New updates + summer fun!

Whew, we have a lot to catch up on from the last five weeks!<br /><br />After the studio reveal, I took a break from house projects to enjoy the summer. First up was our 4 year anniversary trip to Raleigh...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywcJSKUPk8f3MMGHKP5JdQw4sTnbebA0bTh5K2RaOyidGLVW8mJn_GytLbmZVv2LuPipOnSHSXfODe-iKkhYyHUeyv-bVyC8TRQh4LaxSzivi97vB6s9tM3fh6CiiZIiGDuxlhpwdtZER/s650/NC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywcJSKUPk8f3MMGHKP5JdQw4sTnbebA0bTh5K2RaOyidGLVW8mJn_GytLbmZVv2LuPipOnSHSXfODe-iKkhYyHUeyv-bVyC8TRQh4LaxSzivi97vB6s9tM3fh6CiiZIiGDuxlhpwdtZER/s1600/NC.jpg" /></a></div><br />We were able to catch up with some old friends, check out the downtown area (the Trolley Pub tour was the highlight of our trip!), and see the all the beautiful homes in the amazing neighborhoods. It was all very "white picket fence" perfect—loved it there.<br /><br />Next was a trip to Brad's hometown in Mississippi to visit his family and attend his high school reunion.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrfnCu3ZwiRVi2UwhdTjsAQeqLiuPa0RI4gw7xyudGYXvpf3lAl1JldEmoYo5TCfCZPFmjJTOe-UKTZbGBcxawsCEi2xIb4lWtmNjUja3dsP_hbjYX0LOre4N-nTs_niHcnhx6ubY8Hp9/s650/Mississippi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrfnCu3ZwiRVi2UwhdTjsAQeqLiuPa0RI4gw7xyudGYXvpf3lAl1JldEmoYo5TCfCZPFmjJTOe-UKTZbGBcxawsCEi2xIb4lWtmNjUja3dsP_hbjYX0LOre4N-nTs_niHcnhx6ubY8Hp9/s1600/Mississippi.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Here we also had the opportunity to visit with friends & family and take in the calm country scenery. We always have the best time visiting his family.<br /><br />And finally, my favorite of all... a surprise flight to California to surprise my dad for Father's Day!<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysFHINBLweFWnmM9rLTbI0Ds95nnjYBVIOhWpqzFZCB9qpl-VWqOAnaxnT67PViOcoRsGRTba6A8mLdoO5HZlVxwbcbxCK4a43szJtpvI2OHz9l8raAkxr1FT4Ur49IOWFk8YlncWLxnJ/s650/Sonora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysFHINBLweFWnmM9rLTbI0Ds95nnjYBVIOhWpqzFZCB9qpl-VWqOAnaxnT67PViOcoRsGRTba6A8mLdoO5HZlVxwbcbxCK4a43szJtpvI2OHz9l8raAkxr1FT4Ur49IOWFk8YlncWLxnJ/s640/Sonora.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Follow me on instagram to keep up! @jennasuedesign</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />My sister and I had secretly planned this months ago and we pulled it off without a hitch (even after major flight delays!). My parents were completely shocked, and my dad said it was the best Father's day he's ever had. That made all the travel pains so worth it :)<br /><br />Speaking of my little sister...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodc9JdFIviyX4oVR07hEwt5eeHZBO1mEaU3I4HrQ7Nan87lJhiitSxbDI6dsQlC2W6T2uZadSO-xfUB3QMwacgr_oXdYa8KIFzPN8hhBAOW2ry41bwDoU10Kez2y3F8PQu9IF1DnpXmMw/s608/Screen+Shot+2013-06-30+at+3.28.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodc9JdFIviyX4oVR07hEwt5eeHZBO1mEaU3I4HrQ7Nan87lJhiitSxbDI6dsQlC2W6T2uZadSO-xfUB3QMwacgr_oXdYa8KIFzPN8hhBAOW2ry41bwDoU10Kez2y3F8PQu9IF1DnpXmMw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-30+at+3.28.20+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />She's moving in with us! She's on her way to Florida right now, somewhere in the middle of Texas... I can't even tell you how excited I am.<br /><br />She'll be staying in the "man cave", which I suppose we should now call the woman cave. It's only temporary until she finds a job and a place to live, but I can't believe my sister will be living in the same city as me! This will be the first time living near any family in eight years. We're going to have the best time <i>ever.</i><br /><br />Okay, moving right along... as you probably know, we're still in the middle of our new master bedroom remodel. I haven't made much progress on that end, but I have decided that our living room needs a little facelift.<br /><br />It all started with a new slipcover for the couch. I decided to switch things up a bit with a pattern:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://comfort-works.com/fabric_images/m_somerset%20mint%20lb233%2028x28cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://comfort-works.com/fabric_images/m_somerset%20mint%20lb233%2028x28cm.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It feels very casual beach house to me, and I think it will really liven up all of the neutral decor. I have the slipcover ready to go but I'm waiting until all the other pieces are in to put it on.<br /><br />We were also way overdue for a new area rug...<br /><br />(ignore the super oldness of this photo—but it's the only shot I could find of the whole rug):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QeoLDdwdX96JrX06wAjizC4tRtembVhDa2M8gWvmqtUkCk_mssMJLx7m7PxzuMKFtLYlvb5LE2pqh4zG6_qlSqxUNApa8WJ76WEp1VelvnsVL96bymIVrUUg0bUkcak6epfPhetqZtGf/s1000/IMG_3784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QeoLDdwdX96JrX06wAjizC4tRtembVhDa2M8gWvmqtUkCk_mssMJLx7m7PxzuMKFtLYlvb5LE2pqh4zG6_qlSqxUNApa8WJ76WEp1VelvnsVL96bymIVrUUg0bUkcak6epfPhetqZtGf/s640/IMG_3784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Not only was it past its' prime, but it was wayyyyy too small for this space. We brought it with us from our old house where it fit perfect in the living room, but this room is about 4x larger than our old one so it was all wrong.<br /><br />But I'm glad I waited, because I found <i><a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chunky-loop/beige/200NCCL01-9012.html" target="_blank">The One.</a></i><br /><i><br /></i>I had spotted it on Rugs USA for 50% off about a month ago, and didn't even bother continuing my search. It was perfect. And cheap. A week later I went to buy it and just my luck—it was now 65% off!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.ha-img.com/p/roomImage/200NCCL01E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://cdn2.ha-img.com/p/roomImage/200NCCL01E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />An 8x10 100% jute rug for $152 shipped.... yes, please!<br /><br />It completely transforms the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKexw_LIhT1kG5-IK9wbr7uR0qSJD8fE0P6hXgkkEAGUQABuhzHT3TkYVvDQkpeDoXhxqZPcpq6Ho8Bq1atx38QGI8gJRQsJpdN6qNLC8FJp4iRIDbF4GPcyhzyIwiD5oL74Z6vlTRrDF/s650/IMG_0640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKexw_LIhT1kG5-IK9wbr7uR0qSJD8fE0P6hXgkkEAGUQABuhzHT3TkYVvDQkpeDoXhxqZPcpq6Ho8Bq1atx38QGI8gJRQsJpdN6qNLC8FJp4iRIDbF4GPcyhzyIwiD5oL74Z6vlTRrDF/s1600/IMG_0640.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And those tassels are just the icing on the cake. I want to buy ten for every room in my house. I can't get enough.<br /><br />And I love the way it looks with my new couch fabric:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JAa0O907OpADV6CX4FXF88YIW1WkBFezLKyNdDp9kRkaX-vpbIdpBRUqfj36CIp9kAPN9HHb36lO4KtPjInkqGKPJyc5YkkY9LWL_0ZJOoCI7ktyYXA4oW5PcWiKgYXAkGDeniAXQLdx/s655/IMG_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JAa0O907OpADV6CX4FXF88YIW1WkBFezLKyNdDp9kRkaX-vpbIdpBRUqfj36CIp9kAPN9HHb36lO4KtPjInkqGKPJyc5YkkY9LWL_0ZJOoCI7ktyYXA4oW5PcWiKgYXAkGDeniAXQLdx/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I also have a new coffee table in the works along with a couple accessories, so I'm excited for this room transformation!<br /><br /><br />On to some not so good news...<br /><br />Remember these <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/04/salt-dough-whole-new-world.html" target="_blank">salt dough</a> decorations I made and proudly hung in our new bedroom?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-JPaKVVtla2DmQDfazN2MNKIF16-JzgQUb4sHJN50JdJGfoP_Hr0KsW0m16JsPAbYZ1SGyQLxOZRDTHnSv6k9N23skHZOHAyWeNVZ10OOGIAhAr_guNY7sxCKYfwjoMN9SLGerPXizPx/s650/IMG_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-JPaKVVtla2DmQDfazN2MNKIF16-JzgQUb4sHJN50JdJGfoP_Hr0KsW0m16JsPAbYZ1SGyQLxOZRDTHnSv6k9N23skHZOHAyWeNVZ10OOGIAhAr_guNY7sxCKYfwjoMN9SLGerPXizPx/s1600/IMG_0423.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Well, sadly, they are no more.<br /><br />I was in a deep slumber one night, and heard a giant thud. I woke up to find the anchor missing... it had split in two and fallen behind the TV. Yikes...<br /><br />So I put it off for a while, trying to figure out what I was going to do. I still loved the idea of an anchor there and wanted to salvage it somehow, so I hot glued it back together...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1uvD4HuAfyVJcB6ptlR_btJDHPY3mxp4ozOYWlZr6mRTr-NA7wCiqnQvG-RgK5QMReeCoSFcaLDoiHhp4Q7AwjIPcvXhVgnJHPrpBI2J1cprUbmA_B7DBPx8WUBZLT43UZyKSsxJVJhC/s650/IMG_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1uvD4HuAfyVJcB6ptlR_btJDHPY3mxp4ozOYWlZr6mRTr-NA7wCiqnQvG-RgK5QMReeCoSFcaLDoiHhp4Q7AwjIPcvXhVgnJHPrpBI2J1cprUbmA_B7DBPx8WUBZLT43UZyKSsxJVJhC/s1600/IMG_0661.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />There were a few more cracks towards the bottom, so I decided to break the bottom part off and fill all the cracks with glue to reinforce it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwla3ogAF1rs7bVDwV6blnXlobikd1wmq0oATkJIaWVMjzqgi4NceDawT3EcTqOQmNOQ-vD53J0tVko2H_FNQseIsoLPRAvwQNIO7pkoR8NVKo5LnnaYoqRFsLISUrg80oR9XA-JXZX7M-/s650/IMG_0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwla3ogAF1rs7bVDwV6blnXlobikd1wmq0oATkJIaWVMjzqgi4NceDawT3EcTqOQmNOQ-vD53J0tVko2H_FNQseIsoLPRAvwQNIO7pkoR8NVKo5LnnaYoqRFsLISUrg80oR9XA-JXZX7M-/s1600/IMG_0662.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The hot glue is a lot sturdier than the actual dough itself, so I felt confident that now that the stuff had finally dried through and worked out its air pockets, it had all the cracks out of its system and wouldn't be giving me any more major trouble. At least I hope not. Lesson learned... if you're working with salt dough—keep it on a smaller scale. And/or don't hang your heavy objects... gravity always wins.<br /><br />Even my plaque was letting gravity get the best of it...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h4LLrpmJ1Nh1y3xiIvEyPt_q0jxAi9CQ3i8ArBGN_WMJfWRYTXoeuc2FKNGpuvwce4-JrW31pY8jahQS38dr55bC8QrC8vsXucKfvA2-ateZKxoeCAvBhVxwmjaC0ab9cHbfdutLnd8r/s701/IMG_0657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h4LLrpmJ1Nh1y3xiIvEyPt_q0jxAi9CQ3i8ArBGN_WMJfWRYTXoeuc2FKNGpuvwce4-JrW31pY8jahQS38dr55bC8QrC8vsXucKfvA2-ateZKxoeCAvBhVxwmjaC0ab9cHbfdutLnd8r/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I couldn't come up with a good way to salvage that so I decided to scrap it all together and come up with a plan B.<br /><br />My Plan B was walking through the aisles of Hobby Lobby, hoping to find some inspiration. A 10" round piece of wood and some rope caught my eye:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEscDz2FJccli0Xl2VeHymofWKl5gn9NQhen7-r3bME3izEvOoxzuyvtccuBxPfOmYBDL19u9gLkcESIc-eR8mkAThRQztU_OEL7hn5aD9SJe7g6kbrYznRRSv8WotQNOAKyDJT2OrN98I/s650/IMG_0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEscDz2FJccli0Xl2VeHymofWKl5gn9NQhen7-r3bME3izEvOoxzuyvtccuBxPfOmYBDL19u9gLkcESIc-eR8mkAThRQztU_OEL7hn5aD9SJe7g6kbrYznRRSv8WotQNOAKyDJT2OrN98I/s1600/IMG_0645.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was a $4 investment, so I figured it was worth a shot.<br /><br />After considering a few options, I decided on printing my "Come Sail Away" phrase on thick paper, gluing it to the face of the wood, and using the rope as trim.<br /><br />Step 1: Printing out my design.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg799N-IxmfWQ9kKbyh6iv7PcT5zVLkPVdT1cdhJvIr0PraYzBI_7fhix8dZiJXdbKOPSIvzPcqcWHo_jqZyR0NKIA9TF7Ha_nUSP4MpYF1fsnYAH_uBAOPJfDk4s4a9WIoZA6XqTLOtbnV/s650/IMG_0648-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg799N-IxmfWQ9kKbyh6iv7PcT5zVLkPVdT1cdhJvIr0PraYzBI_7fhix8dZiJXdbKOPSIvzPcqcWHo_jqZyR0NKIA9TF7Ha_nUSP4MpYF1fsnYAH_uBAOPJfDk4s4a9WIoZA6XqTLOtbnV/s1600/IMG_0648-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 2: Gluing it to the wood (I used Krylon Spray Adhesive, love this stuff), then trimming off the excess:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFOJfTNI-h9clxLeglN6Q6gKPPTvL7eMcjHHkNAdq-e43ziuoK6cuXjnB0gk-LLIHt2HwMHbb5JRCuFYRRhij6W4E5Mu5AqNqMkYs6FnylTT5gi3UFr3CvaOCum9XM6sXcgsy9X3OZccJ/s650/IMG_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFOJfTNI-h9clxLeglN6Q6gKPPTvL7eMcjHHkNAdq-e43ziuoK6cuXjnB0gk-LLIHt2HwMHbb5JRCuFYRRhij6W4E5Mu5AqNqMkYs6FnylTT5gi3UFr3CvaOCum9XM6sXcgsy9X3OZccJ/s640/IMG_0649.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Yay:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho05FC2fTvwCmu-_GprmNiNEJtcV0qJlV9phAnQXFqktk6ylq3YTLdqZMFPHV5Mb0Qg9dCJXTmPq2pkVBb-T50LLGvRBiWdVQxTN1qy0Eh82SOyEYzEO6QqNzRmuxnqA_LRWQ0Th0_Ws1h/s650/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho05FC2fTvwCmu-_GprmNiNEJtcV0qJlV9phAnQXFqktk6ylq3YTLdqZMFPHV5Mb0Qg9dCJXTmPq2pkVBb-T50LLGvRBiWdVQxTN1qy0Eh82SOyEYzEO6QqNzRmuxnqA_LRWQ0Th0_Ws1h/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then it was time for the finishing touches.<br /><br />I used a line of hot glue, and slowly worked my way around the edge:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPyPYMaymsb65uQ7ZyXGPKpOF2aS8ZWj1P3qnDLhzaDjuA4tKwc1xb3K6sl-ZFJMBfLWdMQnZWwkicjrHHBwCLuXT7uXI0femYXjFyKtVF9tgXsb7Xy_Dmrnjier0760nIDSBo2O4OrCv/s650/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPyPYMaymsb65uQ7ZyXGPKpOF2aS8ZWj1P3qnDLhzaDjuA4tKwc1xb3K6sl-ZFJMBfLWdMQnZWwkicjrHHBwCLuXT7uXI0femYXjFyKtVF9tgXsb7Xy_Dmrnjier0760nIDSBo2O4OrCv/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Easy Peasy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJEON8MnRD2INzytgJKx6cZ-d1FVrGOaSvZ2MmkdW1WLFb2U1jZOLo8in5jwh5IkhhpUBOy8VYgP19oUZyWbQElemosKPwvTWTxGj1OpzUSet6JEVqI9Bg72szGJnU4HrU5ZbjPHZl7-W/s650/IMG_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJEON8MnRD2INzytgJKx6cZ-d1FVrGOaSvZ2MmkdW1WLFb2U1jZOLo8in5jwh5IkhhpUBOy8VYgP19oUZyWbQElemosKPwvTWTxGj1OpzUSet6JEVqI9Bg72szGJnU4HrU5ZbjPHZl7-W/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Finally, I drilled a hole at the top and fed my twine through.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGrsQVb8p7c4VY09fRC1So4096xoDP7Kk_6St-3jqBI3y_VY-ajgTNwZcicWPoS2-TIfjDofn-Zu6mNmJpwp9g6husqntfuDBocoBLTloEVuetpTFapePU5ErQ_68q5H0KCTNl2zBG3cI/s650/IMG_0659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGrsQVb8p7c4VY09fRC1So4096xoDP7Kk_6St-3jqBI3y_VY-ajgTNwZcicWPoS2-TIfjDofn-Zu6mNmJpwp9g6husqntfuDBocoBLTloEVuetpTFapePU5ErQ_68q5H0KCTNl2zBG3cI/s1600/IMG_0659.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Boo-ya.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDGbPsdWSIOw4PLhOhaM_hTIZJLTO5g44kaHvudec_AW5FGIPKR2N6T2nJg0pembyjpmH0tOepkwEpQe0RxQYYX31omc32bN1UtLahHSXdPmMf9Zl-_vtmJn_pBECyCI_mlHkwxpUPDky/s662/IMG_0660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDGbPsdWSIOw4PLhOhaM_hTIZJLTO5g44kaHvudec_AW5FGIPKR2N6T2nJg0pembyjpmH0tOepkwEpQe0RxQYYX31omc32bN1UtLahHSXdPmMf9Zl-_vtmJn_pBECyCI_mlHkwxpUPDky/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I kinda like this one better anyway. So I'm glad you cracked, stupid salt dough.<br /><br />Then I turned my attention to my poor anchor. I figured the best thing to do was to simply cover it up with something interesting. I thought about paper mache, then newspaper... then I dug through my spare fabric drawer and pulled out a stash of scrap linen:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ8apJaic6xTbVbQY_XiztHLOPkANi4QhxXVaOfiwOcwuJkRMBiLoe4oQJeMXFJGgOgBG1BmVBHzBFDuOlHNyZ_F9VrX_KDDErUPDxJJtufk9e2kjPuAVRXNVPtfXb2fSYhCmOPIJovVb/s887/IMG_0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ8apJaic6xTbVbQY_XiztHLOPkANi4QhxXVaOfiwOcwuJkRMBiLoe4oQJeMXFJGgOgBG1BmVBHzBFDuOlHNyZ_F9VrX_KDDErUPDxJJtufk9e2kjPuAVRXNVPtfXb2fSYhCmOPIJovVb/s1600/IMG_0665.jpg" /></a></div><br />I thought it had a cool natural look and would be interesting layered and wrapped over my anchor, so it was settled.<br /><br />I cut my scraps into thin pieces and gathered my materials:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQBQw2H2Mr9jwi6V5nnd9tGHH-kO7hRji8bWXxxqaQQ3kmb0A9UfIpivSOczKu6gG2PgyHP43nSss5QrOskL1fTqsPx6GwHfPYe2hkA5hlPaOfExLm2av3zfE61N4jcHTfvJ2nnnvVCIm/s650/IMG_0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQBQw2H2Mr9jwi6V5nnd9tGHH-kO7hRji8bWXxxqaQQ3kmb0A9UfIpivSOczKu6gG2PgyHP43nSss5QrOskL1fTqsPx6GwHfPYe2hkA5hlPaOfExLm2av3zfE61N4jcHTfvJ2nnnvVCIm/s1600/IMG_0668.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I really didn't have a specific game plan in mind, so I just started covering it with modge podge and strips of fabric.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlB63Jss6z72CqxkxMqShsiW8rrFg8EHhK7vMSs0hHqBW0tJiC6fYUKeghMEW2SJmUxXKuVv7pypwQN2qIQERt1y-rprfHkTRsUW5kUTbS9cyf6oBPg7mQnhc7_UuOHi1JJEGaaGgXpUh/s650/IMG_0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlB63Jss6z72CqxkxMqShsiW8rrFg8EHhK7vMSs0hHqBW0tJiC6fYUKeghMEW2SJmUxXKuVv7pypwQN2qIQERt1y-rprfHkTRsUW5kUTbS9cyf6oBPg7mQnhc7_UuOHi1JJEGaaGgXpUh/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then I started wrapping it until all the blue was covered:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSLrDEI802Fvx-RjnUVIuzoT6o1QMCE8utpNa30svN4mDZ9C0-nKA-y2H7PY_3_ptyFK-NEPY5M3DxDjKoQsLDsk9DarFxrwkYf3Pn5XpV4EL9ooPRxQJrY9tgcy4UGi8gDHZ-PcYZ3CX/s650/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSLrDEI802Fvx-RjnUVIuzoT6o1QMCE8utpNa30svN4mDZ9C0-nKA-y2H7PY_3_ptyFK-NEPY5M3DxDjKoQsLDsk9DarFxrwkYf3Pn5XpV4EL9ooPRxQJrY9tgcy4UGi8gDHZ-PcYZ3CX/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After trimming off the scraggly threads, I had myself a linen anchor:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E9XBSIw3xdMB2oqvSqpjSkef-mVR1mNsc2XtwdzlpHd_Up5Pbxb7BxgU99VFf2Zdd7JebL7wsTBH3oS1pU24AFv-S8M7vzl-LKHQN_1sGUWLGFGBquJzha7zcqwabffDhwk8hwS_zZ9_/s697/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E9XBSIw3xdMB2oqvSqpjSkef-mVR1mNsc2XtwdzlpHd_Up5Pbxb7BxgU99VFf2Zdd7JebL7wsTBH3oS1pU24AFv-S8M7vzl-LKHQN_1sGUWLGFGBquJzha7zcqwabffDhwk8hwS_zZ9_/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />What do you think? Brad says it looks like a mummy. That's cool with me. It's still an anchor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04ohLLcNag0tbyqHg76Oz28PScQDbYEoHxGKXk44AelC-rz3oyaklLHRZh7hs8sycR2kSoWwAk3PKnAXP23cskjSR1-SFLt-oek0N6lwVO4aeV1U4MYNmkbj6DsAbSBExcd0_ETQ213Nz/s650/IMG_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04ohLLcNag0tbyqHg76Oz28PScQDbYEoHxGKXk44AelC-rz3oyaklLHRZh7hs8sycR2kSoWwAk3PKnAXP23cskjSR1-SFLt-oek0N6lwVO4aeV1U4MYNmkbj6DsAbSBExcd0_ETQ213Nz/s1600/IMG_0677.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJLgyDRguoAU2lYMogaxvOA8TnRJQ8g5iskkJho75hCYrssf3chdPPeSOIm_H3zBUdGBcT0FelayUzLiC5QJMQOtCrovz2U_agX_KjWabZID6OPjXnHrjgA6YwKDwnbvMD1Ojiee7aIh/s650/IMG_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJLgyDRguoAU2lYMogaxvOA8TnRJQ8g5iskkJho75hCYrssf3chdPPeSOIm_H3zBUdGBcT0FelayUzLiC5QJMQOtCrovz2U_agX_KjWabZID6OPjXnHrjgA6YwKDwnbvMD1Ojiee7aIh/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />So, there's my project re-do update. I hate doing things over, but it was a lesson learned... and now I know for the future!<br /><br /><br />Something else did come of this project though... I loved the "Come Sail Away" quote so much that I decided to make a print out of it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/sail-away/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiTvtUnqeYe8XWbPgAOSVZbWDnLLPIZTnWF-3Z8Z_c3moXy5zBYEIpt6VCLMBDoWhM_QsrynfQTy0brhjWOxp_5cC0Y5XVYONB2-upoxI6k1V74yvds39B9m6EbfetIExl5i54dfj8Go5/s640/ComeSailAway.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/sail-away/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMNnoELZm0KexJQahKPOKH7BfqitSzk03frflL6294cWpD3LNtp0OtjfNq44NzmBSaM1M97Pen3AYYJFDO_xkOHDDgbH3pP4AlMp_qbVaSZs_fhgGicfnwC2FqVQQCM79WV3UYsBfTD75/s640/wooden-frames.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I made a couple other new prints as well, and released them as part of my Fresh New Summer Prints promo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/quote/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLooudl67p_oNKdWmGtV_QnVETT1M45xC7WHzKcVa6XTgy4xL5T467xb9r885tVj7e_88c_jchDrC2dUEbTWToNZ1YDj83Gmz5OotPN9Ee-kRRGtSsOpQIlS60rFiRpQdszqcScdSNDXcL/s640/MainGif.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And while I'm on the topic... I wasn't going to roll this out for a few more days, but I'll give you guys first dibs since you patiently waited five weeks for a new post :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguatBYNmX_dVOAfSW8BXv4aVVmbKL9BlG8ktmF3EfDY-9dysTgNe3y4K4AJt4rRSjzTs4pmNqu2JtJzfUk1tZIiEbmoTINpPGn41LvKOkN0k-ZIofluNGBJxfCXO7Mu5vYJnsRi3kYkSn3/s839/FreePostcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguatBYNmX_dVOAfSW8BXv4aVVmbKL9BlG8ktmF3EfDY-9dysTgNe3y4K4AJt4rRSjzTs4pmNqu2JtJzfUk1tZIiEbmoTINpPGn41LvKOkN0k-ZIofluNGBJxfCXO7Mu5vYJnsRi3kYkSn3/s640/FreePostcard.jpg" width="533" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm feelin' a little generous on this fine Sunday evening, so I'm giving away a limited number of 5x7" <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/new-york-city-new-york/" target="_blank">NYC City Map</a> postcards (in black, as shown in the photo above) plus 10% off any order!<br /><br />Here's how:<br /><br />1. Visit <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">jennasuedesign.com</a> and start shopping!<br />2. Add your print(s) of choice to your cart (you don't need to add the NYC map)<br />3. At the end of the checkout process, enter the code <b>FREEPOSTCARD</b> to receive your 10% discount<br />4. The postcard will be added to your order and shipped to your door right away!<br /><i>(The code will be deactivated once the postcards are sold out). </i><br /><br />That's it for now! I've got some crab cakes to bake and a hungry man to feed, so I'm off...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLt1x7U_1H5IS_EyUluIN6SSlnHiZdHKrxahNtC3SRbt7yrb1tEyQN8CPo-GH824j2CkWNY7T2BYvLGQIsncq9G5Y5_hiiEjvDWzggyIaMsCfqYnq26MzrWxJ1-lynjd7oAx6KLMVAyd7/s728/IMG_0654-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLt1x7U_1H5IS_EyUluIN6SSlnHiZdHKrxahNtC3SRbt7yrb1tEyQN8CPo-GH824j2CkWNY7T2BYvLGQIsncq9G5Y5_hiiEjvDWzggyIaMsCfqYnq26MzrWxJ1-lynjd7oAx6KLMVAyd7/s1600/IMG_0654-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Susie says "Happy Summer!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hIQnbXAwDyaGAMqMsgUDN7opcFzgxEs23rJKRrAp2n0UTqu-auFdP81cjlg2vm0lfzLZ5dfCjU5RR9jzgJs0S_FFXpvNCYxS4y6dFIAqR0DsGSCnvghW0hiSZsTWa0CXbIj4J86OAh8O/s177/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hIQnbXAwDyaGAMqMsgUDN7opcFzgxEs23rJKRrAp2n0UTqu-auFdP81cjlg2vm0lfzLZ5dfCjU5RR9jzgJs0S_FFXpvNCYxS4y6dFIAqR0DsGSCnvghW0hiSZsTWa0CXbIj4J86OAh8O/s177/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />

New updates + summer fun!

Whew, we have a lot to catch up on from the last five weeks!After the studio reveal, I took a break from house projects to enjoy the summer. First up was our 4 year anniversary trip to Raleigh...We were able to catch up with some old friends, check out the downtown area (the Trolley Pub tour was the…

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Unique Things and Bathroom Sneak Peak

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34Y5pu74xCJoh1sLRWY8RMlddVz5NSHf6QK1AztmFibBgISiEpTHpdeYFLZ0acWGyE4bKaUJjDIF09ML0rNKB2MYUz4vlW7XOEVDJn7werhTcRFG-ciAGGtJgiaUz82CRPXGsr1ia0Zc/s640/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34Y5pu74xCJoh1sLRWY8RMlddVz5NSHf6QK1AztmFibBgISiEpTHpdeYFLZ0acWGyE4bKaUJjDIF09ML0rNKB2MYUz4vlW7XOEVDJn7werhTcRFG-ciAGGtJgiaUz82CRPXGsr1ia0Zc/s640/5.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;">I'm a sucker for unique one-of-a-kind things.</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkX3skqfKjzS0GwORjWVggIrjegLfG0dRuxqR6QCSuyh7pxSkO0meZrXlurR84E0-CDcjbv5J73S6X5is4mPgKxGU4FiniU2hAxo18jY54occUkh88hlZFWMrs41WbKh0pvYJnEKBLsg/s640/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkX3skqfKjzS0GwORjWVggIrjegLfG0dRuxqR6QCSuyh7pxSkO0meZrXlurR84E0-CDcjbv5J73S6X5is4mPgKxGU4FiniU2hAxo18jY54occUkh88hlZFWMrs41WbKh0pvYJnEKBLsg/s640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add hand-carved and with a crown, and it's as good as sold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first name means "crown" so  I've always considered it kind of a personal logo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Doesn't everyone have a personal logo?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2FtNb1T0TSHvNlY3RG5Yl41ELdqdQmgqdqIP2YzxgXDZetkI4ymPZ9EDOhLXFY0vVLFpPTWr_s7iAVHtaFs49jestAlTFJuFvxC9ESk45mfO3NxTNg0BdHqXRE4qxcy81riU2cqbWh8/s640/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2FtNb1T0TSHvNlY3RG5Yl41ELdqdQmgqdqIP2YzxgXDZetkI4ymPZ9EDOhLXFY0vVLFpPTWr_s7iAVHtaFs49jestAlTFJuFvxC9ESk45mfO3NxTNg0BdHqXRE4qxcy81riU2cqbWh8/s640/3.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;">But what the heck is it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At first I thought it was some kind of a game board.  The outer ring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">has the numbers 1 through 31 but once I saw the middle ring with the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">labels, J31, F28, M31, A30, M31, J30, J31, A31, S30, O31, N30, D31,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it was clear these represented months and the number of days in each month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">January 31, February 28, March 31, April 30, etc.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz6cJrlCh6oYF1bWraZy0Y4K6PnHYZRru_LH4cxfB_w7rfNZ0jXbqFOoy1K8s0YNHKochkdegkHDexz_fNMFBaKkDh-2mT1z9kywDKANHCj1Y8q_4PhW1aucld_MlbQ8q3RBVCOD_sHw/s640/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz6cJrlCh6oYF1bWraZy0Y4K6PnHYZRru_LH4cxfB_w7rfNZ0jXbqFOoy1K8s0YNHKochkdegkHDexz_fNMFBaKkDh-2mT1z9kywDKANHCj1Y8q_4PhW1aucld_MlbQ8q3RBVCOD_sHw/s640/4.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;">But when I got the inner ring, I was stumped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">L, M, M,  J. V, S, and D.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34Y5pu74xCJoh1sLRWY8RMlddVz5NSHf6QK1AztmFibBgISiEpTHpdeYFLZ0acWGyE4bKaUJjDIF09ML0rNKB2MYUz4vlW7XOEVDJn7werhTcRFG-ciAGGtJgiaUz82CRPXGsr1ia0Zc/s640/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34Y5pu74xCJoh1sLRWY8RMlddVz5NSHf6QK1AztmFibBgISiEpTHpdeYFLZ0acWGyE4bKaUJjDIF09ML0rNKB2MYUz4vlW7XOEVDJn7werhTcRFG-ciAGGtJgiaUz82CRPXGsr1ia0Zc/s640/5.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;">Any ideas?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8oQF8BQpNcyLnq6vzFUpgjWly0JiECYWOLjJlHkJp4bPwbIB90Mps-eFXFDL1JXvvwMEgU8R9fdUxqRSNxf9f9WT95_44uUCtX1IlY85yWRr-sMaXrttQNgKvOqZ9zGl02UGwxPJCU8/s639/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8oQF8BQpNcyLnq6vzFUpgjWly0JiECYWOLjJlHkJp4bPwbIB90Mps-eFXFDL1JXvvwMEgU8R9fdUxqRSNxf9f9WT95_44uUCtX1IlY85yWRr-sMaXrttQNgKvOqZ9zGl02UGwxPJCU8/s640/6.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;">The back says in pencil "Made by Elliot Rogers, Oct 1841."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This inscription isn't a good clue; in fact, it's misleading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's another notation that says "Made for..." but it's illegible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you haven't figured it out, I'll give the answer at the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's take a sneak peek at the new bathroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V8CZiU7BKmd6zG_B4MueUcB5JuLsdjHja4obqiRymPqn4P9IVNv7oIgmdksSVGppT7LxT2uO9GNZB0pfNWspiTzfLAs3Lj3bEVMrvCWJz-DgjVOwhSNkN2aD5ItTYj2PK6YTkAqlDl8/s640/IMG_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V8CZiU7BKmd6zG_B4MueUcB5JuLsdjHja4obqiRymPqn4P9IVNv7oIgmdksSVGppT7LxT2uO9GNZB0pfNWspiTzfLAs3Lj3bEVMrvCWJz-DgjVOwhSNkN2aD5ItTYj2PK6YTkAqlDl8/s640/IMG_0589.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;">I finally got my marble on Friday and I couldn't wait to dry fit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">everything together to see what it looked like.  I painted all day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yesterday so hopefully everything is looking quite pulled together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here you can see the corner of the Swedish console vanity,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the new honed cararra marble top and the basin sink.  The horizontal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">planking and chair rail are in the background.  I have to say I'm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pleased with the overall vibe referencing the age of the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLJEyQUTf2wLCIgzN_yCgpDZKNdpuXnfJfVkdOHFZxiWyWf-sBQ5NpHFb9JU0I0rkDg8pYZYX2vK1pkus44akD8RRiA0ElSON5yurPmLmff917xtG7UM91zaVpnDJ8Pi5cyi2Ui_Bqoo/s640/IMG_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLJEyQUTf2wLCIgzN_yCgpDZKNdpuXnfJfVkdOHFZxiWyWf-sBQ5NpHFb9JU0I0rkDg8pYZYX2vK1pkus44akD8RRiA0ElSON5yurPmLmff917xtG7UM91zaVpnDJ8Pi5cyi2Ui_Bqoo/s640/IMG_0584.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;">I also have to say I'm in love with cararra.  I can't stop looking at it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm really pleased with the corner detail and ogee edge I used on the marble.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the top of the table's leg has this clipped corner and you may</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">recall that clipped-corner detail is repeated in the toilet base and tank.  The</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ogee edge is also quite similar to the original top that is now the lower shelf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can also see a little bit of the floor tile.  The tiles are 6 inches</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by 24 inches and after a lot of thought and discussion, I decided</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to place the tiles with a 1/3 stagger.  I originally wanted to place them </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in a grid pattern but thought it might be too modern.  The 1/3 alternation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">makes it feel more like hardwood would be placed.  So I think it's perfect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheObM1SmB0kgaF-0B6T-82EKoAiTjIcX7ZXLXcM94Rvpenjd9zDTU2_1ahSv-WRT4c2IaMr3_lRFNILjlAfX3fSK52eHcAqN4UV9lNHkaORTLTK3WKnVhpyOQ9BG1o-oQaFnKx5s7Qy4/s640/IMG_0582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheObM1SmB0kgaF-0B6T-82EKoAiTjIcX7ZXLXcM94Rvpenjd9zDTU2_1ahSv-WRT4c2IaMr3_lRFNILjlAfX3fSK52eHcAqN4UV9lNHkaORTLTK3WKnVhpyOQ9BG1o-oQaFnKx5s7Qy4/s400/IMG_0582.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;">The colors were a challenge because the Swedish console was a much different</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gray than the Greek key mosiac and floor tile.   I find grays really difficult.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the end, I chose Benjamin Moore Icicle--one of my favorite go-to whites-- for</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the walls because it related to the greenish-gray of the console table and Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray for the chair rail and trim.  This is the first time I've used Stonington Gray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I love it.  It looks great with the mosiac chair rail and cararra mable vanity top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I'm sealing grout (after mowing my keep deep grass before it rains again) and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then hopefully the plumbing and electrical will get finished up this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So back to the calendar.  Did you guess?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz6cJrlCh6oYF1bWraZy0Y4K6PnHYZRru_LH4cxfB_w7rfNZ0jXbqFOoy1K8s0YNHKochkdegkHDexz_fNMFBaKkDh-2mT1z9kywDKANHCj1Y8q_4PhW1aucld_MlbQ8q3RBVCOD_sHw/s640/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz6cJrlCh6oYF1bWraZy0Y4K6PnHYZRru_LH4cxfB_w7rfNZ0jXbqFOoy1K8s0YNHKochkdegkHDexz_fNMFBaKkDh-2mT1z9kywDKANHCj1Y8q_4PhW1aucld_MlbQ8q3RBVCOD_sHw/s640/4.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;">It's French.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The L, M, M, J, V, S and D are the days of the week,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lundi = Monday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mardi = Tuesday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mercredi = Wednesday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeudi = Thursday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vendredi = Friday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Samedi = Saturday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dimanche = Sunday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though I took French in high school, I never realized the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">French months all started with the same letters as they do in English.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">January = Janvier </div><div style="text-align: center;">February = Février </div><div style="text-align: center;">March = Mars </div><div style="text-align: center;">April = Avril </div><div style="text-align: center;">May = Mai </div><div style="text-align: center;">June = Juin </div><div style="text-align: center;">July = Juillet </div><div style="text-align: center;">August = Août </div><div style="text-align: center;">September = Septembre </div><div style="text-align: center;">October = Octobre </div><div style="text-align: center;">November = Novembre </div><div style="text-align: center;">December = Décembre</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As to why the notation on the back in English will probably remain a mystery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd love to find something to use for pegs since it would make it a piece</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that's interactive.  It might be fun to put in the guest room marking</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the day of the guest's arrival.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great week!  I hope you don't have any Google Reader nightmares to report.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See you on the other side.</div></div>

Unique Things and Bathroom Sneak Peak

I'm a sucker for unique one-of-a-kind things.Add hand-carved and with a crown, and it's as good as sold.My first name means "crown" so  I've always considered it kind of a personal logo.Doesn't everyone have a personal logo?But what the heck is it?At first I thought it was some kind of a game board.…

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Easy Grilled Fingerling Potatoes

<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdI-65w_-t-9BxXUQ0FQcEhTXMZQlhpWboTFUlok6Nudy1m7V3-9EJbO3YA9WFsVYXBT_v7TEGG8rbvy9pUuRV_Z9kaF-zQw0zQ5pj9j8oZvb6FLJdB4DQUbWh9gBjax86zQfsSjuNDo/s805/grilled-potatoes_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdI-65w_-t-9BxXUQ0FQcEhTXMZQlhpWboTFUlok6Nudy1m7V3-9EJbO3YA9WFsVYXBT_v7TEGG8rbvy9pUuRV_Z9kaF-zQw0zQ5pj9j8oZvb6FLJdB4DQUbWh9gBjax86zQfsSjuNDo/s400/grilled-potatoes_03.jpg" width="296" /></a>I don't know how I hadn't thought of this before... grilled potatoes!  They take just a couple of minutes on each side and have a great smoky flavor.  We topped ours simply with sour cream and chives, but you can do anything you'd like.  I think we'll try blue cheese and bacon next time...</div><br /><br /><i>Grilled</i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Fingerling Potatoes</span></i><br />4 servings<br /><br />12 fingerling potatoes*<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />sea salt & cracked pepper<br /> ....<br />sour cream<br />chives <br />sea salt & pepper<br /><br />Heat grill.<br /><br />Toss potatoes in olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling.  Grill for 3 minutes on each side until tender.  <br /><br />Top with sour cream, chives and salt & pepper before serve.<br /><br />*You can also use baby red potatoes.<br /><br />See all of the details and recipes (including those kebabs) of my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party, here</a>. <br /><br />

Easy Grilled Fingerling Potatoes

I don't know how I hadn't thought of this before... grilled potatoes!  They take just a couple of minutes on each side and have a great smoky flavor.  We topped ours simply with sour cream and chives, but you can do anything you'd like.  I think we'll try blue cheese and bacon next time...GrilledFin…

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Summer Brew | Orange & Blueberry Wheat Beer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfzsm3PVrvZk5jvMfcasJw9q9oIzpc9-CPKdbOsFMkFdw7BkrldwRSjBUTN0_Rt1gpTsu1cSUhlb3qqrlEGrtNBD7YxgUI9DPSSBaRypd6itizxvKKseVJDMgfM_t0AVqDDgj9UI_Nzs/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfzsm3PVrvZk5jvMfcasJw9q9oIzpc9-CPKdbOsFMkFdw7BkrldwRSjBUTN0_Rt1gpTsu1cSUhlb3qqrlEGrtNBD7YxgUI9DPSSBaRypd6itizxvKKseVJDMgfM_t0AVqDDgj9UI_Nzs/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fGtrdQXirRM7KlG6TKAv5Pgbjjs9wvaHTwyhtK9mzzfsY9oU_HHn3gKz4OZXrXCMvTrPfLIdcRv2LwYd6igRGh9LKukd9wD6doJRdO_MzvKiXXlrYTyDivWjPvSnfOaP__8Lu1Rkmnc/s1600/summer-brew_02.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fGtrdQXirRM7KlG6TKAv5Pgbjjs9wvaHTwyhtK9mzzfsY9oU_HHn3gKz4OZXrXCMvTrPfLIdcRv2LwYd6igRGh9LKukd9wD6doJRdO_MzvKiXXlrYTyDivWjPvSnfOaP__8Lu1Rkmnc/s400/summer-brew_02.jpg" width="262" /></a> Summer Brews are the best - refreshing, flavorful, citrus-y and light.  The original Summer Brew is beer mixed with vodka lemonade.  Delicious.  However, I'm a huge fan of wheat beers (Boulevard, Blue Moon, etc.) topped with an orange... so, I created my own version of a summer brew with fresh squeezed orange juice, vodka and wheat beer.  I garnished it with fresh blue berries and an orange slice to make it colorful and fun... it is, after all, a cocktail.<br /><br /><i>Orange & Blueberry</i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Summer Brew</span><br /><i>4 cocktails</i><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fsummer-brew-orange-blueberry-wheat-beer.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rwQS3ZWIiE8%2FUcsYLfKz-iI%2FAAAAAAAAS1w%2FxE6leu_x_AE%2Fs400%2Fsummer-brew_02.jpg&description=Summer%20Brew%20Cocktail%20%3A%20Wheat%20Beer%20with%2C%20Vodka%2C%20Orange%20%26%20Blueberry"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />3 oranges, 2 juiced, 1 sliced<br />1/2 cup of water<br />1 tablespoon of sugar <br />1/4 cup of vodka<br />4 wheat beers (ex. Boulevard, Blue Moon)<br />Fresh Blue Berries<br /><br />Mix together the fresh orange juice, water, sugar and vodka just before the party - keep it cold in the refrigerator, then add the beer and garnishes when served. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDE2PeTgQXnL5Mu1WSDvpRLgVPdqQ5ZjgcDp5B8Zbc4SOEUB3euglXVphgR5nBkaZw-kIogDvioULdgNM-SjyCGcTKakBf0tewPZ5pANUMeoUnLYqI_A-AX9BCBGPy_2lwlB24lkuRuM/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDE2PeTgQXnL5Mu1WSDvpRLgVPdqQ5ZjgcDp5B8Zbc4SOEUB3euglXVphgR5nBkaZw-kIogDvioULdgNM-SjyCGcTKakBf0tewPZ5pANUMeoUnLYqI_A-AX9BCBGPy_2lwlB24lkuRuM/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Summer Brews are great for outdoor parties - more refreshing than wine on these hot summer evenings. <br /><br />Get the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html">Marinated Steak Kebabs recipe</a>, here. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7F_8t6m6m0oTDBLQSNUyCE63qzYbkkGAhtcfA5PkPINVfVkKDiqGp6uceOYCuLN4nzFdG_7zOi40rx7IxbwjfiPcNS07svv4vQDlf3bdvSUoCqsg_p9b8p_2gspCYgu7G9Tr_qzbvls/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7F_8t6m6m0oTDBLQSNUyCE63qzYbkkGAhtcfA5PkPINVfVkKDiqGp6uceOYCuLN4nzFdG_7zOi40rx7IxbwjfiPcNS07svv4vQDlf3bdvSUoCqsg_p9b8p_2gspCYgu7G9Tr_qzbvls/s640/IMG_1485.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />See all of the details of my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party, here</a>. <script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Summer Brew | Orange & Blueberry Wheat Beer

Summer Brews are the best - refreshing, flavorful, citrus-y and light.  The original Summer Brew is beer mixed with vodka lemonade.  Delicious.  However, I'm a huge fan of wheat beers (Boulevard, Blue Moon, etc.) topped with an orange... so, I created my own version of a summer brew with fresh sque…

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