Let there be Light

This weekend we finally finished installing our backyard malibu lighting, with the addition of  LED lanterns lining the lake. What was meant to be a simple installation turned into, of course, multiple yard projects. <br /><br />So here's how it went. We purchased this kit (which contained 6 lanterns and two spotlights), to add to our two existing kits that we have throughout the backyard (for a total of 12 malibu lights, 6 spotlights, and 6 lanterns).<br /><br />Here's the malibu lights we installed a couple months back:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3655.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The previous owner already had lanterns, but they looked about 20 years old and weren't working. Here's a side by side of old vs new (old in green):</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3652.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3660.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br />The installation was easy, but we couldn't help but notice all the trash and muck building up in our corner of the lake:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So we got some trash bags, shovels and pool nets and did our best to scrape it all out. Which helped a little, but all the dirt kept floating back to our corner. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />See those raggedy fences on the left side? We're not sure if those are ours or the neighbors, but we did not see the point in them (other than serving as trash magnets), so we decided they had to go. <br /><br />The first fence was halfway hanging on anyway, so Brad was able to easily pull it out.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The second, however, was going to take a little more work. After a failed lasso attempt, Brad decided to jump in there (shoes and all) to rip the sucker out. Here's the picture play-by-play:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3674.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3676.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />While he was in there, he finished trash duty and cleaned up the neighbor's share too. What a gentleman.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3677.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br />He brought a few souvenirs back on land... gross.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>But it was all worth it for this nice unobstructed, trash free lake view...<br /><br /> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> After all the dirty work was done, the lake junk magically dispersed and we had finally had sparkly clean water to match our sparkly new lanterns!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3699.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br />Then it was time for some pruning. Our giant palm tree had left us this little yard present:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3664.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This dirt patch will be fixed soon, I promise!</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As Brad disposed of that, I started collecting stray sticks, which had fallen from this lovely tree:<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3683.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Recognize this pic? It's my new header!</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have a borderline obsession for sticks, and I couldn't bear to see them trashed, so I decided to swap out the white sticks on the mantle for more of an au-naturale look. Since it was such a nice warm day outside, it seemed more fitting than all the stark winter white up there.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3684.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><br />The following day, I was hearing strange noises from above while I was in the office painting. I walked outside to find this roof creature:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3734.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />He was completing the long overdue task of cleaning out our gutters. We've had some heavy rains the past month and the leaves were overflowing. One less thing for us to worry about!<br /><br />After laboring on the hot roof for over an hour, Brad decided he'd be the first to break-in the pool (no one's been in it since we've moved here). We decided to finally remove the net and clean it out (we had put it on last month after heavy winds and rains were blowing piles of leaves into the pool). By the time everything was spotless and ready to go, he had cooled down enough to realize that 50-some degree water wasn't such a great idea after all. But it wasn't for nothing... our backyard is finally presentable again:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ahh yes... much better.<br /><br />Last night I snapped a few pics of our lights and I'm loving the results!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3757-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3757-1.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3762-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3762-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3760-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/IMG_3760-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />While I didn't get everything done that I had planned, I'd say we had a productive weekend. I was also able to do some touch up painting and help get Brad's "Man Cave" a little closer to camera ready. More on that next post!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBXeSfkPAmz5Ams0YrgJqH3Lhs1Df4y-CmeGJn-m_zp4-nR-7KzdizzhR8g5qFBuB3nYbIe8LSEAjCrkNkx10gB3YSj2MVYnk4_FHLh4Z5T5UwOYhD0V9nJ8ZyxCBlsHXa-i7nxiIMWgT/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBXeSfkPAmz5Ams0YrgJqH3Lhs1Df4y-CmeGJn-m_zp4-nR-7KzdizzhR8g5qFBuB3nYbIe8LSEAjCrkNkx10gB3YSj2MVYnk4_FHLh4Z5T5UwOYhD0V9nJ8ZyxCBlsHXa-i7nxiIMWgT/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Let there be Light

This weekend we finally finished installing our backyard malibu lighting, with the addition of  LED lanterns lining the lake. What was meant...

Read more »

Up on the Roof

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgFtsgALdfYeW195Pew_mHlY6BF1TUs-MfcWHG9yaFvvJ2LIaCu9LoiVD7obGU1tdTAn4TlCkBjmGOMShfxmTHBrmi1ZqpTVBV3d1v2jKlANdrNHE1bAna2akZDrLUUBRlmXJdvX26So/s1600/IMG_4662_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgFtsgALdfYeW195Pew_mHlY6BF1TUs-MfcWHG9yaFvvJ2LIaCu9LoiVD7obGU1tdTAn4TlCkBjmGOMShfxmTHBrmi1ZqpTVBV3d1v2jKlANdrNHE1bAna2akZDrLUUBRlmXJdvX26So/s400/IMG_4662_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the roofs of a few local buildings collapsed under the weight of snow, I thought I should get up on the flat portion of my roof and check it out.  The flat roof is over the master bedroom and back porch and is accessed through a little door at the back of the attic.  I've only been up here once with <i>The Architects</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1X8SGKpqOizxa-NPuyZ_F_iMUFd1WT8cJyN36T3b97_vhKKGYO96QxVdSNauhzt5e2g9mmqvp9mCWnxpbeAqiqF-nXSdvqrNqKRFPSckkE2TCzlDtyYR6m_eLQOTrEHDSQfo7735jXY/s1600/IMG_4654_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1X8SGKpqOizxa-NPuyZ_F_iMUFd1WT8cJyN36T3b97_vhKKGYO96QxVdSNauhzt5e2g9mmqvp9mCWnxpbeAqiqF-nXSdvqrNqKRFPSckkE2TCzlDtyYR6m_eLQOTrEHDSQfo7735jXY/s400/IMG_4654_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's about 2-1/2 feet of snow up here so I think it's good I got up here to deal with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And while I'm up here, I thought it would be fun to show the surrounding neighborhood from this bird's-eye view.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38tkQ1gqT3oxGUMkcKc5FkdL7mP6U-7IXA-g9YW54S2ov19SU7S-y_GOEcVYcDynpPhvvocNwn46W1ZtQVu1Y0Qd_yezhtQS89YAb7ZJ6Ns2G14t_Fi7g07Id_6pWgz21f0csyrMCJ_M/s1600/IMG_4649_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38tkQ1gqT3oxGUMkcKc5FkdL7mP6U-7IXA-g9YW54S2ov19SU7S-y_GOEcVYcDynpPhvvocNwn46W1ZtQVu1Y0Qd_yezhtQS89YAb7ZJ6Ns2G14t_Fi7g07Id_6pWgz21f0csyrMCJ_M/s400/IMG_4649_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking north toward the front of the house, the steeple in the right of the photo is right in Central Square where I catch the subway to work.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipk7sqPB7Zaglq_RsTWnKW8P73WgFH9G4DQTaCeAW7wl-V3xBXbN0fiyrwstK3mAVXSReMD5x_ys8MjUlBTiS9qoBYQ4ItbgSx9RCokKp40C46Tw5eUgHzo0WdI9IImwD4nJNC5LBn7_o/s1600/IMG_4653_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipk7sqPB7Zaglq_RsTWnKW8P73WgFH9G4DQTaCeAW7wl-V3xBXbN0fiyrwstK3mAVXSReMD5x_ys8MjUlBTiS9qoBYQ4ItbgSx9RCokKp40C46Tw5eUgHzo0WdI9IImwD4nJNC5LBn7_o/s400/IMG_4653_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Off the other side of the house, looking northeast, is my old maple tree and the two soapworker's cottages that are the two oldest houses on the street, built in 1835.  They're on the National Register of Historic Places.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DYItt0ZxZpWYlDEVJbEzlDiaZK0eYJyGbIXaUZvxoTEcf5Ae8i542kvddqqWNn8XwodrMvJzCX4F04y2R8pBp_oZm3Ljr1_KSKbjDDVVKibGaSn8DyfnbQDr7JbUr6-Y4C3UbKIxSv8/s1600/IMG_4658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DYItt0ZxZpWYlDEVJbEzlDiaZK0eYJyGbIXaUZvxoTEcf5Ae8i542kvddqqWNn8XwodrMvJzCX4F04y2R8pBp_oZm3Ljr1_KSKbjDDVVKibGaSn8DyfnbQDr7JbUr6-Y4C3UbKIxSv8/s400/IMG_4658.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a closer look at one of the cottages and my neighbor who is also clearing snow and ice from her roof.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwPbAvpCDjoyxqc3nLWWxiSGSic1TPUvG0OFumeYOuJp93tGvs1kfzzjiHq24KRVEmi_YrgQTI7S-8FmX51-_AmFM_s7eHUVUcI0yyUZjNBjmXmvR6rSorU2ks9lWIyqydKGHW1ECebA/s1600/IMG_4651_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwPbAvpCDjoyxqc3nLWWxiSGSic1TPUvG0OFumeYOuJp93tGvs1kfzzjiHq24KRVEmi_YrgQTI7S-8FmX51-_AmFM_s7eHUVUcI0yyUZjNBjmXmvR6rSorU2ks9lWIyqydKGHW1ECebA/s400/IMG_4651_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is looking east toward Boston.  Through the tree...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQLDNzjYdE8rS4ck7gDandnT2W7o28D42LiE_xwzkboXGCCZXkH7Lxq9sHPdKAqWys86mDwh2Dge0IP9wiRyljb8xX0kDghM7j54DshWWrrHhQ9WFqHDjZrRdCEZEMYjYfiZ-gTX-DuA/s1600/IMG_4661_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQLDNzjYdE8rS4ck7gDandnT2W7o28D42LiE_xwzkboXGCCZXkH7Lxq9sHPdKAqWys86mDwh2Dge0IP9wiRyljb8xX0kDghM7j54DshWWrrHhQ9WFqHDjZrRdCEZEMYjYfiZ-gTX-DuA/s400/IMG_4661_2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...you can see the Prudential building.  This is about a block from the Boston Marathon's finish line.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWOk43rU9zP435-8xTJgYBIjRi2Q9NXlNoDk1Rl7IJZAHqKWahc0Lc4E8rD6iyBXp9TGOLNqxTalZZUV_4M3k5Kwd2voqaKjty608Sz3m2klH4hsBQjttR_3p3wXT0Tn4CvuyadBz2lo/s1600/IMG_4652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWOk43rU9zP435-8xTJgYBIjRi2Q9NXlNoDk1Rl7IJZAHqKWahc0Lc4E8rD6iyBXp9TGOLNqxTalZZUV_4M3k5Kwd2voqaKjty608Sz3m2klH4hsBQjttR_3p3wXT0Tn4CvuyadBz2lo/s400/IMG_4652.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is looking south down the little alleyway where there are four more old cottages.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyHnLj4OlJUwwrLqpgwMO8A9FxT49wAb4GveJ4yujBe3zkTJrv2Zq90K7la3dXUbZvrNaD_v6hFX1o5AJX2QEbieugpVv1DfkdjdTqHLJFV0kIDMQ93mujUDTrXeMI6Ed1OLC4KAmQoo/s1600/IMG_4659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyHnLj4OlJUwwrLqpgwMO8A9FxT49wAb4GveJ4yujBe3zkTJrv2Zq90K7la3dXUbZvrNaD_v6hFX1o5AJX2QEbieugpVv1DfkdjdTqHLJFV0kIDMQ93mujUDTrXeMI6Ed1OLC4KAmQoo/s400/IMG_4659.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, looking west are more houses and one of the many local churches.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahF4QComeQgeB5-_nQX4YVoFGXFvqXMFj2-UVJgcnvvxq5Ho6GkV_qSCOdjOEF2Nvs_QFNamzIK5lY5Ey9vh6K0Z9eNmGMdob4uX_rBfkNJprsKbPkkzgQNWe6vJgEUS9JLF2wNLmbPk/s1600/IMG_4648_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahF4QComeQgeB5-_nQX4YVoFGXFvqXMFj2-UVJgcnvvxq5Ho6GkV_qSCOdjOEF2Nvs_QFNamzIK5lY5Ey9vh6K0Z9eNmGMdob4uX_rBfkNJprsKbPkkzgQNWe6vJgEUS9JLF2wNLmbPk/s400/IMG_4648_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this view but unfortunately the only place I can see it is from the attic.  It would be nice to have a roof deck or an attic hideaway one day to enjoy this scene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Another storm coming on Wednesday.   And I'm ready.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Up on the Roof

After the roofs of a few local buildings collapsed under the weight of snow, I thought I should get up on the flat portion of my roof and ch...

Read more »

What to expect...

Since there is <em>so much</em> to do with this house, and so many new ideas that are constantly popping into my head, I thought it might be helpful to organize my thoughts by creating a checklist of sorts for all the upcoming projects. Now, this list isn't set in stone, and will be evolving as I go along, but it's a pretty good idea of what I want our home to get to eventually. I'd like to complete the majority of it in 2011... because I'm impatient like that, and if something is not done it's all I can think about. As long as the finances and the husband agree, I think it can happen. We've already tackled the big stuff since moving in November (hardwood floors, scraped popcorn ceilings, lighting, paint, unpacking) now comes the "fun stuff". Oh yeah, Bring It On. <br /><br />Here's what you can expect to see in this blog in the coming months:<br /><br /><em></em> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/ThePlan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><em><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/ThePlan.jpg" /></em></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Excuse the sloppy handwriting!</em></td></tr></tbody></table><em></em> <br />Whew, that will keep <strike>us</strike> me busy for a while. It's going to be a long road, but I think it will all pay off in the end. Thanks for coming along for the ride :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBXeSfkPAmz5Ams0YrgJqH3Lhs1Df4y-CmeGJn-m_zp4-nR-7KzdizzhR8g5qFBuB3nYbIe8LSEAjCrkNkx10gB3YSj2MVYnk4_FHLh4Z5T5UwOYhD0V9nJ8ZyxCBlsHXa-i7nxiIMWgT/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBXeSfkPAmz5Ams0YrgJqH3Lhs1Df4y-CmeGJn-m_zp4-nR-7KzdizzhR8g5qFBuB3nYbIe8LSEAjCrkNkx10gB3YSj2MVYnk4_FHLh4Z5T5UwOYhD0V9nJ8ZyxCBlsHXa-i7nxiIMWgT/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

What to expect...

Since there is so much to do with this house, and so many new ideas that are constantly popping into my head, I thought it might be helpful...

Read more »

Home | Ideas for Boys' Bedrooms | Children Bedroom Interior Design

<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: left;">Depending on the day, minute, hour or week, I'm always doing something different (as you may have noticed from my  blog entries!)... cooking, diy home projects, event design, etc.  Well today, I'm interior decorating.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a new section of my business that I'm very excited about - home interior design.  My first client has asked me to help her with her two sons' bedrooms.  After seeing photos of the two rooms, photos of the rest of her house, and talking with her about her vision, I've created the following design concepts.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CONCEPT 1 : Ralph Lauren</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've prepared two versions of each concept - one for each room.  So, the theme is the same, but executed differently in each room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdAbNQJeQlPNtsr5QdCoSmrkSKTZKlWh0QmpHjYB1L0jhKR8HO4PLC7pjiSU98uIDxbhRYu9A6KWoG8h26JOyWyfZaHC8cM9QcXcBw1KQykl8wWTqPYsdLw_yp9jFR66USKBePEQd0SXs/s640/Laura.jpg" width="640" /></div>Ralph Lauren 1 : This room took its inspiration from the Polo's darling children's line.  The bedding will be similar to the classic light blue oxford shirt, layered with plaids (white sheets, of course).  I'd use oatmeal linen throughout the room as the neutralizer amongst all of the color... drapes, throw pillows, etc.  The walls will be a deep, grey-blue.  I think the brass light fixtures and nail head trim on the grey wool chair are very Ralph Lauren.  I like the addition of vintage artwork to the traditional decor.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKemuttRUHokOX6d7Idi_jJKhBB2p8OirkRGWhM_KhLthyphenhyphen2-C7LC5XhV7E95nkgRA31alYQ2ZATQarluWwf_K18xL6ZQyS8fYCpwuCoaAW67-MK51spac1FsYRk-Dlyvkmd315jSifkxl/s1600/Laura2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKemuttRUHokOX6d7Idi_jJKhBB2p8OirkRGWhM_KhLthyphenhyphen2-C7LC5XhV7E95nkgRA31alYQ2ZATQarluWwf_K18xL6ZQyS8fYCpwuCoaAW67-MK51spac1FsYRk-Dlyvkmd315jSifkxl/s640/Laura2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Ralph Lauren 2 : Again, I'd use the classic light blue oxford shirt as bedding, but this time the walls are a creamy neutral.  This room will be more heavily accented in the red/brown plaid with touches of navy and grey wool.<br /><br />....................<br /><br />CONCEPT 2 : Handsome<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDld5ajZ0YcR0ISIH-1de_AfJ9hJEVHCvOAPMHfkVEvpxKayq-vXpZzjJAwcBviiQgUCDBJAuaTF_Szp4x1tQbfm_wJv3alb9UmjA6lMSZp_urFeoUPqK536k5Huik_Vs2_PIzijz7BPj/s1600/Laura3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDld5ajZ0YcR0ISIH-1de_AfJ9hJEVHCvOAPMHfkVEvpxKayq-vXpZzjJAwcBviiQgUCDBJAuaTF_Szp4x1tQbfm_wJv3alb9UmjA6lMSZp_urFeoUPqK536k5Huik_Vs2_PIzijz7BPj/s640/Laura3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Handsome 1 : The walls in this room are going to be a warm grey (restoration hardware).  I'd use soft plaids of creams, browns and touches of light blue and green.  The artwork has gone to the dogs... a vintage sketch and modern dog light.  The room will feel light because of the oatmeal linen drapes, but cozy from the layering of fabrics.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmPyrkttQ5REMKVOsHKAOFr6CxBpee2_TAGjZ7c2Gn_DWDaygd_njrlxW2EmSBgXCpfknqPKPufGx8QS08ASR8ndxKGLxjqVSNpb-v2JQ3SePS-UuPECAWutcoI4Q7AWjLBokYb9nNARt/s1600/Laura4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmPyrkttQ5REMKVOsHKAOFr6CxBpee2_TAGjZ7c2Gn_DWDaygd_njrlxW2EmSBgXCpfknqPKPufGx8QS08ASR8ndxKGLxjqVSNpb-v2JQ3SePS-UuPECAWutcoI4Q7AWjLBokYb9nNARt/s640/Laura4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Handsome 2 : Using the same concept as above, this room will be soft neutrals with accents of light blue and navy.  The brown chair with nail head trim will wear beautifully with heavy use.  More dog artwork and nautical sketches.<br /><br />..................... <br />Would you like me to help you with your design projects?  Email jenny@occasionskc.com for more information!

Home | Ideas for Boys' Bedrooms | Children Bedroom Interior Design

Depending on the day, minute, hour or week, I'm always doing something different (as you may have noticed from my  blog entries!)... coo...

Read more »

Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies | Heart Sugar Cookies | Recipe

<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iV2m5PEJAk7s_VL6fCZWyqrQy6Igrx_KJNNm9nacEN5kTPXT2dgCWYAvwjP8hUjuRlrss7Zzb92mIS25aJiTOmXIzTJktqh3vPdPEGiS8cHp_o04bdAZIwOLTLe7sropseboqqrQhVCH/s1600/IMG_5270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iV2m5PEJAk7s_VL6fCZWyqrQy6Igrx_KJNNm9nacEN5kTPXT2dgCWYAvwjP8hUjuRlrss7Zzb92mIS25aJiTOmXIzTJktqh3vPdPEGiS8cHp_o04bdAZIwOLTLe7sropseboqqrQhVCH/s640/IMG_5270.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />With an adorable <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-sugar-cookies-heart.html">Valentine's Sugar Cookie like these</a>, they really need to be the star of your gift.  So, I chose simple, clean ways to present them as gifts.  The supplies can be easily found and is inexpensive. <br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Cellophane Bags</a> : The quintessential food packaging go-to.  I included three various sizes of the cookies and tied them with natural twine. <br /><br />Tip : I like the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">'crunchy' cellophane bags</a>.  You know what I'm talking about if you've ever used them.  They are not soft plastic, they are stiff.  They look much more professional than the soft plastic bags. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUnKkhrqO6Z0p9WrguKs1ReL2TcUYfnJJwmBPaAXYKNY413HIfpkMnl83Sc8XNjgnRvXSh4m4bzISI5NMlt6baTWks7VifcpJPg4hB5kC0KbRK2emP1SjntipAUzoiBxhEW8FWNMvstLs/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUnKkhrqO6Z0p9WrguKs1ReL2TcUYfnJJwmBPaAXYKNY413HIfpkMnl83Sc8XNjgnRvXSh4m4bzISI5NMlt6baTWks7VifcpJPg4hB5kC0KbRK2emP1SjntipAUzoiBxhEW8FWNMvstLs/s640/IMG_5276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love packaging goodies in glassine bags - they leave a little bit of mystery.  I found these glassine envelopes at JoAnn's.  In the past, I've also found them at Hobby Lobby, Paper-Source and Micheal's.  I used a fine point black Sharpie for the message.   <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYwLMYwzHHpgT9A3PN2LzgEHUTQC9L9J3yLTmO04284UEcQbt8KCjdGVc4Vx-yMgX1DrG1DeU8QKnW4pn0Ve0DvJklmI4VFTQ5F0N6UcVBOOwxC5weAJIJ35vp9R7nx9MDl514O6heEsj/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYwLMYwzHHpgT9A3PN2LzgEHUTQC9L9J3yLTmO04284UEcQbt8KCjdGVc4Vx-yMgX1DrG1DeU8QKnW4pn0Ve0DvJklmI4VFTQ5F0N6UcVBOOwxC5weAJIJ35vp9R7nx9MDl514O6heEsj/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBC1KynZ5ceDgplZqERvuBAfYxvgA9rBCMDDUGYfNftJtCpK6-_-HIH6yvCo81wLc0saQL5_4yMCooBKIGutf5mWpfAhAiSCRN0ernAN4ujYm0ABgMsHEox9UQ6WR3hUci5U_McxDxGHV/s1600/Heart-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBC1KynZ5ceDgplZqERvuBAfYxvgA9rBCMDDUGYfNftJtCpK6-_-HIH6yvCo81wLc0saQL5_4yMCooBKIGutf5mWpfAhAiSCRN0ernAN4ujYm0ABgMsHEox9UQ6WR3hUci5U_McxDxGHV/s200/Heart-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBC1KynZ5ceDgplZqERvuBAfYxvgA9rBCMDDUGYfNftJtCpK6-_-HIH6yvCo81wLc0saQL5_4yMCooBKIGutf5mWpfAhAiSCRN0ernAN4ujYm0ABgMsHEox9UQ6WR3hUci5U_McxDxGHV/s1600/Heart-Sugar-Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>To get my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-sugar-cookies-heart.html">sugar cookie recipe and tips for decorating, click here. </a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ei2YZ-G4Bcizkn9A2aIrIYcNSsrakrz_E_w-zKKtphWFckeGwRWie-6jtsG06cbanyvUmN4VIUpiKWktj0HlFBB2SVmfDfuR_e4wrR3eWxG4xz-yyyZ-0MWzYx9UZPPM8Miw8G_Ne4FJ/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ei2YZ-G4Bcizkn9A2aIrIYcNSsrakrz_E_w-zKKtphWFckeGwRWie-6jtsG06cbanyvUmN4VIUpiKWktj0HlFBB2SVmfDfuR_e4wrR3eWxG4xz-yyyZ-0MWzYx9UZPPM8Miw8G_Ne4FJ/s320/IMG_5877.JPG" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ei2YZ-G4Bcizkn9A2aIrIYcNSsrakrz_E_w-zKKtphWFckeGwRWie-6jtsG06cbanyvUmN4VIUpiKWktj0HlFBB2SVmfDfuR_e4wrR3eWxG4xz-yyyZ-0MWzYx9UZPPM8Miw8G_Ne4FJ/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-cupcakes-flowers-tulips.html">Valentine's Day Cupcakes & Flowers - Get the step-by-step directions here!</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o3U5wQ075cx5r3Zt-5KEWLJLJnGyNiUa7bpgC4VtUAen_l0bFxjtM2UNIAs0IeSRwSitVPf4v2-6MVw7B4_ni_wJ_hsWFnn2vg9yqiKzkCbTCkYHjU12njMjUWPw5TPC-CcIsZjj8eJd/s1600/IMG_5733.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o3U5wQ075cx5r3Zt-5KEWLJLJnGyNiUa7bpgC4VtUAen_l0bFxjtM2UNIAs0IeSRwSitVPf4v2-6MVw7B4_ni_wJ_hsWFnn2vg9yqiKzkCbTCkYHjU12njMjUWPw5TPC-CcIsZjj8eJd/s320/IMG_5733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />Valentine's Day DIY Flowers - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-flowers-diy-diy.html">Get the step-by-step directions here!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s320/IMG_5804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Valentine's Day Boxed Cupcakes - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-cupcakes-cupcake-boxes.html">Get the step-by-step directions here!</a>

Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies | Heart Sugar Cookies | Recipe

With an adorable Valentine's Sugar Cookie like these , they really need to be the star of your gift.  So, I chose simple, clean ways t...

Read more »

Before and After (The Storm)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR0G4AOtgfwx7Kiqh7Hd4XPZKvbB_HRNaImOPrBreG7GefvEz7wOrmzvcinRx4eFVvqh6jye2BQlH9HHXMFm76ddYtd4m-TF_Ki1BpINYZHrziXd0Fi7AGnzYNPdCmG1eCUT1ZRjATC8/s1600/IMG_4446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR0G4AOtgfwx7Kiqh7Hd4XPZKvbB_HRNaImOPrBreG7GefvEz7wOrmzvcinRx4eFVvqh6jye2BQlH9HHXMFm76ddYtd4m-TF_Ki1BpINYZHrziXd0Fi7AGnzYNPdCmG1eCUT1ZRjATC8/s400/IMG_4446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember this just before Christmas?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1QscbjUGSDBcgGSctROyp4t4DjiBQajzW_DFBuDYdrPWhTt8O8HzAPtVT-mKjZYU_B5CSvecRNKj9wh25wBPPb4CTYs9Po0DD60MYH3cmbvhq9bxzfZHnAiW5rkZXNMMp8vCsNxGHJ8/s1600/IMG_4620_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1QscbjUGSDBcgGSctROyp4t4DjiBQajzW_DFBuDYdrPWhTt8O8HzAPtVT-mKjZYU_B5CSvecRNKj9wh25wBPPb4CTYs9Po0DD60MYH3cmbvhq9bxzfZHnAiW5rkZXNMMp8vCsNxGHJ8/s400/IMG_4620_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what it looks like this morning.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz9cVnHlwA3at2vHXAvA6CSZPdtp6ZsiFETtgx_uR0xNE2yRiTnNQok61cURxEUYq4am202MIJETuWb6eLntAaISTDzZoemYzCPvzL4cWWdkxff-SZQYFVEFb3CgACkALW_Brc2dD1Vc/s1600/IMG_4625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz9cVnHlwA3at2vHXAvA6CSZPdtp6ZsiFETtgx_uR0xNE2yRiTnNQok61cURxEUYq4am202MIJETuWb6eLntAaISTDzZoemYzCPvzL4cWWdkxff-SZQYFVEFb3CgACkALW_Brc2dD1Vc/s400/IMG_4625.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the side steps off the front porch to the garden gate.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCskkCVc-Ah0Lc4JCroIyZUayRVBXtgy2L2OhbXRUFiCcskVyYYuWq4Hjek6hH2rkUXgz9xzJsTU6oxAcDkz-p2NditHRsfbu88Gzg-7Yzfm8mbt6h2Un8gQidraHvnMiyOYJVh5zKdo/s1600/IMG_4630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCskkCVc-Ah0Lc4JCroIyZUayRVBXtgy2L2OhbXRUFiCcskVyYYuWq4Hjek6hH2rkUXgz9xzJsTU6oxAcDkz-p2NditHRsfbu88Gzg-7Yzfm8mbt6h2Un8gQidraHvnMiyOYJVh5zKdo/s400/IMG_4630.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just finished my morning workout.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzIYURcnBq7Q_z07oxo_l3KxEjl5PprH0d10hEpCEh6HraXnMfhuMvZfuOCcERHINz-g5vMyienWcS6b8NAqhs_3OtAG6XBiNZYgsOajzMvNDo7CDHIuTPVYSUNVNu8ZRLEcvLnRhosQ/s1600/IMG_4638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzIYURcnBq7Q_z07oxo_l3KxEjl5PprH0d10hEpCEh6HraXnMfhuMvZfuOCcERHINz-g5vMyienWcS6b8NAqhs_3OtAG6XBiNZYgsOajzMvNDo7CDHIuTPVYSUNVNu8ZRLEcvLnRhosQ/s400/IMG_4638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's actually pretty now that the sun is out.</div>

Before and After (The Storm)

Remember this just before Christmas? This is what it looks like this morning. These are the side steps off the front porch to the garden gat...

Read more »