Kitchen Update + Giveaway winners

Random title for a random post.<br /><br />I'm back from our big adventure to Costa Rica (yes, I'm still alive!) and it was everything I ever dreamed of...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUqZpaTge1DKkan1JZ1RAu9kkBGGje47PCl16yzgYGu6x1dk-7JJKqTGAq-Oddcx4Dh6BHNKvuKOLB5Xnw3TfgZfDuhg2dkZ7CKXpIgvM-3aQW8aydOt6Tco_XgDdACLB_-Gyb8BMVD_K/s1600/Costa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUqZpaTge1DKkan1JZ1RAu9kkBGGje47PCl16yzgYGu6x1dk-7JJKqTGAq-Oddcx4Dh6BHNKvuKOLB5Xnw3TfgZfDuhg2dkZ7CKXpIgvM-3aQW8aydOt6Tco_XgDdACLB_-Gyb8BMVD_K/s640/Costa.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br />From playing with monkeys to ziplining to tubing to mud baths & hot springs to rock climbing and horseback riding and even a 6.6 earthquake... this trip was one for the recordbooks.<br /><br />I wanted to bring a piece of it home with me to remember, and I didn't have to look farther than the beach. Their beaches are amazing. Filled with miles of driftwood, pristine seashells and large chunks of coral. <br /><br />I've been wanting my own piece of driftwood forever now, and had given up on finding any at our local beaches (they are scooped up the second they appear), so I hit the jackpot on this trip.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed1NgrNB_5yLve8eZomiUw07H7oH9xBVKXJ9UJZlQ6HqXPpsgSvsiE9MKif79kjnwCToqyEZo15ToHC4KIJlLW3MLMJafc92chfRQCW9qN4rHM66LtpX57-G5DOZHmtoqre9rHs-Ei-kA/s1600/IMG_9328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed1NgrNB_5yLve8eZomiUw07H7oH9xBVKXJ9UJZlQ6HqXPpsgSvsiE9MKif79kjnwCToqyEZo15ToHC4KIJlLW3MLMJafc92chfRQCW9qN4rHM66LtpX57-G5DOZHmtoqre9rHs-Ei-kA/s1600/IMG_9328.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was small enough to fit in my suitcase, and just the perfect size for the console table. <br />I love the black volcanic ash twisted into the wood. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXpOt1KMOgGqdvJPnMQ1-MB6t7D667ZMxyOiX8vcRwaCYdfqrxhtZwMhKxaYSGV4m2k6H5se6iIAG-dmb8ZhU8d0ssSbxP11CS1OK9BKUB6tFh0T0o9_EAJklt90JLjgDFNrCvjCuK2yd/s1600/IMG_9331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXpOt1KMOgGqdvJPnMQ1-MB6t7D667ZMxyOiX8vcRwaCYdfqrxhtZwMhKxaYSGV4m2k6H5se6iIAG-dmb8ZhU8d0ssSbxP11CS1OK9BKUB6tFh0T0o9_EAJklt90JLjgDFNrCvjCuK2yd/s1600/IMG_9331.jpg" /></a></div><br />And of course, I couldn't leave without a stash of shells and coral...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO56LHVtfTDyAaSF_L4qDbukT-lZJTx9j_JwvBHSuIfaJgYs2gsA8ZHZ-pTekUXEXLqX2j0Fxu18gto739Yn-N343RotlflG5kQHyUzGriUFi9PgquJsyor6e5pz9Luk4bPHzBjBPK1xB/s1600/IMG_9342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO56LHVtfTDyAaSF_L4qDbukT-lZJTx9j_JwvBHSuIfaJgYs2gsA8ZHZ-pTekUXEXLqX2j0Fxu18gto739Yn-N343RotlflG5kQHyUzGriUFi9PgquJsyor6e5pz9Luk4bPHzBjBPK1xB/s1600/IMG_9342.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Aren't they neat? The sand is just littered with them. <br /><br />After soaking them in bleach (to get rid of any lingering saltwater nasties) and letting them dry, I had to find a place to display them.<br /><br />I had this old candle jar that I thought would work on the same console table underneath the driftwood:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFnrLrBTWJz0wkNOKmMcohCRUQHwINa9jyvjBk36xDGQshs52INh_5XlRXyZt06VCbNOC4R8yoaLSkkfs1D_8camrdmywkKjCKf3iwQTNtgTYr9oFQQN7FVoVNCcptVgaETdXuta_1Q7g/s1600/IMG_9340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFnrLrBTWJz0wkNOKmMcohCRUQHwINa9jyvjBk36xDGQshs52INh_5XlRXyZt06VCbNOC4R8yoaLSkkfs1D_8camrdmywkKjCKf3iwQTNtgTYr9oFQQN7FVoVNCcptVgaETdXuta_1Q7g/s1600/IMG_9340.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />A quick google search instructed me to freeze it for a couple hours and the wax will pop right out.<br /><br />After removing it from the freezer, I tried to pry it out with a knife, and then this happeend...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpC32Ubblz8FRCBTL1aO9O-6SMkbSCqm30nS0cPZolvCaDp2154WpEwCHrkDXl6ohDL5i0e3nQgvkdYjTIKz1dI9Q1KcNYgq0KeN-4T8kRAXKkmudjNeQ_h05v6bOqUdtI-c3ll86jcgZt/s1600/IMG_9356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpC32Ubblz8FRCBTL1aO9O-6SMkbSCqm30nS0cPZolvCaDp2154WpEwCHrkDXl6ohDL5i0e3nQgvkdYjTIKz1dI9Q1KcNYgq0KeN-4T8kRAXKkmudjNeQ_h05v6bOqUdtI-c3ll86jcgZt/s1600/IMG_9356.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Whoops, time for a plan B.<br /><br />I didn't have any more candles in that size, but I did have a smaller one, so I figured I'd give this experiment another try:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKAHvahVD2jC1bxVS7sBmFbASqzzmBIMS-YdnEieRK9Mmk8qn8Yrp-XiVyi6KtPzraerle2rM5TzsAhWSynRLyaHDtcjnrBk1lgvwDJRo-ZuoHMuQPHhS-f4C9e8Onkzg_fsckKNjIwmg/s1600/IMG_9359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKAHvahVD2jC1bxVS7sBmFbASqzzmBIMS-YdnEieRK9Mmk8qn8Yrp-XiVyi6KtPzraerle2rM5TzsAhWSynRLyaHDtcjnrBk1lgvwDJRo-ZuoHMuQPHhS-f4C9e8Onkzg_fsckKNjIwmg/s1600/IMG_9359.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This time it fell right out on its own.<br /><br />I gave it a quick scrub and rinse, and I had a fresh empty jar:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkA9nzXUHwIDcgi-rQqgOe5_Xz4KVFO4Z8DEUFdFvs8Zr-ZelvgWKc5GtfAumu8AIN_-m3MkCKLC4NarCqzycuNve8lBO6Sy0ZeRbkaN7iv44eWPBNl5kamA7l9NiXH-oJ9KJMPs_Gkbr/s1600/IMG_9361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkA9nzXUHwIDcgi-rQqgOe5_Xz4KVFO4Z8DEUFdFvs8Zr-ZelvgWKc5GtfAumu8AIN_-m3MkCKLC4NarCqzycuNve8lBO6Sy0ZeRbkaN7iv44eWPBNl5kamA7l9NiXH-oJ9KJMPs_Gkbr/s1600/IMG_9361.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Perfect size for a shell display.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttMShQnBoHhUzWrPUICAjoKPhtOQExTRMjeBeoQfFYxCkhNz-xOP3-nyprQk7hsU-P9981rLguqEq2PAvAH9oR-BtwDCfoYfZtBwpVpkYzrQj4CNbTXy7f6ztnjK77VlTWEr6Ua5DCbK_/s1600/IMG_9363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttMShQnBoHhUzWrPUICAjoKPhtOQExTRMjeBeoQfFYxCkhNz-xOP3-nyprQk7hsU-P9981rLguqEq2PAvAH9oR-BtwDCfoYfZtBwpVpkYzrQj4CNbTXy7f6ztnjK77VlTWEr6Ua5DCbK_/s1600/IMG_9363.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLL6PNUyp2ZLbtqA9Fqs3T3iABEyhexBiwZzAljkBQLyPZX8Lca7rQAUSOE5sBRfW88QzmeOK_MlBDS98DFFbDndnN_9wyAYkR0bvumfEcrkHWEqK8gSSLH9Cy7MQe99oV87YAEMb9yqn/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLL6PNUyp2ZLbtqA9Fqs3T3iABEyhexBiwZzAljkBQLyPZX8Lca7rQAUSOE5sBRfW88QzmeOK_MlBDS98DFFbDndnN_9wyAYkR0bvumfEcrkHWEqK8gSSLH9Cy7MQe99oV87YAEMb9yqn/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I placed it here for now but it will inevitably relocate in the future. <br /><br /><br />Now, moving on.<br /><br />It has been 9 months since we put the finishing touches on our kitchen. So in the time it takes to grow a baby, our cabinets have gone from perfect shiny white:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzSTrsR4DViXu-G6tMP5d-TFM-59wVemxiMmoe-iqiEFBE9JXnN5jEWxkXxxLuJfUYTCO_0qBY-Y411cjv65dmuion4kDRPmk-DyHW9BAGegVH3QRoYX6zIgfuBc9M4z_w0o64pwVE239/s1600/IMG_7328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzSTrsR4DViXu-G6tMP5d-TFM-59wVemxiMmoe-iqiEFBE9JXnN5jEWxkXxxLuJfUYTCO_0qBY-Y411cjv65dmuion4kDRPmk-DyHW9BAGegVH3QRoYX6zIgfuBc9M4z_w0o64pwVE239/s640/IMG_7328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />To slightly less pristine:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAAR7u4tVoxmJLQEO-tdEPVb_trtMEqWFcP2sQljXYlHSDRgdwUll1B1tUBPrm23AsgqcLvl9FLGASRjv5zPVI6TyAGLqgMfv8sOwYQlzuzjslfuaazcR7_WW7sAeSaoG_Sb_vTrO-Kao/s1600/IMG_9255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAAR7u4tVoxmJLQEO-tdEPVb_trtMEqWFcP2sQljXYlHSDRgdwUll1B1tUBPrm23AsgqcLvl9FLGASRjv5zPVI6TyAGLqgMfv8sOwYQlzuzjslfuaazcR7_WW7sAeSaoG_Sb_vTrO-Kao/s1600/IMG_9255.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t1FBbzGmfr_cTOoS78GNvOgG-ZdsfB6douaFSSzANg3bWFv8qpn9HD6FDiXDPiaZMFIx5HOL2RCglnIXnHAUEJJeql1uZ8TXvvchmX2ELzzoEaMbEM4jKLTCiBqUF3TCRw_w03XvYBBv/s1600/IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t1FBbzGmfr_cTOoS78GNvOgG-ZdsfB6douaFSSzANg3bWFv8qpn9HD6FDiXDPiaZMFIx5HOL2RCglnIXnHAUEJJeql1uZ8TXvvchmX2ELzzoEaMbEM4jKLTCiBqUF3TCRw_w03XvYBBv/s1600/IMG_9259.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Caulk has a bad habit of shrinking/disappearing over time, and it was becoming evident by the cracks in the seams. Not only that, but I felt like the paint was wearing down a bit in some places, like here:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7njFojYzLgQFN2nJhxVbD8-a9AqXTQLVnvx8KSUz4EPzPp5HCfL9uJt6hIhuL1g5WjOznxaE7nUokAq4XS5J5EZvNOhmZCbbEzPUzVi8ILqiQZvSYoKOiclECSMPBWMq16NlK6-Y0NCb/s1600/IMG_9257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7njFojYzLgQFN2nJhxVbD8-a9AqXTQLVnvx8KSUz4EPzPp5HCfL9uJt6hIhuL1g5WjOznxaE7nUokAq4XS5J5EZvNOhmZCbbEzPUzVi8ILqiQZvSYoKOiclECSMPBWMq16NlK6-Y0NCb/s1600/IMG_9257.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And here:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYt8IPLDDIuIeXJ8s2yKJVv0ApKr9Qpr75OhYkPWVvONFwjmAbmbplQhUOID8kRRx2qrMpxq9OitrD2iFyaMSprw3m-5A9y0fQXUrVn0ALZT9_-j_tkaAvhlvpQtk_2B62bcy3Sc1LIlR/s1600/IMG_9258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYt8IPLDDIuIeXJ8s2yKJVv0ApKr9Qpr75OhYkPWVvONFwjmAbmbplQhUOID8kRRx2qrMpxq9OitrD2iFyaMSprw3m-5A9y0fQXUrVn0ALZT9_-j_tkaAvhlvpQtk_2B62bcy3Sc1LIlR/s1600/IMG_9258.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t1FBbzGmfr_cTOoS78GNvOgG-ZdsfB6douaFSSzANg3bWFv8qpn9HD6FDiXDPiaZMFIx5HOL2RCglnIXnHAUEJJeql1uZ8TXvvchmX2ELzzoEaMbEM4jKLTCiBqUF3TCRw_w03XvYBBv/s1600/IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>  </div>Even though we completely followed the rules, step by step, and even made sure to be a little generous on the paint coverage so this wouldn't happen.<br /><br />Regardless, it started bothering me enough to the point where I needed to break out the  <br />caulk & paint for touchups.<br /><br />Caulk first:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFU1zglKGlA10mfxS76qRhD2G4WZsqfDn2Txe8Y5Pdb9Lj0w3vVjSGrPw2Za88Fs43htQkYmG0JEPLNasMfBTFfoGf6bN82LB30OoTmLpnl30WTIR_alEgiaaRr330q5ezyUYDReXdw4d/s1600/IMG_9260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFU1zglKGlA10mfxS76qRhD2G4WZsqfDn2Txe8Y5Pdb9Lj0w3vVjSGrPw2Za88Fs43htQkYmG0JEPLNasMfBTFfoGf6bN82LB30OoTmLpnl30WTIR_alEgiaaRr330q5ezyUYDReXdw4d/s1600/IMG_9260.jpg" /></a></div><br />After a thorough cleaning, I generously lined all of the cabinet seams and let it dry.<br /><br />So much better already.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF_RJFY1tXUUiQDEXXR2tAIf0GH9Dj3RdZCMR4FrD9TgvYZS4trxSXRn2ENuP9226Bi3VxY8POtbJCXe7NX6elbO2r5TVdOrPHxwSDBk4E9TC6lKEo6QrPXn4OHOEALW8L7PtZxzHr2WN/s1600/IMG_9263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtF_RJFY1tXUUiQDEXXR2tAIf0GH9Dj3RdZCMR4FrD9TgvYZS4trxSXRn2ENuP9226Bi3VxY8POtbJCXe7NX6elbO2r5TVdOrPHxwSDBk4E9TC6lKEo6QrPXn4OHOEALW8L7PtZxzHr2WN/s1600/IMG_9263.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t1FBbzGmfr_cTOoS78GNvOgG-ZdsfB6douaFSSzANg3bWFv8qpn9HD6FDiXDPiaZMFIx5HOL2RCglnIXnHAUEJJeql1uZ8TXvvchmX2ELzzoEaMbEM4jKLTCiBqUF3TCRw_w03XvYBBv/s1600/IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>Yesterday I came back in with a paintbrush to cover up any areas where the paint was worn down or the grain was peeking through.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87ZRuJQQEGiELTiPKOvPdlxQR061BAuW07txVaRT3rAgFrVaoE6VOTVRvHQf5VHVTkN9wwJR3N3DMFH82fMQGBOnxN8Vh9D_7x4MKXpx-l1h1S8r2atHxW25e8nZHnQz19wCwyZUfccle/s1600/IMG_9320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87ZRuJQQEGiELTiPKOvPdlxQR061BAuW07txVaRT3rAgFrVaoE6VOTVRvHQf5VHVTkN9wwJR3N3DMFH82fMQGBOnxN8Vh9D_7x4MKXpx-l1h1S8r2atHxW25e8nZHnQz19wCwyZUfccle/s1600/IMG_9320.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And now they are back to normal! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZNMDl5DS0Vq59myiBsGWBRuyfcbzgw4ThWgWSQxZG2ibJ4J3RSsM_X45D-JqqlKXGgD-Rm0SAQ9uRAXZDaEnNiJmxygCYK7Ge9t8bcSh18TcGrnSZMvPBuQ2nllcao6tWfH8CXxG4k80/s1600/IMG_9345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZNMDl5DS0Vq59myiBsGWBRuyfcbzgw4ThWgWSQxZG2ibJ4J3RSsM_X45D-JqqlKXGgD-Rm0SAQ9uRAXZDaEnNiJmxygCYK7Ge9t8bcSh18TcGrnSZMvPBuQ2nllcao6tWfH8CXxG4k80/s1600/IMG_9345.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvf7UOVgQnW4-gyLAAxmT3gSqV75KzfQN759jwDstMYL-bWabnqVAMRR_wdvwIz8ovtSp01pNEEpJHlCBSjTSNqRh6G1zCcwbR9hF9KcrpiNKKV3UYEAhWnn-fo1HbYB_8R1uRpYGKbob/s1600/IMG_9347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvf7UOVgQnW4-gyLAAxmT3gSqV75KzfQN759jwDstMYL-bWabnqVAMRR_wdvwIz8ovtSp01pNEEpJHlCBSjTSNqRh6G1zCcwbR9hF9KcrpiNKKV3UYEAhWnn-fo1HbYB_8R1uRpYGKbob/s1600/IMG_9347.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPNIaQcnL-VnaSMhOVHMGhAciYy68-rMzlm5Rm_xkfYpIfdwheL4eXBbHJhEvneu8ka91ugtPsymmWVcHdKEJZNaSF3hguoIWUaRtV6f18F-MmRwul3Vu3fbTL8n5QDdPhz5T27llBRvp/s1600/IMG_9346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_KFyIIGazTBM4Vv_nuajy1lqn1ngivOvKoFfryfyPt0RHBNcVvFfK1Vm9Gp7C1z6Yy2oaofvWzKI2fIsoeGm_KUb2gFEqcZ4rsnL9EFdQYdFNMawO7R3Kbk7vQxmsnopGhK6FNcj66Gk/s1600/IMG_9351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_KFyIIGazTBM4Vv_nuajy1lqn1ngivOvKoFfryfyPt0RHBNcVvFfK1Vm9Gp7C1z6Yy2oaofvWzKI2fIsoeGm_KUb2gFEqcZ4rsnL9EFdQYdFNMawO7R3Kbk7vQxmsnopGhK6FNcj66Gk/s1600/IMG_9351.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKgBlvTCVLyLmzwysCNE4W-96BF7AOFhDL0qIdtyID6jFQfLocZ0LkUkDSCscIgPQLP7McKdnPKSevxgkMvjmmsrf-pE-zJruLBV_x3bwDDTt1AyZLYh8q4JjZNz5lEiQXHxKP2p1ojen/s1600/IMG_9352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKgBlvTCVLyLmzwysCNE4W-96BF7AOFhDL0qIdtyID6jFQfLocZ0LkUkDSCscIgPQLP7McKdnPKSevxgkMvjmmsrf-pE-zJruLBV_x3bwDDTt1AyZLYh8q4JjZNz5lEiQXHxKP2p1ojen/s1600/IMG_9352.jpg" /></a></div><br />Let's hope this lasts.<br /><br /><br />And now... it's time to announce the five winners of my customized iPhone 4 template giveaway!<br /><br />Here are the randomly chosen names, in no particular order:<br /><br /><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_0M" kind="m"><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08423703990305341157" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: black;">Lizzie @ PrettyCityThings</span></a><span style="color: black;">  </span></cite><span style="color: black;">Awesomesauce. I'd pick a London cityscape. I've already got a clear case just waiting to be filled! Have a great trip! :)</span></div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"><span style="color: black;"></span> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_4M" kind="m"><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08380662803266455431" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: black;">gk</span></a> </cite><span style="color: black;">This is awesome! I've been on the hunt for a giraffe iphone 4 case but haven't found anything I like. I would pick the giraffe!! Have fun in Costa Rica :)</span></div><div class="comment-content"><span style="color: black;"></span> </div><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_12M" kind="m"><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06870029030857845399" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: black;">J and J Washburn</span></a>  </cite><span style="color: black;">I'd love to have the Seattle cityscape so I can rep my hometown!</span></div><div class="comment-content"><span style="color: black;"></span> </div><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_19M" kind="m"><cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14335861198929952382" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: black;">Derek and Britt</span></a>  </cite><span style="color: black;">I would love the California State Silhouette! Have an awesome trip!</span></div><div class="comment-content"><span style="color: black;"></span> </div><div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_23M" kind="m"><span style="color: black;"><cite class="user">Melissa R </cite></span><span style="color: black;">How fun! I would love a country silhouette of Japan, blue chevron, with a little heart on Tokyo to remind me of when I used to live there :)</span></div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"><strong>Winners:</strong> please email jennasuedesignco [at] gmail.com with your selections and I'll get working on them right away. Congrats to you guys, and thank you all for your comments! </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m">And finally... it has been over a month since I've really done anything D&R related, so I'm anxious to jump back in with a kitchen project.</div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m">This one should be...... fun?</div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUC7vD6zQLSCkXiMjIL9oYSQhLmscFQPKncDDvwiDXXFcZLyfbv62I-qWt0oBUI4rnuuPBoSVZpr-VaKLvgFK7WWqq3U2umTO3E7uUrCWbktt5aOCKx1DEFhBbrvxb0ieDx4s_hW1yZQN/s1600/IMG_9308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUC7vD6zQLSCkXiMjIL9oYSQhLmscFQPKncDDvwiDXXFcZLyfbv62I-qWt0oBUI4rnuuPBoSVZpr-VaKLvgFK7WWqq3U2umTO3E7uUrCWbktt5aOCKx1DEFhBbrvxb0ieDx4s_hW1yZQN/s1600/IMG_9308.jpg" /></a></div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m">Operation Pantry Remodel has begun!</div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxU3eHWyG84xxvVauej6ecFvWbeV0HLptlEfNyoT5nrP28hCRz1LiwOI_lmuyNF2uFkSYr1XVYWjvhQnLrRtTn8yxrsvOkvT2m5dg0lNLfFIFkK52OszxbvWoHtOgt2CGhDf8mxeYxxeb/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxU3eHWyG84xxvVauej6ecFvWbeV0HLptlEfNyoT5nrP28hCRz1LiwOI_lmuyNF2uFkSYr1XVYWjvhQnLrRtTn8yxrsvOkvT2m5dg0lNLfFIFkK52OszxbvWoHtOgt2CGhDf8mxeYxxeb/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m">Yes, it was important enough to make a graphic for.</div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m">This will be done in a few stages, because I plan on being thorough and meticulous. All these weeks of no house projects has built up a reserve of creativity and ideas, and they are about to unfold. I'm going big with this one. (well—as big as you can go in a small crowded pantry).</div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m">Get ready!</div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/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/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div class="comment-header" kind="m"> </div></div>

Kitchen Update + Giveaway winners

Random title for a random post. I'm back from our big adventure to Costa Rica (yes, I'm still alive!) and it was everything I ever d...

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Personalized iPhone 4 template Giveaway!

It's another free printable post—giveaway edition! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHy4soNXhijv69QotIwAIfQloqxtQKOI7sJ4jkDHiIMXWMrVWKzZ_Q1FVTskOlczLU46aN6xPZaprCMiYEiuK8b8iZZijK87VcxMkPxhhW30o_gXuQmsXCA8MszAo_zvQobtjzWik2DHL/s1600/set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHy4soNXhijv69QotIwAIfQloqxtQKOI7sJ4jkDHiIMXWMrVWKzZ_Q1FVTskOlczLU46aN6xPZaprCMiYEiuK8b8iZZijK87VcxMkPxhhW30o_gXuQmsXCA8MszAo_zvQobtjzWik2DHL/s1600/set.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This all started a week or two ago when I realized it was finally time to ditch my original iPhone case:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UEa4nkqv8abnAcCzZgC_xFxtIdSn71bYNRI9TrU8FEsfWNJRCT4MYW8G4ucx1KwSHVHTtpKSbPc8Y6BiP78xcPlufkyzrPSplfdVSNTBv23sjHGVUMfPTnUC6oPwFaKuJQjVtMVln6GV/s1600/IMG_9275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UEa4nkqv8abnAcCzZgC_xFxtIdSn71bYNRI9TrU8FEsfWNJRCT4MYW8G4ucx1KwSHVHTtpKSbPc8Y6BiP78xcPlufkyzrPSplfdVSNTBv23sjHGVUMfPTnUC6oPwFaKuJQjVtMVln6GV/s1600/IMG_9275.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was looking pretty busted. But you know what? It was <em>21 cents shipped</em> on Ebay. And I've had it since May of 2011... and I've dropped my phone onto hard surfaces more times than I can count without a single scratch or nick, while others with Otterboxes haven't been so lucky. Crazy, right?<br /><br />I figured I'd go the clear plastic case route again, but make it more personalized this time with interchangeable inserts.<br /><br />I went back on ebay to find my original transaction, and sadly, that seller is no longer in business (I guess virtually giving away cases wasn't profitable). They also don't sell cases that cheap anymore (womp womp) but $2.34 shipped isn't bad either...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptcyKcXGf8vr43CZD2CNKpVCNS_7TAKvFhhpbeT4eXKCyt3aYJQfoSNbuyC6WH60f8uDVMSRsaRnwIp35fwmEN38bqcZZSRCtsUh07jCULvKK0KJt6Qwh4lbtP7mWcX1AYO_vEYU_-ZRe/s1600/IMG_9270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptcyKcXGf8vr43CZD2CNKpVCNS_7TAKvFhhpbeT4eXKCyt3aYJQfoSNbuyC6WH60f8uDVMSRsaRnwIp35fwmEN38bqcZZSRCtsUh07jCULvKK0KJt6Qwh4lbtP7mWcX1AYO_vEYU_-ZRe/s1600/IMG_9270.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/320907331586?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649" target="_blank">This one</a> came with a set of stylus' which is great because Brad is always losing his. Quick delivery too. I did notice this cover has slightly less depth than the original and barely lines up with the surface of the phone (my first case had a bit of overhang which might have been a key factor in droppage protection). Only time will tell if this one holds up as well.<br /><br />Next it was time to design my template.<br /><br />I found a couple generic ones online, but after doing a few tests found they weren't a perfect fit for my case and spent some time tweaking it in my editing program...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB5vpewc7WluY9omSmDgAvTkF7xs1cFJeOZQQhQnwLBIgOal0yA7lI6bLQRGbgwkhq-y6WVBh2-JTToxoljvBsZedk2tjMUuLXu6cuExQcRLbtaclzGKWetYBKHlgtcQ8zMr9YREv25Ek/s1600/IMG_9274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB5vpewc7WluY9omSmDgAvTkF7xs1cFJeOZQQhQnwLBIgOal0yA7lI6bLQRGbgwkhq-y6WVBh2-JTToxoljvBsZedk2tjMUuLXu6cuExQcRLbtaclzGKWetYBKHlgtcQ8zMr9YREv25Ek/s1600/IMG_9274.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After getting the measurements worked out, I whipped up my first design, inspired by a trip we're taking next week...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDeOWL7DvuqBp0uyGobjS2a-WfCd4U6vhHdPgN_sACsVDhRGEKzWQEHLfMKfkUY4ISF-mj5hufR0LVaiOYpIHs8gSqE01vMN07OCswLDMez34Oo_nTKQQFKfL8yR4LUBT3-pQG0EGKby5/s1600/Iphone4Case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDeOWL7DvuqBp0uyGobjS2a-WfCd4U6vhHdPgN_sACsVDhRGEKzWQEHLfMKfkUY4ISF-mj5hufR0LVaiOYpIHs8gSqE01vMN07OCswLDMez34Oo_nTKQQFKfL8yR4LUBT3-pQG0EGKby5/s640/Iphone4Case.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br />In 7 days we'll be flying to Costa Rica for an adventure filled vacation with a couple of our friends and we.can't.wait. I made this <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/cityscapes/" target="_blank">Cityscape</a> of the Arenal volcano topography (one of the day trips we're doing—see the mountain peak in the right center?)<br /><br />I also threw in a couple more for fun...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV7ICQtvoFrDBJUKbGpSsXQGuRhJFuJMs-Gc4MsuOfdFk_cACyr5-iruJJsFYRWkw_9W9ApQPbZgOYz_yj2WnhBjbyf5_ztyzYhG-Fk6neezgLhImk-tUXT9f9eA4fyIV8-cJlMSlihYx/s1600/Iphone4Case+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV7ICQtvoFrDBJUKbGpSsXQGuRhJFuJMs-Gc4MsuOfdFk_cACyr5-iruJJsFYRWkw_9W9ApQPbZgOYz_yj2WnhBjbyf5_ztyzYhG-Fk6neezgLhImk-tUXT9f9eA4fyIV8-cJlMSlihYx/s1600/Iphone4Case+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Can you tell I like the travel theme?<br /><br />After I was happy with my designs, I printed them out (you can use any type of paper for this)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xLQ3jEqn-3z8TLTRq2DODh6dUVIuIKCV0n0tI9czS59cV7pQmR4UT3X_vEBe_13f8QHgtMHkqeFCFAuapwf-StZprTMXo3TBgDK92WqYlgWVym3CYgojBsXNo4fgTn8rrvsr_CdBoYDd/s1600/IMG_9279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xLQ3jEqn-3z8TLTRq2DODh6dUVIuIKCV0n0tI9czS59cV7pQmR4UT3X_vEBe_13f8QHgtMHkqeFCFAuapwf-StZprTMXo3TBgDK92WqYlgWVym3CYgojBsXNo4fgTn8rrvsr_CdBoYDd/s1600/IMG_9279.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then I proceeded to carefully cut them out using a ruler and Xacto knife. They weren't perfect (especially the camera hole) but you can't even tell once they are set in the case.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlYmVTd1pxazmHHMXfVZiRM9EhHz3t213WoUzUhoQKsNPIvmcCUIQG8E2ObQlyQdnQDEVOxk-0p-H9Bjdp5cV9A65qQVYZxd8sd13ir_w-v0EIaOFZHn34RAobRBspWuQyDT1VTnwXgZY/s1600/IMG_9277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlYmVTd1pxazmHHMXfVZiRM9EhHz3t213WoUzUhoQKsNPIvmcCUIQG8E2ObQlyQdnQDEVOxk-0p-H9Bjdp5cV9A65qQVYZxd8sd13ir_w-v0EIaOFZHn34RAobRBspWuQyDT1VTnwXgZY/s1600/IMG_9277.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I love that they are so easy to swap out depending on your mood, an occasion, or even an outfit <em>(not that I would do that last one, just saying)</em><br /><br />I would love to make one for each and every one of you iPhone 4-ers, but unfortunately I just don't have that kinda time. Instead, I've decided to make a personalized template for <strong>five</strong> random commenters. <br /><br />These will be the digital file in a jpg form, which you can simply print on any color printer/paper and trim to size (you can use scissors instead of an Xacto knife, it just won't be as precise). You'll just need a clear case—you should be able to use any brand. <strong>Or if you'd prefer,</strong> I can mail you the printed design, but I promise I can't cut it out any better than you can :)<br /><br />Here's what you can choose from: any design from <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/" target="_blank">my shop</a>, with the exception of custom city maps/choose your own cityscapes (aka, cities not listed in my shop already) personalized bus rolls, and house sketches. Everything else is fair game. <br /><br />To enter, just visit my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/" target="_blank">shop</a> and pick out the design you'd choose, then leave your selection in the comments. That's it!<br /><br />When I get back from Costa I'll choose my five winners and announce them in my next post. Good luck!<br /><br />I'll be sure to take lots of vacation pics and to share next time, or just follow me on my instagram feed, <a href="http://snapwidget.com/profile/?id=7003906#.UHssOVHzwcs" target="_blank">jennasuedesign</a>, for real-time action (I also have a kitchen cabinet update, if anyone's wondering how they are holding up half a year later...)<br /><br />Have a wonderful week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/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/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><br /><em>Pssst... to all of my past shop customers: send me photos of jenna sue design co. products in your home for a chance to win <a href="http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=aa6aa845a78295f620c79f945&id=d29fa8d642" target="_blank">$100 in shop credit</a>, this month only!</em>

Personalized iPhone 4 template Giveaway!

It's another free printable post—giveaway edition! This all started a week or two ago when I realized it was finally time to ditch my or...

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(Almost) Free Monthly Planner!

Happy October! We ended last month with a quick trip to the Bahamas with friends.<br /><br />It was splendid.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN1rzY9wFdTu3_GoNSlMUpio9j6c426k9DatgACNEtRyM-4tduKiuJ231FdhpZ-C2xfpCtFWfklye4t2bxiv6AZKQXMFNL2w2SebsiwbZL5EFpqEl1nNZfA4u8gyYFnvZ0-dLeGczWYX-/s1600/Trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN1rzY9wFdTu3_GoNSlMUpio9j6c426k9DatgACNEtRyM-4tduKiuJ231FdhpZ-C2xfpCtFWfklye4t2bxiv6AZKQXMFNL2w2SebsiwbZL5EFpqEl1nNZfA4u8gyYFnvZ0-dLeGczWYX-/s1600/Trip.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />If you ever stop in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, you must rent a car and go to Gold Rock Beach! It is the closest thing I've ever found to Paradise (see first two photos above).<br /><br />Now that it's back to reality, I decided it was time to get more organized (before the craziness of the holiday season begins!)<br /><br />When it comes to daily/monthly tasks and reminders, iPhones and iPads and Outlook calendars are nice and do a great job for many people, but sometimes you just want to write things down. It's easier for me to jot things down by hand and have everything laid out right in front of me, vs having to open up a program on a device and thumb through what you need to find. There's also something satisfying about crossing things off a list by hand—it gives a sense of accomplishment. <br /><br />But the method I was using wasn't so organized. I was using a random stack of notepaper to haphazardly write down notes/ideas/lists wherever I had space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOK4Yy1vI49bd_IcYw9JMeHPcznGCLbO7axod4dsEgLHKUrk3Tuvtr4J1d8zTN0jbTsrtvSu3VuOXzNyNvrkS8wNtvp6UsQGhbAKs18408l5Gm7wEvchWzgJ8NGfFdVYPtyyorV0snJRQ/s1600/IMG_9178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOK4Yy1vI49bd_IcYw9JMeHPcznGCLbO7axod4dsEgLHKUrk3Tuvtr4J1d8zTN0jbTsrtvSu3VuOXzNyNvrkS8wNtvp6UsQGhbAKs18408l5Gm7wEvchWzgJ8NGfFdVYPtyyorV0snJRQ/s1600/IMG_9178.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was time for a new approach.<br /><br />Have you all heard of these <a href="http://www.erincondren.com/store/" target="_blank">Erin Condren</a> planners that are all the rage right now? They are packed with features and an equally hefty price tag (IMO), starting at around $50/ea. <br /><br />I liked the idea but didn't need all the fancy extras, wasn't willing to fork out the cash, and figured I could just make my own. And then decided I could offer it as a free download for you guys too!<br /><br />I spent a couple mornings designing a basic layout and adding seasonally appropriate colors for each month. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXlLgCxIW5_Qki06EBc8Kf2yF7SBL9XjvEuhJ1Gj0ZZskJtz1CvQVX2eHMx0UqvcifLwxww4LcGtgXuWYt-LjkLQyrstgiPzON-Akk_h6nPZEEVCbFRMasQJkySxGq7T5u1XMcQd9U7IB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXlLgCxIW5_Qki06EBc8Kf2yF7SBL9XjvEuhJ1Gj0ZZskJtz1CvQVX2eHMx0UqvcifLwxww4LcGtgXuWYt-LjkLQyrstgiPzON-Akk_h6nPZEEVCbFRMasQJkySxGq7T5u1XMcQd9U7IB/s640/Capture.JPG" width="626" /></a></div><br /><br />Each month has two pages, double sided, for a total of 4: 1) Cover page, 2) Sun–Weds, 3) Thurs–Sat, and 4) Notes. I added a few extra pages for Notes at the very end as well.<br /><br />It was actually quite an enjoyable project and I was excited to start using it. After double checking all of my dates and details, I was ready for assembly.<br /><br /><strong>Step 1: Choose your paper</strong><br /><br />The type of paper you choose is really a matter of preference, but I wanted something a bit thicker so you wouldn't see the design or my writing from the back side of the paper. I didn't have much I could use lying around at home, so I went to Office Max. <br /><br />I settled on this 67lb weight cover stock for $13:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eClyhBP0f_TfayLdji0XtDoyMVftf2hrYUyDpw08bZSz3Py8AeBDobIc4-dzXA6LsWpENmMXnqX0cWFSTQWx7i86_BU3xyIZsDdL8b7070oX0Wl4jZdfGv5OASJLnzD2SMSiSMDTcmxW/s1600/IMG_9162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eClyhBP0f_TfayLdji0XtDoyMVftf2hrYUyDpw08bZSz3Py8AeBDobIc4-dzXA6LsWpENmMXnqX0cWFSTQWx7i86_BU3xyIZsDdL8b7070oX0Wl4jZdfGv5OASJLnzD2SMSiSMDTcmxW/s1600/IMG_9162.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's somewhere between plain paper and cardstock thickness with a matte texture (but you can certainly go for something coated or maybe even semigloss, but I would stay away from gloss photo paper).<br /><br />The package came with 250 sheets, but I only used 34 total (plus a few extras for mistakes). You might be able to find a 50 pack of similar paper somewhere else cheaper and that should be plenty.<br /><br /><strong>Step 2: Print your design</strong><br /><br />The file is built to a standard 7x9" size which fits nicely on an 8.5x11" sheet of paper. <br /><br />I printed one page at a time, double sided, in the order that they would appear in the planner. This requires a decent enough printer to be able to line everything up perfectly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBPAysdBQirvbEyZCQZmIvqhGfK9OMhaTC3I89b0tpAEQVgedI-WGu3pdlTNHR1EDiVq36XOhum_usPcotnifq8UbP0Rk6AE9vlLOMdtUniDKtQsbaHJOIl1CdjhSVHSX5SLeWdywjlte/s1600/IMG_9170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBPAysdBQirvbEyZCQZmIvqhGfK9OMhaTC3I89b0tpAEQVgedI-WGu3pdlTNHR1EDiVq36XOhum_usPcotnifq8UbP0Rk6AE9vlLOMdtUniDKtQsbaHJOIl1CdjhSVHSX5SLeWdywjlte/s1600/IMG_9170.jpg" /></a></div><br />If your printer isn't so accurate, you can either<br /><br />a) print them out on separate pages and attach them (I'd suggest spray mount/adhesive), or<br /><br />b) consult your local printer/office supply store (I like Office Max and Office Depot) to see if they can print everything for you—I'm fairly certain they can print double sided and do a good job. If anyone does this, please comment and I'll update the post with the verdict!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEx0OwYch83_oiItoe5g39K6GcCfRqmrPEzrO1sPX6JYH_yWRitJ3xCB-kCg0Epu3T1VzVYwQDILuhyOMOvaZfgYQuSg-5FHMkwKJ9Ztr45KIZ6fA4nWTJlQ-A4RKKcp-LtxS1mwAO6pg/s1600/IMG_9176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEx0OwYch83_oiItoe5g39K6GcCfRqmrPEzrO1sPX6JYH_yWRitJ3xCB-kCg0Epu3T1VzVYwQDILuhyOMOvaZfgYQuSg-5FHMkwKJ9Ztr45KIZ6fA4nWTJlQ-A4RKKcp-LtxS1mwAO6pg/s1600/IMG_9176.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Once my double sided sheets were printed, I trimmed them using my rotary trimmer:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj8yaa9APZLiEA6PQCwuicOYx1hzzjhFt_P1XApOQOCmILm-QeMgRVPFUu0OKHizkV0MQU0om0OKb4LLvi6XLSMkI2T46O6mHlA4BC1hJ27BKhnMuwffoNDrgVQT3P4z9Yw0WykH1L4sJ/s1600/IMG_9167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj8yaa9APZLiEA6PQCwuicOYx1hzzjhFt_P1XApOQOCmILm-QeMgRVPFUu0OKHizkV0MQU0om0OKb4LLvi6XLSMkI2T46O6mHlA4BC1hJ27BKhnMuwffoNDrgVQT3P4z9Yw0WykH1L4sJ/s1600/IMG_9167.jpg" /></a></div><br />But you can also use an Xacto knife and cutting board (which is probably the most accurate method):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsbVJMfPqfcpdWI4NhVdaOXsjpJyqHlOeyHypRvV5uz7Ywv04xwbMITHUUjF5UsX8iepXSdi6T5kXsw801kgxZlz9AkaT68WEUndK8YPMZIuzGcbC9GbAcwpuo3UlqruoGA1osrIwCkA3/s1600/IMG_9169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsbVJMfPqfcpdWI4NhVdaOXsjpJyqHlOeyHypRvV5uz7Ywv04xwbMITHUUjF5UsX8iepXSdi6T5kXsw801kgxZlz9AkaT68WEUndK8YPMZIuzGcbC9GbAcwpuo3UlqruoGA1osrIwCkA3/s1600/IMG_9169.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZAzi1Z7SmFD88DXz6TGj3nQfFDJQPLWlYDGNwAtUBkqBloEclk5WdEk8Af2FMV-CLBcq3ryNjKZ_WwD6OrxxPwH25LibwmOOh1vQhg00YyVodb1fUVXZpkYCn83eWW7W0vPKN7OveJq7/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZAzi1Z7SmFD88DXz6TGj3nQfFDJQPLWlYDGNwAtUBkqBloEclk5WdEk8Af2FMV-CLBcq3ryNjKZ_WwD6OrxxPwH25LibwmOOh1vQhg00YyVodb1fUVXZpkYCn83eWW7W0vPKN7OveJq7/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This process took a good couple hours, but it was worth it to have clean edges.<br /><br />Here's my stack of completed pages, ready to go:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUupoaTXGt6m924w8DoxlmgRIWMG7tTSwmrjD9zlAiLI9TSM4Ygd-EwuNOTwM4YeFtEcfNHqb4Ve3Z8t2nBUEt92IsedjDOpQitQflYzXWIa9Oxgp2wtEJs3erVrJV932-ZMmcDo7FBgdV/s1600/IMG_9177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUupoaTXGt6m924w8DoxlmgRIWMG7tTSwmrjD9zlAiLI9TSM4Ygd-EwuNOTwM4YeFtEcfNHqb4Ve3Z8t2nBUEt92IsedjDOpQitQflYzXWIa9Oxgp2wtEJs3erVrJV932-ZMmcDo7FBgdV/s1600/IMG_9177.jpg" /></a></div><br />The cover reads 2012/2013 because I decided to design the last few months of this year (I couldn't wait until January to be organized!) so my planner goes from October 2012–December 2013. The pages are all separate so you can use/print/reprint whichever ones you need.<br /><br /><strong>Step 3: Take to office supply store for lamination & binding</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />I went back to Office Max and handed over my stack of papers. I asked them to laminate the front and back covers and spiral bind the pages together. 10 minutes later it was ready to go!<br /><br />Laminating both covers cost $2.20, and spiral binding was $2.99, for a total of $5.56 with tax. Can't beat that!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjWBxCXyPqczkbFG-AGWsF5vatTlYtqIVEUXFZ2pEM0lIGBnphhkq7DbnJOs7x1_vrzgxTssII7c5qi4xeqsHNuXSBZukV1qmIDK5kdt6XQPYEOeMYSjMkOEic_GvOkWpjiDo-Tc1cw74/s1600/IMG_9239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjWBxCXyPqczkbFG-AGWsF5vatTlYtqIVEUXFZ2pEM0lIGBnphhkq7DbnJOs7x1_vrzgxTssII7c5qi4xeqsHNuXSBZukV1qmIDK5kdt6XQPYEOeMYSjMkOEic_GvOkWpjiDo-Tc1cw74/s1600/IMG_9239.jpg" /></a></div><br />Two days into October and it already has plenty of use...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL8o52oEfD_YdRcJ8ZsqL48fKdjljJ7j58daX0NpkjBOIuFUzke7b5BjVvddkBubL175XbbMDmNN2EjJcTlDtys2oTUuNKsgmhncOFUrWXVxSDn11QW12Wpr8DODP3Z2ifJ8PePeMvDCB/s1600/IMG_9242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL8o52oEfD_YdRcJ8ZsqL48fKdjljJ7j58daX0NpkjBOIuFUzke7b5BjVvddkBubL175XbbMDmNN2EjJcTlDtys2oTUuNKsgmhncOFUrWXVxSDn11QW12Wpr8DODP3Z2ifJ8PePeMvDCB/s1600/IMG_9242.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwMnkgXxTZeDA7S5UCl_91HcUY8geGpbqaLV5D9zcFfjWZ9ULHMxsf93a8iCnmy1KFt7do4JTKm5Y9cqw1cahTqjuFotm8RJXK2oQkHTPPr-D8ylLs7BHEsT2qFDnUdWfBfEbjKyFPjrM/s1600/IMG_9238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwMnkgXxTZeDA7S5UCl_91HcUY8geGpbqaLV5D9zcFfjWZ9ULHMxsf93a8iCnmy1KFt7do4JTKm5Y9cqw1cahTqjuFotm8RJXK2oQkHTPPr-D8ylLs7BHEsT2qFDnUdWfBfEbjKyFPjrM/s1600/IMG_9238.jpg" /></a></div><br />And there it is! My super duper cheap planner. If you have a few hours and $18 to spare (or extra paper lying around and $5), you can have yourself one as well.<br /><br />I've made the PDF available for download here (Click the photo below to preview the file, and select File>Download to save to your computer). <em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Disclaimer: Excuse any errors you may come across—I did my best to double check but didn't spend more than a few hours on the design so I apologize if anything is missing/incorrect/misspelled!</span></em><br /><br /><strong>Update:</strong> If you would prefer to use just the 2013 months, I've added a 2013 cover <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByUZcizDZm5jRXk1Q0pEWUFqOWM" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByUZcizDZm5jTVZLRmhuWG5sYUE" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqKZ-gGdiMKNsNLPWhM520eM-QGxo9y5GtONtZ4moO3cgqPmFiKVilOt6GLIErkXbw7_SEL4WxWuNCpVj0qDe_kzlT_yQe7a6kOuCIU2tsRahrKt_CfPEgUVmIuz0jfSSrNKAvdnSQQuE/s1600/Comp.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Move over Erin Condren, the Jenna Sue planner is in town.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/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/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

(Almost) Free Monthly Planner!

Happy October! We ended last month with a quick trip to the Bahamas with friends. It was splendid. If you ever stop in Freeport on Grand Bah...

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