hardcover books around so that you can see the pages and topped the stack of books with a few small brass pumpkins.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Gz-j2QYtw/TpNQ0X2Z0WI/AAAAAAAAAno/u8QOfUNNObc/s1600/left+fall+mantel+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Gz-j2QYtw/TpNQ0X2Z0WI/AAAAAAAAAno/u8QOfUNNObc/s1600/left+fall+mantel+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I kept the existing hurricane lanterns and flanked each end of the mantel with a faux/fake white pumpkin...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ddRuLxsW2I/TpNRhoFbFJI/AAAAAAAAAoM/JgU_uHpaD94/s1600/right+fall+mantel+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ddRuLxsW2I/TpNRhoFbFJI/AAAAAAAAAoM/JgU_uHpaD94/s1600/right+fall+mantel+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... and filled in the blank spots with some of those cinnamon scented pine cones.<br />
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Once October rolls around I like the house to have a full and layered look. Layers in the fall are like a piece of pumpkin pie.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnqnkwdSkUA/TpNbBdeipBI/AAAAAAAAAoU/zFiF5PSXxmg/s1600/long+fall+mantel+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnqnkwdSkUA/TpNbBdeipBI/AAAAAAAAAoU/zFiF5PSXxmg/s1600/long+fall+mantel+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
.... good on its own, but even better with whipped cream!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-21763767870520594252011-09-18T16:11:00.000-07:002011-09-18T18:06:00.187-07:00How Do You Like Them Apples!I really enjoy the fall season, but its arrival always seems to sneak up and bite me in the behind. One day it's a balmy summer afternoon and the next it's downright chilly and there's frost on the pumpkins....<br />
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... not that I've got a pumpkin patch. Or even a pumpkin at this point.<br />
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I've been a bit slow to get my fall decorating groove on - just haven't felt the motivation. But yesterday's visit to the apple orchard was just the thing I needed to get my head around the fact that fall officially begins in just a few days.<br />
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We're lucky to have a number of apple orchards within a 15 minute drive, and yesterday was perfect apple picking weather.<br />
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McIntosh were on the left, Delicious were on the right. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lapuXU714A/TnZgJfCxXvI/AAAAAAAAAmY/B6l6AnI2tng/s1600/sign+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lapuXU714A/TnZgJfCxXvI/AAAAAAAAAmY/B6l6AnI2tng/s1600/sign+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The trees were full of apples, and we barely had to reach for them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqgtA4DGRBI/TnZgKoV83nI/AAAAAAAAAmc/ghHOFCjMbGQ/s1600/tree+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqgtA4DGRBI/TnZgKoV83nI/AAAAAAAAAmc/ghHOFCjMbGQ/s1600/tree+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... a little bit closer...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnNBO7tRGqA/TnZgHDRh6kI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/R4X2rPhjgc4/s1600/apples+close+up+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnNBO7tRGqA/TnZgHDRh6kI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/R4X2rPhjgc4/s1600/apples+close+up+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... got it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp3jJhHuXfg/TnZnTqks2hI/AAAAAAAAAmo/rVylixBcrFs/s1600/apple+not+bitten+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp3jJhHuXfg/TnZnTqks2hI/AAAAAAAAAmo/rVylixBcrFs/s1600/apple+not+bitten+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McIntosh apple 'before'</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XsF8DkiXjfw/TnZgDlpDovI/AAAAAAAAAmE/QwTgoTvNGGg/s1600/apple+bitten+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XsF8DkiXjfw/TnZgDlpDovI/AAAAAAAAAmE/QwTgoTvNGGg/s1600/apple+bitten+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McIntosh apple 'after'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Can you believe that there are 7,500 different apple varieties world-wide.<br />
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We came home with dozens and dozens of apples and a few other goodies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htci1ypcaYE/TnZnUaO2DnI/AAAAAAAAAms/l3JJGxgVMGw/s1600/bag+of+apples+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htci1ypcaYE/TnZnUaO2DnI/AAAAAAAAAms/l3JJGxgVMGw/s1600/bag+of+apples+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The candy apple got eaten; the pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie are gone now too. The caramel apple pie was so good!<br />
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For a little while the apples will have a decorative role in the house. I <i>knew</i> this bowl would be perfect for apples in the fall!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv8Kvop-x58/TnZuVccgOXI/AAAAAAAAAmw/4awv4oFc5Ns/s1600/apple+bowl+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv8Kvop-x58/TnZuVccgOXI/AAAAAAAAAmw/4awv4oFc5Ns/s1600/apple+bowl+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I guess I'll be making apple muffins, apple crisp, apple pies, apple oatmeal, apple butter, apple pancakes etc. over the next few weeks!<br />
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How do you like your apples - straight up, baked in a pie, diced into muffins or covered with red candy coating? <br />
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As of yesterday, my new favorite way to eat apples is baked in a pie with caramel filling!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-81450109092496289072011-09-05T16:58:00.000-07:002011-09-05T16:58:56.632-07:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year!<br />
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I know... it's not January 1st, but that date has always seemed like a false new year to me.<br />
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To me, the day after Labor Day - when summer unofficially ends, and people head back to school or ease back into their routines - is the real New Year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53hfY03cl1U/TmUyKn9zqxI/AAAAAAAAAl8/3AVfOXCFRjY/s1600/bts+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53hfY03cl1U/TmUyKn9zqxI/AAAAAAAAAl8/3AVfOXCFRjY/s1600/bts+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tomorrow is my kids' first day back at school after nine weeks of summer vacation. The start of a new school year brings a fresh sense of potential, optimism, and the wonder of what's to come. The beginning of fall is all about <i><b>New</b></i>: new grades, new beginnings, new teachers, new friendships, new clothes, new pencils....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DlWLz_N4g8/TmUyM2-yqVI/AAAAAAAAAmA/OF08hy2TUQ8/s1600/pencils+and+paper+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DlWLz_N4g8/TmUyM2-yqVI/AAAAAAAAAmA/OF08hy2TUQ8/s1600/pencils+and+paper+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When you're a kid, "back to school" can be the ultimate do-over.<br />
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As much as I'm excited for my kids, and looking forward to getting back into a routine, I think many parents will agree that this is a bittersweet time of the year. A new grade is a reminder that our children are a little bit closer to growing up and leaving home. That's the whole idea of parenting, after all.<br />
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<b>Confession:</b> I'm the mom who got all teary when I dropped my little kids off on their first day of kindergarten.<br />
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I've never felt like crying on the January 1st New Year's holiday (well, at least, not for the same reasons as the post Labor Day new year), so this must be a special season! <br />
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Whether you are headed back to school, or back to routine, I wish you health and happiness for this new year!<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-17264245858272694812011-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:002011-08-31T16:34:34.170-07:00Brownie Pops For CheatersI fully expected this post to be titled "Brownie Pop Fail", but I had to come up with a new title when my Brownie Pops actually looked pretty cute, and more importantly, didn't fall off the stick.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSDH_VPWQfg/Tl6UvCu0SWI/AAAAAAAAAlM/9-OxW5xxins/s1600/cp+closeup+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSDH_VPWQfg/Tl6UvCu0SWI/AAAAAAAAAlM/9-OxW5xxins/s400/cp+closeup+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe I made these!</td></tr>
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I've been fascinated by these adorable little desserts on a stick for a long time; I mean Martha Stewart makes Cake Pops.<br />
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Cake Pops are even available at Starbucks. Starbucks sells these little guys for almost $2.00 each (including tax), which must mean they're pretty special and difficult to make. Right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-9duSRwv4M/Tl66joW-m3I/AAAAAAAAAls/guRhthS18KA/s1600/sb+cake+pops+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-9duSRwv4M/Tl66joW-m3I/AAAAAAAAAls/guRhthS18KA/s400/sb+cake+pops+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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So I felt that the odds were stacked against me when I decided, on a whim, to make my own - with <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/07/schools-out-for-summer-meet-kids.">Purplicious</a> as my trusty sidekick.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>I visited <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/category/pops-bites/cake-pops/page/2/">Bakerella</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/315587/cupcake-pops-and-bites">Martha Stewart </a>for instructions and tips on making Cake Pops. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Since I was convinced that my Brownie/Cake Pops were going to be a disaster, I decided to cheat and use store bought brownies and canned Betty Crocker frosting as the basis for my treats... that's just how I roll.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGOGfpjyc4s/Tl6_14CWP-I/AAAAAAAAAl4/BKDrcleP1Ug/s1600/math+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGOGfpjyc4s/Tl6_14CWP-I/AAAAAAAAAl4/BKDrcleP1Ug/s400/math+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is how I made easy (but not quick) Brownie Pops</b>:</span></div><br />
<ul><li>I tossed half of a 1.34 kg (3 lbs) container of Two Bite Brownies (the kind you find at Costco) into my food processor and whizzed them until they were crumbled.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>In a separate bowl I added about half a container of Betty Crocker chocolate frosting to the crumbled brownies and mixed them together until the texture resembled truffles.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Next we rolled the mixture into balls and placed them on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjKbIy-ftEA/Tl6UyVkx_OI/AAAAAAAAAlc/Wz3fzCJbE3E/s1600/cp1+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjKbIy-ftEA/Tl6UyVkx_OI/AAAAAAAAAlc/Wz3fzCJbE3E/s400/cp1+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>I dipped a candy stick into melted chocolate and stuck that end into the ball. Everything went into the freezer for a couple of hours while Purplicious went for a swim.</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Decorating was messy, but fun in a very frustrating sort of way.</i></div><br />
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<tr align="left"><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAhClVrp0NE/Tl6UxQETANI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WE_viMTi9Rc/s1600/cp+peanuts+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAhClVrp0NE/Tl6UxQETANI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WE_viMTi9Rc/s400/cp+peanuts+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purplicious helping out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<ul><li>I melted some good quality chocolate coating and spooned it over the frozen Brownie Pops. Because the pops were cold I was hoping that the chocolate would set fairly quickly, but it dripped when we were adding the toppings. That was messy!</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Once all the Brownie Pops were chocolate coated and decorated I put them back in the freezer for an hour or so to set. </li>
</ul><br />
I didn't have anything prepared to stand them upright, but I guarantee you those little brownie balls didn't move.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2TDwxfU2M/Tl6UwTFAgAI/AAAAAAAAAlU/yPzuafAYXzQ/s1600/cp+done+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2TDwxfU2M/Tl6UwTFAgAI/AAAAAAAAAlU/yPzuafAYXzQ/s400/cp+done+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm very proud of my chocolate and white marbled Brownie Pop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Our favorite combinations were white chocolate coated with coconut and dark chocolate coated with peanuts.<br />
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I made them again last weekend (using the same shortcuts) for my sister-in-law's birthday. I was concerned that maybe I had beginner's luck with my first batch and that her guests would end up with melted chocolate in their laps. I almost melted with relief once I knew they turned out.<br />
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Mr. StyleBurb made a grown-up version of these Brownie Pops by adding some rum into the mix....<br />
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... now that was a good treat! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wS5Cj_VutRM/Tl6Uv1JHmsI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Xvv39Q5AW3c/s1600/cp+done+2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wS5Cj_VutRM/Tl6Uv1JHmsI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Xvv39Q5AW3c/s400/cp+done+2+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-77963650989053573492011-08-22T12:58:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:00:54.047-07:00Killing WeedsWe just returned from another fabulous, sun-filled week at the beach.<br />
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While we've been busy having fun, so too have the weeds growing in between the bricks of my interlocking walkway. It puzzles me that only a few feet away the grass is singed from heat and drought and yet these blasted weeds are growing as though they've been doused with top grade fertilizer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_PnCA3xkeU/TlKvJ8mO5UI/AAAAAAAAAlE/tIHHecXKspI/s1600/before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_PnCA3xkeU/TlKvJ8mO5UI/AAAAAAAAAlE/tIHHecXKspI/s400/before+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These weeds have really gotten out of hand!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Truth be told, I don't mind the singed grass all that much because it means I don't have to mow the lawn.<br />
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But I definitely mind the weeds.<br />
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Our area has banned the cosmetic use of herbicides and pesticides, so we have to use natural ways to get rid of the weeds. I was complaining to my friend about my weed/interlocking problem and she gave me the greatest, easiest tip on how to get rid of them:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boiling water</b></span></div><br />
That's it, that's all!<br />
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These weeds were doused with boiling water about 2 hours ago: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO-bBW1WfQA/TlKvKxJ_bLI/AAAAAAAAAlI/K1JgGBXdYDU/s1600/immediately+after+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO-bBW1WfQA/TlKvKxJ_bLI/AAAAAAAAAlI/K1JgGBXdYDU/s400/immediately+after+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After a few days the weeds were dead. I did my best to shoo away any ants before I poured the hot water.<br />
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Of course, you shouldn't try to kill the weeds in your flower beds or veggie garden using this method, but it definitely works on brick and concrete.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqeO1eYvlaQ/TlKvI8ooTaI/AAAAAAAAAlA/e82rZcxgPdI/s1600/after+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqeO1eYvlaQ/TlKvI8ooTaI/AAAAAAAAAlA/e82rZcxgPdI/s400/after+500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeds a few days after the boiling water treatment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
At this point you can just brush the dead weeds away.<br />
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It's better if you don't let the weeds get established in the first place, as I have done, but some things are more important than weeds!<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-57428439190922968582011-08-09T06:25:00.000-07:002011-08-09T06:45:43.447-07:00Purpose Of Your Trip, Ma'am? Shopping.My 15 year old daughter '<a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/07/schools-out-for-summer-meet-kids.html">Audrey</a>' has a passion for fashion and has been <i>desperate</i> to go shopping in the U.S.. '<a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/07/schools-out-for-summer-meet-kids.html">Purplicious</a>' has never met a mall she didn't like and supported her big sister's pleas to do some cross-border shopping.<br />
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Eventually the girls wore us down, and we decided to spend our August long weekend shopping in Erie, Pennsylvania where the taxes are low, the selection is great and the stores are new and different. When we weren't shopping, we were either sleeping or eating. By noon Monday I didn't think we could carry another shopping bag or walk a step farther. So we headed home.<br />
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Here is our van<b><i> in the middle </i></b>of being loaded up for our drive back to Canada... <br />
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Mostly we shopped for clothing, cosmetics and back-to-school supplies. I bought some cute things for the house .... of course!<br />
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These are just a few of my treasures:<br />
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I saw this ruffled bowl at a store in Canada a few months ago, so wasn't I delighted to find it at a lower price and on sale! Won't it look great filled with apples or little clementines?<br />
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I seem to be subscribing to the "you can never have enough pretty plates" decorating philosophy and found these sweet plates.<br />
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This pillow practically popped off the shelf at me! You all know how much I love red and this pillow will look terrific on my bench in the foyer once fall comes ... and you know it's coming...<br />
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Even though I'm not anxious for summer to end, it's funny how a single red pillow can get a person excited about decorating for fall....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-12371428157046431722011-08-07T12:57:00.000-07:002011-08-07T13:37:31.185-07:00An AwardThe last time I got an award was on Mother's Day about eight years ago. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/School%27s%20Out%20For%20Summer:%20Meet%20The%20Kids">'Awesome Possum'</a> gave me <b><i>The Best Mom In The World</i></b> award when he was in kindergarten and declared that my best skill was unclogging the toilet.<br />
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I don't think I've ever laughed so hard!<br />
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I have to explain...<br />
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When my son was a small boy he was fascinated by water and loved watching the toilet flush. He often tried flushing small toys as well as toilet paper.... which explains the need for the plunger!<br />
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Anyway, I received another award recently, which I am very delighted about. My friend Terry from <a href="http://thesepeastastefunny.blogspot.com/">These Peas Taste Funny</a> gave me the <b>Liebster Blog Award</b>.<br />
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I did a little research to find out more about the Liebster Award and it seems to have originated in Germany and is meant to highlight blogs you enjoy that have less than 300 followers. When you accept the award you agree to pass it along to 3 other bloggers.<br />
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I'm not sure if this is part of the original award, but after accepting you then tell 7 things about yourself that others in the blogging community may not know.<br />
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It's next to impossible to choose which blogs to give the Liebster Award to since there are so many wonderful blogs in existence. Also, there is <b>no obligation</b> to accept this award, so for the blogs I'm about to mention, if this isn't your thing that's completely fine.<br />
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Here are three of my favorite places to visit:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Andrea from <a href="http://ourbluefrontdoor.blogspot.com/">Our Blue Front Door </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dee from <a href="http://alapinlife.blogspot.com/">A Lapin Life </a>&</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ange from <a href="http://www.thebloominghydrangea.com/">The Blooming Hydrangea</a></div><br />
I hope you will visit these blogs and enjoy them as much as I do.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Seven Things About Myself</b></span></div><br />
1. I love celebrity gossip, so if you ever want to chat about what's going on in Hollywood, then I'm your girl.<br />
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2. I have a horrible sense of direction and almost always confuse my left and right. When I was 16 my driving instructor threatened to write an R and an L on my hands!<br />
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3. Since I was a teenager in the '80s, I am really good at doing the 'moonwalk' made famous by Michael Jackson.<br />
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4. I get dizzy very easily (if I turn around twice I feel nauseated) and HATE roller coasters.<br />
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5. I have been a vegetarian for 20 years. The reasons why are complicated, but I love leather furniture, handbags and shoes.<br />
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6. I taught grades 1- 4 before I had my family, and yet I can't seem to help my kids with their math homework!<br />
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7. I am probably the last person on Earth who still has a phone that doesn't text and comes with a pull-up antenna. I'm planning to upgrade soon....<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-10353453297858337922011-08-02T16:30:00.000-07:002011-08-02T16:30:35.617-07:00Time Flies When You're Having FunI dreamed about my blog the other night, which, I think, is my subconscious telling me that it's time to write a new post. I am having the best summer and was shocked to see that it's August already. Time flies when you're having fun!<br />
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We took our annual camping trip to the beach earlier in July. We've been staying at the same campground resort for years, and this year Mother Nature decided to give us a week long bear hug because the weather was fabulous!<br />
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Our home away from home on these camping trips is a pop-up tent trailer tricked out with air conditioning, water and electrical service, a mini fridge and some very clever storage compartments. Some people might call our camping style "glamping" - a combination of 'camping' and 'glamorous'. <br />
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I tend to think of our pop-up tent trailer as the grown-up version of a Barbie camper. Except that Barbie would have a much cuter camping wardrobe than me and I'm pretty sure she wouldn't be caught dead wandering the streets of the closest town in search of french fries - while wearing a pair of Birkenstocks. <br />
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Fries at the beach are the best!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We store the camper in our garage during the off-season. Bringing it out when summer arrives is a test of our nerves and our twenty-one years of marriage! The trailer was bought four years ago and unfortunately, we relied on the salesperson's measuring skills before we made the sale final.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were expecting the camper to be eight inches narrower than it actually is. Boy were we surprised when we tried to put it in the garage that first time! There is barely an inch on either side of the trailer to fit through the garage doors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ah well. All's well that ends well, and once we're all set up, it's extremely easy to forget all your cares.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zpREJajxlg/TjNlTy1biTI/AAAAAAAAAjw/NP8fHwktzOI/s1600/pop+tabs+500.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjQHnG_mj90/TjNlXr9DZ7I/AAAAAAAAAkE/yi8gkL6Uilk/s1600/popup5+outside+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjQHnG_mj90/TjNlXr9DZ7I/AAAAAAAAAkE/yi8gkL6Uilk/s1600/popup5+outside+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We spend our days at the beach and our evenings around the campfire. At night we have a dry and comfortable place to sleep. <br />
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Harry loves camping, too. He gets pretty tuckered out from chasing seagulls.<br />
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We wake up most mornings to the sound of seagulls squawking, so when Harry gives them a hard time, I consider it a doggie form of payback. <br />
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We have all the comforts of home - even a little mirror so that I can put on some mascara and lipstick and blow dry my hair...<br />
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... because Barbie would like that!<br />
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Now, if only I could decorate the camper with pink flower decals and purple fun fur, Barbie and Ken might join us for s'mores around the campfire one evening. <br />
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I wonder where I can find Barbie-sized Birkenstocks...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-54329459713453868672011-07-07T19:36:00.000-07:002011-07-07T19:36:32.048-07:00Farmers' Market GazpachoThe weather on the weekend was magnificent and I finally made a trip to the Farmers' Market. The local strawberries are in season and they taste so good!<br />
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This is probably the last week for local asparagus, and now tomatoes, snap peas and zucchini are ready.<br />
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Soon the rest of the fruit and vegetables grown here will ripen, and I can't wait. In the meantime, the Farmers' Market had some hot house produce and local-ish veggies for sale. <br />
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I bought everything I need to make gazpacho - which is a summer time favorite at our house.<br />
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Mr. StyleBurb and I love my gazpacho recipe so much that when our 20 year old food processor broke, we replaced it right away with this new fancier version.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbSXqHfH4LM/ThZUfd7F5AI/AAAAAAAAAjg/e3fw9TKc13M/s1600/food+processor+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbSXqHfH4LM/ThZUfd7F5AI/AAAAAAAAAjg/e3fw9TKc13M/s400/food+processor+copy.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>Over the years I have tweaked my recipe for gazpacho until it tasted perfect to us. The aroma of all the fresh veggies is like summer in bowl! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">My recipe is really simple.</div><br />
- whiz 3 cloves of garlic and one small red onion in your food processor<br />
- add in 2 ripe tomatoes, 1 red pepper and 1 green pepper (seeds removed) and 1 large cucumber <br />
- pulse several times to chop everything into bits<br />
- add 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar and about 1 cup of vegetable cocktail<br />
- add 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. of fresh black pepper <br />
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- pulse until you have the consistency you like<br />
- add more vegetable cocktail if you want a thinner soup<br />
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Chill the soup for several hours before serving. I like to top our gazpacho with croutons and I always serve Tabasco sauce on the side. Mr. StyleBurb likes it spicy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Delicious!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Thursday was our first day of summer vacation. I've added full time chauffeur, recreation director, camp counselor, lifeguard and police officer to my official job title of 'Stay-At-Home-Mom'. <br />
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I think an introduction of my kids is in order, since I'll probably mention them a bit more over the next two months. My kids asked me not to use their real names or photos on my blog...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFqBqkgy0Ck/Tg5ue65CRkI/AAAAAAAAAjA/3_oLla-15hs/s1600/No+Flash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFqBqkgy0Ck/Tg5ue65CRkI/AAAAAAAAAjA/3_oLla-15hs/s200/No+Flash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
...so I gave them a little summertime homework assignment: choose a blog alias and I'll find a picture of an actor or actress whom they resemble.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Audrey </span></b></i>(age 15)<i><b> </b></i>is my oldest daughter. </div><br />
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Audrey is our Thinker. She's a gentle and sweet girl who is responsible and dependable. Audrey just finished her first year of high school with spectacular results. She plays piano and flute and is learning the trumpet over the summer. Audrey has her Blackberry with her at all times so she can be in constant communication with her friends to plan trips to Starbucks, the movies and malls. Thankfully, she's very tolerant of her younger brother and sister!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Awesome Possum</i></b> </span>(age 13) is my son. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFESHMmzu_o/Tg-uUpi0xUI/AAAAAAAAAjI/KsXkTA5aO6A/s1600/ap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFESHMmzu_o/Tg-uUpi0xUI/AAAAAAAAAjI/KsXkTA5aO6A/s320/ap1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Awesome Possum is our Comedian/Inventor. His yearbook signature page was filled with comments from his friends about how funny he is and that he's always willing to help out. A.P. is bright and witty and has a very strong sense of what's fair and just. He has a section in the basement where he can modify electronics and test out his inventions. Of course, Awesome Possum loves computer games. He builds virtual cities, houses and ''stuff". I really don't understand what he does; it all seems very technical and complicated.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Purplicious</i></b> </span>(age 9) is my youngest daughter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*remember, they choose these monikers themselves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVJmg8dXkAw/Tg5FNCuABnI/AAAAAAAAAi8/XqtwYO3esxE/s320/kid3.jpg" width="208" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Purplicious is our Artist. She's creative and girlie and loves art, crafts, baking, shopping and fashion. It's not uncommon for her to have three wardrobe changes in one afternoon. Her lip gloss collection numbers close to fifty. Purplicious is extremely chatty and inquisitive. Mr. StyleBurb once tried to count how many questions she asked in 10 minutes, but he lost count. Purplicious is very good-hearted and has a lot of empathy for people and animals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Summers at our house are busy, loud and messy- there's never a dull moment! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-75280395764891877192011-06-27T08:50:00.000-07:002011-07-01T06:51:13.392-07:00Inside Out: My Backyard Deck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've always loved the idea of making your outdoor deck or patio feel like a room inside your house. At the same time, our summers are so short, that I'm all about easy and fuss-free living from June to September. When we have lunch or dinner outside, I set up the food and plates buffet-style on the kitchen counter where we make up our plates and carry them out to the deck.<br />
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This is where we spend a good deal of time in the warmer months.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought the outdoor carpet last summer and was happily surprised at how it anchored the furniture and brought us a little closer to making the deck feel like an actual room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJUPPMhxLtk/TgesB4jGZXI/AAAAAAAAAiM/cbrju9NaEHA/s1600/closeup+deck+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJUPPMhxLtk/TgesB4jGZXI/AAAAAAAAAiM/cbrju9NaEHA/s1600/closeup+deck+500.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
The cushions on this cozy little bench under the pergola are new this year. I haven't bothered with cushions until now because the chairs are comfortable- even though they may not look like it, and, I think I would be horrible at remembering to bring them inside during bad weather. We'll see how it goes! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZXF7W2oQAI/TgesDEWltpI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/eUK57SvrD_E/s1600/cushions+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZXF7W2oQAI/TgesDEWltpI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/eUK57SvrD_E/s1600/cushions+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've seen many of these mason jars turned candle holders on a number of blogs, but this particular version is inspired by one from <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2011/06/10/summer-decor-starfish-jute-mason-jar/">The Inspired Room</a>. Thank you for the wonderful idea, Melissa.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SRAPs4DSZo/TgesHSN5QnI/AAAAAAAAAig/ICfUzC28HJk/s1600/starfish+uncropped+500.jpg" /></div><br />
A group of three mason jars placed on a wicker tray makes a nice summery centerpiece. So far I have only seen the candle light at dusk. I don't sit outside when it's really dark because I'm terrified of bats- and no amount of rational explanations have cured it!<br />
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Moving on... <br />
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I love ferns and tucked this plant stand in one corner of the deck. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAmVi1RpoBY/TgesEuU1VpI/AAAAAAAAAiU/2LiltCe6Jfk/s1600/fern+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAmVi1RpoBY/TgesEuU1VpI/AAAAAAAAAiU/2LiltCe6Jfk/s1600/fern+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have another little seating area on the lawn. I used to have a bench here, but it fell apart last year. The two chairs are more practical because they can be brought onto the deck when we need more seating.<br />
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This is a nice sunny spot, and it's relaxing to sit here with a trashy summer novel and have tea- or something cold from the fridge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJAQCncmPwE/TgesIckvvXI/AAAAAAAAAik/bZCTkx37yfw/s1600/Table+pour+deux+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJAQCncmPwE/TgesIckvvXI/AAAAAAAAAik/bZCTkx37yfw/s1600/Table+pour+deux+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Another one of my <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/06/painted-pots.html">painted pots</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4THqh24t20/TgesFl-mt5I/AAAAAAAAAiY/IGvYxpTEgGA/s1600/geranium+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4THqh24t20/TgesFl-mt5I/AAAAAAAAAiY/IGvYxpTEgGA/s1600/geranium+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
That's it for the main deck- I just have to show you one final picture of my peonies. This will be the last one because the heavy rain that fell last week took all the petals off... at least I have the pictures!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0e0HUYKUb4/TgeuOMiT0GI/AAAAAAAAAis/jkorsCa7I_o/s1600/large+peony++500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0e0HUYKUb4/TgeuOMiT0GI/AAAAAAAAAis/jkorsCa7I_o/s1600/large+peony++500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We're ready for summer- I hope the weather forecast is good!<br />
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I'm joining Amanda's party this week...<br />
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<a href="http://www.serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading" border="0" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-10792672286376537192011-06-22T16:57:00.000-07:002011-06-22T16:57:00.542-07:00Painted PotsLast week while Mr. StyleBurb sanded and re-stained our back deck,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33KiXQwBhMI/TgJUW4XrzXI/AAAAAAAAAh0/4WJjrkLdidE/s1600/painting+deck+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33KiXQwBhMI/TgJUW4XrzXI/AAAAAAAAAh0/4WJjrkLdidE/s1600/painting+deck+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I dragged out my spray paint booth to give our mismatched flower pots a fresh look for summer. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAqsbHquroY/TgJUag7Il6I/AAAAAAAAAiE/a5Tc_u_OD2U/s1600/spray+booth+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xAqsbHquroY/TgJUag7Il6I/AAAAAAAAAiE/a5Tc_u_OD2U/s1600/spray+booth+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know... you want one too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our flower pots were a mixture of colors and styles- some plastic and some terra cotta. I decided that the best thing would be to unify them with a few coats of soft black paint. We have black outdoor furniture and I love the way black looks with our taupe deck stain. I used Rust-oleum's oil rubbed bronze spray paint that says it can be used on "wood, metal, plastic, masonry... and more." <br />
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Clearly I didn't plan to paint our flower pots when I put annuals in this big planter a month ago!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvCzu5RxRts/TgJUVaVriaI/AAAAAAAAAhs/G20qOOUmnnI/s1600/large+planter+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvCzu5RxRts/TgJUVaVriaI/AAAAAAAAAhs/G20qOOUmnnI/s1600/large+planter+before+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our flowers had to spend an afternoon covered up with a garbage bag.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6l8FXjKbx-c/TgJUWOP1DSI/AAAAAAAAAhw/Au3QyEuC0-Q/s1600/large+planter+during+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6l8FXjKbx-c/TgJUWOP1DSI/AAAAAAAAAhw/Au3QyEuC0-Q/s1600/large+planter+during+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But everything worked out ok, and I think the planter looks very sharp!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pgY4oZWqYM/TgJUUS5X7QI/AAAAAAAAAho/7x0P0__FDVs/s1600/large+planter+after+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pgY4oZWqYM/TgJUUS5X7QI/AAAAAAAAAho/7x0P0__FDVs/s1600/large+planter+after+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've had this large terra cotta pot in my garage for years.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kP2GA0Cptg/TgJUR-TtrkI/AAAAAAAAAhc/xUhT9SftaYI/s1600/green+planter+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kP2GA0Cptg/TgJUR-TtrkI/AAAAAAAAAhc/xUhT9SftaYI/s1600/green+planter+before+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now it's holding my tomato plant. I even have tomatoes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_1yXmXeAOc/TgJURFUcrRI/AAAAAAAAAhY/BcVPe3MNlz4/s1600/green+planter+after+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_1yXmXeAOc/TgJURFUcrRI/AAAAAAAAAhY/BcVPe3MNlz4/s1600/green+planter+after+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Every year we buy hanging baskets from the garden center and every year the plastic pots are different colors and shapes. We have quite a collection.<br />
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I removed the hanging apparatus, wiped them down and spray painted a few of these plastic pots as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhCUv0ogGnU/TgJUY0Vt1ZI/AAAAAAAAAh8/wuq6r9Qd1C4/s1600/plastic+pot+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HhCUv0ogGnU/TgJUY0Vt1ZI/AAAAAAAAAh8/wuq6r9Qd1C4/s1600/plastic+pot+before+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't prime anything I painted- I barely cleaned off the cobwebs- and I have no idea how long the paint finish will last, but I'm really pleased with how they look right now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snuCGuJlDDI/TgJUYBDAm5I/AAAAAAAAAh4/nW8uOOsPRdM/s1600/plastic+pot+after+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snuCGuJlDDI/TgJUYBDAm5I/AAAAAAAAAh4/nW8uOOsPRdM/s1600/plastic+pot+after+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This green plastic pot won't make it through another summer- there's a hole in the back... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2RExd3r94g/TgJUSqn2dcI/AAAAAAAAAhg/_1COLLvyKcA/s1600/green+plastic+pot+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2RExd3r94g/TgJUSqn2dcI/AAAAAAAAAhg/_1COLLvyKcA/s1600/green+plastic+pot+before+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
...but it looks better black, too. I wish my flowers looked a little healthier. I'm hoping they'll fill in and hide the green rim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ve_MXv-lZ8/TgJwDf2MHGI/AAAAAAAAAiI/p0to1Y-L3Mo/s1600/green+plastic+pot+after+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ve_MXv-lZ8/TgJwDf2MHGI/AAAAAAAAAiI/p0to1Y-L3Mo/s1600/green+plastic+pot+after+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I bought some double bloom pink impatiens that needed to be re-potted, so I bought a few of these little cheapy guys at the dollar store.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVipiGC23jc/TgJUZ6YmJ_I/AAAAAAAAAiA/S3tpzoz50-g/s1600/small+pots+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVipiGC23jc/TgJUZ6YmJ_I/AAAAAAAAAiA/S3tpzoz50-g/s1600/small+pots+before+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I spray painted them gloss white and hot glued on some cute lady bug buttons I found at Michaels.<br />
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Again, I don't know what is going on with my flowers- they look a little sick. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD3u4GclEes/TgJUThZtoVI/AAAAAAAAAhk/A1YDUAYNn4s/s1600/lady+bug+pots+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD3u4GclEes/TgJUThZtoVI/AAAAAAAAAhk/A1YDUAYNn4s/s1600/lady+bug+pots+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If they don't start looking prettier soon, I'm going to spray paint them as well!<br />
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I really want to show you how my deck looks, so I'm working on that post next.<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-49295299786262913592011-06-16T16:37:00.000-07:002011-06-16T16:37:09.633-07:00Dolly's Busting Out All Over!<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Peonies are sometimes referred to as the Dolly Parton of the garden</i></div><br />
Today is a great day in my garden- the peonies are blooming! I haven't stopped admiring them or sticking my nose in the middle of the largest bloom for good long sniffs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL316NgOQmA/TfqQfTX0WuI/AAAAAAAAAgI/l6YLsWp6zu4/s1600/my+peonies+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL316NgOQmA/TfqQfTX0WuI/AAAAAAAAAgI/l6YLsWp6zu4/s1600/my+peonies+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I may have even lovingly petted the petals a few times!<br />
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I have heard that peonies don't like to be moved, so I was expecting them to sulk for a few years before blooming. (I decided to <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/05/hello-dolly.html">relocate</a> them to sunnier spot in the garden last fall)....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUOP9Er3DYo/TfqQgPMhMyI/AAAAAAAAAgM/ITU4muE3n8M/s1600/pink+peonies+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUOP9Er3DYo/TfqQgPMhMyI/AAAAAAAAAgM/ITU4muE3n8M/s1600/pink+peonies+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
...but 'Dolly' has not disappointed me.<br />
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I think it might be a few more years until we get to this point.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfY5BXMCkQs/TfqH5cVOxRI/AAAAAAAAAgA/1yCtIBfJtfo/s1600/garden+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfY5BXMCkQs/TfqH5cVOxRI/AAAAAAAAAgA/1yCtIBfJtfo/s1600/garden+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... but for now I'm thrilled to be able to stop and smell the peonies!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aOiq0sni4w/TfqQei0ZIxI/AAAAAAAAAgE/wq9yekGW2cY/s1600/close+up+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6aOiq0sni4w/TfqQei0ZIxI/AAAAAAAAAgE/wq9yekGW2cY/s1600/close+up+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</i></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-41916189358675987642011-06-12T10:39:00.000-07:002011-06-12T10:46:19.461-07:00Fancy SaladThe other day, one of my favorite bloggers, Melissa, from <a href="http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/savoring-summertime.html">Melissa's Heart and Home</a> showed us a couple of salads that she enjoys in the summer. They looked so delicious that I decided to show you my favorite summer lunch. My daughter called this a 'Fancy Salad' when I first started making it last summer, and the name has stuck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kznJQ8R1qm4/TfT4UQ0ANKI/AAAAAAAAAf0/ZEVMviJUpBw/s1600/salad+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kznJQ8R1qm4/TfT4UQ0ANKI/AAAAAAAAAf0/ZEVMviJUpBw/s1600/salad+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I use a premixed medley of baby lettuces and crucifer leaves and then pile on blueberries, strawberries, mandarin oranges, sunflower seeds and sliced almonds. Sometimes I add a chopped hard boiled egg.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4V3aVFVFB8/TfT4V679ZLI/AAAAAAAAAf8/-QG4A8slr5Y/s1600/salad+dressing+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4V3aVFVFB8/TfT4V679ZLI/AAAAAAAAAf8/-QG4A8slr5Y/s1600/salad+dressing+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My favorite dressing for this type of salad is Renee's Sweet Onion vinaigrette (I should caution you that this dressing is a tiny bit 'vinegary'). Since I eat this salad almost every day in the summer, I have probably used 10 bottles of Sweet Onion Vinaigrette since I first discovered it! I may even be addicted, because I always need to have a spare bottle in the fridge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXqsuYekfZk/TfT4VI6UPBI/AAAAAAAAAf4/t3ExVWmeT6M/s1600/salad+close+up+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXqsuYekfZk/TfT4VI6UPBI/AAAAAAAAAf4/t3ExVWmeT6M/s1600/salad+close+up+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I love to mix sweet and savory flavors - you never know what you're going to get next!<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-17972145520513544732011-06-08T09:50:00.000-07:002011-06-08T09:50:48.508-07:00May and June: The Busiest Time of the Year? DiscussAre May and June crazy busy months for you like they are for me? There's Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, multiple birthdays, graduations, school recitals, weddings, showers, the start of soccer and baseball season, tonnes of end-of-year school stuff, gardening....<br />
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These are all exciting, fun and wonderful times, but it doesn't leave a person a whole lot of time to get her decorating projects done! Oh well, the projects will wait!<br />
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Here's a little round-up of what I've been doing lately.<br />
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I've already talked about my youngest daughter's <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/05/chinese-food-and-sushi-cupcakes.html">birthday party</a>. I finally found a picture of the girls as they enjoyed the brownie bar I set out for them. We eat a lot of cake in May and June, so the brownie bar was a fun change!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6dMDN_qnuc/Te-XTVPgDNI/AAAAAAAAAfY/H1SDU07izp8/s1600/brownie+bar+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6dMDN_qnuc/Te-XTVPgDNI/AAAAAAAAAfY/H1SDU07izp8/s1600/brownie+bar+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then, my oldest daughter celebrated her birthday the weekend after. She invited some girl friends over for a sleepover. They watched a few classic 'chick-flicks' and laughed a lot! We decided not to venture through the clouds of perfume to take any pictures!<br />
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My son invited some guy friends over last weekend to celebrate his birthday with- you guessed it- a sleepover party as well! Mr. StyleBurb took them to a nearby driving range to hit a few buckets of golf balls first. We had a barbeque for dinner (I think my friends in the U.S. would call it 'grilling') and pancakes and bacon for breakfast the following morning.<br />
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One thing I'm learning about teenage boys is that no matter how much food you cook, it will never be enough!! <br />
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This is our basement the morning after the party- very tidy, all things considered. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1L3TH95HPMM/Te-XSuwkUZI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Sv06k6wPhBs/s1600/basement+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1L3TH95HPMM/Te-XSuwkUZI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Sv06k6wPhBs/s1600/basement+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In between all the partying, we spray painted some pots...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkA-JSNCus8/Te-XYTGDMAI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ULJbNfiXqD8/s1600/pots+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkA-JSNCus8/Te-XYTGDMAI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ULJbNfiXqD8/s1600/pots+before+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pots before getting the 'oil-rubbed' bronze treatment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>... planted some containers...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1A6mIEAyAkU/Te-XXiCxJQI/AAAAAAAAAfs/IfcG8PNsYeY/s1600/planted+pots+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1A6mIEAyAkU/Te-XXiCxJQI/AAAAAAAAAfs/IfcG8PNsYeY/s1600/planted+pots+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC36AmgTc_I/Te-XVK5EfhI/AAAAAAAAAfg/fbsZQg7AIYI/s1600/front+planter+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DC36AmgTc_I/Te-XVK5EfhI/AAAAAAAAAfg/fbsZQg7AIYI/s1600/front+planter+500.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
... leveled the interlocking walkway... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCsNOo8c46Q/Te-XWqy2ktI/AAAAAAAAAfo/1-01li4SIwI/s1600/interlocking2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCsNOo8c46Q/Te-XWqy2ktI/AAAAAAAAAfo/1-01li4SIwI/s1600/interlocking2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JksZw0VdNrc/Te-XV8n3mcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/k12EwtuxAuY/s1600/Interlocking1+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JksZw0VdNrc/Te-XV8n3mcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/k12EwtuxAuY/s1600/Interlocking1+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
.... and sanded the back deck so that it can be restained...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e73nkLRDxtM/Te-XT3Oxu0I/AAAAAAAAAfc/Fm9Zm-lvgmE/s1600/deck+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e73nkLRDxtM/Te-XT3Oxu0I/AAAAAAAAAfc/Fm9Zm-lvgmE/s1600/deck+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Technically, Mr. StyleBurb and my son did the interlocking and deck sanding, however I stood ready to offer cold drinks and helpful hints! Hopefully, the stain will go on this week, so I can arrange the outdoor furniture and flowers in time for the next few parties. No pressure, though!<br />
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So, that's the brief version of what's been going on here- there's still more to do. Yes- we're busier now than we are at Christmas-time!<br />
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I know you've all been really busy, too. Tell me, is this your busiest time of the year?<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-41867781126586661662011-05-30T16:28:00.000-07:002011-05-30T16:28:35.775-07:00Raspberry Stuffed French ToastMy mother-in-law has made this Raspberry Stuffed French Toast for family brunches a number of times and everybody thinks it's really delicious.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LO-d_0npGY/TeQMDDl2Y4I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/vbMr6cMVbkM/s1600/french+toast4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LO-d_0npGY/TeQMDDl2Y4I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/vbMr6cMVbkM/s1600/french+toast4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ran out of the raspberry sauce, so I served the French toast with fresh berries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It seems a little bit fussy to make, but it's totally worth the effort! This style of French toast would be great to serve when you want something a little fancy for a special brunch.<br />
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My mother-in-law adapted the recipe which comes from a popular restaurant in Lake Worth, Florida called Benny's on the Beach. The restaurant version calls for the French toast to be dipped in granola, instead of sliced almonds. I love it with the sliced almonds!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynyMxtzAM_0/TeQMCuVWuII/AAAAAAAAAfM/UGDBPbsz3I8/s1600/french+toast3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynyMxtzAM_0/TeQMCuVWuII/AAAAAAAAAfM/UGDBPbsz3I8/s1600/french+toast3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm.... lovely toasted almonds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">To start, you'll need....</span></b></i><br />
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2 slices thick bread<br />
about 1/2 cup of sliced almonds<br />
1 tbsp. butter<br />
powdered sugar for sprinkling<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Filling Ingredients...</span></b></i><br />
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1/3 cup sugar<br />
3 oz plain cream cheese<br />
2 cups fresh raspberries<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
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Mix together the filling ingredients in a food processor or a bowl until well combined.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Batter Ingredients...</span></b></i><br />
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2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup milk <br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp. honey<br />
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Mix together the batter ingredients with a whisk.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Raspberry Sauce...</span></b></i><br />
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1 cup water<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 cup raspberries<br />
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Cook the water and sugar in a pan over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Then add the raspberries and combine in a food processor.<br />
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<i>* I've had this French toast both with and without the raspberry sauce and both ways are delicious, so I think you could skip the sauce if you wanted.</i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Directions...</span></b></i><br />
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Spread the filling between the slices of bread to make a sandwich and press the bread together.<br />
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Dip both sides of the sandwich in the egg batter.<br />
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Dip both sides of the sandwich into a shallow plate filled with the sliced almonds.<br />
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Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter.<br />
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Cook the French toast until brown and then flip over and cook the other side.<br />
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Sprinkle with powdered sugar.<br />
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Drizzle on the raspberry sauce if you decided to make some.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo6ZpGrHUrA/TeQMAEeVQ0I/AAAAAAAAAfE/4kDBEJgEmdI/s1600/french+toast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo6ZpGrHUrA/TeQMAEeVQ0I/AAAAAAAAAfE/4kDBEJgEmdI/s1600/french+toast1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Since everybody cooks a little differently, you may want to play around with the ingredient quantities until you get something you love.<br />
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I hope you like it! I ate the leftovers cold!!<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-4992409532529528152011-05-22T20:11:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:40:02.530-07:00Chinese Food and Sushi CupcakesWe celebrated my daughter's 9th birthday last week. When I say 'last week', I mean it literally; <b><i>all</i></b> of 'last week'!<br />
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In our home, "birthdays" mean a Friend Party, a Family Party, a Special Dinner and a Cake on Your Actual Birthday, and Treats for Classmates at School. My three kids and my husband all have birthdays within one month of each other. So, we eat a lot of cake between the middle of May and the middle of June!<br />
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This year my daughter asked me to make these adorable little sushi cupcakes to bring to school and share with the kids in her class (she had seen the idea in the Family Fun <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/sweet-sushi-688733/">Crafts for Kids</a> magazine).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcCLCcX0eYk/Tdm-AZ8Wn1I/AAAAAAAAAew/Nb48bqqIuvU/s1600/sushi+on+plate+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcCLCcX0eYk/Tdm-AZ8Wn1I/AAAAAAAAAew/Nb48bqqIuvU/s1600/sushi+on+plate+500.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
These little cupcakes are so easy to make and the kids loved them! You use a cylinder cookie cutter to make the 'sushi' shaped cakes out of pound cake.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6lKKlIwxPQ/Tdm9_0IGWMI/AAAAAAAAAes/AVewHw_ZnIo/s1600/plain+sushi+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6lKKlIwxPQ/Tdm9_0IGWMI/AAAAAAAAAes/AVewHw_ZnIo/s1600/plain+sushi+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Wrap a piece of fruit roll-up around the middle. The fruit roll-up sticks to itself- the same way it does to the grooves in your kids' molars!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39GkNldnrbc/Tdm99PO-2SI/AAAAAAAAAeY/NE5NJDPgL2A/s1600/cake+and+roll+up+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39GkNldnrbc/Tdm99PO-2SI/AAAAAAAAAeY/NE5NJDPgL2A/s1600/cake+and+roll+up+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Frost with white icing and top with coconut, which looks like white rice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsJtFo9YsI8/Tdm-CbxcfWI/AAAAAAAAAe8/-LphKCJtkPg/s1600/sushi+with+icing+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsJtFo9YsI8/Tdm-CbxcfWI/AAAAAAAAAe8/-LphKCJtkPg/s1600/sushi+with+icing+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I diced red jujubes, Swedish fish, gumdrops, and red licorice sliced on the diagonal to resemble real sushi toppings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17Lp5CQfYRw/Tdm-Bs2NxLI/AAAAAAAAAe4/ndG0rDRAg0E/s1600/sushi+with+gummies+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17Lp5CQfYRw/Tdm-Bs2NxLI/AAAAAAAAAe4/ndG0rDRAg0E/s1600/sushi+with+gummies+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A whole class set of sweet sushi cakes fits nicely into a 9x13 pan. Apparently I have requests to make these again! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvEEHheKHDc/Tdm-BElJOTI/AAAAAAAAAe0/zytYUiU-Iv4/s1600/sushi+tray+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvEEHheKHDc/Tdm-BElJOTI/AAAAAAAAAe0/zytYUiU-Iv4/s1600/sushi+tray+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
That took care of the Treats for Classmates at School portion of the birthday, next came the Friend Party.<br />
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This year, my daughter wanted to take five friends out for dinner at her favorite Chinese restaurant, and then enjoy a brownie bar and movie back at our house. The restaurant she chose is right out of the movie, A Christmas Story (Ralphie... you'll shoot your eye out)! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhquRkndE7M/Tdm9-mSNw1I/AAAAAAAAAek/zqjaprPyfnE/s1600/christmas+story+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhquRkndE7M/Tdm9-mSNw1I/AAAAAAAAAek/zqjaprPyfnE/s1600/christmas+story+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chinese restaurant from the movie A Christmas Story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The girls had a wonderful time! They had their own table for six, and my husband and I sat close by at our own table. Their conversations were hysterical!<br />
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I made loot bags out of Chinese food takeout cartons which I filled with all kinds of goodies for my daughter's friends.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L5UQB1djHsk/Tdm9-due5uI/AAAAAAAAAeg/w4OILNKsZfU/s1600/carton+and+treats+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L5UQB1djHsk/Tdm9-due5uI/AAAAAAAAAeg/w4OILNKsZfU/s1600/carton+and+treats+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yatGXCvFWzQ/Tdm9_VzIQYI/AAAAAAAAAeo/LSYaACUFVXc/s1600/inside+carton+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yatGXCvFWzQ/Tdm9_VzIQYI/AAAAAAAAAeo/LSYaACUFVXc/s1600/inside+carton+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I stuck hair accessories shaped like chopsticks through the top...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG9kZE4q1nc/Tdm99vI3a9I/AAAAAAAAAec/XiWxGJOxINg/s1600/carton+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG9kZE4q1nc/Tdm99vI3a9I/AAAAAAAAAec/XiWxGJOxINg/s1600/carton+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... and then printed takeout menus and taped them to the top of the cartons with a "thanks for coming to my party" message.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20G-5BOPbp0/Tdm-Cw6STzI/AAAAAAAAAfA/mG-DoRvSLVY/s1600/take+out+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20G-5BOPbp0/Tdm-Cw6STzI/AAAAAAAAAfA/mG-DoRvSLVY/s1600/take+out+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Everyone had a fantastic time!<br />
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That's the brief version of my nine year old's birthday!<br />
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My oldest daughter turns fifteen next week and she's planning a sleepover party with her girlfriends. I'm not sure who's coming, how long they're staying, or how this will impact our neighborhood garage sale in the morning, but I'm sure I'll find out soon.... I hope!<br />
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I'm joining <a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2011/05/impromptu-end-of-world-party-and-newbie.html">Debbie's Newbie Party</a> this week!Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-47991742570151816952011-05-18T17:38:00.000-07:002011-05-19T14:54:13.380-07:00Family Room: The SequelIn movies, it's not often that the sequel is better than the original, but in the case of my family room, I think you'll agree that this post outshines the original.<br />
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I surprised myself the other day. I said something I've never said before, and didn't think I would be able to say for years:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Wow... I like the family room! I really like it!"</b></i></span></div><br />
Last month I explained why I've never really liked my family room, and showed some 'before' pictures detailing things I wanted to change. You can read about it <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/04/family-room-let-fun-begin.html">here</a>.<br />
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Since then, you've seen the family room's new <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/05/family-room-update-pretty-pillows.html">pretty pillows</a> and <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/05/summer-mantel-had-me-blast.html">summer mantel</a>. Here, now, are the rest of the family room updates.<br />
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My top priority was to brighten the family room, and, by using a lot of white paint, white accessories and white fabric, I now have a room that looks much more airy and fresh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1iqsM29EWU/TdPxigcIGkI/AAAAAAAAAc0/lnn20CXpo1o/s1600/Birds+Eye+Family+Room+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1iqsM29EWU/TdPxigcIGkI/AAAAAAAAAc0/lnn20CXpo1o/s1600/Birds+Eye+Family+Room+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The walls have been painted with Benjamin Moore's Ivory White in eggshell. It's a lovely, creamy, warm white.<br />
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Mr. StyleBurb and I have long 'debated' the size of the area carpet that used to be in this room. I felt that the carpet was too dark and too small - he thought it was fine....<br />
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I removed the carpet when I painted the walls and unfortunately, it is now 'lost' somewhere in the house, so I can't put it back (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). But look how much larger the room seems without the too small rug- and I didn't spend a penny to make this change! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5pNytJMCEM/TdPxn98nPDI/AAAAAAAAAdc/R_BPnnnYgH0/s1600/View+to+kitchen+2+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5pNytJMCEM/TdPxn98nPDI/AAAAAAAAAdc/R_BPnnnYgH0/s1600/View+to+kitchen+2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm loving the bare wood floors for the summer. I may put <b><i>an</i></b> area carpet back when fall comes, but for now, the floors are carpet-free and the room feels cooler- perfect for our hot, humid summers.<br />
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I bought a SureFit slipcover for the navy wing chair. Before, the navy chair and green sofas looked uncoordinated. Now, the new white pillows on the sofas and ivory slipcover on the wing chair make the furniture look pulled together. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yUTxep586E/TdPxkd8lbpI/AAAAAAAAAdA/-byqqEP_XEU/s1600/fireplace+and+chair+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yUTxep586E/TdPxkd8lbpI/AAAAAAAAAdA/-byqqEP_XEU/s1600/fireplace+and+chair+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I think that the slipcovered chair looks casual, relaxed and beachy- a great look for summer!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3Y-FLvkC4w/TdPxk5LuKfI/AAAAAAAAAdE/AF-mV_v1Wgc/s1600/fireplace+and+chair2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3Y-FLvkC4w/TdPxk5LuKfI/AAAAAAAAAdE/AF-mV_v1Wgc/s1600/fireplace+and+chair2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The single black wall sconce to the left of the sofa irritated me daily because of its anti symmetrical powers...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxgAUiD221w/TdQ5_rTafII/AAAAAAAAAeA/fuIorvyuniQ/s1600/Sconce+before+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxgAUiD221w/TdQ5_rTafII/AAAAAAAAAeA/fuIorvyuniQ/s1600/Sconce+before+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the wall sconce in my high-tech paint booth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
... but was neutralized with a lick of Heirloom White spray paint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjy9MVTz2OM/TdQ5-yuqnbI/AAAAAAAAAd8/A4Fg1ACQhcM/s1600/Sconce+Area+2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjy9MVTz2OM/TdQ5-yuqnbI/AAAAAAAAAd8/A4Fg1ACQhcM/s1600/Sconce+Area+2+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the wall sconce white makes it blend into the wall, while still providing much needed light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I placed a framed print and a small table with two white pillar candles and a shell ball underneath the sconce which balances the dresser and lamp on the other end of the sofa. I already owned the shells, pillar candle holders and the framed print- they just needed some spray paint.<br />
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Again, I didn't spend a penny!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdK2S3BGTas/TdQ57kbb_iI/AAAAAAAAAdo/I0Mi0JkcQqo/s1600/facing+hall+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdK2S3BGTas/TdQ57kbb_iI/AAAAAAAAAdo/I0Mi0JkcQqo/s1600/facing+hall+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I lowered the large picture above the sofa by 4 inches so that it doesn't look like it's floating. I also tucked a basket of magazines (a la Pottery Barn) underneath the table.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNx5MhjKgzI/TdQ6ACxYnBI/AAAAAAAAAeE/SXurC4okqyE/s1600/Sea+Shell+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNx5MhjKgzI/TdQ6ACxYnBI/AAAAAAAAAeE/SXurC4okqyE/s1600/Sea+Shell+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Continuing with the beachy look, Mr. StyleBurb found a couple of pictures of our kids at the lake last summer. They look wonderful printed in black and white and framed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7o1vjz1FQQ/TdQ56bl7XgI/AAAAAAAAAdg/VpVXqOFk_aE/s1600/beach+photos+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7o1vjz1FQQ/TdQ56bl7XgI/AAAAAAAAAdg/VpVXqOFk_aE/s1600/beach+photos+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The wooden frames are garage sale finds, also painted with Heirloom White spray paint.<br />
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To recap, this is what our family room looked like before...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qOkqDUvQGo/TZ5UHcvHWaI/AAAAAAAAAW8/LbmnZcNQK1c/s1600/photoshopped+coffee+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qOkqDUvQGo/TZ5UHcvHWaI/AAAAAAAAAW8/LbmnZcNQK1c/s400/photoshopped+coffee+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU73zOlxkOw/TZ5UDh5k5DI/AAAAAAAAAW0/3-fU1PvN1Fc/s1600/fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU73zOlxkOw/TZ5UDh5k5DI/AAAAAAAAAW0/3-fU1PvN1Fc/s400/fireplace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5GdbJjlB6E/TZ5UBkrweDI/AAAAAAAAAWw/bxTff1c5gx8/s1600/Entrance+To+Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5GdbJjlB6E/TZ5UBkrweDI/AAAAAAAAAWw/bxTff1c5gx8/s400/Entrance+To+Kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
... and after<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoZgGRjqDIE/TdQ58a2MK4I/AAAAAAAAAds/F6ZDwvxpJGM/s1600/Family+Room+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoZgGRjqDIE/TdQ58a2MK4I/AAAAAAAAAds/F6ZDwvxpJGM/s1600/Family+Room+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrtvSVYcHKs/TdQ6BkxlwjI/AAAAAAAAAeM/92uTniS2EpM/s1600/View+to+kitchen+2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrtvSVYcHKs/TdQ6BkxlwjI/AAAAAAAAAeM/92uTniS2EpM/s1600/View+to+kitchen+2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwWCZMHGclo/TdQ57OkHTJI/AAAAAAAAAdk/3KUdR7p5ZvI/s1600/Birds+Eye+Family+Room+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwWCZMHGclo/TdQ57OkHTJI/AAAAAAAAAdk/3KUdR7p5ZvI/s1600/Birds+Eye+Family+Room+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I've still got my eyes open for a coffee table, but you're probably out of popcorn, so we'll have to wait for the next installment in my Family Room series.<br />
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Coming soon to a theater near you... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wClF02kF2II/TdRgnwVdBTI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/0juE68EXgV8/s1600/coffee+table+expedition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wClF02kF2II/TdRgnwVdBTI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/0juE68EXgV8/s320/coffee+table+expedition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I will be joining these link parties this week:<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Transformation Thursday" border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhsBKCPHS-0/Tbi99Y1JV4I/AAAAAAAAAaA/qN3DWAmtC1Q/s1600/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Transformation Thursday" border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0wW76oRpK8/TbohVgeyYiI/AAAAAAAAAaE/QysVmEMkOzI/s1600/shabbynestbutton.png" style="cursor: move;" width="100" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-2789318267459451262011-05-11T19:15:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:30:12.124-07:00Hello Dolly!Look who I found in the garden!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peCwq4-ou5w/TctDKn3JbfI/AAAAAAAAAcc/9DkTLk37_uI/s1600/dolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peCwq4-ou5w/TctDKn3JbfI/AAAAAAAAAcc/9DkTLk37_uI/s1600/dolly.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Sort of....<br />
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I think it's funny that gardeners sometimes call peonies the Dolly Parton of flowers. I <i>do</i> see the similarities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ6YPUEGMnc/TctDL_TmtxI/AAAAAAAAAck/ZGl98ET3fhE/s1600/peony+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ6YPUEGMnc/TctDL_TmtxI/AAAAAAAAAck/ZGl98ET3fhE/s1600/peony+5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Both are frilly, frothy, glamorous and.... top heavy!<br />
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Peonies are my favorite summer flower; the perfect combination of scent and beauty.<br />
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I stubbornly tried to grow a pink peony bush in my north facing backyard. It wasn't happy, and year after year produced only a single bloom. <br />
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It was my Charlie Brown peony bush.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp_UGExpxnM/TctDKAlZvII/AAAAAAAAAcY/OAhduQQU2XM/s1600/Charlie+Brown%2527s+Christmas+Tree+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp_UGExpxnM/TctDKAlZvII/AAAAAAAAAcY/OAhduQQU2XM/s1600/Charlie+Brown%2527s+Christmas+Tree+-+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I finally got the nerve to transplant the peony bush last fall, even though I knew they don't like to be moved. But, as in real estate, I had the perfect location- a sunny, well drained bed with a view!<br />
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It seems that my peonies are happy with their new location. It's nice to meet you, Dolly!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34nHP9kDldo/TctDM61OGeI/AAAAAAAAAco/K-p_q37BypQ/s1600/peony1+500.jpg" /></div><br />
I'm hoping for a brazen display of voluptuous blooms like these:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPz53MNjrSg/TctDLdPPUkI/AAAAAAAAAcg/SfFaCg8Kl7M/s1600/garden+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPz53MNjrSg/TctDLdPPUkI/AAAAAAAAAcg/SfFaCg8Kl7M/s1600/garden+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The peonies will be the star of the garden... I'm willing to accommodate some diva demands to keep them happy!<br />
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Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-87089490644451887382011-05-08T14:47:00.000-07:002011-05-09T06:30:17.375-07:00Summer Mantel, Had Me A Blast<b><i>(Bonus points if you know the reference of my post title!) </i></b><br />
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The mantel on my fieldstone fireplace got some summer lovin' last week. I decided to keep the look very clean and simple looking.<br />
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Inspired by the white seashell fabric on my <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/05/family-room-update-pretty-pillows.html">new pillow covers</a>, I added a pair of sugar starfish, some new/newish white accessories and refreshed the mirror by painting it Heirloom White.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdcGOaMN06c/TcXdUmEsA_I/AAAAAAAAAcI/kqneKSXwp08/s1600/mantle2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdcGOaMN06c/TcXdUmEsA_I/AAAAAAAAAcI/kqneKSXwp08/s1600/mantle2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We already had the hurricane lanterns with the seagrass base. I bought them from Pier 1 Imports last year and noticed when I was there recently that they are still available.<br />
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I found the new- but old looking- chippy urn from Pottery Barn and filled it with a small shamrock plant.<br />
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The urn needed a little bit of height so I turned the covers from two books inside out and slipped them underneath. (Finally, I have a use for Tori Spelling's autobiography.... don't judge... I loved the original 90210 when I was younger!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9sdP86OrmY/TcXdSmzQPSI/AAAAAAAAAcA/rDeE2sOG4fE/s1600/mantle+closeup+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9sdP86OrmY/TcXdSmzQPSI/AAAAAAAAAcA/rDeE2sOG4fE/s1600/mantle+closeup+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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My dog, <a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/04/different-kind-of-makeover.html">Harry</a> has barked his opinion a number of times during my family room makeover. You may recall that he complained about the BM 'Cable Knit' paint sample I was trying out until I painted it over.<br />
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Now, he seems to have a problem with the starfish- for some reason he keeps staring at them! Who does he think he is, Tommy Smythe? This time, I don't care what Harry says, I like them and they're staying.<br />
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Painting the mirror white has really lightened the look! Here is my mantel before its summer makeover. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkxFcU6Pjfg/TccDLhj9rQI/AAAAAAAAAcM/D2_OJoGaV_M/s1600/mantle+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkxFcU6Pjfg/TccDLhj9rQI/AAAAAAAAAcM/D2_OJoGaV_M/s1600/mantle+before.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And after.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDYnqfIVW1Q/TcXdT7Hzo2I/AAAAAAAAAcE/W0z0lm6Vrko/s1600/mantle+head+on+500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDYnqfIVW1Q/TcXdT7Hzo2I/AAAAAAAAAcE/W0z0lm6Vrko/s1600/mantle+head+on+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The pillar candles that used to be on the mantel have been painted Heirloom White and grouped on a tray with the white shell ball. I'll show you where this little arrangement calls home soon.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1701821035"><br />
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<a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/04/family-room-let-fun-begin.html">Click here</a> to see pictures of my family room before the updates.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VmDnM0_W-E/TcXdR1GTg-I/AAAAAAAAAb8/-_YWGop4XLo/s1600/Pillar+closeup+500.jpg" /></div><br />
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Clean, fresh and bright!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdPRAC9dzzA/TccFiRsOfYI/AAAAAAAAAcU/kO_T9UhoA9E/s1600/mantle2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdPRAC9dzzA/TccFiRsOfYI/AAAAAAAAAcU/kO_T9UhoA9E/s1600/mantle2+500.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you figure out my post title's song reference?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those of you who are too young to remember, or not as obsessed with musicals as me, the song is from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_%28film%29">Grease</a> and the opening number is called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJUrt0O7uY">Summer Nights</a>. (Raise your speaker volume... it's worth your 3½ minutes!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm linking up to <a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/">http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/ </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.decorchick.com/link-party/anything-goes-link-party/">Emily's Anything Goes Link Party! at Decor Chick</a></span> </div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3603297462980524196.post-1525389534728173232011-05-02T20:10:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:11:04.804-07:00Family Room Update: Pretty PillowsHave you ever noticed that the things you aren't very good at are often ones you don't like?<br />
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That's not always true.... I have proof! <br />
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I love to sing! However, I rarely know the correct lyrics to all the songs I sing, and judging by the cut-eye looks I get when I do sing, I know that I'm not particularly tuneful. Actually, that was a comment on my second grade report card: <i>"Yvonne is an enthusiastic participant during music class, though she is not often in tune"</i>. Didn't stop me. I'm still singing!<br />
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And I'm still sewing. I've said before that I'm not much of a seamstress (fact, not false modesty), but I love to sew. I can only manage straight lines, but you might be surprised at what you can create by sewing straight! (or, <i>straightish</i>, as the case may be)<br />
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Last weekend I had the joy of making new pillows for my family room, which is undergoing a<a href="http://styleburb.blogspot.com/2011/04/family-room-let-fun-begin.html"> little freshening up</a>. I'm trying to bring light, bright and white into this room. I already knew I wanted white fabric for some pillow covers when I visited my favorite Home Decor fabric store. <br />
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It ate away at my heart a little to have to leave such gorgeous fabrics at the store.<br />
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This white, heavy weight cotton appealed to me and inspired more ideas for how to decorate the family room.<br />
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Checking to make sure it looks good with the pillows I already have...<br />
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We have a winner!<br />
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I made envelope-style pillow covers, which require only basic math, a little measuring, a quick press with the iron and straight sewing- no zippers or buttons required. There are tutorials all over blogland on how to make this style of cover, but I found <a href="http://bringrestoration.blogspot.com/2011/02/five-minute-cushion-and-faux-grain-sack.html">Kim's (Restoration House)</a> tutorial very helpful.<br />
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<i><b>Tip</b></i>: Some of my pillows were extra plump and I found that by adding three or four extra inches to the fold over flap I was able to get crisper corners.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu4g4eGSW-4/Tb9bpqaEvwI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6brboSNyj2E/s1600/pillow+closeup+500+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu4g4eGSW-4/Tb9bpqaEvwI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6brboSNyj2E/s1600/pillow+closeup+500+b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the pillow</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yr_IFpX3Wo/Tb9b5DMgCcI/AAAAAAAAAbs/oeDVKO2iul0/s1600/pillow+closeup+back+500+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yr_IFpX3Wo/Tb9b5DMgCcI/AAAAAAAAAbs/oeDVKO2iul0/s1600/pillow+closeup+back+500+b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the pillow</td></tr>
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<i><b>Tip</b></i>: It wasn't easy to find inexpensive down pillow inserts, so I checked the clearance section at HomeSense and found down-filled pillows for only $10 a piece. I replaced the store bought covers with my own.<br />
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The new pillows have really lightened the look of the green corduroy sofas. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Lots of comfy pillows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtW1hWLr2TQ/Tb9f2J28-SI/AAAAAAAAAb4/yotgMsqizTo/s1600/couch+and+pillows+500+dark+and+light+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtW1hWLr2TQ/Tb9f2J28-SI/AAAAAAAAAb4/yotgMsqizTo/s1600/couch+and+pillows+500+dark+and+light+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The black wall sconce to the left of the sofa has been painted white. New white accents co-ordinate well with the white pillows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iUDKsO1gn4/Tb9ZaEO0LFI/AAAAAAAAAbc/mr6HQWx6bS8/s1600/pillow+post2+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iUDKsO1gn4/Tb9ZaEO0LFI/AAAAAAAAAbc/mr6HQWx6bS8/s1600/pillow+post2+500.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I also found a fantastic dragonfly print, so I bought one yard and made a 6th pillow cover. I think this pillow is my new favorite!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AliRuB6XCxw/Tb9Y3PDvxXI/AAAAAAAAAbY/hTQy8GnIX7c/s1600/dragonfly500+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AliRuB6XCxw/Tb9Y3PDvxXI/AAAAAAAAAbY/hTQy8GnIX7c/s1600/dragonfly500+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I felt like Martha Stewart as I whipped up pillow after pillow! I might even try out the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for visiting!<br />
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</div>Yvonne@StyleBurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16108415423836764708noreply@blogger.com