Virginia Johnson's Garden Collection

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhnNwl18AScLzS2pLTF0TYSI1BlMdHr_smvhWDhbD77lbZWMZuO22B2B9QtaCqvvWY9XuCZzgPjzAWM-tvh7N2eR8EudnSab4drpuVjVOqTBROxHiB7TNH5OSBgjqqS_qZUvXnGkmMGE/s1600/IMG_3541.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/AVvXsEgxhnNwl18AScLzS2pLTF0TYSI1BlMdHr_smvhWDhbD77lbZWMZuO22B2B9QtaCqvvWY9XuCZzgPjzAWM-tvh7N2eR8EudnSab4drpuVjVOqTBROxHiB7TNH5OSBgjqqS_qZUvXnGkmMGE/s1600/IMG_3541.jpg" /></a></div>I received a lovely gift in the mail the other day from none other than Canadian design icon <a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/" target="_blank">Virginia Johnson.</a> I'm the <i>biggest </i>fan of her work - and have been for quite some time - coveting her <a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/collections/shawls" target="_blank">shawls </a>forever. (Which, by the way <a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/products/modal-shawl-garden-fig-green" target="_blank">she has one that I think most home bloggers will find awesome</a>) She's expanded her design business, and her latest venture has been into the home decor with a<a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/collections/garden-collection" target="_blank"> garden collection</a>. In the mail I received the loveliest f<a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/products/rustic-vase-flora-blue-small" target="_blank">lora blue vase from her new garden collection</a>. I have to tell you that the collection is ridiculously <i>perfect </i>and, fits beautifully within her brand. It seems like a natural growth. As an artist myself, I'm intrigued with how she's successfully growing her line.<br /><br />You'd think with "new" garden lines, they would look new. But she's gone antique, and, vintage in her finishes. The shape is modern yet the finish is antiqued perfectly. Crackles in the plaster, compliment Virginia's fluid brush brokes of her art.<br /><br />Virginia wrote on the card that she would love to see how I used it. (Yeah, I may have saved that card - the one where she wrote my name, and signed it with hers - <i>awwwweeeesome</i>!) So I went to my local garden centre and browsed the aisles. You could obviously use it as a vase, but I wanted to do something that worked with the vase - and would see like something that would fit - I ended up walking by the English Lavender and knew right there that it was what would go in it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Z_fNB3wslKWjHexBDJbVn2aPSmvrkm5lBu2HCKvqi0NY3AI5p_x8pNxH8nC_AO6pcmwmpMVO_EfX2TXqrRVhHT_rS7C3jPAXVSj8IaACohh5Rm5s7HdyODYCWoh7a6YiV0emHF2LPHk/s1600/IMG_3558.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/AVvXsEg-Z_fNB3wslKWjHexBDJbVn2aPSmvrkm5lBu2HCKvqi0NY3AI5p_x8pNxH8nC_AO6pcmwmpMVO_EfX2TXqrRVhHT_rS7C3jPAXVSj8IaACohh5Rm5s7HdyODYCWoh7a6YiV0emHF2LPHk/s1600/IMG_3558.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3ObHt4oI1RmCSy0nkWT_XXbp39uRYnFt_pQwW-g6WzN_p2pACrKEef41KI43glyZ_55opG8whHEgON7RC_jZvLTiYKjHVeEY2QOjRO7FHxZ0LTFpvHBzJ1NiizjpP7d2X9DrtVy_fPU/s1600/IMG_3584.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/AVvXsEjV3ObHt4oI1RmCSy0nkWT_XXbp39uRYnFt_pQwW-g6WzN_p2pACrKEef41KI43glyZ_55opG8whHEgON7RC_jZvLTiYKjHVeEY2QOjRO7FHxZ0LTFpvHBzJ1NiizjpP7d2X9DrtVy_fPU/s1600/IMG_3584.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYVpVNttYQT9eYYVEK0TeYw34O98y2uUIfvlmdQkYd9r88uvFT0Uyk-t1U1hwqo6b_SdZknz1eCfzyv1liS2-0oLyPf3X81SaaEpHh5sM7vdkQoTHYiJAqgCqB6nXRdKM3SMU3Jr3MBk/s1600/IMG_3587s.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/AVvXsEjiYVpVNttYQT9eYYVEK0TeYw34O98y2uUIfvlmdQkYd9r88uvFT0Uyk-t1U1hwqo6b_SdZknz1eCfzyv1liS2-0oLyPf3X81SaaEpHh5sM7vdkQoTHYiJAqgCqB6nXRdKM3SMU3Jr3MBk/s1600/IMG_3587s.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>You can find her collection <a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/collections/garden-collection" target="_blank">in her shop</a> but you can also<a href="http://www.virginiajohnson.com/apps/store-locator" target="_blank"> find a store near you. </a><br /><br />Ps., The prices are ridiculously affordable, especially considering they are from her collection. So it's a wonderful way of having a Virginia Johnson piece in your home! My pot retails for $18.00 - crazy!<br /><br /><i>*I was given the planter as a gift. Photographs and opinions are totally my own. Including my gushing and adoration for the artist.</i>

Virginia Johnson's Garden Collection

I received a lovely gift in the mail the other day from none other than Canadian design icon Virginia Johnson. I'm the biggest fan of h...

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The DIY'ers Link Party #3

Welcome back to the NEW and Improved DIY'ers Link Party! These <b>three</b> awesome co-hosts and I are here to bring you the hippest partay in town, comin atcha every Tuesday.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14200870406" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The DIY'ers Link Party Graphic by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIY'ers Link Party Graphic" height="253" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/14200870406_0c35a84acf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My co-hosts are three lovely ladies that sure know how to DIY.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ashley @ <a href="http://biggerthanthethreeofus.com/" target="_blank">Bigger Than the Three of Us</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jennifer @ <a href="http://www.bravenewhome.com/" target="_blank">Brave New Home</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Stephanie @ <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Dream & Create</a></b></div><br />Each week, one of your hosts will choose their three favorite projects from the previous week to feature. This week, Stephanie chose the Top Three projects.  Check out her favorites below.<br /><br /><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://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14221779782" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The DIYers - Stephanie's Top 3 Picks by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIYers - Stephanie's Top 3 Picks" height="109" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5037/14221779782_868ca49331_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><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://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14145209178" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="How to Paint a Clawfoot Tub by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="How to Paint a Clawfoot Tub" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14145209178_2488f98ac7_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah from <a href="http://www.702parkproject.com/2014/01/28/how-to-paint-an-iron-clawfoot-tub/" target="_blank">702 Park Project</a> shares How to Paint a Clawfoot Tub (beautifully, I might add!)</td></tr></tbody></table><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://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14145242670" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Billy Built-ins Ikea Hack by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Billy Built-ins Ikea Hack" height="900" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14145242670_87aa976162_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kat from <a href="http://www.homemadeinterest.com/2014/05/17/billy-to-built-ins-ikea-hack/" target="_blank">Home Made Interest</a> shared this great Ikea Hack bookshelf. And you all know I love my built-ins!</td></tr></tbody></table><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://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14145200209" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DIY-Rolling-Bar-Cart by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY-Rolling-Bar-Cart" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/14145200209_1799760de3_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leigh from <a href="http://houseologie.com/diy-upcycled-bar-cart/" target="_blank">Houseology</a> shared this awesome DIY Upcycled Bar Cart. I really need to get me one of these.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />All featured projects will be pinned to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/klacowsky/the-diyers-party-highlights/" target="_blank">The DIY'ers Pinterest board</a> - so don't forget to follow. Or, follow along with all of my Pinterest boards <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/klacowsky/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><br /><br /> <a data-pin-board-width="640" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="115" href="http://www.pinterest.com/klacowsky/the-diyers-party-highlights/"></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><br />And if you're looking for a new way to be featured, I just introduced a series called <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/Friday%20Features" target="_blank">Friday Features</a>. Each Friday I'll be sharing the blog love with three other bloggers out there. All you have to do is submit your latest & greatest projects to be featured! Details <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/04/now-introducing-friday-features.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13924226935/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Introducing Friday Features by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Introducing Friday Features" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5061/13924226935_9d55205501_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Now onto the party!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grab My Button!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14223801354" title="The DIY'ers Button by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIY'ers Button" height="190" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14223801354_411a43dd24_o.png" width="200" /></a></span><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;"></div><textarea cols="18" name="Grab My Button" readonly="readonly" rows="3"><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers#.U3pbatzmF8M" target="_blank" title="TheDIYers"><img src="<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14223801354" title="The DIY'ers Button by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14223801354_411a43dd24_o.png" width="311" height="297" alt="The DIY'ers Button"></a>" /></a>

The Rules? They're simple!

1. Follow each host somehow; any way is fine! 
2. Take a picture of your DIY and link it up below. 
3. Text link back to one of our hosts or pick up The DIY'ers button from the left sidebar and include it in your post so others can get involved in The DIY party. 
4. Please do not promote giveaways, other link parties, or items for sale
5. By entering a link, you're giving us permission to feature and image on our blogs 

The DIY'ers Link Party #3

Welcome back to the NEW and Improved DIY'ers Link Party! These  three awesome co-hosts and I are here to bring you the hippest partay i...

Read more »

oscar's 4th birthday party

<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/AVvXsEhYGhwcPUusOTragrCUvlCj8nUHNSScRDKXBl3RBdmSJ_WZIWVvcZdEDlS-C8wrSdlG9u9gMtCk433JnNvXaYLR877n55dkdgRxXbP4dMvtg4PgEUq5saXUqmG0wn4LQJ_LFMjjbWw-ESM/s1600/IMG_4065b.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/AVvXsEhYGhwcPUusOTragrCUvlCj8nUHNSScRDKXBl3RBdmSJ_WZIWVvcZdEDlS-C8wrSdlG9u9gMtCk433JnNvXaYLR877n55dkdgRxXbP4dMvtg4PgEUq5saXUqmG0wn4LQJ_LFMjjbWw-ESM/s1600/IMG_4065b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pcGSFZUO_v0Hw34vEd8e3-ZoJ6wuv_fwhPCiGLhATWC_ORLINuAzguZVqHZDAcnc8tzSTs-oWxqgIebwRVR1Do_DqNIqrmswLWicCgH0CwFFhyhpeJcjIZahaNqvEzrl4rL996Ngxcc/s1600/IMG_4087.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/AVvXsEh0pcGSFZUO_v0Hw34vEd8e3-ZoJ6wuv_fwhPCiGLhATWC_ORLINuAzguZVqHZDAcnc8tzSTs-oWxqgIebwRVR1Do_DqNIqrmswLWicCgH0CwFFhyhpeJcjIZahaNqvEzrl4rL996Ngxcc/s1600/IMG_4087.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglh2CNJ6zdJNrrKl3jFHv8mpdXzFB1pJRzYo40DCCw6NQVMjz5UtuibJo5Nc-AtFeRNvoJpxHHaOWID5POiQssjotW6iZ0pF0z1u6v71W6BWVyUUJOUsi1zQORoO1gUUDMIS32lyorIg/s1600/IMG_4175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglh2CNJ6zdJNrrKl3jFHv8mpdXzFB1pJRzYo40DCCw6NQVMjz5UtuibJo5Nc-AtFeRNvoJpxHHaOWID5POiQssjotW6iZ0pF0z1u6v71W6BWVyUUJOUsi1zQORoO1gUUDMIS32lyorIg/s1600/IMG_4175.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN4Evti1SuBOv2DZj2PnpuG00wq-cFE95L3c7VF1PcXfAo4FKr26syxXPlnRlxqpIfPpwnACFp_qj2t4nT5L2UtxIJc8C2h505E51p9731NnqoTC_nwGnjsSNSYG0BAMxfqtNASulllE/s1600/IMG_4180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN4Evti1SuBOv2DZj2PnpuG00wq-cFE95L3c7VF1PcXfAo4FKr26syxXPlnRlxqpIfPpwnACFp_qj2t4nT5L2UtxIJc8C2h505E51p9731NnqoTC_nwGnjsSNSYG0BAMxfqtNASulllE/s1600/IMG_4180.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO7RjgM8nevru6wIpg-RVNjtEl8JJtQ7gAkjEVrIOQrqBD9JOjUp6Wjgtigkj17KmZ8FgB-su5UX5JDdTDSqETGMv78x-mvIasTiWg5C6wrd0nMy4W30KEEeGrpFAFkXeVJAatRmj3t0/s1600/IMG_4250.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/AVvXsEjEO7RjgM8nevru6wIpg-RVNjtEl8JJtQ7gAkjEVrIOQrqBD9JOjUp6Wjgtigkj17KmZ8FgB-su5UX5JDdTDSqETGMv78x-mvIasTiWg5C6wrd0nMy4W30KEEeGrpFAFkXeVJAatRmj3t0/s1600/IMG_4250.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gntt5nMJfxAnQb5es2tnIASUF_vwSzjxaJ56jVF13AG3RroCyYqwiSRLnjOSneLQd1mLhyluHGHEofhSdHBGsuXWNO_HdN3YvJX5zbx_wBOTWbFJqotTkt1w6yfls3f1UnYtsNowtaI/s1600/IMG_4260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gntt5nMJfxAnQb5es2tnIASUF_vwSzjxaJ56jVF13AG3RroCyYqwiSRLnjOSneLQd1mLhyluHGHEofhSdHBGsuXWNO_HdN3YvJX5zbx_wBOTWbFJqotTkt1w6yfls3f1UnYtsNowtaI/s1600/IMG_4260.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq4DkEfDJWvuLJXkYCnfrR728H2O2n5DJmQ8as7Epammma8JBxCSiARaT7H5PMPAeHxgkCvZLPETcRPzQDY_sjXlQZZ99-7yNF54PC3IFZhus5M0UA0DtNlBNdhG8xJAsm8022mPIFkk/s1600/IMG_4114.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/AVvXsEiBq4DkEfDJWvuLJXkYCnfrR728H2O2n5DJmQ8as7Epammma8JBxCSiARaT7H5PMPAeHxgkCvZLPETcRPzQDY_sjXlQZZ99-7yNF54PC3IFZhus5M0UA0DtNlBNdhG8xJAsm8022mPIFkk/s1600/IMG_4114.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUepkYX3zG9qXNMkbFTErIaWXvPbCsL07KJp8sS3Y6LeBm9B1mZuPk9FE1svugdEOHm2riMgrHAX76_YxCWbw3ASJoAdfDHl2jwC7ySdX9ZKvQyPbwsixIZU6YxOplUhMLr6NWS7tKd9U/s1600/IMG_4191.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/AVvXsEhUepkYX3zG9qXNMkbFTErIaWXvPbCsL07KJp8sS3Y6LeBm9B1mZuPk9FE1svugdEOHm2riMgrHAX76_YxCWbw3ASJoAdfDHl2jwC7ySdX9ZKvQyPbwsixIZU6YxOplUhMLr6NWS7tKd9U/s1600/IMG_4191.jpg" /></a></div><br />Oscar's birthday party was this past Sunday and we did much the same as we did last year  - we invited Oscar's friends, along with their brothers and sisters and parents over for a family BBQ.  Aubrey and I decided that this year instead of buying gifts for him we'd buy a <a href="http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=3639958" target="_blank">L<span id="goog_19562402"></span>ittle Tikes Jump 'N Slide bouncy castle<span id="goog_19562403"></span> when we saw it on sale at Toys R' Us for $199.</a> (Well, I may have picked up a few Cars toys for him, because he does love them so). Our justification was because of the amount of kids in the area, and our love of having them over - we knew that we'd get a lot of use out of it to make it a worthwhile purchase. Years ago I wondered what kind of parent bought those monstrosities. Turns out they are ridiculously cute. Whoops! Yeah. Classic foot in mouth.<br /><br />The details of the party were minimal, but even "minimal" parties it takes a lot of work. Oscar asked for a cake in the shape of a 4, we did a Pinata, had out bubbles, chalk, popcorn machine and a tattoo station. Throughout the garden I had plastic dollar store dinosaurs placed holding balloons (shown in the top photo).<br /><br />The party was basically .... the kids just bounced, ate lunch on blankets on the grass, ate cake, played, bounced, hit the pinata, opened presents, ran around because we gave them sugar and then the party was over and I went and had a nap. Oh, and if you want to see how ridiculously cute four year olds are when bouncing on a bouncy castle is, this video is for you.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="388" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/97221351?title=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="690"></iframe> Aren't they adorable? Those little legs. Ugh. I love this age. Anyhow, there you go! Our 4th birthday party. Here's his<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/05/birthday-party-recap.html" target="_blank"> first birthday party</a> (<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/05/birthday-party-cake.html" target="_blank">his 1st cake</a>), (we skipped the 2 year old party) , and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/06/oscars-3rd-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">3rd</a>.<br /><br />xo Lindsay

oscar's 4th birthday party

Oscar's birthday party was this past Sunday and we did much the same as we did last year  - we invited Oscar's friends, along with t...

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Wood, concrete & vintage

On démarre la semaine avec cette belle maison danoise, où le mélange de bois, béton et vintage créé une atmosphère à la fois minimaliste et chaleureuse. J'adore le mobilier et les rangements intégrés, les cloisons en verre permettant à la lumière, mais pas le bruit, de circuler librement entre les pièces, et le superbe sol en béton.<br /><br /><i>Let's start the week with this beautiful Danish home, where the mix of wood, concrete and vintage creates a minimalist yet warm atmosphere. Loving the smart built-in furniture and storage solutions, the g</i><i>lass walls allowing light, but not noise, to freely circulate between the rooms, and the amazing concrete floors.</i><br /><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPypYFf47Q2YPDj4sHcvVF5Vp7kCtl2yL8i7gyXZdsGHI8yCag6ttC5E-MfTNfQ7qAphcjTtjbIqogDheMRRlCk5jX_NfgfejxnEjVU2teizpgC2i6jMtOAzkm1OxOO4W_yeGNuMq-VtQ/s1600/27b1ee17f060428c9f7ae8492135e161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPypYFf47Q2YPDj4sHcvVF5Vp7kCtl2yL8i7gyXZdsGHI8yCag6ttC5E-MfTNfQ7qAphcjTtjbIqogDheMRRlCk5jX_NfgfejxnEjVU2teizpgC2i6jMtOAzkm1OxOO4W_yeGNuMq-VtQ/s1600/27b1ee17f060428c9f7ae8492135e161.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMreUPxr2b3WEOUDhZ83_38Wet0nyvMpe-0CWw8WR9t89Z_OQE7Zj-5ffHmNyVtBrhRNRx2LBD6rQiJyxIXfQzBcOENgbZ0gJXBvS24PZfcg4dDzPio-kXj8Sb7ONwfVr7gn5xf1HM09o/s1600/f7841077fae24c40a08dce509c4e8919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMreUPxr2b3WEOUDhZ83_38Wet0nyvMpe-0CWw8WR9t89Z_OQE7Zj-5ffHmNyVtBrhRNRx2LBD6rQiJyxIXfQzBcOENgbZ0gJXBvS24PZfcg4dDzPio-kXj8Sb7ONwfVr7gn5xf1HM09o/s1600/f7841077fae24c40a08dce509c4e8919.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgys5mMyI6rWxzlil2tTY3pGsEdjWz5P83BvXrc4tLTG38T6_VIoM6ts2EkDUmQyZ74yc9AZhZIcjuyTzAUUxToYuygFhZrHaosVY_hX1TjkOEUiXh_RlKznvEvIM1nYpA_UigSNDkpQ/s1600/01bd17154b4d4cac86bdcb9d92657819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgys5mMyI6rWxzlil2tTY3pGsEdjWz5P83BvXrc4tLTG38T6_VIoM6ts2EkDUmQyZ74yc9AZhZIcjuyTzAUUxToYuygFhZrHaosVY_hX1TjkOEUiXh_RlKznvEvIM1nYpA_UigSNDkpQ/s1600/01bd17154b4d4cac86bdcb9d92657819.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PACpcesTr4SYyFncLECL4eG5Rszyu09rNNb8Uf2F-hENBx__QSTNYLtxmKgPG9JF3HL11A8Y9eP2aRc8o51upT5cz1FVNdWnym7vwLaIbkBURkPnrPeflDNWaOnDP2kIKM73aP0IWRU/s1600/e988328d3ae84fed94285b4586e9a4f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PACpcesTr4SYyFncLECL4eG5Rszyu09rNNb8Uf2F-hENBx__QSTNYLtxmKgPG9JF3HL11A8Y9eP2aRc8o51upT5cz1FVNdWnym7vwLaIbkBURkPnrPeflDNWaOnDP2kIKM73aP0IWRU/s1600/e988328d3ae84fed94285b4586e9a4f7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfk4mQf-k6hZ_Tc3PH9CFBmX3bub1rlOlnWHaqwCc8zBcDA8XezIXN10lShkNtkdAa9o-w4T453wNmUTtqWqtWkW_RPka-oYW_nyYc_CZoQ9Y4xHz50gDLkTMvaB5z1BvHuyRjKJFVCA/s1600/67ba6f4f611944f695d43a38e96ed713-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfk4mQf-k6hZ_Tc3PH9CFBmX3bub1rlOlnWHaqwCc8zBcDA8XezIXN10lShkNtkdAa9o-w4T453wNmUTtqWqtWkW_RPka-oYW_nyYc_CZoQ9Y4xHz50gDLkTMvaB5z1BvHuyRjKJFVCA/s1600/67ba6f4f611944f695d43a38e96ed713-tile.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTg_srJ43FMXVyzlCZthuE5JCHDH4ebTEXWDW639CSDwCWbrhucVdleDWm1eaomPKoIR7sxAGaBlbWKRlirYpQWEAS0Ve3zxagrZjaKz9-ljKWoqR6Vsf5_Uq-7GsuSVFIF2vFthOe0o/s1600/be3d7ce44ffd46d3a72559079e54460e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTg_srJ43FMXVyzlCZthuE5JCHDH4ebTEXWDW639CSDwCWbrhucVdleDWm1eaomPKoIR7sxAGaBlbWKRlirYpQWEAS0Ve3zxagrZjaKz9-ljKWoqR6Vsf5_Uq-7GsuSVFIF2vFthOe0o/s1600/be3d7ce44ffd46d3a72559079e54460e.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw-W1QM4I9Pezk6Uadoo-Wij03h8YXGKgBlTd6Z_Ba5uk3dicHRxkmjIm_09-z527AUQeilHVVjZlcds-PW95eQpz64fr6knWVcNVc-tU6Gj38kRN8pKvJnF5ZAnAYcqacEKh_OlavWw/s1600/537c121e781a4360a2a1fa1070f8b050-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw-W1QM4I9Pezk6Uadoo-Wij03h8YXGKgBlTd6Z_Ba5uk3dicHRxkmjIm_09-z527AUQeilHVVjZlcds-PW95eQpz64fr6knWVcNVc-tU6Gj38kRN8pKvJnF5ZAnAYcqacEKh_OlavWw/s1600/537c121e781a4360a2a1fa1070f8b050-tile.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCAK8mjrSnsSFTrX5K_RiW-QIroyOP_lMG_FEjAr4EH7BTSy-T0XDTkrhoNVa5yRPYwodLmtl6XA_ZwIjQhm36DkD6CLhN1UsVoJqCoKqmmzJDvEXe5ZsitxDuEplswViM23eOTT2Ul8/s1600/e89fa27e7d8940cbb7ad680b78a8af9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCAK8mjrSnsSFTrX5K_RiW-QIroyOP_lMG_FEjAr4EH7BTSy-T0XDTkrhoNVa5yRPYwodLmtl6XA_ZwIjQhm36DkD6CLhN1UsVoJqCoKqmmzJDvEXe5ZsitxDuEplswViM23eOTT2Ul8/s1600/e89fa27e7d8940cbb7ad680b78a8af9e.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Source <a href="http://boligmagasinet.dk/article/183381-en-vidunderlig-villa/gallery/865067" target="_blank">Bolig Magasinet / photo Morten Holtum</a></i></div>

Wood, concrete & vintage

On démarre la semaine avec cette belle maison danoise, où le mélange de bois, béton et vintage créé une atmosphère à la fois minimaliste et ...

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father's day gift ideas

<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/AVvXsEh00balkedUYAoy9VGmp8k3uABg2A2z4U_g4aF3Xzu1R2vdWSUO-0XWn0Pu3sIbupvhQt71JODWZx93eN6JmmL8jQfxZcQykJAoLCFeaMOvJ82CxbQB8zWcWHpvsq9dfUcNitLmef9xdWU/s1600/dad.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/AVvXsEh00balkedUYAoy9VGmp8k3uABg2A2z4U_g4aF3Xzu1R2vdWSUO-0XWn0Pu3sIbupvhQt71JODWZx93eN6JmmL8jQfxZcQykJAoLCFeaMOvJ82CxbQB8zWcWHpvsq9dfUcNitLmef9xdWU/s1600/dad.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fpages%2Flittlehouseblog%2Fdad%3Fref%3Dpg_index_33" target="_blank">Father's Day finds via Etsy!</a> I put this collection together obviously with Aubrey in mind, but also, thinking of my Dad, had he been here with us. (That vintage rocket just would be something he would have thought was cool!) The items above and more are in my "<a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fpages%2Flittlehouseblog%2Fdad%3Fref%3Dpg_index_33" target="_blank">Dad</a>" collection on Etsy. Ps., I gave Aubrey that "<a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F126905493%2Flionel-richie-mug-hello-the-original-16%3Fref%3Dpg_view_14%26ctx%3D%252Fpages%252Flittlehouseblog%252Fdad" target="_blank">Hello</a>" mug and he drinks out of it every, single, morning. It's the <i>best</i>. (And, dishwasher safe)

father's day gift ideas

Father's Day finds via Etsy! I put this collection together obviously with Aubrey in mind, but also, thinking of my Dad, had he been he...

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How to build a custom closet

Who out there wants a more organized and spacious closet? <i>Me! Me! Me!</i><br /><br />And thanks to handy Husband Justin, I now have my very own custom closet. As part of our <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/p/remodeling.html" target="_blank">Master Suite Remodel</a>, we moved our closet and built a custom closet system to best maximize our space and get the most out of it's size. And now it's done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14151756000" title="How to Build a Custom Closet System by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="How to Build a Custom Closet System" height="1000" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/14151756000_223e78e8cb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Who out there wants to know how to build their own custom closet?  We're going to give you a <i>general</i> overview of how to build a custom closet system. If you want an excellent and in-depth tutorial, we'd recommend this tutorial from <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-built-in-bookshelf/index.html" target="_blank">The DIY network</a>.<br /><br /><h3>Step 1: Design your space! </h3><br />I started by designing the space. I sketched out a few different ideas on how we could get all our my stuff into a small-ish walk in closet, and <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/02/optimizing-our-closet.html" target="_blank">this</a> is where we landed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12794700855" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Closet Plans1 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Closet Plans1" height="826" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/12794700855_f52d81b2e9_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><h3>Step 2: Build your closet system's frame</h3><br />Using MDF for the side panels, Justin put together the frame of the bookcase. He glued and nailed the top/bottom of the closet system to the sides using wood glue and 1-1/4" brad nails. These nails are to hold the pieces together until you put the actual screws in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14321717221" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Building a Custom Closet System by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Building a Custom Closet System" height="906" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/14321717221_7d3946ab1a_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Then, to prevent the material from splitting, pre-drill holes using a countersink drill bit (this can be used on a regular drill). Then after the holes have been pre-drilled, screw the pieces together using 2" coarse thread drywall screws.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14301960366" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PreDrilling by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="PreDrilling" height="428" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14301960366_fa475ab63b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><h3>Step 3: Attach your closet system's Face Frame </h3><br />Next step is putting the face frame on the closet system. For this we used select pine. We secured this into place using wood glue and 1-1/4" brand nails - but no screws!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14138436140" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Building a Custom Closet System Frame by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Building a Custom Closet System Frame" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/14138436140_d1766ef15f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Next, it's time to go around and fill in all of the nail & screw holes. Instead of using wood filler, we use Bondo body filler + cream hardener. This is a little trade secret because it fills the holes and gaps nicely and does not shrink or crack like wood filler does. But move quickly, because this stuff dries fast!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14138445798" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Better than Wood Filler by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Better than Wood Filler" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14138445798_f68585346a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After the filler has dried, sand with 100 grit sandpaper using your orbital sander.<br /><br /><h3>Step 4: Build your shelves</h3><br />While we let the Bondo filler dry, Justin went on to building the shelves using MDF for the shelves and select pine for the facing on the front edge of the shelf. Secure the pieces using wood glue, then nail together using 2" finish nails (and your finish nailer). Then apply the Bondo + Cream mixed filler, just like you did on the frame's facing, and let dry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14301963836" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Building a Shelf by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Building a Shelf" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14301963836_2306b15542_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The next step for our closet system was to drill all the little holes in the side so my shelves are adjustable.<br /><br />To easily achieve perfectly spaced holes, Justin made a "guide" using a spare piece of plywood, measuring out the exact spacing for each hole at 1 inch. He was then able to tape the guide to the frame of the closet system (2 inches from the front edge) and put in all the holes very quickly using an Adjustable Shelf Bit which we found at <a href="http://www.rockler.com/search/go?asug=&w=pro+shelf+drilling+bit" target="_blank">Rockler</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14138451679" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Adjustable Hole Drilling by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Adjustable Hole Drilling" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5035/14138451679_af5796f2d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Then Justin installed the shelves and the closet shelf & rod brackets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13717579143" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Installing Closet System by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Installing Closet System" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/13717579143_f9c7a6e90e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13717561655" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Installing Closet Shelves by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Installing Closet Shelves" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/13717561655_bf42386fb8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h3></h3><h3>Step 5: Attach back of Closet System, affix to walls and add trim</h3><br />Next up is attaching the back of the Closet System. Because our Home Depot didn't carry 1/4" MDF, we used 1/4" plywood for the back of the bookcase. The MDF is a little better because it doesn't warp over time, but because this will be pretty well secured (using a staple gun), we weren't too concerned.<br /><br />For the true "built-in" look, it looks best to have a back on the shelving unit parts of your closet system vs. leaving it open to the wall. Having a back on your shelving built-ins also helps to hold everything together and makes a sturdier piece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14324376204" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Custom Closet System by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Custom Closet System" height="906" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14324376204_270ff77131_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Lastly, put the bookcase in place and secure to the wall using 3" screws along the top piece into the wall studs. We added trim to the top & bottom of the shelving unit parts of the closet system to help make it look a little fancier.<br /><br /><h3>Step 6: Paint your closet system and style! </h3><br />We put on two coats of white primer and one coat of xx paint using our paint sprayer. Rolling paint on with a smooth roller would work fine too.<br /><br />And then it was time to get all my clothes in there and start organizing. I've got a TON of clothes and they all fit in there really nicely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14321906281" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="How to Build a Custom Closet System by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="How to Build a Custom Closet System" height="906" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/14321906281_2116004ff0_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />So while the square footage of this new closet is the same as our old, it's designed much more efficiently and we have so much more room for our things.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14138583509" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Custom Closet System by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Custom Closet System" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/14138583509_6729c45581_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14138622420" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Custom Closet by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Custom Closet" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5157/14138622420_2fb22c220d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14323469972" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Custom Built Dresser by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Custom Built Dresser" height="906" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/14323469972_b1d6cdaac0_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And later this week, we'll share how Justin DIY'ed that built-in dresser. Awesome, right?<br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'century gothic', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><b><b><b>Linking up to:  <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>,  <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>,  <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Creativity Unleashed</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>,  <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a> <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Before and Afters,</a> <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wow Me Wednesday,</a><a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery,</a>  <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday, </a> <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Party Bunch,</a> <a href="http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Link it or Lump it,</a>  <a href="http://www.thecasualcraftlete.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Party</a>, <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">It's a Party</a>, <a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wednesday's</a>, <a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Makers</a>, <a href="http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Do Tell Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://lifeinvelvet.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Thursday Style</a>, <a href="http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/" style="color: #f6644d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Link'n Blogs</a>,  </b></b></b></b><br /><br /><br /><div class="shareaholic-canvas" data-app-id="6612612" data-app="share_buttons"></div><br />

How to build a custom closet

Who out there wants a more organized and spacious closet? Me! Me! Me! And thanks to handy Husband Justin, I now have my very own custom clos...

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summer party loot bag idea

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCREMYD5P9Wz06XC_dqdRmI-hexFPD0EHhXmhujn8jxTaSDjC0CqUntzO0p3Q2KqPyDe_9krxQmhJgYKciFk5Cpp4SbSfyCc3YnAYRB0s4Huj4IhxDy2giP2qXkMiMS5GmgMjhyphenhyphena6xk4/s1600/IMG_3977.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/AVvXsEiCCREMYD5P9Wz06XC_dqdRmI-hexFPD0EHhXmhujn8jxTaSDjC0CqUntzO0p3Q2KqPyDe_9krxQmhJgYKciFk5Cpp4SbSfyCc3YnAYRB0s4Huj4IhxDy2giP2qXkMiMS5GmgMjhyphenhyphena6xk4/s1600/IMG_3977.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0091/7252/files/candy.gif?3191" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTDKudYRpMIDypRrYfd2b_Kho5R1FKz2FyX38HmmzOOgNzp0YP3tV_VS7bg2ErTAKRxytBn1AmrfRcMl6GGrhe7_57de1ibMtDOopKwTsTQqBbTQJm8rInNv61shSlLym-ihoKLeUm8k/s1600/IMG_4041.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/AVvXsEilTDKudYRpMIDypRrYfd2b_Kho5R1FKz2FyX38HmmzOOgNzp0YP3tV_VS7bg2ErTAKRxytBn1AmrfRcMl6GGrhe7_57de1ibMtDOopKwTsTQqBbTQJm8rInNv61shSlLym-ihoKLeUm8k/s1600/IMG_4041.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0091/7252/files/candy_good.gif?3193" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0091/7252/files/candy_good.gif?3193" width="680" /></a></div>I can't take credit for this idea - my friend Julie did this loot bag for her son's birthday party last Summer and I thought it was GENIUS. <i>So genius</i> that I copied it for Oscar's birthday party this past Sunday. Shovels are from <a href="http://www.target.ca/en/" target="_blank">Target</a>, and candy is from <a href="http://www.bulkbarn.ca/en-ca/index.html" target="_blank">Bulk Barn</a>. Making these loot bags were a great deal of fun. I put everything we needed to make the bags on the floor, put the candies in their own bowls and Oscar helped make the loot bags - counting out exact worms and frogs for each shovel and helping me tie the ribbon. It was a fun activity to do together and we talked about how we'd be giving them to people to say thank you for coming to his party!

summer party loot bag idea

I can't take credit for this idea - my friend Julie did this loot bag for her son's birthday party last Summer and I thought it was ...

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