Operation Pantry Remodel: Phase 2

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you all enjoyed your holidays! It was my first year ever with just the two (three) of us. I missed my family but it was nice to be our own family too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's our one and only holiday photo (in case you missed it on instagram or facebook):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp8rd0tVUI6LMm3QzB7G1MxOPVH6Xfc0jPeElBaa3uyc9ZnkLYucJzX21WTI7iFV2M9reK0heHDlg3ek86-PShYSIY84R2j0069L4oKfoIFBkMXaVzHnCnNcdZTf4Fhew2vml-MsmcSwd/s1600/150603_395718320503570_1684831131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp8rd0tVUI6LMm3QzB7G1MxOPVH6Xfc0jPeElBaa3uyc9ZnkLYucJzX21WTI7iFV2M9reK0heHDlg3ek86-PShYSIY84R2j0069L4oKfoIFBkMXaVzHnCnNcdZTf4Fhew2vml-MsmcSwd/s1600/150603_395718320503570_1684831131_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Susie was a good girl and dressed up for the occasion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that the holidays are over, it's that time again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></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><br />Yep, we've jumped right back in to our pantry remodel!<br /><br /><br />Let's go back to where we left off last time:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W7Yc29hLL4a1Fd_HcDs_bnIDNxZZv8k0h9lfv7QaV7bmlRgrGF_ucsuAL5Yqf2wGUtGAUpN80CzN37wd056isXlImcttfEdVlP3QzRExHBncU8NVFhCfUuCL-mI2MvE-aeX-0frmmRCR/s1600/IMG_9402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W7Yc29hLL4a1Fd_HcDs_bnIDNxZZv8k0h9lfv7QaV7bmlRgrGF_ucsuAL5Yqf2wGUtGAUpN80CzN37wd056isXlImcttfEdVlP3QzRExHBncU8NVFhCfUuCL-mI2MvE-aeX-0frmmRCR/s1600/IMG_9402.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I came up with a plan, purchased a few boxes and glass jars, and was ready for the next step.<br /><br />During this month-long hiatus, I was still stuck on what to do with the very top shelf. Should I add more boxes/baskets? Keep everything out in the open? Nothing was really working for me.<br /><br />And then.... last week... out of nowhere, it hit me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/094803/094803022093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/094803/094803022093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ditch the top shelf altogether and get a medicine cabinet. This made perfect sense for so many reasons:<br /><br />1) I could utilize the otherwise wasted vertical space up to the ceiling<br />2) Concealed storage without having to pull down an entire basket to grab one thing<br />3) Items inside would be lined up in a single row, easy to find and sort<br />4) The shelf below this will have tall jars which I can now easily lift out without a shelf above in the way (the cabinet is only 7" deep)<br />5) The bottom nook makes a perfect spice rack, which I hadn't yet figured out a solution for.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_108779-444-TT210_0__?productId=1002149&Ntt=rsi+medicine+cabinet&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Drsi%2Bmedicine%2Bcabinet&facetInfo=" target="_blank">This cabinet</a> from Lowe's (Estate by RSI) just happened to be the exact width of my pantry and the most inexpensive model I could find. Plus it was white so I wouldn't have to repaint. It was meant to be.<br /><br />With my dilemma solved, I had new motivation and excitement to get the ball rolling.<br /><br />I went to Lowe's to find my shelves, and found this 24"x72" ready to paint board for $31. It was perfect because it was the exact width of my pantry, and when cut into 4 pieces, it was also the exact depth I needed (18"):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMB0wgIcm_bAQKwigh4h2NuHPnsRDrD-4nSVTiY_ARaWhesgAcdm6nIfyGD3_wTQmFAEOP3Fn7sXDYGAwqZreii6ZP6nWCjSCKPaJBQpRv5v8IoSvMQOCmhpZtOBiArXFbwvTqNJCHRzw/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMB0wgIcm_bAQKwigh4h2NuHPnsRDrD-4nSVTiY_ARaWhesgAcdm6nIfyGD3_wTQmFAEOP3Fn7sXDYGAwqZreii6ZP6nWCjSCKPaJBQpRv5v8IoSvMQOCmhpZtOBiArXFbwvTqNJCHRzw/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's a closer look:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjgklH0QT732Wwc9VMdzivHmjCYDU6txwaWU2_mzz72e_l18cVN4P4VpT7t7BGsTyTKXKtmCzs3ZSB46HTb_2XPFhTRo6NpEscMggd6yJPG_bI2NETL6MJjBZAPJ_IayG0pVYdGxJgHXK/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjgklH0QT732Wwc9VMdzivHmjCYDU6txwaWU2_mzz72e_l18cVN4P4VpT7t7BGsTyTKXKtmCzs3ZSB46HTb_2XPFhTRo6NpEscMggd6yJPG_bI2NETL6MJjBZAPJ_IayG0pVYdGxJgHXK/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" /></a></div><br />4 shelves for $32, not bad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRleGZI5OCGe3zaGRtaUCtMrkDKoWBLaW7Gv8jtB_d7bGjnAg-B1yIFWJrlobVaIsR1V-xUVBS0sgIucSXBnrbt6QcCIdwX4aAa80rhdJY_qQTK7t7cKruziWIVoSOENs_ITpexUY_LQT/s1600/IMG_9681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRleGZI5OCGe3zaGRtaUCtMrkDKoWBLaW7Gv8jtB_d7bGjnAg-B1yIFWJrlobVaIsR1V-xUVBS0sgIucSXBnrbt6QcCIdwX4aAa80rhdJY_qQTK7t7cKruziWIVoSOENs_ITpexUY_LQT/s1600/IMG_9681.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm only using 3 shelves, so it's good to have an extra just in case I need it later on. Or for other projects.<br /><br />I also picked up some 1x2" primed MDF pieces (you can see them on the left in the photo above). These will be my shelf supports—more on that in the next post.<br /><br />Lowe's had my cabinet in stock so I picked that up also:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHk4ERGlAJhodAZJFNq3n7CWWKpgejBUwWHPvmWKKYq1aTWx4l39kyW-cAb5M1wdAXO4sAfkBP6DWqbaDzl66isVDgUwGjghmLK-FDrzVrzzLu3FoIua_T7otrFoKxygQT-Pv97QyPx5N/s1600/IMG_9680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHk4ERGlAJhodAZJFNq3n7CWWKpgejBUwWHPvmWKKYq1aTWx4l39kyW-cAb5M1wdAXO4sAfkBP6DWqbaDzl66isVDgUwGjghmLK-FDrzVrzzLu3FoIua_T7otrFoKxygQT-Pv97QyPx5N/s1600/IMG_9680.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'll be swapping out the stock knobs for cute ones from Hobby Lobby.<br /><br />After removing the useless bifold door, it was time to clean out the pantry:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRIEV7A8cTKtwNCccAatZqA0baIfGLLTXVYQ6B5Pe2xx9tbSNT05YD304UOMBhF9XXAfyPJYfjh6jRCLIKBG2CW9EpgVlBoCV-azq4E48VWNlXSAvvym9GGq1E2K23fT9dcXxelPNMehy/s1600/IMG_9667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRIEV7A8cTKtwNCccAatZqA0baIfGLLTXVYQ6B5Pe2xx9tbSNT05YD304UOMBhF9XXAfyPJYfjh6jRCLIKBG2CW9EpgVlBoCV-azq4E48VWNlXSAvvym9GGq1E2K23fT9dcXxelPNMehy/s1600/IMG_9667.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI0xvkigi0kbdCq7OjK0kZ9GV9EG4H7D-a02dDG7ji94Sd79r1mjc_2Yx6g8ztDlzISMy5WLYAon02yg9Gi7vUjscPuBUu0Hd_cPifM-tYAr-0wr8VmB1yeIAs6ObpLnv0bVCW9A-WDgI/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI0xvkigi0kbdCq7OjK0kZ9GV9EG4H7D-a02dDG7ji94Sd79r1mjc_2Yx6g8ztDlzISMy5WLYAon02yg9Gi7vUjscPuBUu0Hd_cPifM-tYAr-0wr8VmB1yeIAs6ObpLnv0bVCW9A-WDgI/s1600/IMG_9666.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then it was shelf demo time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRCNMBOHamfTFPzO5O_pN4TcvYs8nJUyREM6WP0gii4NrHfXYG5DqxM4pRGJFC4uYa1QZhoWMjhthW2oiCeRminilehIz4oYZ1Y9PEgxfSWu-HCgQmRCWkc8CQPsfk2Gq1_kSknxPms8p/s1600/IMG_9668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRCNMBOHamfTFPzO5O_pN4TcvYs8nJUyREM6WP0gii4NrHfXYG5DqxM4pRGJFC4uYa1QZhoWMjhthW2oiCeRminilehIz4oYZ1Y9PEgxfSWu-HCgQmRCWkc8CQPsfk2Gq1_kSknxPms8p/s1600/IMG_9668.jpg" /></a></div><br />I was left with some nasty anchor holes...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v-As_h3LSPU3CrBI7tETDEKQiUOqsQSUx8IN5FZyry1shSoWrpaK4NubiSKtp6owPKuIUMQeYql2TWpkE3TYZIsUFE67f5cnZZJk2UioO3_mgWjW8FANbmInvGsd4POH5jj_6jNdS3D1/s1600/IMG_9670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v-As_h3LSPU3CrBI7tETDEKQiUOqsQSUx8IN5FZyry1shSoWrpaK4NubiSKtp6owPKuIUMQeYql2TWpkE3TYZIsUFE67f5cnZZJk2UioO3_mgWjW8FANbmInvGsd4POH5jj_6jNdS3D1/s1600/IMG_9670.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The whole thing was basically just a mess from lazy construction practices... so I took some time (but not too much) to patch and sand everything down.<br /><br />Then, it was time for paint!<br /><br />I decided to use the leftover paint from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunroom-living-room-wall-progress.html" target="_blank">sunroom ceiling</a>—Valspar's Tropical Mist.<br /><br />Here's a mid painting shot, via instagram:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1N2qEFBviLV3PbwAF8aENgiqOO0Xz2BV9W9q0XPSp-zsSXiCIgbzyml3SyvOI9HcSDSYIRuoFotHlm92mguVS0mjjR9PFPgMt9CSHAzKyUspnVEYLwVZIMSx4qpaa70o3zqkf_t-daEUZ/s1600/IMG_1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1N2qEFBviLV3PbwAF8aENgiqOO0Xz2BV9W9q0XPSp-zsSXiCIgbzyml3SyvOI9HcSDSYIRuoFotHlm92mguVS0mjjR9PFPgMt9CSHAzKyUspnVEYLwVZIMSx4qpaa70o3zqkf_t-daEUZ/s1600/IMG_1929.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the walls were dry, I added a fresh coat of white to the baseboards:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZ8hxco9VmRxK5U7LKwvmdo7LhtsXTbE4-h78M3i1MN0cS5Czpd4bejDRz2r-Sr6cAuNrRxp_cGzWHDrVF96cufbYGw_deny9TL3cEjBrq1Wpshzg5m_jW3lyJmsC4QxntpNA8WkJUk6V/s1600/IMG_9675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZ8hxco9VmRxK5U7LKwvmdo7LhtsXTbE4-h78M3i1MN0cS5Czpd4bejDRz2r-Sr6cAuNrRxp_cGzWHDrVF96cufbYGw_deny9TL3cEjBrq1Wpshzg5m_jW3lyJmsC4QxntpNA8WkJUk6V/s1600/IMG_9675.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And finally, Brad installed a couple recessed lights this morning:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1yq0GUL7f8HThED63Wovk6YD0plOHVFwfBJC4zfm8FgXbGTlyqJj-IXfLCM81lkhMoEcOu7HmC5MpRXjRwMriKS_bieECWfVtMkv6BGyfAMpWksR-6Waw6he_BbXoe8KBuxcjVyl2c73/s1600/IMG_9671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1yq0GUL7f8HThED63Wovk6YD0plOHVFwfBJC4zfm8FgXbGTlyqJj-IXfLCM81lkhMoEcOu7HmC5MpRXjRwMriKS_bieECWfVtMkv6BGyfAMpWksR-6Waw6he_BbXoe8KBuxcjVyl2c73/s1600/IMG_9671.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />They're a little off center because there's some piping in the attic in the way. But the bulb direction is adjustable and you can't see them unless you're on the ground, so no big deal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i3pLFGIRT0uOoDDU0igT7M0p-Vn3yEe1-O3xrzGWnhpY2kdwJsFD4vs1m2Fd1qffzA16Ensg3LiBZ8L4I7l6csMmlmozImEPScjTng0Jc1_564gy-a-_Bi6xaJ8a9DC5Fj8t9hNIH3vn/s1600/%2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i3pLFGIRT0uOoDDU0igT7M0p-Vn3yEe1-O3xrzGWnhpY2kdwJsFD4vs1m2Fd1qffzA16Ensg3LiBZ8L4I7l6csMmlmozImEPScjTng0Jc1_564gy-a-_Bi6xaJ8a9DC5Fj8t9hNIH3vn/s1600/%2527.jpg" /></a></div><br />We put them on the same circuit as the rest of the kitchen lighting, and they are dimmable as well.<br /><br />Here's the pantry as it stands now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3YbKtU6OxXanIC6ymG8rKKE4sP9x3epv7c06lOAoPwEzNb5IY6Igs4nxfucqeW9xnqOz2RqQxuGMo_AinyyNQSpesCxvGgVV5p-J8fparLvVsiB2DhJkSxwbG0r8Vfvapk1FWy3LSXmT/s1600/IMG_9676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3YbKtU6OxXanIC6ymG8rKKE4sP9x3epv7c06lOAoPwEzNb5IY6Igs4nxfucqeW9xnqOz2RqQxuGMo_AinyyNQSpesCxvGgVV5p-J8fparLvVsiB2DhJkSxwbG0r8Vfvapk1FWy3LSXmT/s1600/IMG_9676.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-uspCIIZHW2Bh2NWGNSJ5B0R4T5sgjyVRrtvRrYOpsPmu_cKEA6BKxppaJRrkVlrhPZ3Y8m6TZkgteMwrs-peDoKMqhfDtioQ12hQtyoNvxLXE6NKNuzZZ5iswyHbQ8oJR-hLFq-tNcK/s1600/IMG_9679-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-uspCIIZHW2Bh2NWGNSJ5B0R4T5sgjyVRrtvRrYOpsPmu_cKEA6BKxppaJRrkVlrhPZ3Y8m6TZkgteMwrs-peDoKMqhfDtioQ12hQtyoNvxLXE6NKNuzZZ5iswyHbQ8oJR-hLFq-tNcK/s1600/IMG_9679-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />It looks *way* lighter in these photos than it does in real life... I hate this lens. Anyone want a Canon 10-22? Bleh.<br /><br />Here we go... I just ran into the kitchen and took this from my iphone. It's grainy, but realistic:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCdtxcePQpEQjLP6IoJKgEi0AoPPCyhNh-zPE8nNZ05p5qFlrAosri3mDeXicRCQSYpW-U8UbNYvBPRGZUWRVwu1BxX-QfNA5YdD-hamHW1C8vOE_rlaJcLvCexO2trNmgofN849i_EHO/s1600/IMG_1930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCdtxcePQpEQjLP6IoJKgEi0AoPPCyhNh-zPE8nNZ05p5qFlrAosri3mDeXicRCQSYpW-U8UbNYvBPRGZUWRVwu1BxX-QfNA5YdD-hamHW1C8vOE_rlaJcLvCexO2trNmgofN849i_EHO/s1600/IMG_1930.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />See... it's <i>very blue</i> in there. A little jarring but it will come together once everything is installed and in place.<br /><br /><br />Before I jump into phase 3 (the not so fun part of shelf installation), I'll share what I've been scheming for the fun part: fabric.<br /><br />Luckily, Brad agreed to let me leave the bifold off and hang a curtain. Since then, I've been keeping an eye out at every fabric/home improvement store I've stepped into, hoping to fall in love with something.<br /><br />Here's my vision: mostly aqua and (gasp, a new color!) yellow. Something floral or organic or graphic (but not too bold). Seems like there would be tons out there, right? Nope. Or maybe I'm just too picky.<br /><br />I spent entirely way too much time searching the world for "the one", and never really found it. There were countless close calls, so eventually I had to settle for the best option.<br /><br />Here were the final contenders (all via Etsy):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMjMQiEXSuuCNm7Mw__ibB6CVeOOWUhR-hrQU2H-2BLPtFbtriokMQf_XMQvf4C2BRCkw4k-dUV9RjxGvcF9PDI4yq-p-6h1mzesoVuVec0r-qW3AVTSreIeMvic1C-VXLeqVvIOvrUWr/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMjMQiEXSuuCNm7Mw__ibB6CVeOOWUhR-hrQU2H-2BLPtFbtriokMQf_XMQvf4C2BRCkw4k-dUV9RjxGvcF9PDI4yq-p-6h1mzesoVuVec0r-qW3AVTSreIeMvic1C-VXLeqVvIOvrUWr/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Which one is your favorite?<br /><br />Can you guess which I finally settled on?<br /><br /><br />....<br /><br />........<br /><br />................<br /><br />...........................<br /><i><br /></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq08jrTpcTikJ-JUlIPYmuHmf-meGpkHFDNdlep_a02wVOrIbLDdhduuh3a3T7Ocm9CknJ_uwoOcpVSLAj8JqBPmvXjcZmBiJApiTvD3_6qztPUznuHGGiBhSewBt5RHKiZl-_ez2r0CYn/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq08jrTpcTikJ-JUlIPYmuHmf-meGpkHFDNdlep_a02wVOrIbLDdhduuh3a3T7Ocm9CknJ_uwoOcpVSLAj8JqBPmvXjcZmBiJApiTvD3_6qztPUznuHGGiBhSewBt5RHKiZl-_ez2r0CYn/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I *almost* pulled the trigger on the bottom left, but decided the colors weren't exactly right.<br /><br />So McKenzie Bohemia in Aqua by Dena Designs it is.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURdHq1yBFGlWDsx6dLGVxfdbC_l9n6Lvd9FniH80oxCzY1bHPGrqdC9c_Gxr8IEIooPgoUxfXXWO_VFWVE6gohk3FZ2feJQtXdHr1w49DiLhr41yJn2HZb3XD23eRzuoyBxOrw-AvGnKw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-30+at+3.33.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURdHq1yBFGlWDsx6dLGVxfdbC_l9n6Lvd9FniH80oxCzY1bHPGrqdC9c_Gxr8IEIooPgoUxfXXWO_VFWVE6gohk3FZ2feJQtXdHr1w49DiLhr41yJn2HZb3XD23eRzuoyBxOrw-AvGnKw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-30+at+3.33.51+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />I purchased it <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117967444/dena-designs-df70-mckenzie-bohemia-aqua?ga_search_query=dena" target="_blank">here</a> and it came to $22.22 shipped for 2.5 yards. I'll use stitch witchery to make it into a curtain, and of course document that whole process later.<br /><br />Hopefully it will be yellow enough in person—but if it isn't, I have other plans to add a splash of yellow. And I'm pretty excited about that project.<br /><br /><br />Cross your fingers for me that all goes well and we have shelves and a cabinet installed next 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><br /><br /><br />

Operation Pantry Remodel: Phase 2

Hope you all enjoyed your holidays! It was my first year ever with just the two (three) of us. I missed my family but it was nice to be our ...

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trunkfulloftreasure

trunkfulloftreasure

trunkfulloftreasure

trunkfulloftreasure

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O Christmas Tree

True story: we've never had a Christmas tree. (we as in, Brad and I alone). This is largely due to the fact that we've always traveled to see my family during that time and it wasn't worth the effort.<br /><br />This year I put a stop to that. It will be our first time with just the two of us on Christmas, and it just wouldn't feel the same without a tree. <br /><br />My friend had one in her attic that she wasn't using so I happily accepted and began scheming all the different ornaments and garlands and decorations I'd fill it with. <br /><br />Well, turns out the tree was about 1/3 the size I was visualizing, so I had to scale down my plans a bit. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Xw18tlWHkFgBGwLcm_Ujo8SBIRiGIQlbMwqvHuw83JPXr_Bw7KNQ3ApPKmhhgC1H8rI1AgbKpCihETDEvBRjapfcjnaW7ObKseFcvPXB9MVx19N2H-xgixFVjNR8CAabo2F7hiRKxFCj/s1600/IMG_9541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>The tree is little but it's cute, and it's ours. Our very first tree:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Xw18tlWHkFgBGwLcm_Ujo8SBIRiGIQlbMwqvHuw83JPXr_Bw7KNQ3ApPKmhhgC1H8rI1AgbKpCihETDEvBRjapfcjnaW7ObKseFcvPXB9MVx19N2H-xgixFVjNR8CAabo2F7hiRKxFCj/s1600/IMG_9541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Xw18tlWHkFgBGwLcm_Ujo8SBIRiGIQlbMwqvHuw83JPXr_Bw7KNQ3ApPKmhhgC1H8rI1AgbKpCihETDEvBRjapfcjnaW7ObKseFcvPXB9MVx19N2H-xgixFVjNR8CAabo2F7hiRKxFCj/s1600/IMG_9541.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />For the ornaments, I made a bunch of <a href="http://ottoman.typepad.com/ottoman/2008/12/yarn-pom-poms.html" target="_blank">yarn poms</a> one night. The little ones went on my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/easy-diy-christmas-mantle.html" target="_blank">mantel tree</a> and the big ones I saved for this tree. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu31bN9_ybajocCAb2nQ1b63zLAnn4iROFqdw9cisFcdOri_wH-pZ6-gVrkfQUiIeQzWPcyGxbrcfGjhfOcOxj2ZNaATa4uMdbb3W2LpWUGXiFUegyrMbc9jZtgprxsGgUQvWQyWM4P98m/s1600/IMG_9489-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu31bN9_ybajocCAb2nQ1b63zLAnn4iROFqdw9cisFcdOri_wH-pZ6-gVrkfQUiIeQzWPcyGxbrcfGjhfOcOxj2ZNaATa4uMdbb3W2LpWUGXiFUegyrMbc9jZtgprxsGgUQvWQyWM4P98m/s1600/IMG_9489-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I had pinned several more DIY ornaments to make, but the poms filled the tree pretty well, and I just couldn't find the time. So those will be reserved for next year.<br /><br />To fill in the tree some, I picked up 30 feet of burlap ribbon (50% off at Hobby Lobby) and draped it like so:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8B4U2zO5IwvU9X58VetqNLYINl7ypKwuo8nu-79LO8-d8cAHLQ24nvj0coXVa8KCFIwQk3b_YaSOWI0YJh60GudhVcZ_9x7Al84oauQ8JMh-MjeapLrcjRpAGJRbS8lvY0TUVl0UgtLT/s1600/IMG_9523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8B4U2zO5IwvU9X58VetqNLYINl7ypKwuo8nu-79LO8-d8cAHLQ24nvj0coXVa8KCFIwQk3b_YaSOWI0YJh60GudhVcZ_9x7Al84oauQ8JMh-MjeapLrcjRpAGJRbS8lvY0TUVl0UgtLT/s1600/IMG_9523.jpg" /></a></div><br />It helped it look a little less Charlie Brown-ish.<br /><br />For the tree topper, what else is more fitting in our house than a starfish?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGzpisq5nt4VGKm0kmag5LoBlGc34WDPJ6RtppBaUGT6BcfV8IKX0cFCdNaBVyOc-fBMks_hmzQlkdzu8KpprzPx_GEHr7PdimpXoGVIfcv7L9Zu5cjzLBgnyzvFjP3lLwfsd3slNJAv7/s1600/IMG_9516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGzpisq5nt4VGKm0kmag5LoBlGc34WDPJ6RtppBaUGT6BcfV8IKX0cFCdNaBVyOc-fBMks_hmzQlkdzu8KpprzPx_GEHr7PdimpXoGVIfcv7L9Zu5cjzLBgnyzvFjP3lLwfsd3slNJAv7/s1600/IMG_9516.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I grabbed a smaller one I had lying around, applied some hot glue to the back and twisted a paperclip to secure it.<br /><br />I wanted to give the small tree some height, so I propped it up on a wicker ottoman from Ikea:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkzh0_2rJ-xYs3KngCS2OIK3QwSCk4aVF4q2bk0qNQTUofOy86NxeZdowdnonIi1ILp732yGmZjofcGrzDwCxtmVcUF8G04VmgJ-D719vztGbP0Fh5n0W02V2Ifv6WMZB-tptpuS8XNZ8/s1600/IMG_9531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkzh0_2rJ-xYs3KngCS2OIK3QwSCk4aVF4q2bk0qNQTUofOy86NxeZdowdnonIi1ILp732yGmZjofcGrzDwCxtmVcUF8G04VmgJ-D719vztGbP0Fh5n0W02V2Ifv6WMZB-tptpuS8XNZ8/s1600/IMG_9531.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And finally, the tree skirt.<br /><br />After seeing them everywhere on Pinterest, I decided to go with a no-sew ruffle skirt. But first I needed a base. I found a 41" generic felt skirt at the Dollar Tree (for, you guessed it, $1):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JtU1LWbP-im0nDvK88DZP33-n8J6dDc6j2XCUWjYoCAJaX9cfUnaPy5oAX8J0noYJRJB2b5wzAF9bDUUyPklHXCIFoGGlNtevS4vmrmzeila-x-t1TdpQrd2OZykN1q6rtBg59swLYI8/s1600/IMG_9497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JtU1LWbP-im0nDvK88DZP33-n8J6dDc6j2XCUWjYoCAJaX9cfUnaPy5oAX8J0noYJRJB2b5wzAF9bDUUyPklHXCIFoGGlNtevS4vmrmzeila-x-t1TdpQrd2OZykN1q6rtBg59swLYI8/s1600/IMG_9497.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up some burlap (the same material that I used on the Merry garland on my mantel)<br /><br />Sadly... they only had 1.25 yards left. Yikes. I took a chance and bought it anyway, because this was yesterday afternoon and I was determined to finish the project that night. I also bought some plain white fabric in case I needed a plan B and had to alternate rows with burlap/white ruffles. I really wanted it to be all burlap though.<br /><br />I ended up with about 5.25" for the width of each strip (which meant no fabric was wasted)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlXSfWZhq_DE4dTwY9rfjmxaYyDnUUDctd-8QHT6r8NvqY8CrWFoDuyigivMy-7VlNmp0JmqP74ZGmnWNR2f9jsgmoD2_qRMqe6FUkRbFnsiXBrFALBYcHkM3vAwNBkZb9X_FpEnMVUHi/s1600/IMG_9495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlXSfWZhq_DE4dTwY9rfjmxaYyDnUUDctd-8QHT6r8NvqY8CrWFoDuyigivMy-7VlNmp0JmqP74ZGmnWNR2f9jsgmoD2_qRMqe6FUkRbFnsiXBrFALBYcHkM3vAwNBkZb9X_FpEnMVUHi/s1600/IMG_9495.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After cutting everything out and doing a quick test fit, I realized that I was short. Which meant I had to go easy on the ruffle volume, and make them more of a pleat.<br /><br />Because I had no room for mistakes, I measured and marked my rows on the felt (5 rows total):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFxRwLZASvNIIVNX8WEndA1SThRVym6XFp8-NUugQMtk_LEU_Tu9WMK3seb_V7p0ArndDJGB5laepGlizpjXfLnF4-eYfKo6QN5hZvxtpNFDyrZU4zPoB6GF8z3Q7tiF5DFCybgHjXFgV/s1600/IMG_9496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFxRwLZASvNIIVNX8WEndA1SThRVym6XFp8-NUugQMtk_LEU_Tu9WMK3seb_V7p0ArndDJGB5laepGlizpjXfLnF4-eYfKo6QN5hZvxtpNFDyrZU4zPoB6GF8z3Q7tiF5DFCybgHjXFgV/s1600/IMG_9496.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I figured this would take a while, but it actually went by super fast. And easy. Here's the first row completed after just a few minutes:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL5F-9668OXqkVCkiV5lN_8qieRAK6ZX0qSthL2AbekImMXljBWXoDo1p_f0qwQ5gJmenD_b7A4ZYJWGDjKlCmCM5AGX0Ghba2tkou2Iw_v_JOUFFKA4PHKNJQaEK3ixvGYDUKAJRB3zs/s1600/IMG_9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL5F-9668OXqkVCkiV5lN_8qieRAK6ZX0qSthL2AbekImMXljBWXoDo1p_f0qwQ5gJmenD_b7A4ZYJWGDjKlCmCM5AGX0Ghba2tkou2Iw_v_JOUFFKA4PHKNJQaEK3ixvGYDUKAJRB3zs/s1600/IMG_9498.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And the finished product:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu1ljzG7KL9zTETAW2whHgYdm9Og7wkAQGYANQDdDz7DlzeFyFV_9zzs1cZ2VXKD3zhMs5LwvwWZMq7b7GNx31vIJWezHoANb3muxKXhVqXfB01ZMZ02vufHXAmu6alcTLLoe_CC26YLR/s1600/IMG_9530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu1ljzG7KL9zTETAW2whHgYdm9Og7wkAQGYANQDdDz7DlzeFyFV_9zzs1cZ2VXKD3zhMs5LwvwWZMq7b7GNx31vIJWezHoANb3muxKXhVqXfB01ZMZ02vufHXAmu6alcTLLoe_CC26YLR/s1600/IMG_9530.jpg" /></a></div><br />So there you go... something a little different than your standard ruffle skirt.<br /><br /><br />Here's the daytime/lights off look:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sVBpPf-OoYk3lr4ApRc5tyc-95WCWI7t3ToRuPvmpjnCbwKbzmL3DVC-YuvvumQDtbHjvxmYVsYPGrVILAkaHRzb-PSCmGG5viBMAtNtdLLs5CDx7bEr6UAMlNcv7StgdIc8nh-y23oW/s1600/IMG_9522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sVBpPf-OoYk3lr4ApRc5tyc-95WCWI7t3ToRuPvmpjnCbwKbzmL3DVC-YuvvumQDtbHjvxmYVsYPGrVILAkaHRzb-PSCmGG5viBMAtNtdLLs5CDx7bEr6UAMlNcv7StgdIc8nh-y23oW/s1600/IMG_9522.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And with the lights on, different times of day/night:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTSuSnA7_91lBRqjulr50Ztk3DHr-uuP-8rLdz81kdU5WmHlfqiuEx85labZBtYEve5HMV9jDkwYEFg672xa6MHDr2kVysDsVXDkWD4u_OFDDx9nLSMnBOksZY4_i0bkhyphenhyphenGS9tv_1iTIZ/s1600/IMG_9513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTSuSnA7_91lBRqjulr50Ztk3DHr-uuP-8rLdz81kdU5WmHlfqiuEx85labZBtYEve5HMV9jDkwYEFg672xa6MHDr2kVysDsVXDkWD4u_OFDDx9nLSMnBOksZY4_i0bkhyphenhyphenGS9tv_1iTIZ/s1600/IMG_9513.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4k63dpbsrwWxMEnAxoe1CX8KGQswAMWsokyasOdsPW_aF1eMB97YnlkKXDsglCO2NPURAVZ-q0oNV4-xDMaeStKwltVduDc12ABm9HypSFTN-vJgquCscGGsGh3YmRKnz960B1fzgxY7/s1600/IMG_9526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4k63dpbsrwWxMEnAxoe1CX8KGQswAMWsokyasOdsPW_aF1eMB97YnlkKXDsglCO2NPURAVZ-q0oNV4-xDMaeStKwltVduDc12ABm9HypSFTN-vJgquCscGGsGh3YmRKnz960B1fzgxY7/s1600/IMG_9526.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have no idea what's up with all the green dots. They are not there in person, it's a weird lens reflection thing. Any smart camera people out there?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3lIq16rH-I9cZdXeJ_KVwPPvCMtkJFqgxEk9cD_xWSxHfBR3mojO_gHwzaZgmqAt9pNB7LUfQGRU1UI-CnB1nkESMbk72kH82yLY5bMx7V1c_fFmJHzSGcNQU5CLKTNRpTizUBMlL6y1/s1600/IMG_9514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3lIq16rH-I9cZdXeJ_KVwPPvCMtkJFqgxEk9cD_xWSxHfBR3mojO_gHwzaZgmqAt9pNB7LUfQGRU1UI-CnB1nkESMbk72kH82yLY5bMx7V1c_fFmJHzSGcNQU5CLKTNRpTizUBMlL6y1/s1600/IMG_9514.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And there you have it!  Next year I'll step it up a notch and get an adult sized tree, but I really do love this one and the way it transforms our home into a warm & Christmasey happy place.<br /><br />I'm not sure if I'll be back before the holidays are over—I've been blessed with 15 hour work days this month—so if you don't hear from me, I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of December! And you can always follow me on instagram @jennasuedesign, cause I'm always on there :)<br /><br />Happy Holidays!<br /><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 /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i>This post is linked up to <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/12/09/diy-project-parade-56/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a>!</i>

O Christmas Tree

True story: we've never had a Christmas tree. (we as in, Brad and I alone). This is largely due to the fact that we've always travel...

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