tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52086941472238620762024-02-19T00:05:46.527-08:00Forest & Sea CreativeCalifornia born, Colorado raised, trying to make two worlds meet.Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-43338676559462834732015-10-01T15:38:00.000-07:002015-10-01T15:38:17.415-07:00October 1st <br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh, delicious days of October... Let this feeling linger within me always.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's been a long, <i>long</i> time since I've blogged. It's not that I haven't wanted to, but you know how life goes. It tends to get in the way of things. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I've been working...a <i>lot</i>. This is my first ever 40 hour job and I really do love it. But lately, with Autumn tugging at the edge of Summer, I've started to long for the freedom; the inspiration that kicked me in to motion almost a year ago when I started this blogging/Etsy journey.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I've been feeling reminiscent as I've been planning my next trip to California. I can't wait to wake up in my Grandma's house and drink coffee. To hear all about school from my brother and sisters. To sit with my Grandma. To dream with my mom.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Has it really been almost a year since we made the trek to California to say our goodbyes to the man who filled life with such joy? Has it really been almost a year since we all held each other and cried? Has it really been almost a year since I moved away from Colorado for three months? Has it really been almost a year since I discovered who I am and what I am meant to be doing? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVYZC2BkOrjSA52YuhScURn8568mT0uIuagF0oYccV9chf7KINbO7tRB75hxbWWulzn4Xi0b9giknI1sNDpVfQcVaiKGYWbDhlBK8X2emSbA1vZ77yDpBsBekzot0jslGZWODDeNx6xA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVYZC2BkOrjSA52YuhScURn8568mT0uIuagF0oYccV9chf7KINbO7tRB75hxbWWulzn4Xi0b9giknI1sNDpVfQcVaiKGYWbDhlBK8X2emSbA1vZ77yDpBsBekzot0jslGZWODDeNx6xA/s640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's easy to get caught up in "life" and before you know it a year has gone by, and you look back and wonder what you've been doing with yourself....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Autumn has many emotions. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's a time of birthdays, and a time of death. It's a time of anniversaries and new beginnings. It's a time to soak in the explosions of colors and drink pumpkin spice lattes. It's a time full of delicious scents that only come this time of year. </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a time for friendships and "fall themed" pedicures. </span></span></span>It's a time when the world glows as the sun shines through the golden leaves. It's a time to be thoughtful and thankful. It's a time of joy, a time of hope, a time to be quiet and maybe even a little melancholy. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm hoping and praying that as this season progresses, I don't lose sight of where I was this time last year. That I don't feel discouraged. That I embrace the inevitable sadness that will fill the days to come as we approach the first year anniversary of Grandpa leaving this world... I hope that Heaven is like a never ending October.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> October marks <i>my</i> official first day of Fall. There's this indescribable feeling that comes with October 1st. It's the true symbol of Fall. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Nothing compares to this feeling of sitting at one of my coffee shops, and being able to look out the window at the mountains bursting in to flame from the sun kissing the changing leaves. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh, delicious days of October.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90c3qrADZpD4WeTSK2Js31xqSC_eMF3_0gT31JT-sJNHYLMbW4lacWwrJqCUZZeZXsQRZiIcpm6ZgfuC7fhrJUnxHGJEZLKiDWlTbRNSZRLHwN1sCk61MzMuiIt3oM73KRgEZy2uIwAs/s1600/october+fall+autumn+forestandseacreative+blog+blogger+quote+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90c3qrADZpD4WeTSK2Js31xqSC_eMF3_0gT31JT-sJNHYLMbW4lacWwrJqCUZZeZXsQRZiIcpm6ZgfuC7fhrJUnxHGJEZLKiDWlTbRNSZRLHwN1sCk61MzMuiIt3oM73KRgEZy2uIwAs/s640/october+fall+autumn+forestandseacreative+blog+blogger+quote+leaves.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-17772473994172106732015-05-08T17:39:00.001-07:002015-05-08T17:39:43.087-07:00Crazy Thing Called Life<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Hello everyone!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's good to be back. I have a feeling this will be a long post, and unfortunately no pretty pictures.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> As you've all noticed, I have been gone for quite some time. Not intentionally mind you. It's just that sometimes life gets in the way. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Life in the apartment has it's challenges. For one, I didn't think I would miss having real internet access this much. But boy, does it make things difficult. I've also been busy working, working, working. This is the first time in my life that I've had a 40 hour week job, and I love it! I'm currently working at Sports Authority (not the type of place you'd picture me in, eh?) and I love my co-workers and my job so it's been great. I will be starting another part-time summer job in a few weeks too at our famous tourist attraction: The Glenwood Springs Caverns Adventure Park. I work at an old time photo booth there, owned by a friend. I also got hired at a local's favorite restaurant, but ended up turning down the position after realizing how little time I have already. Life!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I've also been working on a fun project with a dear friend (more info to be released soon) called "Bloom". It's been <i>very</i> time consuming, and taken a lot of brain power, but I feel like the ball is officially rolling now and everything is falling in to place.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g4HwGu8aL3Fg6KoQzr5lvUFnbnM9CR3Chx_Yazc2P7p-fVFsIn8Hx5e4kgCqic81feuxCR2KRGSHUDU5vmHkq1gfsV54moFlILNMC63k871lKqkwq_8tRjFZGLIbBD_wAZ8MrTx0udE/s1600/bloom+study+retreat+women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g4HwGu8aL3Fg6KoQzr5lvUFnbnM9CR3Chx_Yazc2P7p-fVFsIn8Hx5e4kgCqic81feuxCR2KRGSHUDU5vmHkq1gfsV54moFlILNMC63k871lKqkwq_8tRjFZGLIbBD_wAZ8MrTx0udE/s640/bloom+study+retreat+women.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I've been out with friends. A <i>lot</i>. Every free chance I get I'm usually on a coffee date or out walking or grabbing dinner with someone. It's been a really great time for me to build relationships and to spend quality time with quality women in my life.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Another stressful but fun thing that's been going on is prepping for birthdays, Mother's Day, and thinking about wedding gifts for friends and family. A good family friend and I share the same birthday, and I will be away, so I've been having fun browsing the local shops and coming up with some fun ideas for her. It's a little sad that we won't be able to celebrate on our day this year. It's become a sort of tradition; one we began long before they moved to China, and one we've continued since they moved back. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Amidst all this stuff that is life, we've also been getting ready for two vacations (one <i>literally</i> right after the other). Tomorrow, we're leaving for Moab for a Mother's Day trip with the in-laws. They go every year with the boys, but this is the first year <i>my</i> mom hasn't been here for the big day, so I'm going too. I'm eager to get out of town for a bit and not stress anymore. We'll be getting home from Moab on Sunday, and I go straight to work that afternoon to close. Then two days later the hubby and I, my brother-in-law, and the friend are hitting the road for California for eleven days! Beach for my birthday, here I come! We're going for my cousin's wedding, but we'll be there over my birthday too. I can't wait to get away. Now that it's closer, the stress seems to have melted away and I feel nothing but excitement. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So as you can see, life has been a little crazy (and here I thought May would be a little quieter than April was). But it makes for a blog post once I can actually sit down and write! I plan on writing at least a few times in California since I will have endless internet and my favorite photo taking spots at my disposal. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Until next time, my lovelies! </span></span></span><br />
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Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-21989043005752866572015-03-31T12:33:00.003-07:002015-03-31T12:33:55.638-07:00Coolest Husband: Update<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As I've said before, I may or may not be slightly biased, but I think my husband has picked up some pretty cool hobbies. Ones that he's good at, people like, and he enjoys doing!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My previous post was <i>mostly</i> about his leather endeavors. Since then, I've managed to snap some photos of some of the chains he's been working on.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> These are two of his completed wallet chains. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And this is <i>one</i> of the completed bracelets. I need to take some pictures of the other one to share.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5WL0vwO00Z1QwDWx3yQ8eiTN3A6MmWAkSZ_NBzzeGaVcsEEC6TD1nafiNyNa0Z4UDXVmKdbcbcUAL5kBl1L3RM5-DLUsmimk5_YSTllgBDT-fBh8Mv-ThanOg-xy-b8j5Lm-Wg0OqjE/s1600/chains+chainmaille+leather+handmade+skulls+wallet+bracelet+stainless+steel+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5WL0vwO00Z1QwDWx3yQ8eiTN3A6MmWAkSZ_NBzzeGaVcsEEC6TD1nafiNyNa0Z4UDXVmKdbcbcUAL5kBl1L3RM5-DLUsmimk5_YSTllgBDT-fBh8Mv-ThanOg-xy-b8j5Lm-Wg0OqjE/s1600/chains+chainmaille+leather+handmade+skulls+wallet+bracelet+stainless+steel+(10).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is his finished leather piece, and his artistic setup to showcase his chains and artwork.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC-prB7FkQzT6lD7Le4x6ic3qhDAq01Et4ML1UIKyC8gv7Wcrk7TW74_x4YWBfWRzf0DjkGpk7y1s0NqQMEQUZ8l0LLoDGIKDh5pzYHMaG4OFGBJTV_8-mxIL_AIayZ1NpFe2_Oc-7IQ/s1600/chains+chainmaille+leather+handmade+skulls+wallet+bracelet+stainless+steel+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC-prB7FkQzT6lD7Le4x6ic3qhDAq01Et4ML1UIKyC8gv7Wcrk7TW74_x4YWBfWRzf0DjkGpk7y1s0NqQMEQUZ8l0LLoDGIKDh5pzYHMaG4OFGBJTV_8-mxIL_AIayZ1NpFe2_Oc-7IQ/s1600/chains+chainmaille+leather+handmade+skulls+wallet+bracelet+stainless+steel+(19).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVMsavLBZKzFwg2Z9vflZz0b8e7pxh_McQFrx9Q1d6v0JANel7FgZmgLN1QvItAy4SkNI_ZSlqZ9nKTbDB_0gNWUs-Vd6N1e68OFdxCg83UJMhLgPXBjhT4sMuYC6voexrkKYTklPidk/s1600/chains+chainmaille+leather+handmade+skulls+wallet+bracelet+stainless+steel+(20)%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVMsavLBZKzFwg2Z9vflZz0b8e7pxh_McQFrx9Q1d6v0JANel7FgZmgLN1QvItAy4SkNI_ZSlqZ9nKTbDB_0gNWUs-Vd6N1e68OFdxCg83UJMhLgPXBjhT4sMuYC6voexrkKYTklPidk/s1600/chains+chainmaille+leather+handmade+skulls+wallet+bracelet+stainless+steel+(20)%2B3.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Some exciting news! He now has his very own Etsy shop, and just had his first sale! I am proud of him for putting himself out there and for realizing that what he does is awesome. Check out his shop <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/rustedrevival" target="_blank">here</a>! </span></span></span></div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-77920346870686625182015-03-14T12:10:00.001-07:002015-03-31T11:58:10.838-07:00My Husband Is Cooler Than Your Husband<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My husband has always felt like he wasn't the "creative" type. He's an extreme perfectionist, and if he tries to make something and it's not <i>perfect</i> on the first try he will give it up. Or get mad. Or throw it away....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Recently, he's discovered his love for making wallet chains, chainmaille, and creating with leather. He's a man with <i>very</i> expensive taste (he may or may not have bought a custom wallet made just for him and spent a pretty penny on it). So of course, I should have known that he would pick hobbies that 1. have expensive materials and 2. could create expensive products. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIvj1FkwlRhN6zFX7T4NdkOt1XN8y89RgtmBJUZTzSe1KS_njHx_gPyDyUY1xNBo-gIFnZjwRnOE2mqbbUHAoOH6jisGvl1b9WEP3kIy5qtMS57fl11QDMDXYp8Wpc2y8feZFl-CFYqA/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIvj1FkwlRhN6zFX7T4NdkOt1XN8y89RgtmBJUZTzSe1KS_njHx_gPyDyUY1xNBo-gIFnZjwRnOE2mqbbUHAoOH6jisGvl1b9WEP3kIy5qtMS57fl11QDMDXYp8Wpc2y8feZFl-CFYqA/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather+.JPG" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQBtEx5J0SLZLu58ujnDHMhjP0BD8ZRcHU-peSBwUzcdVKEs26z58_qnv7kpaYvjh_ZbjILE8ltv-f1ySktd5FS-twzCPnbvReXxGDWzb51UDMyRZiUoGrdZXm37ELhYzcjd1FpbrQ6o/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQBtEx5J0SLZLu58ujnDHMhjP0BD8ZRcHU-peSBwUzcdVKEs26z58_qnv7kpaYvjh_ZbjILE8ltv-f1ySktd5FS-twzCPnbvReXxGDWzb51UDMyRZiUoGrdZXm37ELhYzcjd1FpbrQ6o/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(3).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Chainmaille is a time consuming, slow process, that I personally have zero patience for. This has been a perfect project for his busy mind because it gives him something to focus on and he gets lost in a project like this for hours. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEiX1Ix23ambYs3tVDYYWKfH35KICBJCvJ6z4Vxyv2bCxhZpSeEMZVi0i_nUuKkNNBrDQuUsBbgR6T7_7t_0hgAhVpGku3lUpUFADZi8pHrlFaT6RnJEFqWaoZiaMTWCdZsfe-z12ZDE/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEiX1Ix23ambYs3tVDYYWKfH35KICBJCvJ6z4Vxyv2bCxhZpSeEMZVi0i_nUuKkNNBrDQuUsBbgR6T7_7t_0hgAhVpGku3lUpUFADZi8pHrlFaT6RnJEFqWaoZiaMTWCdZsfe-z12ZDE/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(8).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNqS-0Iz8ag8rQ4cUmOtgoaenIJ1ZdZ1tvnNdXY1sLT3P0OyUPqd6mxt-pbwZSp9ozIE39RoJF8Pqdxd3ZM7Sc0eK9CxhlOwSnVffRKmZQxVSdCU6C_yB6mBUtVzuTCaxtsrTK-vt2QE/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNqS-0Iz8ag8rQ4cUmOtgoaenIJ1ZdZ1tvnNdXY1sLT3P0OyUPqd6mxt-pbwZSp9ozIE39RoJF8Pqdxd3ZM7Sc0eK9CxhlOwSnVffRKmZQxVSdCU6C_yB6mBUtVzuTCaxtsrTK-vt2QE/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(5).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> He <i>claims</i> that he can't draw either, but he is <i>way</i> better at using something as inspiration/reference and rolling with it in his own way. I am better at copying something exactly the way it is.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The first step in his leather process is to draw the image out, and then trace it with wax paper. He then uses the wax paper as a template to transfer the design to the leather. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KKDJJYryHzzU8Wzp6W2SHbKnjIlqFGxmJi0mYKx6aCgOEz2Ro1bAl7klffTPARA0ui3jqRVyhiMBnQ3tVq5MI96XwJxD0XMZKOk8ROiGHKKnKDIj3pYbybSVFGncC7Lmf94Tuv2E4rI/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KKDJJYryHzzU8Wzp6W2SHbKnjIlqFGxmJi0mYKx6aCgOEz2Ro1bAl7klffTPARA0ui3jqRVyhiMBnQ3tVq5MI96XwJxD0XMZKOk8ROiGHKKnKDIj3pYbybSVFGncC7Lmf94Tuv2E4rI/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(6).JPG" height="626" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9T5Rot7Ffn6TyghVFgsso0aL7EQYZiLgvbQsntFXutQFM2RJ8h-eVDhgt3gDtkgg03qHwE7FHTxgp68BQW9dKEB1R5JXBlCoV7sTXnwzGgDHLd4ZSMcIdlb-c9hdF6brTTVE_WMTMSg/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9T5Rot7Ffn6TyghVFgsso0aL7EQYZiLgvbQsntFXutQFM2RJ8h-eVDhgt3gDtkgg03qHwE7FHTxgp68BQW9dKEB1R5JXBlCoV7sTXnwzGgDHLd4ZSMcIdlb-c9hdF6brTTVE_WMTMSg/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(7).JPG" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here he is surrounded by his creative disaster. He's also quite messy when he makes things. Organized, but messy.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrJXZ8SZiGmLpPuc_P1sLuve0jJWiYAGHAuA4DmrfYFthiOzY6SWDYWzqjJSCulX29agiATckbP_VBrJAzXJdU5gxCNDzDlGdg2TzCmI-SnCFZclhSJQG-KqSsm8arEQUQXeKRmw2eUI/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrJXZ8SZiGmLpPuc_P1sLuve0jJWiYAGHAuA4DmrfYFthiOzY6SWDYWzqjJSCulX29agiATckbP_VBrJAzXJdU5gxCNDzDlGdg2TzCmI-SnCFZclhSJQG-KqSsm8arEQUQXeKRmw2eUI/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(11).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This piece was a drawing he drew up for a potential tattoo idea, and he ended up using part of it on the leather. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8IwTMA3CJDb6gzkACOPsHBRhUuNp19mFlIOpCF4lUIOQUvszG_Fp6Wz_DamgTJWZ1sgZnVtA2MX_HnmPzhngybL67aCKRxGl9XxTe7dzMBWPCjEPoLEIM40GpCI1kQn8hcZrl7L8iNI/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++copy(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8IwTMA3CJDb6gzkACOPsHBRhUuNp19mFlIOpCF4lUIOQUvszG_Fp6Wz_DamgTJWZ1sgZnVtA2MX_HnmPzhngybL67aCKRxGl9XxTe7dzMBWPCjEPoLEIM40GpCI1kQn8hcZrl7L8iNI/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++copy(12).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This was his first finished piece, and he literally was just winging it when he started. I don't have the eye like he does for the shading and what not. It's completely rad if you ask me. But, I may be a little biased. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65j_geaQxl007qY9Z8qDiPlfnBBAMGbHEp-Vgggnje6SEw628TIzhRUxppdxkZ1Y5gI1cynkFRCvEttqz951JVQrYhKVsKbjfvpHDI_PmspmrMf_EfYWftUYcYRFqx5MTqD7fSQ5BB_0/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65j_geaQxl007qY9Z8qDiPlfnBBAMGbHEp-Vgggnje6SEw628TIzhRUxppdxkZ1Y5gI1cynkFRCvEttqz951JVQrYhKVsKbjfvpHDI_PmspmrMf_EfYWftUYcYRFqx5MTqD7fSQ5BB_0/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(13).JPG" height="640" width="582" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is his current piece. His work in progress. And it's going to be sweet. But, again, I might be biased.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtAMgMoRYJs30HI79ggFxqQJJemRLmbpRxAaXe2af5ghXMBH-ZB1NlzetHfz5OztWkKy4sp8ulGp_0-aT8nBDSOu-kj0i_THkL194ya0fcjYExNywXBEMheABNQYe8t65iXOXTA18E1A/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtAMgMoRYJs30HI79ggFxqQJJemRLmbpRxAaXe2af5ghXMBH-ZB1NlzetHfz5OztWkKy4sp8ulGp_0-aT8nBDSOu-kj0i_THkL194ya0fcjYExNywXBEMheABNQYe8t65iXOXTA18E1A/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(14).JPG" height="640" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And finally, this is my sad, rushed attempt at making a feather on leather. I think I'll leave the leather working to the Husband.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wCNS2D_yVuTYlCx1U1F9dgopg4i1KzbMDgTZlA6-PKRKz6X95rSqKmF0bOmWTE3D1yrHnhC6Wy6iaBuwqNic16qt96XN2h0Q9gxWvD-1BUgkr3VsM9h1yiGs98zYNjzI8ygI7PSMN0s/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wCNS2D_yVuTYlCx1U1F9dgopg4i1KzbMDgTZlA6-PKRKz6X95rSqKmF0bOmWTE3D1yrHnhC6Wy6iaBuwqNic16qt96XN2h0Q9gxWvD-1BUgkr3VsM9h1yiGs98zYNjzI8ygI7PSMN0s/s1600/Colorado+Leather+Chainmaille+Handmade+Husband+Create+Creative+Skull+Skulls+Tooled+Handtooled+Feather++(9).JPG" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> If you're interested in chatting with him about wallet chains, chainmaille, or leather, you can contact him <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cory.ice?fref=ts" target="_blank">here!</a></span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-4475958462469648122015-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:002015-03-04T08:00:05.521-08:00Winter: Just In Time For Spring <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Coming home from California, I expected to come home to <i>snow</i>. I was grateful to return home to a warm Colorado winter, but as time went on I began to miss the wintery wonderland that is <i>home.</i> I kept hearing "There's snow in the forecast this weekend!" or "We're supposed to get snow tonight!". Yeah right. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Just when I was giving up hope, the temperatures were starting to climb, and flowers were starting to bloom, I should have known that Colorado would be throwing me a curve ball. And just in time for spring!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My town is a magical place in the winter. I am happy that this is home for right now. Here's the view from my street on the one cold, snowy day since I've been back. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5KgJ9AMHHSNsVGs4Jsij07Ro4rUTpopAW8D6A4Ovhu3kkg9jOxycIZ35oW26Cawrw1FJv2F5ISMFcg9YuNJjYpRY0-NZY0tbJWV247GEkmd9JLMckFiowsCXk_L1gdl9knreRA9OtGM/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5KgJ9AMHHSNsVGs4Jsij07Ro4rUTpopAW8D6A4Ovhu3kkg9jOxycIZ35oW26Cawrw1FJv2F5ISMFcg9YuNJjYpRY0-NZY0tbJWV247GEkmd9JLMckFiowsCXk_L1gdl9knreRA9OtGM/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Our house looks awfully charming covered in snow. Our apartment is the window by the table.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1vd8zvuuwoo9tHT-U9v5lU6pJiLOFocS5c8RIEohk91a0j5wFC-FpAz9ioKgXDugIgRibNFSKpYvbSZLl96uccUBKR5BQrUMZOaBgUVSoLd-wNsraeCiPUwqTzdJLr2zR305r5NJXME/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1vd8zvuuwoo9tHT-U9v5lU6pJiLOFocS5c8RIEohk91a0j5wFC-FpAz9ioKgXDugIgRibNFSKpYvbSZLl96uccUBKR5BQrUMZOaBgUVSoLd-wNsraeCiPUwqTzdJLr2zR305r5NJXME/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzAe-9MssbZWK3BdqTa9LVFTWDaReDCSeSxAIXmnaWpELJDsTT8xA7AAj2hS-m01nTShE2vxHQIuVx7IFWmnAZW6d68jTAW4354tKxXZ22rLt230n_dDyil-w3SzeQjQWpLzna8lV35E/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzAe-9MssbZWK3BdqTa9LVFTWDaReDCSeSxAIXmnaWpELJDsTT8xA7AAj2hS-m01nTShE2vxHQIuVx7IFWmnAZW6d68jTAW4354tKxXZ22rLt230n_dDyil-w3SzeQjQWpLzna8lV35E/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The view from our front porch. Our house isn't the <i>only</i> crooked one on the street apparently.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NrPt1HKx7V35E9VulHXua_pEYHEy9h1xL5rkoPbBoo9CrkidV3uI_LpvFSynDooshpiXpBYVG_sz0HecBO_3OsdwoKQrisbu1maNz4cVWYq5cc7z7nfSdCl4Ft7nAOs8LLzyHnYaMTw/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NrPt1HKx7V35E9VulHXua_pEYHEy9h1xL5rkoPbBoo9CrkidV3uI_LpvFSynDooshpiXpBYVG_sz0HecBO_3OsdwoKQrisbu1maNz4cVWYq5cc7z7nfSdCl4Ft7nAOs8LLzyHnYaMTw/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado+4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is looking directly across the street from our front porch. I love being surrounded by big trees and the mountains.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrSNg9QlBzMhAe79JxehMhd7w3wQRZ50AYiUYdyoLn6eVWVnqO4_1s3FqNFCTf4Zx7eciuaeev1Vpl2hLcdWKrlnJnPrUKek_auceAUSofgECgW2TYqr8a3QPHqQYRNBOcjDM3WzbQq4/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrSNg9QlBzMhAe79JxehMhd7w3wQRZ50AYiUYdyoLn6eVWVnqO4_1s3FqNFCTf4Zx7eciuaeev1Vpl2hLcdWKrlnJnPrUKek_auceAUSofgECgW2TYqr8a3QPHqQYRNBOcjDM3WzbQq4/s1600/winter+snow+blog+blogger+february+2015+glenwood+springs+colorado.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here's to appreciating the things I undervalued in the past. Every year seems to be different. I either love it or hate it, and this year, I am grateful for this Colorado Wonderland. </span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-15716887588864379382015-03-03T09:36:00.004-08:002015-03-03T09:42:32.014-08:00Spring Cleaning<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It's that time of year. That sudden urge to purge. That itch to throw everything away. The desire to start new. Maybe you start on a whim like I do, or perhaps you have to pencil it in on your calender.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Spring cleaning has hit me early, like it does every year. I'm noticing that our apartment gets <i>much</i> dirtier than our previous homes, so deep cleaning is </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kind of a must to keep my sanity. I am definitely what one could call a <i>messy</i> person. Cluttered. But <i>not</i> disorganized. But I am on the clean freak side of things. A crumb on the counter? Gotta get that bad boy. A drip of coffee on the floor? Better wipe that up <i>now</i> or it will haunt me forever. Makeup powder dusting the <i>white</i> sink? Better scrub that mess away. That is probably why I spent six hours when I moved in scrubbing every inch of wall space. I might be a <i>little</i> obsessive. Don't judge.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUpkOSoJo8JO81wrif9FtNGgwKulUIWSEV7ilSt6ssG8RkufIQljL6CPmNr1oMvMVnabNuMVqWFd8pFl79dfshvBknmbhFQzIQKo4xt_Y7BbBTRkb316u62M2gGHiCDB68yX2GJb1b6Y/s1600/spring+cleaning+clean+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUpkOSoJo8JO81wrif9FtNGgwKulUIWSEV7ilSt6ssG8RkufIQljL6CPmNr1oMvMVnabNuMVqWFd8pFl79dfshvBknmbhFQzIQKo4xt_Y7BbBTRkb316u62M2gGHiCDB68yX2GJb1b6Y/s1600/spring+cleaning+clean+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger+.jpg" height="596" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> One way I de-clutter (this is a frequent passtime) is to empty out all the cupboards and down size my collection of dishes. "But, I might <i>need</i> 10 pretty plates for that party I <i>might</i> have <i>someday</i>!" Logical. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjzUQvWSshSxjpBzs3vA5WKtmwDewRhIs8BZg7xGn7zF8KofpdeKnCaGAFaDhx8DB_Ms61JANRNQnbMCeJq6QYdj7OWECjYlLxbwBiTZE5412hDF8zDeMJrNmBeQin9CIRZuDsQnJUiU/s1600/spring+cleaning+cleanup+2015+blog+blogger+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjzUQvWSshSxjpBzs3vA5WKtmwDewRhIs8BZg7xGn7zF8KofpdeKnCaGAFaDhx8DB_Ms61JANRNQnbMCeJq6QYdj7OWECjYlLxbwBiTZE5412hDF8zDeMJrNmBeQin9CIRZuDsQnJUiU/s1600/spring+cleaning+cleanup+2015+blog+blogger+winter.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I usually go through every single piece of paper I have in my possession. Some going back to when I was a kid. Yeah, I'm a little sentimental. Thankfully, every time I open the box, there is <i>something</i> that has lost it's emotional attachment. Even if it's just one tiny piece of paper. That's a step forward, right? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Downsizing our movie collection is also a must. Although, there tends to be less downsizing in the recent past and more organizing the never ending pile.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLJNqdYVvH4SE2JHK_dGftXSqwhsmBz8CXN4KRolA9R6LcQdePnw6HmT5FEgqrrF70whQjOHWJUVtSIRMeuxDfuVz-qHbIVD-wZFyDTaF8oAneBVIQtTuBMUhjuZxpMWbuQ1s_uXQYl8/s1600/spring+cleaning+clean+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLJNqdYVvH4SE2JHK_dGftXSqwhsmBz8CXN4KRolA9R6LcQdePnw6HmT5FEgqrrF70whQjOHWJUVtSIRMeuxDfuVz-qHbIVD-wZFyDTaF8oAneBVIQtTuBMUhjuZxpMWbuQ1s_uXQYl8/s1600/spring+cleaning+clean+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I tend to get rid of furniture, dishes, shoes, makeup, accessories, and of course <i>clothes</i>. Thank goodness for my favorite local consignment store, Lilly's. If you're ever in Glenwood, make sure you stop by and say hello to Kelly. She has an ever-rotating array of clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. Sometimes she gets some really great, high-end brand names coming through too. I've made quite a bit of money by taking my clothes and shoes here to sell over the past... however many years. I don't know what I would do without her! </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf04kMjUfTPtQQCDG_pxlbbkV9MFu-5xFWPes-X44tpsnGHV57ktCrVYw6BDjd6yyjR2iTNKPf2WyttpLDiSOojm6D0zhc28tbX5tjA3CytXMo3rGWi7Sb4zTDmVrZWsv8PGedRMUl4o/s1600/spring+cleaning+clea+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf04kMjUfTPtQQCDG_pxlbbkV9MFu-5xFWPes-X44tpsnGHV57ktCrVYw6BDjd6yyjR2iTNKPf2WyttpLDiSOojm6D0zhc28tbX5tjA3CytXMo3rGWi7Sb4zTDmVrZWsv8PGedRMUl4o/s1600/spring+cleaning+clea+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger.jpg" height="640" width="630" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When going through my clothes and shoes, I'm one of those people that pulls <i>everything</i> out of the closet and has to try it all on in front of the mirror. If my first reaction is "this looks great!" I keep it. If my first reaction is nothing or just "meh", it goes. Honestly, I don't see how I can have any clothes left, I do this so often. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVDiJf13MF-jtqPamMt4CG2bItR5ra6V7utLzNbPUvEjzaRa9lUzd2EKqsTpy6sfjH_tpQUTcuBOHGL2ULFgvt-nzXTE2RjuG3I4-3uOLrQvafhK1gK7ernJZmtWtdnrRQjDc5xlw3No/s1600/spring+cleaning+clean+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVDiJf13MF-jtqPamMt4CG2bItR5ra6V7utLzNbPUvEjzaRa9lUzd2EKqsTpy6sfjH_tpQUTcuBOHGL2ULFgvt-nzXTE2RjuG3I4-3uOLrQvafhK1gK7ernJZmtWtdnrRQjDc5xlw3No/s1600/spring+cleaning+clean+up+2015+winter+blog+blogger.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ahh. Do you have that one piece of clothing, that you put on just to stand in front of the mirror and feel good about yourself? When I was in California, I fell in love with a gorgeous, summery dress at TJ Maxx and I <i>had</i> to own it. Come on ladies, you know how that is. I had zero occasion in mind, no idea when I could possibly wear it, but I walked out of the store with the dress in hand. Meet my Lil Beauty. My husband might have to take me on a mandatory summer dinner date just so can wear this out in public.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My main thing is cleaning. I mean, <i>really</i> cleaning. With dark carpets, every single little speck of anything shows up, and me with that obsessive mind, will literally walk around and pick up anything I can see. Every time I see something. Yes, I know that dark carpet is supposed to <i>hide</i> all the mess, but there are way more light colored specks than dark colored specks. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The good and bad thing (for my sanity) is that I don't have a lot of stuff at our apartment. I keep thinking how great it feels to have hardly anything and how freeing it is. And then, I open our storage unit. And of course, there are things in there I can't even remember; things that I definitely don't <i>need</i>, but as soon as I lay eyes on it I come up with an excuse to keep it! What is <i>wrong</i> with me? Ay yi yi.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I also have piles going at my house. Am I the only one who does this? Donate. Friends. Consignment. Return. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The good news is that after living in California and having close to <i>none</i> of my possessions, I know that I can live that way still. So here's to downsizing, de-cluttering, deep cleaning, and keeping my sanity. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What's your Spring Cleaning "must do"?</span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-90709667271599928962015-02-24T08:54:00.000-08:002015-02-25T11:05:46.146-08:00Update: Colorado Living<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Oh my, I have been a slacker these days when it comes to blogging. Here's an update of what's been going on here in Colorado, and hopefully I'll have some pictures of town and life to share with you all soon. I've been feeling slightly...unmotivated, and trying <i>hard</i> not to let that feeling take over.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Life has been falling back in to a <i>normal</i> routine. I'm still slowing bringing things home from storage and trying to make our place cozy. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've been on the job hunt for a while now and haven't had too much luck. I keep<i> </i>waiting for <i>feelings</i> and I'm not getting them. For those of you who don't know me well, I'm a very <i>feelings</i> person. I get these gut feelings sometimes that I just have to go along with. Such as my previous job. I vowed I would never work in childcare, and as soon as I saw that job listed in the newspaper, and I knew instantly I was meant to apply and that I would get the job. I haven't had that feeling yet. Well...not completely. I have a few conflicted feelings about a couple places, so prayer for clarity would be greatly appreciated. I have a follow up interview at Sports Authority today, which I had a good feeling about yesterday, and today have an odd conflicted feeling about. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This past weekend I went to Lunafest with my mother-in-law. For those of you who don't know what Lunafest is (like me before researching it) you can find out all about it <a href="http://www.lunafest.org/" target="_blank">here</a> and perhaps attend one in a town near you! It was a fun night with dinner beforehand, and then the film festival at the historic Hotel Colorado.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yesterday I helped a dear friend substitute (she substituted, I mostly observed for future reference) at a local private school that we both have a soft spot for. She graduated from the school as well as taught there, and I spent much of my childhood with people who attended the school, went on field trips with them, and took a few classes there as well. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've been trying to branch out more and surround myself with people. I've spent a lot of time with good friends, been hanging out at the local coffee shop, gone to Trivia Night at the local burger place where my husband works, spent time with <i>his</i> friends, went to a worship concert in Basalt, assisted substituting, attended a women's film festival. I'm trying to say yes to things I might otherwise have said no to. I feel like since I was in California, that I am more outgoing and <i>want</i> to be around people more. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm trying to get back in to the swing of things as far as eating healthy and working out. Which hasn't been too successful so far, but I'm going to try and <i>really</i> start this journey in the next week or so. Prayers!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've spent a lot of time walking around lately, and taking in the beauty that is a small mountain town. I'm learning to be content where I am and find splendor in the small things. Snow gently kissing the tops of the mountains, tiny flowers popping up along the sidewalks, the familiar feel of my favorite coffee shop, running in to friends unexpectedly. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I may not know exactly what I'm going yet, but I know I'll figure out. Life doesn't stand still, and I don't want to either. So for now, I'll continue to love where I'm at, and be grateful for every second. I will try and blog more and keep you updated. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some discounted prices at the shop! Please take a look and maybe something will say "buy me!", hehe.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://etsy.com/shop/forestandseacreative" target="_blank">Check out my Etsy shop here!</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-20242364354432442362015-02-10T13:57:00.001-08:002015-02-10T13:58:58.816-08:00Smothered Burrito (With A Twist) Recipe<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script type="text/javascript" async defer data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Meals like today make me believe that I could be vegan. I mean. If I had to.<br /><br /> Meet the Sweet Potato Smothered Burrito aka Whip Up Something With Whatever Is Lying Around…er…Burrito.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sorry for the ONE horrible picture. I didn't think about taking photos until I was in the middle of eating it!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My husband and I are big Mexican food fans. I could live off of Mexican food for life. I am part Mexican, and clearly got the I-Love-Mexican-Food gene.<br /><br />So… anyway, on to the burrito!<br /><br /> I just got home from a walk, and when that happens I tend to want to carry on the semi-healthy moment I’ve got going on. <br /> I jumped in bed next to my video game playing husband, and began to rattle off all the food that is in the house (it’s about time for a trip to the grocery store I think). The meal was originally going to be sweet potato and eggs in a tortilla. But it quickly escalated to a delicious smothered burrito! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I used:<br /><br />1 can of tri-blend beans<br />1 can of refried beans<br />1 can of green chili enchilada sauce<br />1 cup of white rice<br />2 sweet potatoes (cut in to bite size pieces)<br />A handful of baby spinach<br />Seasonings to taste (I used cumin, salt, pepper, garlic and chipotle chile spice)<br />Garnishes of your choice (I used sour cream, cheese and taco sauce). Obviously not vegan with my cheese and what not. Cilantro would be amazing!<br /><br /> I brought a pot of water to a boil, and dropped in my sweet potatoes, cut in to bit size pieces and let it boil for about 10 minutes or so. Just long enough so that they’re mostly soft (I then drained and put them in a pan to get a little bit of a crisp on them while they finished cooking). <br /><br /> While the potatoes were boiling, a got my water ready for my instant white rice (in the future, I would use brown rice or quinoa). After it was done cooking I added the seasonings to the rice.<br /><br /> I added the boiled potatoes to a pan with some oil, and added the seasonings to taste. I like food that’s a little spicier, so I may have gone a bit overboard with the chipotle. After they browned a little bit, I tossed in my can of tri-blend beans, and continued cooking until everything was heated. I then heated up the refried beans and the enchilada sauce while the potato/bean mixture was warming. <br /><br /> I then got my tortilla, spread out a bit of the potato/bean mixture, scooped on some rice, added some spinach leaves and then taco sauce. I wrapped it up and smeared some of the refried beans over the top, then drizzled on the enchilada sauce, put on a dollop of sour cream, and topped it off with some cheese. <br /><br /> You’d never know there wasn’t meat in this! It was so filling, and I’ve found that sweet potato can easily take the place of meat when seasoned correctly (one of my all time favorite foods because of it’s taste and versatility).<br /><br /> So there you have it! Our take on the Smothered Burrito, from our home to yours. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Happy cooking!</span></span></span>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-87080986618916648422015-02-09T12:42:00.000-08:002015-02-09T12:43:24.706-08:00California Dreaming<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My time in California came to an end faster than I anticipated. My guys came out for my final week and we got to explore the area, hang out with my family, and make memories that we'll remember forever. Enjoy some pictures from our adventure in beautiful, Southern California.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My sister and I accidentally stumbled upon this beautiful sight when we missed a turn for the freeway and ended up taking a back road to Diamond Bar. Turns out, there is a park at the top of the hill with a view that can't be beat. I've never seen the hills this green in all the years I've been going to California. So of course, we had to take the boys to show off the splendor. We hiked to the top of the path at the park, and the guys threw around the new boomerang (a unique find from our trip to the Pomona Antique Mall the day before).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If you're looking for something fun and free to do, especially with kids, check out the California Science Center. Plan to spend a good chunk of your day here, because it is a massive place with interactive areas, a simulated earthquake room, an aquarium, and it's also the final resting place of the Endeavor.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The colors in Venice Beach spoke to me. It's slightly grungy, but a whole lot of gorgeous. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And the view. I mean, come on. The Santa Monica Pier off in the distance.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Two out of the three had never been to the ocean before. It was the best watching them take in a place I love so much.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The sunset just gets me every time. Nothing is equal to that sight.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We had dinner at a local, delicious burger joint on the Pier. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The boys wanted to have the full beach experience (boogie boarding, swimming, "tanning") so we went to Huntington Beach the next day. My hillbilly beach boys.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbIC-gooFgOh_U_FKKqOEd-nMGzzurNLwXMBbLuaSRV3Pf4V7P-r0cNh0xaPU8oyleDFGjB4YkO__9gzcn-BJl4iSQxYbHXL632wtdSgrk2WsD6ZPXbdDccO3j1xRSuKGXX6fDHaeEpo/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+huntington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbIC-gooFgOh_U_FKKqOEd-nMGzzurNLwXMBbLuaSRV3Pf4V7P-r0cNh0xaPU8oyleDFGjB4YkO__9gzcn-BJl4iSQxYbHXL632wtdSgrk2WsD6ZPXbdDccO3j1xRSuKGXX6fDHaeEpo/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+huntington.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photo by Mikayla</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The waves were huge at Huntington that day, and the boys embraced their inner mermen.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSoPEvBadR1o_HtMcLhR3E3hY1FRaXJYW1-Gk83PcEnDq8wzp3mxbQqsg8tdHRuZpgvVzZiOoutzelZ93KjYAnSn9nitOA3O1Vzd9TazsPELy52aHIE1SiTmoIo4q9nLm-2Ewcgg7yk4/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+huntington+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSoPEvBadR1o_HtMcLhR3E3hY1FRaXJYW1-Gk83PcEnDq8wzp3mxbQqsg8tdHRuZpgvVzZiOoutzelZ93KjYAnSn9nitOA3O1Vzd9TazsPELy52aHIE1SiTmoIo4q9nLm-2Ewcgg7yk4/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+huntington+2.jpg" height="352" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Photo by Mikayla. Catalina Island off in the distance.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photo by Mikayla</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Candids by Levi</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Candids by Levi</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> They really love each other...and the beach. But mostly each other I think.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqhANhiLnZ7YfmU2M9DPsXQB3IQiRQSDuL2gcxeKEZbYTcFQs8hnkb1Q7ROZVjimUdXG0lBnPC0nooO5eOSnbsTIneHCXHLs53fSVbeqNHjNswEaZ8VZA16Ht8qqj8-HeK2GIS-X5kA/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+huntington+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqhANhiLnZ7YfmU2M9DPsXQB3IQiRQSDuL2gcxeKEZbYTcFQs8hnkb1Q7ROZVjimUdXG0lBnPC0nooO5eOSnbsTIneHCXHLs53fSVbeqNHjNswEaZ8VZA16Ht8qqj8-HeK2GIS-X5kA/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+huntington+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photo by Mikayla</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Again, the sunset just touches my soul. Nothing is as beautiful as this.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy10mCTaLeUmfE2lxxDgqO8UEcucWL8KLcoYK_dLFILgYFAMTbjsM2_OzJTA9Eovx-7jiHesXlJzOJx6W3JPpHYHbv0SxrzdymMLRvrk6w074vDVr9KaA3FlWnJBJ6vSxz0nhFz5ac3fs/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+venice+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy10mCTaLeUmfE2lxxDgqO8UEcucWL8KLcoYK_dLFILgYFAMTbjsM2_OzJTA9Eovx-7jiHesXlJzOJx6W3JPpHYHbv0SxrzdymMLRvrk6w074vDVr9KaA3FlWnJBJ6vSxz0nhFz5ac3fs/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+venice+6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNxjMz7SIWa153j0kdBT-hItSYasATEKzpjrx2ZuwBZTpBARDSvvkSe883pjKldaMGjmT57Lkd_fpNWNP34j67_D2fTSEMvjSQ07NZlqcHe5OhUpmDlZLDjSJFRnBcjq8o52QtbH3Q_A/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+venice+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNxjMz7SIWa153j0kdBT-hItSYasATEKzpjrx2ZuwBZTpBARDSvvkSe883pjKldaMGjmT57Lkd_fpNWNP34j67_D2fTSEMvjSQ07NZlqcHe5OhUpmDlZLDjSJFRnBcjq8o52QtbH3Q_A/s1600/california+2015+vacation+trip+life+adventure+sunset+beach+venice+7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We spent time hanging out with my family at the house, spent the evenings outside with a good drink and good company. We went shopping at the antique mall in Pomona, made a fire in the backyard, and shared a lot of smiles, laughs, and made lasting memories. Before we left California, plans were already in the making for our next trip. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Thank you for three great months, and one amazing week, California. See you soon. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span> <script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-20682860904881198682015-02-01T13:44:00.000-08:002015-02-09T12:03:41.035-08:00The Project <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here I am, sitting in my new apartment. Home. It’s starting to feel like home anyway. I like to call it, "The Project". It’s been a fitting name so far. I’ve always been drawn to more rundown, in need of some TLC homes.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> My husband and I began searching for a new home while I was still in California. After searching Craigslist, we found one to look at, and I kind of fell in love, despite how dingy it looked. Before I knew it, it was ours. It’s a strange feeling to be so far away, and to know that you’re going to go “home” to something so new and unfamiliar….<br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The apartment is right down town in Glenwood. The ideal location for most people apartment searching here. It’s in an old Victorian style home, separated in to four apartments, and another one out back. A situation I’ve always wanted to live in. Weird, I know.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> After my husband starting moving in, he sent me pictures to show me “just how bad it was”. And yes, it’s odd, it’s dirty, it’s small, it’s old. But, I kind of love it.<br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkRjQR23ak7PVHVvrjAgRImSJJzDn-oegYc1aO0HUJsyZifkNl1AxG5FRZbdaJM-wwbuYDKvGRS4TtcphSX3ZZf4K1S8I1C8NIG8OhvHmU7DFWdIyU2S1UhADBQ0uQlFF7LD32UMHa8Y/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkRjQR23ak7PVHVvrjAgRImSJJzDn-oegYc1aO0HUJsyZifkNl1AxG5FRZbdaJM-wwbuYDKvGRS4TtcphSX3ZZf4K1S8I1C8NIG8OhvHmU7DFWdIyU2S1UhADBQ0uQlFF7LD32UMHa8Y/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(4).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Thankfully, I was able to spend a lot of time on the internet looking up cheap ways to update, create storage, and make a small space livable. I began to visualize what our new place could look like, despite the previous sad attempts at updating, the slanting floors, and old carpet. <br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UWttpE8jG98VJB53UhX0OXHmDz5lm1WwkzwtAZU5j3ohSD3WlK2QgOijTAO01FxErWDT4whEizVURAc8NZZMN33LUcod89i78YyBmrKwuKKxouq4Fv8sPGAdzzp5ygsEn5qgiM6xzUA/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UWttpE8jG98VJB53UhX0OXHmDz5lm1WwkzwtAZU5j3ohSD3WlK2QgOijTAO01FxErWDT4whEizVURAc8NZZMN33LUcod89i78YyBmrKwuKKxouq4Fv8sPGAdzzp5ygsEn5qgiM6xzUA/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(5).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I immediately clung to the things that appealed to me most; the old brick chimney that is slightly exposed, the original windows, the pedestal sink in the bathroom, the white walls…these are my inspiration for creating home. <br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEEqjx4q_bRkpGRja0eJb7397PulQqt_hxZJSIDDktqX_Zmmpwi-JBT98k5_6cDzP0UA52-zuXiEi_eaIxcdSf4y4ieh-NS81-cO-ilDGILVnKsM9YUyYMH-icSXzQpOIlwEIWcBtdYU/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEEqjx4q_bRkpGRja0eJb7397PulQqt_hxZJSIDDktqX_Zmmpwi-JBT98k5_6cDzP0UA52-zuXiEi_eaIxcdSf4y4ieh-NS81-cO-ilDGILVnKsM9YUyYMH-icSXzQpOIlwEIWcBtdYU/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(8).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I’ve had this weird thing for a long time about wanting to live in a more rundown place. Not necessarily a fixer-upper situation, but a place that’s livable-rundown...</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGK8_LGbps573abg1Eg7pGQr-Ov4Lj24FvUZxPpzYDCrO3DGCmExY8F9TFvc1hVlEyjFprRcatmQrfJcr2I1v4oMfOdvLGDLNZQzPozHQGNVvnyveZRQxRouZf7WP4wxWXqFxnZ_TTtE/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGK8_LGbps573abg1Eg7pGQr-Ov4Lj24FvUZxPpzYDCrO3DGCmExY8F9TFvc1hVlEyjFprRcatmQrfJcr2I1v4oMfOdvLGDLNZQzPozHQGNVvnyveZRQxRouZf7WP4wxWXqFxnZ_TTtE/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(7).jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I think this desire comes from movies, you know, where the young woman gets her apartment in the city with exposed brick walls, old windows, charm. She finds herself in her home. I don’t know…maybe it’s not a movie. Maybe I’m just odd, haha. Either way, I seemed to have idealized that sort of life, and I feel like I’m finally able to get a taste of that in my small, mountain town. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG-UXMpvjH81vRkWvcGYK2OaY55MIeqQx9zU8FG4d1yshItTluoUxlrD9P9oaCuq84A9clCtLR0pbcaWxvsACqbgxlH5us3_ar_PveSVvvKLIHIP2VVk4pXGJHieQlgtSxdJ2qiUqspQ/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG-UXMpvjH81vRkWvcGYK2OaY55MIeqQx9zU8FG4d1yshItTluoUxlrD9P9oaCuq84A9clCtLR0pbcaWxvsACqbgxlH5us3_ar_PveSVvvKLIHIP2VVk4pXGJHieQlgtSxdJ2qiUqspQ/s1600/New+Home+Project+Work+in+Progress+House+Apartment+Vintage+Charm+Charming+Character+Live+Life++(11).jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I know this place doesn’t and won’t appeal to the majority of people. Here in America, the newer, the bigger, the better. But for me, I am perfectly content in my shabby palace, with the one I love.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's beginning to feel cozy and homey. A place to be comfortable; to come back to and call home. </span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-74860068415502350952015-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:002015-01-22T15:50:18.460-08:00DIY Deodorant <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The past few months, I've been inspired to really take this year to live cleaner and healthier. I<i>, </i>in no way, have this perfected and have a <i>long</i> way to go before I've reached where I want to be. Ideally, I would like to be able to make my own makeup, shower products, etc for a cleaner, healthier me.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My first step, was cutting out deodorant. I know. Ew. But, it's been brought to my attention again and again how terrible the ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants are, and I know I could go to the nearest Trader Joe's or whatnot and probably pick up a natural choice, but being the DIYer that I am, I wanted to make my <i>own </i>(run on sentence much?).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So! Here is my shot at my own deodorant. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlMLEa8iUkYh4iK_25mWzJQJ8YViAccOSvgqE5FqF8rrvyPeRxLyFtnO8GCbohxjFpqBLYA9GYX_6hAOSRPa79UF2QrVEi20qMI-BK323M8S7-27p4PZVwWOkoxmQJYVGjxpZjzFZV-g/s1600/homemade+natural+deodorant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlMLEa8iUkYh4iK_25mWzJQJ8YViAccOSvgqE5FqF8rrvyPeRxLyFtnO8GCbohxjFpqBLYA9GYX_6hAOSRPa79UF2QrVEi20qMI-BK323M8S7-27p4PZVwWOkoxmQJYVGjxpZjzFZV-g/s1600/homemade+natural+deodorant.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Grab a cute little jar, and make some for yourself. It's seriously so easy, and most of you <i>probably</i> have these ingredients around your house already.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Are you ready for the secret recipe? Here it is! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon Baking Soda</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 Tablespoons Corn Starch</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scoop in to your cute little jar, and give it a good shake. And bam! Your very own homemade deodorant. It's that simple.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I apply mine with a cotton pad, but you can use cotton balls, your fingers, what ever floats your boat. It's inexpensive, and you're not polluting your body with aluminum and other unwanted materials. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dzl3Cui8SbebZ8cHTsfVasPPylHvKk-pgUDdcgfg-7qzM1E_zJ08B64ZbkFQ9HdHjFVBOq9gzqc5ZV-V5fOcdAg84G2epWW4wFs2GpMdAXXrGHClVDqBTgMWEyVrtSDY7p4zBANOEgM/s1600/homemade+deodorant+natural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dzl3Cui8SbebZ8cHTsfVasPPylHvKk-pgUDdcgfg-7qzM1E_zJ08B64ZbkFQ9HdHjFVBOq9gzqc5ZV-V5fOcdAg84G2epWW4wFs2GpMdAXXrGHClVDqBTgMWEyVrtSDY7p4zBANOEgM/s1600/homemade+deodorant+natural.jpg" height="630" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I found the recipe on the <a href="http://frugalaintcheap.blogspot.com/2013/02/natural-deodorant-2-ingredients.html" target="_blank">Frugal Ain't Cheap Blog</a>. Please check out her experience of this deodorant! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have been using it for two days, and I definitely have a...natural...scent. BUT it's not strong, and I spent most of the day outside in the California sun and <i>I</i> can't really smell myself unless I am <i>trying</i> to smell myself. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I might try adding another scoop of baking soda in a day or two to see if that helps. The original source talks about having a natural "funky" smell, that will eventually go away as your body detoxes after the years of deodorant use. Fingers crossed that it works! One woman commented and suggested putting a few drops of lavender or other oil on a rag and putting it in the jar so the powders take on the scent. Might be worth a try! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What are some healthy changes you want to make in your life this year?</span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-87919379448467010332015-01-21T12:05:00.000-08:002015-01-21T12:06:14.376-08:00Number Eleven<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yesterday, was my baby sister's 11th birthday! How is that even possible....</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpGgNG15OX7y1Yg6Hht-RDvM13JS-1Yysn8bHPb1MWz4misKfcdBxGd9rLNBRasCx0ew0KkQ42wG_Mguc1hbuTij_cZIViwoN0cE16VRZWaGdybbrAsA0kgBTvlvYZLmpSsAahQ9lFhA/s1600/long+beach+aquarium+of+the+pacific+coastal+harbor+birthday+sisters+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpGgNG15OX7y1Yg6Hht-RDvM13JS-1Yysn8bHPb1MWz4misKfcdBxGd9rLNBRasCx0ew0KkQ42wG_Mguc1hbuTij_cZIViwoN0cE16VRZWaGdybbrAsA0kgBTvlvYZLmpSsAahQ9lFhA/s1600/long+beach+aquarium+of+the+pacific+coastal+harbor+birthday+sisters+.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Her special day started off with donuts for breakfast, and then we all loaded in to the car for a trip to the aquarium (her personal request). Here's some photos from our fun day!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCW-ZbVbB_xlUExVq5pDGylf3eobtPRXP7MXLeNUjWdoDlW0V92_FScaLtuaDX1mbnc2Uj-u5gUEWR3KF2ACnlzB3xqUtCjiq7yBNN3ZsUqQcdIpVPaoNI6No_wzCnv2w4b7Qtn9j61A/s1600/aquarium+of+the+pacific+long+beach+ocean+harbor+palm+trees+california+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCW-ZbVbB_xlUExVq5pDGylf3eobtPRXP7MXLeNUjWdoDlW0V92_FScaLtuaDX1mbnc2Uj-u5gUEWR3KF2ACnlzB3xqUtCjiq7yBNN3ZsUqQcdIpVPaoNI6No_wzCnv2w4b7Qtn9j61A/s1600/aquarium+of+the+pacific+long+beach+ocean+harbor+palm+trees+california+birthday.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The only aquarium I've been to, is the small one in Denver, so this was a treat not only for the birthday girl, but for me as well. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Not gonna lie, haha!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0Ox9I3N0Mcj0AxocwG-gq03qso8BbVqeWn-BeAwuWXHby0g9j2g8-CSeO62wtgp7qiENWfJjKMWr-Yo4wz-qOLoWt_kB0nTlzKPMSWQPdyHFJ2Y3IpRHXE7vioYgncftZYhUMd5qsLM/s1600/water+ocean+harbor+coastal+aquarium+of+the+pacific+long+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0Ox9I3N0Mcj0AxocwG-gq03qso8BbVqeWn-BeAwuWXHby0g9j2g8-CSeO62wtgp7qiENWfJjKMWr-Yo4wz-qOLoWt_kB0nTlzKPMSWQPdyHFJ2Y3IpRHXE7vioYgncftZYhUMd5qsLM/s1600/water+ocean+harbor+coastal+aquarium+of+the+pacific+long+beach.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Look at this cool floor! Doesn't it make you want to be somewhere warm and tropical?</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Let the journey begin! It's pretty rare that our whole family gets to go on an outing of this magnitude together, so of course we needed people photos as well as marine life photos!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TQtnhyphenhyphen0p4wFPn5_Rsk9vzHYDQ-LQCExJf4cfblV0ts2yFKBQFazETOfz3-kTyar1LQZVt1i6lLUZn1-PHADFx0jfLRLkUE7y2jBtJfuqYN1UEF_jViuqpeUmfKrLzJOPprsecV8MNPk/s1600/family+sister+long+beach+aquarium+of+the+pacific+california+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TQtnhyphenhyphen0p4wFPn5_Rsk9vzHYDQ-LQCExJf4cfblV0ts2yFKBQFazETOfz3-kTyar1LQZVt1i6lLUZn1-PHADFx0jfLRLkUE7y2jBtJfuqYN1UEF_jViuqpeUmfKrLzJOPprsecV8MNPk/s1600/family+sister+long+beach+aquarium+of+the+pacific+california+birthday.jpg" height="570" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From left to right: Mikayla (17), Silas (7), Mom, and the Birthday Girl Amelia (11).</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As we're standing <i>under</i> this massive mammal, my sister says "Imagine if this fell on us...." Thanks for that image.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Don't you think he's cute!?</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Fun fact about me. When I was younger, I was extremely in to marine biology and seriously considered going to college with this career in mind. I took a marine biology course when I was around 16 and fell in love with all things having to do with the ocean. I was constantly checking out books from the library and fell in love with the beautiful artistic images of corals, fish, and mammals and decided that I wanted to be a marine photographer. As you can see, that didn't exactly pan out how I expected. At least it hasn't <i>yet</i>.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This little spiny crab is so adorable!</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a <i>real</i> shark baby. It's due to hatch in February!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Throughout the Aquarium, they had stations set up to be able to touch some of the animals. We touched moon jellies, rays, bamboo sharks, starfish, and anemones! </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The colors are so dreamy.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jellyfish are one of my favorites. I wish the photo was a little clearer, but you can still appreciate their beauty.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So dreamlike and beautiful.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Did you know that jellyfish do not have brains? And a group of jellyfish is called a smack? I will tell you, that they feel exactly like you would think. Squishy! "I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine!" There were a <i>lot</i> of Finding Nemo references on this excursion....</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Parker (on the left) and his friend.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Meet Parker and his friend. They had just finished a show with their trainers, and were soaking up the attention. After their handlers left, they continued to flirt with who ever was watching and posing when you told them how cute they were. I need one for my own, so if anyone is feeling generous...?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After hours at the Aquarium, we decided to walk the boardwalk right outside and see some of the views. It was a foggy, gorgeous day at the harbor.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We finished exploring and went to Panda Express for dinner and then Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour for dessert. Farrell's is an experience in itself! If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0V-q6GPc72rkbN5bcpMEJa8iHCmmR3ziC2fgwy67Je4MnuAZtC1noiN2jcmjLtnWFRGQd4PGdf6dboiv9bKxfyX3AG3AYy7H89zs7AlGp1fVcPY3MY-jn40FsXfKhs2ChMDcjiXf_rE/s1600/farrell's+ice+cream+parlour+brea+california+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0V-q6GPc72rkbN5bcpMEJa8iHCmmR3ziC2fgwy67Je4MnuAZtC1noiN2jcmjLtnWFRGQd4PGdf6dboiv9bKxfyX3AG3AYy7H89zs7AlGp1fVcPY3MY-jn40FsXfKhs2ChMDcjiXf_rE/s1600/farrell's%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bparlour%2Bbrea%2Bcalifornia%2Bbirthday.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is a very popular birthday destination. My mom told us that growing up, you were one of the cool kids if you had your birthday party at Farrell's. When you walk through the door, you're greeted by friendly staff, appropriately dressed for the theme. Think barber shop quartet style. They ask if there is a birthday being celebrated, and give you a birthday sticker with your name on it to wear. You get a free sundae with a candle in it on your special day, and the staff pound the drum, blow the siren, and then they sing a song just for you. In the hour or two that we were there, we witnessed them sing to 20 that's right, <i>20</i> people celebrating their birthday! Yeah, we counted, haha.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m90A9RTn0DCS14GkcJNYIxpU477-7DaTTHt5_DJwR0ElDERFx8CzM5tAw9OoY_shKCmS-yuy_G9jZSdOld9JsQ-L9xaHpJgKmTylEqGcWUNfvlJcdPNHx57r4bTZJkxe7OFVPTmbL7M/s1600/farrell's+ice+cream+parlour+birthday+brea+california.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m90A9RTn0DCS14GkcJNYIxpU477-7DaTTHt5_DJwR0ElDERFx8CzM5tAw9OoY_shKCmS-yuy_G9jZSdOld9JsQ-L9xaHpJgKmTylEqGcWUNfvlJcdPNHx57r4bTZJkxe7OFVPTmbL7M/s1600/farrell's%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bparlour%2Bbirthday%2Bbrea%2Bcalifornia.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Their menu is presented in an old fashioned newspaper style. So cute!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We shared a <i>mountain</i> of shoestring fried onions dipped in plum barbeque sauce before we ordered our desserts.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8H3TmOVFPRNxM2qIjjoU1tqLz-rUQA6kj88UIAH8XaDfmJWbcLJset2RLo0cLhDrhtqVtkL97D_SJDQrQtxfZkqCNoPOBfAOYWu024QRNqDqt4i6OFRjFP9xIVfObNq3GlAOQbv5HHI/s1600/cup+of+coffee+farrell's+ice+cream+parlour+birthday+brea+california.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8H3TmOVFPRNxM2qIjjoU1tqLz-rUQA6kj88UIAH8XaDfmJWbcLJset2RLo0cLhDrhtqVtkL97D_SJDQrQtxfZkqCNoPOBfAOYWu024QRNqDqt4i6OFRjFP9xIVfObNq3GlAOQbv5HHI/s1600/cup+of+coffee+farrell's%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bparlour%2Bbirthday%2Bbrea%2Bcalifornia.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The coffee passed my "coffee snob taste test".</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZHESdDI-3Npj8dY4R30N1SyBOEIQujv_7ixciQpjD6ZsOZPXDVJPhgTqSq0LOT3jzgf_8tFoE6n7p9_GUM80_DatL6aAZOjAdJkFIs5sbEA8covQINKxpOBM3xmYxUM4M8logZuCz60/s1600/amelia+birthday+farrell's+ice+cream+parlour+brea+california.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZHESdDI-3Npj8dY4R30N1SyBOEIQujv_7ixciQpjD6ZsOZPXDVJPhgTqSq0LOT3jzgf_8tFoE6n7p9_GUM80_DatL6aAZOjAdJkFIs5sbEA8covQINKxpOBM3xmYxUM4M8logZuCz60/s1600/amelia+birthday+farrell's%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bparlour%2Bbrea%2Bcalifornia.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Amelia was a little shy about having strangers sing a song to her, but she dealt with it well (better than I did at her age!). The waitress came up with her staff playing the drums, whooping and hollering to get everyone's attention, and they sang and danced for her.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouckrE4AnqxSPIvCBCAS1HxCorYqpd-iH7sCYlDppwQrK6IgPHtJ213lOCvFPiJ2r93RunzDIMKEaDdgGydUK8BeZLpPMfvOGAfVgdA_S0GbG-2KikHocOTEgyJpPmDL8eHrdip8VBD8/s1600/amelia+birthday+farrell's+ice+cream+parlour+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouckrE4AnqxSPIvCBCAS1HxCorYqpd-iH7sCYlDppwQrK6IgPHtJ213lOCvFPiJ2r93RunzDIMKEaDdgGydUK8BeZLpPMfvOGAfVgdA_S0GbG-2KikHocOTEgyJpPmDL8eHrdip8VBD8/s1600/amelia+birthday+farrell's%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bparlour%2B.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Enjoying her birthday sundae!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The rest of us shared a peanut butter and chocolate sundae, and a banana split. I would have been completely satisfied had it been <i>my</i> birthday, and I know she had a wonderful time.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcwRsAFD19nMlCsw6AK4rTNjUJOE7agWfklZmVa8SVZg6XcELIXp95u7F5gxCvm4ppQZQCf4y4MiUNpMF47QyIhDow2uYCM60CobqQiHIUCHBlUGTwnSvighD-qnRtRDggELyBbqiPD8/s1600/banana+split+farrell's+ice+cream+parlour+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcwRsAFD19nMlCsw6AK4rTNjUJOE7agWfklZmVa8SVZg6XcELIXp95u7F5gxCvm4ppQZQCf4y4MiUNpMF47QyIhDow2uYCM60CobqQiHIUCHBlUGTwnSvighD-qnRtRDggELyBbqiPD8/s1600/banana+split+farrell's%2Bice%2Bcream%2Bparlour%2Bbirthday.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here's to another year of being your sister Miss Amelia! Big things are waiting for you and I'm so happy we got to share this day all together. Love you baby sister!</span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-3651507946092018972015-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:002015-01-20T08:00:03.959-08:00Reflecting and Gettin' Real.<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As my time in California is drawing to an end, I've been reflecting on the time I've spent here. I will fully admit, this adventure did not turn out the way I had envisioned 3 months ago....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When the plan to move to California first sprouted, I saw it as an opportunity to do all that I've dreamed of doing. Spend every weekend at the beach, find local and cozy coffee shops, discover off-the-beaten-path bookstores, meet new and interesting people, wander around L.A., find some random restaurant that ends up having the most fabulous food. You know...the stereotypical SoCal experience that's always portrayed in the movies. But, like most things that happen in movies, LIFE tends to take a different course.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But, I've spent these past few months living with my mom and siblings; an experience I haven't had in 3 years, and a time that I can't replace. I could say I've met <i>new</i> people, as my youngest siblings (age 7 and 11 <i>today</i>) were so young when I lived at home, and I've only just now had the opportunity to see who they are becoming.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've become closer with my 17 year old sister. A new best friend. Which is going to make leaving that much harder. I've had someone to talk to, someone to complain to, someone to adventure with, someone to be silly with. This is time I won't ever get back as I leave them here to pursue their new life, and I head home to pursue mine.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've been able to live with my Grandma again (after about 20 years!) and that is something I will treasure forever. We've had lunch dates, gone to the gym together, and spent time talking about life and my Grandpa.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4k9Vs0W4agu0PgQjlYzpM4nlDnmLouHo5djqjdy3HyCYFeMTl3noWkNF9qMGwLEg1ycprYMf2U2H8tD2kNFgQXOcixwFxbOg8s-jQJxY93bGJmcGnf5Ur8u13860T5V348_ia0OHWmg/s1600/you+are+my+sunshine+sun+yellow+poem+painting+painted+watercolor+shine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4k9Vs0W4agu0PgQjlYzpM4nlDnmLouHo5djqjdy3HyCYFeMTl3noWkNF9qMGwLEg1ycprYMf2U2H8tD2kNFgQXOcixwFxbOg8s-jQJxY93bGJmcGnf5Ur8u13860T5V348_ia0OHWmg/s1600/you+are+my+sunshine+sun+yellow+poem+painting+painted+watercolor+shine.jpg" height="640" width="606" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A song my Grandpa would play and sing for my Grandma. It always made her cry.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I may not have had the <i>ideal</i> experience I was hoping for, but we did discover an adorable Japanese General Store, visited an Asian Market, tried new coffee shops, and even made an evening trip to the beach on New Year's Eve.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If I had been galavanting around constantly, I wouldn't have taken the time to get to know <i>myself</i>. I wouldn't have taken the time to pursue what I love, to write, to paint, to create, to play music....</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jg3vKdP2XhAHzKDJ2byoEJaTF6Trb71f77wofJGQ_NSYsE-q4-kKyM1yky8IfEiwWxVt59Ne6fywBQq8aminYBrdQHeisjGzZdj5O_TSLnJMYmnq6cUhy-ZrEhKPBPHXqS9040yHyOo/s1600/painting+watercolor+feather+bird+nest+eggs+robin+words+pensive+inspired+inspire+dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jg3vKdP2XhAHzKDJ2byoEJaTF6Trb71f77wofJGQ_NSYsE-q4-kKyM1yky8IfEiwWxVt59Ne6fywBQq8aminYBrdQHeisjGzZdj5O_TSLnJMYmnq6cUhy-ZrEhKPBPHXqS9040yHyOo/s1600/painting+watercolor+feather+bird+nest+eggs+robin+words+pensive+inspired+inspire+dreams.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I would have been too "busy" to want to focus on a new study my mom, sister, and even a good friend have been doing an online. The women leading the group have inspired me even more to not believe the lies that the world can throw at me about what I love to do. Maybe I'm not the greatest writer or painter, and I'm not rich from selling the jewelry and other things I make, but it brings me joy, and if it makes <i>me</i> happy, surely it can bring inspiration to others. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMrhBVnNFKqF-dKNjbVQp1awtw-9bGcv-1qGw3wkmDnR9nQjk3PRNbs4s8GfPbVegt_GuQJ-aeFcwY21Tr9s5OVEp4ENZ7CdH3rHG94lmikCBkzmLcv-ycxmULORXn8PSJQ4jA4vlCe0/s1600/music+treble+north+east+south+west+compass+flowers+feather+arrows+watercolor+painted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMrhBVnNFKqF-dKNjbVQp1awtw-9bGcv-1qGw3wkmDnR9nQjk3PRNbs4s8GfPbVegt_GuQJ-aeFcwY21Tr9s5OVEp4ENZ7CdH3rHG94lmikCBkzmLcv-ycxmULORXn8PSJQ4jA4vlCe0/s1600/music+treble+north+east+south+west+compass+flowers+feather+arrows+watercolor+painted.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can read about my "Becoming" stories <a href="http://forestandseacreative.blogspot.com/2015/01/embracing-life.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://forestandseacreative.blogspot.com/2015/01/do-what-makes-your-heart-sing.html" target="_blank">here!</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've learned to embrace <i>me</i> and who God has designed me to be. If you would like to join in the 8 week, <i>totally free</i> study, visit this <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/group/becoming-the-unfolding-of-you" target="_blank">link.</a> The study has been empowering for me, and I think it will be for you as well.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXe53dRkdKJlSqNDpxs0-gkI61yllJf02vOQef1CsuZclV7poqHztekO4VEdN0n_q4DTOAeN4CULDeE5hIkoXy1KyqNO-9Tvy0VwZ1K_AzkZeMF8-KfYK4zTaBc-w1Za4PKVzuDRpyCQ/s1600/feather+painting+painted+watercolor+ombre+words+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXe53dRkdKJlSqNDpxs0-gkI61yllJf02vOQef1CsuZclV7poqHztekO4VEdN0n_q4DTOAeN4CULDeE5hIkoXy1KyqNO-9Tvy0VwZ1K_AzkZeMF8-KfYK4zTaBc-w1Za4PKVzuDRpyCQ/s1600/feather+painting+painted+watercolor+ombre+words+inspiration.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> These past 3 months have given me experiences that I can't recreate from the movies.
This has been real life; time that can't be replaced. Life can change so
suddenly, you have to hold on to these precious moments.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As life slowly begins to become "normal" again, I pray that I won't lose sight of everything I've learned about myself. I don't want to lose momentum with my Etsy pursuits. I want to be able to continue painting and writing. It's going to be a huge adjustment as I head back home to the snow, move in to an apartment I've never seen, find a new job, and rediscover my relationship with my best friend, my love.... </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My husband will be getting here today with his best friend and my brother-in-law. In a weeks time, I will be loading all my belongings in to the back of our Subaru, and making the 12 hour drive home with these three. It's going to be a bittersweet moment. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I know while they're here, we'll be able to create some of the memories I've been longing to make while I've been on my "adventure". I will be photographing every day and sharing them as I find time. Here's to squeezing 3 months time in to one week of adventuring! </span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-606500025040953902015-01-15T11:12:00.000-08:002015-01-15T13:24:48.176-08:00Do What Makes Your Heart Sing <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I don't know about you fellow artists, creators, DIYers, but a lot of times when I'm <i>creating</i>, I do it with the purpose of pleasing others. I tend to lean towards things that I know are trendy right now and that a general audience might be drawn to. And, I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong with keeping your intended audience in mind, but <i>only</i> if you plan on selling what you're making. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For me, I'm trying to switch gears in my brain. I'm trying to break free from the mindset of "following the crowd", and I want to make what makes <i>me</i> happy and inspired. Because chances are, if <i>I</i> like it and I am inspired, that someone, somewhere will <i>also</i> enjoy it! Obviously, this is how many people launch their own businesses and whatnot, but it's been something I've struggled with for a while. Create something I know will probably sell because it's <i>trendy</i>, or create something unique that may not be well received, but it brought me joy making. And the number one game changer for me has been to only make things that <i>I</i> would personally pick up in a store and say "hey! I need that!". A little taste of my own personal style you could say.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm still a work in progress, but I find that when I<i> </i>do what makes <i>my</i> heart sing, my products are better received, and I'm happier because I don't feel like I've copied a million other people or that I'm trying to appeal to the masses. I've made something that is personal to me. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I would like to take you through a little bit of my creative process I guess you could say, and show you some of my newest listings that you can find <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/forestandseacreative" target="_blank">here<span style="color: #666666;">!</span></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm pretty sure that those who know me well, know that I love me some infinity scarves. When I first started making these scarves, I would knit one (with the intention of selling mind you), and before I knew it, I had finished it and was keeping it for myself. Yeah. This happens frequently. I personally own three or four of my own circle scarves now, and I have every intention of adding cream and black to my collection before it's too warm to wear them anymore! Hey, free advertising right? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My very first scarf was supposed to be part of a blanket. I had just started getting back in to knitting, and was making googly eyes at all the lovely knit and crocheted blankets I was seeing on Pinterest. I am an extreme DIY girl, and if I see something that I can't afford to buy, I <i>will</i> make it. Or at least...<i>attempt</i> to make it.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EKpgub-bZDJ7moRrSuXSQIfVyRoFOoSXIEoVA6J-mfQJ3fzYhMQLudZFMBZAiZfO0KWaBiCQplSakmkZgeAqh084IS2Jd3mVV92SHTW0jVJmSQMkw5_Ci3pO1krdOccnr_myBbzvZ8c/s1600/infinity+circle+cowl+scarf+blue+handmade+knit+knitted+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EKpgub-bZDJ7moRrSuXSQIfVyRoFOoSXIEoVA6J-mfQJ3fzYhMQLudZFMBZAiZfO0KWaBiCQplSakmkZgeAqh084IS2Jd3mVV92SHTW0jVJmSQMkw5_Ci3pO1krdOccnr_myBbzvZ8c/s1600/infinity+circle+cowl+scarf+blue+handmade+knit+knitted+etsy.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is what was supposed to be a blanket! I quickly realized, that it was going to take <i>a lot</i> of yarn to complete. So I knitted a rectangle, and then let it sit for weeks with every intention of finishing it. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> One day, I was fed up with looking at this blue mass hanging from my knitting needles, so I finished it off and sat there staring at it. It suddenly occurred to me, that if I sewed the ends together, I would have myself a long coveted infinity scarf! And thus, the scarves were born. From there, I started posting about them on Facebook, and soon friends became interested (another <i>great</i> way to achieve free advertising!). One friend traded me a TV for scarves for his whole family! Uhm, win-win there!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ppMjWoNd9Ec_EE092Wt9gzjhhqDqAd7qA0fNJTJHEW_WRhEWyT-G9SVL4_llc12WKqQlMpvAQSXQrufAm9YCzOM58zZac-eIG9RzJtQZYS_JLpHIZ4wxH55sUNh8Nj0TWcBmpoQrzmc/s1600/scarves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ppMjWoNd9Ec_EE092Wt9gzjhhqDqAd7qA0fNJTJHEW_WRhEWyT-G9SVL4_llc12WKqQlMpvAQSXQrufAm9YCzOM58zZac-eIG9RzJtQZYS_JLpHIZ4wxH55sUNh8Nj0TWcBmpoQrzmc/s1600/scarves.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can view all the scarves I have available at etsy.com/shop/forestandseacreative. Also, check out my Scarf Happy post <a href="http://forestandseacreative.blogspot.com/2015/01/scarf-happy.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Imagine if I had <i>finished</i> that blanket. I never would have launched a "business" of my own if I hadn't started with that simple pile of blue yarn. They are what made me want to truly pursue becoming an Etsy seller. And hey, if nothing else, I have my own collection of glorious scarves just for me, haha!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jewelry has been an area I've struggled with the most. I know what <i>I</i> like. It should be that simple right? Wrong! This is where I have had the hardest time creating for <i>me</i> and not for the crowds. I recently made my first sale on Etsy, and that was a slight ego boost my friends! Especially since it was something that I wasn't sure how well it would be received. It was different, it was big, and was sparkly. And it was the <i>first</i> thing to sell! I cannot tell you how that has helped change my thinking about what I do. It just reassured me that creating with my own originality in mind is the best way to go.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_FO3AbuMyBjzRQfGyZB4PXHdFc3eYmwt6b1B6siDpzCsD0fweOQ4aQu-RDtCdcJjiRzt9EELmik57iEJEf_bqYnCUvasSi2AUzRooKQ2qqwSqrvTvAChCacXj7ObrQM0jbSeXBdDB-E/s1600/Deer+Reindeer+Gold+Ring+Rhinestone+(2)%2BCopy%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_FO3AbuMyBjzRQfGyZB4PXHdFc3eYmwt6b1B6siDpzCsD0fweOQ4aQu-RDtCdcJjiRzt9EELmik57iEJEf_bqYnCUvasSi2AUzRooKQ2qqwSqrvTvAChCacXj7ObrQM0jbSeXBdDB-E/s1600/Deer+Reindeer+Gold+Ring+Rhinestone+(2)%2BCopy%2B6.jpg" height="640" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My first sale on Etsy!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Making this first sale gave me the motivation to continue doing what I love. It inspired me to create a second, similar piece.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKX6zEjIqVTwlLsg0j_WRnGd2JCgoHqCq-fhquY42UQpviQKu92g3SiWnvhZoUefW51zu82t7zPoQx4YSpZwvUmVW6N_jvfoD7ybLGwaG27FIb1ISabBDLEdXFQT0A1rPyFT71Bp9SS4/s1600/Harem+bracelet+ring+slave+deer+rhinestone+gold+unique+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKX6zEjIqVTwlLsg0j_WRnGd2JCgoHqCq-fhquY42UQpviQKu92g3SiWnvhZoUefW51zu82t7zPoQx4YSpZwvUmVW6N_jvfoD7ybLGwaG27FIb1ISabBDLEdXFQT0A1rPyFT71Bp9SS4/s1600/Harem+bracelet+ring+slave+deer+rhinestone+gold+unique+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+(4).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am <i>obsessed</i> with these harem style bracelets!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I had this deer charm sitting around for so long. It's when I let go, and let the piece create itself in a way, that it all comes together in a magical way. I know it's not everyone's style, but I love it so much!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A recent trip to Hobby Lobby, in search of a birthday gift, quickly turned in to a shopping-for-myself trip (anyone else do this?). I will admit, that I did not come home with a gift. I came home with supplies for myself. Yeah. Uh huh. It happened. But, just <i>look</i> at these darling feathers! Can you blame me? </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWKINbIlubfbwb4e5qBYJhOGHcEygOsvrtsMSPPE-BF-05AecB-T_dXO5A8utwWrd5RytNvm5qHV_UPVyKW0KevHk6i1E849zhSbFjXufQOS-nW06sYGfD9DKyLQ5sJNbllCjTWYlx48/s1600/feather+dangle+drop+erarings+purple+black+beads+copper+gold+boho+handmade+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWKINbIlubfbwb4e5qBYJhOGHcEygOsvrtsMSPPE-BF-05AecB-T_dXO5A8utwWrd5RytNvm5qHV_UPVyKW0KevHk6i1E849zhSbFjXufQOS-nW06sYGfD9DKyLQ5sJNbllCjTWYlx48/s1600/feather+dangle+drop+erarings+purple+black+beads+copper+gold+boho+handmade+etsy.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I bought these purple/floral beads <i>years</i> ago and have never found the right project for them. It got to the point where I hated the sight of them because they had been around for so. long. Clearly, because they were waiting to complete these earrings! Sometimes I think the pieces just <i>know</i> what they're going to become one day. </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEVc3aaTbsX8htuq1S5d2WEbqD7Hsd-0i1GOfp7qrTnXGDy3FjboiKENxdH8n3-_nRYP3rIqWYx9z5qsyOSX9TfpUygtxuAKwQgLnuh8J3S834zvNuUJmb5szm-Uuq9YUDKCHEXDmEsQ/s1600/feather+white+pink+turquoise+dangle+drop+earrings+silver+etsy+handmade+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEVc3aaTbsX8htuq1S5d2WEbqD7Hsd-0i1GOfp7qrTnXGDy3FjboiKENxdH8n3-_nRYP3rIqWYx9z5qsyOSX9TfpUygtxuAKwQgLnuh8J3S834zvNuUJmb5szm-Uuq9YUDKCHEXDmEsQ/s1600/feather+white+pink+turquoise+dangle+drop+earrings+silver+etsy+handmade+2.jpg" height="640" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I adore these white and pink speckled beads! They remind me off tiny eggs. And those turquoise glass beads? <i>Love</i> this combo!</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZB9lbsdC1EeHoZPk3oHkoZCFl_Li68xzbN9eZHrCv41c-QRQ_9mP0jw5V5xYjbiM6_SMjX9IwBCZp9YfDFukhZEINcc-D2fxVXQerU4HBaMUm-oiLi8qvgD8xz2hKpbvoc7_pmpIBwo/s1600/gold+chain+feather+necklace+minimalist+handmade+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZB9lbsdC1EeHoZPk3oHkoZCFl_Li68xzbN9eZHrCv41c-QRQ_9mP0jw5V5xYjbiM6_SMjX9IwBCZp9YfDFukhZEINcc-D2fxVXQerU4HBaMUm-oiLi8qvgD8xz2hKpbvoc7_pmpIBwo/s1600/gold+chain+feather+necklace+minimalist+handmade+etsy.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I know I'm doing something right, when I sit down to make something and there isn't the slightest hesitation in my mind. Everything flows together in a magical way, and the pieces are created effortlessly. I know I need to take a break and reevaluate what I'm doing if I've hit a creative roadblock. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfHxkYAG929TayjTpauZO-NqnL8cPVRoyqJu1mJMb1DKpXK8ikS3OpKYj_PpRYQ0kWHzg9Sj09hfPr8MR7FQO3soIcRaaO-VuJ0dMVmMtrShTHxnWRW01yjOB6BZiMpq46FCmgtxdOaQ/s1600/indian+native+american+turquoise+pink+bead+dangle+earrings+forestandseacreative+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfHxkYAG929TayjTpauZO-NqnL8cPVRoyqJu1mJMb1DKpXK8ikS3OpKYj_PpRYQ0kWHzg9Sj09hfPr8MR7FQO3soIcRaaO-VuJ0dMVmMtrShTHxnWRW01yjOB6BZiMpq46FCmgtxdOaQ/s1600/indian+native+american+turquoise+pink+bead+dangle+earrings+forestandseacreative+etsy.jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This gorgeous turquoise color is just speaking to me lately. And there are those speckled "egg" beads again! </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sometimes when I'm out shopping for supplies, I see something and I instantly know what I'm going to do with it. That's how it was with these metal Indian head charms. And also, with these cute, geometric wooden beads.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqHNXBjoFwPYQspTB0wY26KasJNDM-7CWNvkyidG2twS0Mj146PFYg8E8_Emex_lz8w8hmncsHOwHKL1_5_At5HaKixe4joN6pXxNWOzSwM5g70zBr6ydqFA-g558_t5u-LxZ2eOeJ_Y/s1600/dangle+drop+earrings+wood+pink+white+silver+handmade+geometric+boho++etsy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqHNXBjoFwPYQspTB0wY26KasJNDM-7CWNvkyidG2twS0Mj146PFYg8E8_Emex_lz8w8hmncsHOwHKL1_5_At5HaKixe4joN6pXxNWOzSwM5g70zBr6ydqFA-g558_t5u-LxZ2eOeJ_Y/s1600/dangle+drop+earrings+wood+pink+white+silver+handmade+geometric+boho++etsy+-+Copy.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love the natural feel of wood. It's simple and beautiful. How about those speckled beads again though? Haha.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> These little treasures were another one of my birthday-gift-shopping-but-shopping-for-myself finds. Can we just talk about how cute these are for a minute? Please? They are so tiny, to minimalistic, so adorable! And the best thing, they came in a pack of about twenty, so there are endless possibilities here! Suggestions for the next project?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYgmx2GhZcEcDqWtzG9A0dJMbiizUxyT95rlK3p_Rhpue5lUaifYy5d0xGjNa69Hoi_pWFMaly8RBOUMU2gMjOb8t1WKfQLY2x1EKvrWSePaRElsk4b-2azsOSahPaSzwYeFm3CxMEac/s1600/gold+copper+silver+arrow+earrings+dangle+drop+handmade+etsy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYgmx2GhZcEcDqWtzG9A0dJMbiizUxyT95rlK3p_Rhpue5lUaifYy5d0xGjNa69Hoi_pWFMaly8RBOUMU2gMjOb8t1WKfQLY2x1EKvrWSePaRElsk4b-2azsOSahPaSzwYeFm3CxMEac/s1600/gold+copper+silver+arrow+earrings+dangle+drop+handmade+etsy+1.jpg" height="574" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My bird nest jewelry has been my "best seller" through friends and family. I've made rings, earrings, and necklaces. This was my first stab at a bracelet. And I am in love with the leather/wire combination! This was <i>time consuming</i>. Probably the most time I've spent on a single project. Mostly because it was a trial and error project I think. I've had the leather cord for quite a while, and every time I've attempted to make a bracelet or necklace out of it, I've hated the outcome. This one came together pretty effortlessly as far as design. It was simply the assembling that took some brain power, and creativity, and left me with sore fingers afterwards!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Pn8cAuLlV_DIgkfzGvz7lRfKbLh-Wkj050hoMJ0YTL_5ZAYzKmn5gRgsK495jWMzRbjrLKL5OSvvhAiiIPZZKIKDcIn3I0Io_bOEKnX18To6z0JU-8K5RKh8s4QcHhSqCuDhFftgpws/s1600/leather+wire+wrapped+silver+bird+nest+handmade+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Pn8cAuLlV_DIgkfzGvz7lRfKbLh-Wkj050hoMJ0YTL_5ZAYzKmn5gRgsK495jWMzRbjrLKL5OSvvhAiiIPZZKIKDcIn3I0Io_bOEKnX18To6z0JU-8K5RKh8s4QcHhSqCuDhFftgpws/s1600/leather+wire+wrapped+silver+bird+nest+handmade+etsy.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love the contrast between the delicate wire, and the more masculine leather. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I will say, my "Eternity" bracelets were definitely inspired by other sellers. I have longed for one for quite a while, and have tried making my own and just wasn't happy with it. Somehow, this happened. And I think it it absolutely darling! Ideally, I wanted a more delicate looking bracelet, but I'm quite happy with the results, and even made one just for myself which I wear on a daily basis.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrpnhdWuXH2WGoqAKkreTtEmCgjYw5G0H513abk-0iVvv0YrGOEb-56yEJi-xLzBTKBm3vL021wDpxqDeYFZxpbIQEw2wzm0Vn0RoS0aEzTM4MtwYvGc4kU3zaNdArsXK4tL9wTz9uaI/s1600/gold+colored+infinity+circle+bracelet+etsy+handmade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrpnhdWuXH2WGoqAKkreTtEmCgjYw5G0H513abk-0iVvv0YrGOEb-56yEJi-xLzBTKBm3vL021wDpxqDeYFZxpbIQEw2wzm0Vn0RoS0aEzTM4MtwYvGc4kU3zaNdArsXK4tL9wTz9uaI/s1600/gold+colored+infinity+circle+bracelet+etsy+handmade.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For now, I am content with what I am making. It's inspired by my heart and what makes me happy, and I want people to feel that when wearing my pieces. Each item is made with love! I am looking forward to branching out, and moving up, and getting the chance to work with more materials, and creating higher quality products. That won't be tomorrow, but I know it's coming and I am excited to see where this adventure leads me next!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What words would <i>you</i> use to describe my style? Please comment below or head over to the Forest and Sea Creative Facebook page and leave your words! And as always, if there is something you would like to see, I love suggestions!</span></span></span></div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-52845580691179368812015-01-10T14:24:00.000-08:002015-01-10T23:40:19.045-08:00Embracing Life<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When it rains, I feel somber. Melancholy. Pensive. And I love it. Sometimes, I wish it would rain for weeks on end. It's the perfect time to be still and reflect. To sit cozy with a book and a mug of coffee. To paint a picture....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've found myself the last two days writing. The thoughts just flow into my head and I record them without rhyme or reason. I'm not sure what the cause of this is, perhaps Holy inspiration, but I'm loving the freedom of expression. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've been sitting down and letting the words flow from my pen onto the paper without really even knowing what I'm saying. No deep thoughts. No profound ideas. Just writing. Releasing emotions and thoughts that were hiding for no reason other than being afraid of my own judgement towards myself. Towards my words, my thoughts, my art.... The words seem disconnected; but it feels like another person has written these streams of sentences. I like it that way.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am praying to adapt this mindset always, starting in 2015 and beyond. My words are no less great than Charles Dickens or Jane Austen. My ideas and thoughts are no less profound than Albert Einstein. At least in Jesus' and my eyes. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am the unique individual. From here on out, I will stop trying to please the crowd. I will begin to focus on me and the impact I might have on those around me. I won't be judgmental of my words and ideas because they are <i>mine.</i> They were given to me by Someone who knows my heart, my mind, my life. They should be used to inspire others and not meant for my own selfish want of the perfect sentence, the perfect journal entry. Does anyone else have this obsession with the "perfect journal"? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have many empty journals. Yet I keep acquiring more. Why? Because I want to fill these pages with life, with passion, with love. I want the words to drip from the pages as someone reads my story and cries. I want my words to inspire laughter. Yet here sit these empty books. Many times have I begun to write my "story" only to rip out the pages when the thoughts don't flow, and the words become jumbled, and the story isn't perfect. Selfish. Absurd. Wrong. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I look at old photographs of people in days gone by, and I want to know them. I want to hear their story, I want to know their thoughts. But who will want to know my story? Who will wonder what I thought on a rainy day in 2015? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> No story is more worth telling than my own. And that is a truth I have only recently accepted. The words of the world, their lies, have led me to believe that because I'm not a world traveler, wealthy, or a genius, that my story isn't worth people's notice. Not true. Each story, each of <i>our</i> stories, <i>your</i> story is special. Don't be afraid to tell it. There's no greater time than now, for there may not be a tomorrow.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdJgvDLn6I3UTg5FtvDCTQYkHDHa3tSYO5LFfFGn5Hg_QRHSXFdrIz4Yv4Z4LWOMh214IPZcRMAVSqA0khQqpZbPUDT5_gMHZyD-mcQ3P7GaqB0sB5nVZC5MWqCSBEVDjgDoi4Niz64A/s1600/no+great+time+than+this+2015+resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdJgvDLn6I3UTg5FtvDCTQYkHDHa3tSYO5LFfFGn5Hg_QRHSXFdrIz4Yv4Z4LWOMh214IPZcRMAVSqA0khQqpZbPUDT5_gMHZyD-mcQ3P7GaqB0sB5nVZC5MWqCSBEVDjgDoi4Niz64A/s1600/no+great+time+than+this+2015+resolutions.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I strongly encourage you to embrace yourself this year, this great 2015 that is just begun. Move past the lies in your head, the lies that are fed to you. Become who you are destined to be. It's not somewhere down the road, it's not something you missed out on, it's now. <i>Now.</i> "The enemy lies to you heart to bring you down, but God is <i>for</i> you."</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> He is <i>for</i> who you are right now. Be that light, be that love, be that story that you are destined to be. Explore your mind, your words, your actions. Trial and error is life, and the imperfection is what makes it perfect. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCbs3DjUwYILj54D8EbCh6_30Sts61_scZK8klzsCwuRrm89vqU9q4h9F8QJgdh76oUOkeK8U8mHNx81mZ12MRNLKEbuuBhiuDjx93wcdSzUWrd3f_IULWMMx7RpCphvVFHTWVFQxfEg/s1600/no+judgement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCbs3DjUwYILj54D8EbCh6_30Sts61_scZK8klzsCwuRrm89vqU9q4h9F8QJgdh76oUOkeK8U8mHNx81mZ12MRNLKEbuuBhiuDjx93wcdSzUWrd3f_IULWMMx7RpCphvVFHTWVFQxfEg/s1600/no+judgement.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My theme for this year: I will judge myself no more. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Empowering. Freeing. Peace inspiring.</span></span></span>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-55237974590196392772015-01-07T17:48:00.003-08:002015-01-07T17:49:07.702-08:00Day Dreaming With Jesus<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Hi everyone,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started participating in an online "Bible study" <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/group/becoming-the-unfolding-of-you" target="_blank">(it's free to join; just follow this link)</a> and it was strongly encouraged to take time out of your day for quiet. For stillness. For alone time with your thoughts and with God. I took the advice (which I've heard many times and only <i>today</i> have put it in to action), and chose to spend this time out in the <i>semi</i>-tranquil backyard, painting. Here's what I ended up with.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q3tRBguNUGNat41Vg1z_PQ5wIqLjyNpb8Mvtyzx3GU95BDcjwNSYolRqx8t1b9B5si7H5sgzm2gW3JHHmAjsRFQsB9nSzgFz4upcm7aPIgjuPbeFsoFyVsGkKv6t3lLythnDBvUZgmU/s1600/dream+catcher+painting+painter+paint+watercolor+feather+blog+succulent+forestandseacreatve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q3tRBguNUGNat41Vg1z_PQ5wIqLjyNpb8Mvtyzx3GU95BDcjwNSYolRqx8t1b9B5si7H5sgzm2gW3JHHmAjsRFQsB9nSzgFz4upcm7aPIgjuPbeFsoFyVsGkKv6t3lLythnDBvUZgmU/s1600/dream+catcher+painting+painter+paint+watercolor+feather+blog+succulent+forestandseacreatve.jpg" height="640" width="524" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I had been wanting to do a dream catcher painting because 1. I love them and 2. a friend of mine did a dream catcher painting recently and it was gorgeous and inspired me! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I had a..."moment" I guess you could say as I was watching today's video from the study. Jeanne, who starts the study off, was talking about how we are all born with gifts. We are all unique. We all have a path of our own to travel. Obviously, the old saying "life is a journey" is true. But today (with the help of Jeanne), I realized that <i>I</i> alone was born for <i>this</i>. I have been called to <i>this</i> life, right <i>here</i>, right <i>now</i>. And it may not be perfect, and it's always a little messy, but it's the life I was <i>born</i> to live. That is an empowering thought! It also gave me a little perspective on my creative endeavors. It made me switch gears in my brain, and I suddenly don't feel this harshness and judgey feeling towards my own work. Because what I am doing right now, is what I am meant to be doing <i>right now</i>. Talk about the pressure being lifted!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8yLZ8lNt-F7mHHxgp-EbSRkZjz6atWOPQpuoqryyRMW4DXIPS-YgYwR0Ur-HNXst9-Xc-EItQlOM7x8hBvO3il_jnbkZk0M_R9CjmcVHpB8XvOQYMkqnA8ogDEW8VKm6H0rVBUPEyQ8/s1600/journey+life+love+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8yLZ8lNt-F7mHHxgp-EbSRkZjz6atWOPQpuoqryyRMW4DXIPS-YgYwR0Ur-HNXst9-Xc-EItQlOM7x8hBvO3il_jnbkZk0M_R9CjmcVHpB8XvOQYMkqnA8ogDEW8VKm6H0rVBUPEyQ8/s1600/journey+life+love+gifts.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jeanne talks about not focusing on others lives and gifts because you may miss out on your own life! You cannot <i>shine</i> if you are not being you and doing what inspires <i>you</i>. She encourages us to not hoard our gifts. We were given our talents, our brains, our passions, our <i>gifts</i> to share with one another, and to share the gift of God. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BpfOQksD-DZnI4ZBwIzZxGsDQ6kF20dW9wCHaf45oPhatosYoNe5imwgEvbGDwBSXJpgTF9ZVvujETXr89G8jxGjvHaqeIGwFRivlQX44QMmIAt2OqJMtkQb9XWnwfArC89fjHI21l4/s1600/shine+be+you+inspire+sunset+beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BpfOQksD-DZnI4ZBwIzZxGsDQ6kF20dW9wCHaf45oPhatosYoNe5imwgEvbGDwBSXJpgTF9ZVvujETXr89G8jxGjvHaqeIGwFRivlQX44QMmIAt2OqJMtkQb9XWnwfArC89fjHI21l4/s1600/shine+be+you+inspire+sunset+beauty.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So be encouraged, dear friends! You are where you are supposed to be, right now! God knows your heart. He knows your desires. And he made this day, this moment, with <i>you </i>in it for a purpose. This is your calling!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A little Scripture as I leave you this evening...</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zuvxAFV4XT_ruUIwh_P5A7jtljaQWOQqx6JlcUQ_oxpc6Rf6GNrB9yTg-1pfOdK9DE660MU65Ey7pTzTNt325JP058vJFcn7-6-0dddSNeetnnMtI7IPmea_zDdDzx3_HYhIov4Y3A0/s1600/created+create+god+ephesians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zuvxAFV4XT_ruUIwh_P5A7jtljaQWOQqx6JlcUQ_oxpc6Rf6GNrB9yTg-1pfOdK9DE660MU65Ey7pTzTNt325JP058vJFcn7-6-0dddSNeetnnMtI7IPmea_zDdDzx3_HYhIov4Y3A0/s1600/created+create+god+ephesians.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So use your gifts, whatever they may be. They were gifted to <i>you</i> by the One who loves you and knows you <i>best</i>. This is your calling, your path. Take pride in it, don't hoard your gifts, and give the glory back to Him.</span></span></span></div>
Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-79491535471576082015-01-06T10:52:00.001-08:002015-01-06T10:52:29.684-08:00DIY Nail Polish Flower Crown<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Can we just take a minute to oooh and aaah over this please? I am quite proud.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPea46wDMB8YVSHYD9qzZjPoHNWtxBHgX5J2wtd5itYyO53nuz7AIg4qhNAZVjN6nST5o1CNyjgmnXJV67tseuYJ70TuP4RMgUJdU8b7v6uuRFoFKOxBycVMNjHAed3j37VF7Xdkhps8s/s1600/Nail+Polish+Flower+Crown+Handmade+DIY+Etsy+Blogger+blog+forestandseacreative+1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPea46wDMB8YVSHYD9qzZjPoHNWtxBHgX5J2wtd5itYyO53nuz7AIg4qhNAZVjN6nST5o1CNyjgmnXJV67tseuYJ70TuP4RMgUJdU8b7v6uuRFoFKOxBycVMNjHAed3j37VF7Xdkhps8s/s1600/Nail+Polish+Flower+Crown+Handmade+DIY+Etsy+Blogger+blog+forestandseacreative+1+(1).jpg" height="640" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I saw a photo going around Pinterest of this gorgeous little flower crown. And my mind was <i>blown</i> when I realized they were using <i>nail polish</i> to create these beauties! That's right, you heard correctly. <i>Nail polish</i>. So, I decided to give it a try. I unfortunately don't have a tutorial of my own, so I will have a link to the original post below. Here are a few things that I had to deal with while creating these beauties.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> There was a <i>little</i> trial and error here, because the wire for the petals had to be touching to keep the nail polish in this bubble wand like state. And first my wire was too thin and flimsy, and then it was too heavy and hard to shape. Thankfully I have a mandril so it helped with the shaping process, but honestly, a spoon or pencil or any other object with a similar shape will work great! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You can see the original tutorial that I found <a href="http://www.lovethispic.com/image/36332/diy-flower-crown" target="_blank">here</a>. I absolutely <i>love</i> their color choices and I hope to make a full flower crown some day. Just to warn you, it is extremely time consuming, but so rewarding when you get to see the final project!</span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-66478445190960382822015-01-05T20:21:00.000-08:002015-01-05T20:21:35.554-08:00Sisters Chasing The Light<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Today started out taking photos of my newest Etsy item. It quickly escalated in to laughs, funny photos, and a good time with my sister. The lighting was gorgeous today and it seemed to turn in to the theme for our impromptu photo shoot. Here are some photos from our day.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREY2XaJNfPoyJ_MWtM5HoqyOCUVDDCQxjqH7WkDSi5oj0cC8Hdik8myv-4mD4gitdxmVHQciMeZ5AcebR0UDvbRMvgSm-FbGS1OuWTbLKAgAPbmDulnB2f5O5MbYj8zGRIoYmQgdFuuE/s1600/Harem+bracelet+ring+slave+deer+rhinestone+gold+unique+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREY2XaJNfPoyJ_MWtM5HoqyOCUVDDCQxjqH7WkDSi5oj0cC8Hdik8myv-4mD4gitdxmVHQciMeZ5AcebR0UDvbRMvgSm-FbGS1OuWTbLKAgAPbmDulnB2f5O5MbYj8zGRIoYmQgdFuuE/s1600/Harem+bracelet+ring+slave+deer+rhinestone+gold+unique+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+(1).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can find this new bracelet <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/217370842/boho-gold-deer-harem-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">here!</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarXnuYXAHZ7ZjsgMCdjKD7bfYEXuOKStBtK8ZiiGtxfjH9XqvmU_CQjoNhiy2L-lhTK0n2_ZRv6yRyBU2A_wZGiiDbZz4PTgOLKrnbwfc_qbVQ8IB6MS0jPsaKBMHPph0vNcXi56_doU/s1600/light+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarXnuYXAHZ7ZjsgMCdjKD7bfYEXuOKStBtK8ZiiGtxfjH9XqvmU_CQjoNhiy2L-lhTK0n2_ZRv6yRyBU2A_wZGiiDbZz4PTgOLKrnbwfc_qbVQ8IB6MS0jPsaKBMHPph0vNcXi56_doU/s1600/light+1.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't know what it is about this big bush/tree, but I seriously <i>love</i> it.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-x676k3e5XckOqJceGEMNnsco-Z-6HT9F16OI0sV61L7PbS1jlegJQusfUCHaNSeDQVs9EXR_oa7WNpE8SISJpMtImHbk7HC2HrC6tcxnSlWnHgtF-8tH9EKgLlTgN4hxbT7kKVoAuY/s1600/light2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-x676k3e5XckOqJceGEMNnsco-Z-6HT9F16OI0sV61L7PbS1jlegJQusfUCHaNSeDQVs9EXR_oa7WNpE8SISJpMtImHbk7HC2HrC6tcxnSlWnHgtF-8tH9EKgLlTgN4hxbT7kKVoAuY/s1600/light2.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX2hO08v3k9ym0fchljkdNZPWEZR7ynMiPUDEg12-ewtRza_0BxycZd3JItKm6jQrzME4q_mLV21WOUap7a4T5QjzSF7kZe_Eb4XDMcEFnI3Cn69a8WUZntr_vKbY6xXZtQJkW5Ykjao/s1600/light+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX2hO08v3k9ym0fchljkdNZPWEZR7ynMiPUDEg12-ewtRza_0BxycZd3JItKm6jQrzME4q_mLV21WOUap7a4T5QjzSF7kZe_Eb4XDMcEFnI3Cn69a8WUZntr_vKbY6xXZtQJkW5Ykjao/s1600/light+5.jpg" height="640" width="408" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Things started to take a turn for the crazy right about here.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGmOmLIgsDs4uo20CbdHHf_fu4P438m_OCDhBkcvJS2jCJ74V_jjtoSVrOHgs6Jp9NWCjbXZgVHrGVSpfWIwjWAzNzkcBsLk6WV1SyLe17jSDc8GuxpDAt-gq27fCu88ZZ8g0_XFgqA0/s1600/Light+8.jpg" height="570" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">Confused a bit...?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBSJNzAioHUd6WPMyooI60RO1kmWySG8t6ii4iVk3ezDLl73-dQu-AqmQmMpVe7knFc9LQJOssPglZUYBp7Ypc-qqtII5RKTqU3SSvcY9-MybcIZ0t12CN7Ge4JOlv1OtLlCNmjbOMNc/s1600/Light+9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBSJNzAioHUd6WPMyooI60RO1kmWySG8t6ii4iVk3ezDLl73-dQu-AqmQmMpVe7knFc9LQJOssPglZUYBp7Ypc-qqtII5RKTqU3SSvcY9-MybcIZ0t12CN7Ge4JOlv1OtLlCNmjbOMNc/s1600/Light+9.jpg" height="550" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujJAKXto25qz4HDKIHK6pS3Zd_G4YW5bloiq-vTh6PR3H5x44IPQf2deLCHj8BpF5Hw4TNtckeo-hUPmpMXHHuFvUtdYQqss3BPjDWSxPgeP8lGixG6LDrjd7HSazX8KwuQLuVic2fgk/s1600/Light+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujJAKXto25qz4HDKIHK6pS3Zd_G4YW5bloiq-vTh6PR3H5x44IPQf2deLCHj8BpF5Hw4TNtckeo-hUPmpMXHHuFvUtdYQqss3BPjDWSxPgeP8lGixG6LDrjd7HSazX8KwuQLuVic2fgk/s1600/Light+10.jpg" height="640" width="556" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">We become "one" with nature around here.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRw8seMXusvJnwdc5LVwzsN-ocY5rINocG3jBAEmDtyIdYKXpMyLamBDejy52r5PakOkldniORk9xEgUUMkEnGjLXITHUM9g4vqhMw8KHvnxcRLjz3GEfZw-TUIU1jH3akpk3c1N9qwE/s1600/light+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRw8seMXusvJnwdc5LVwzsN-ocY5rINocG3jBAEmDtyIdYKXpMyLamBDejy52r5PakOkldniORk9xEgUUMkEnGjLXITHUM9g4vqhMw8KHvnxcRLjz3GEfZw-TUIU1jH3akpk3c1N9qwE/s1600/light+12.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Did someone say "ethereal"?</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHuIqdeHErM_k_RQZ8_V0CbFAXx5L9H_rMgK3J6k1Ek1Y17P8Nz7x8l6_C2NftYGUSbbacXYQ13FHbS5gsWXzyM3D9GQiEeGoV5vVySzBjiYr187R7wTMgJOw3xATC77eZC80V3VaMCA/s1600/Light+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHuIqdeHErM_k_RQZ8_V0CbFAXx5L9H_rMgK3J6k1Ek1Y17P8Nz7x8l6_C2NftYGUSbbacXYQ13FHbS5gsWXzyM3D9GQiEeGoV5vVySzBjiYr187R7wTMgJOw3xATC77eZC80V3VaMCA/s1600/Light+13.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Even the brother wanted to be involved!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> We decided to continue on with our "light" theme, and headed up to the Diamond Bar Center to take some pictures of the sun setting over the city.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBQ1j5nyHOYpru_k-lbWXAU1yGd5Dq96QD4jbQN8cQ45hZFlI7d6-wv3TUIc7IbhxIwsLWUP8uTKZY-bG-zRiUyYGHRy-B4Tc4_ZFsgHsd5OiLL_tjM3VThbCluGYkBhgyktZ3WqQpTU/s1600/light+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBQ1j5nyHOYpru_k-lbWXAU1yGd5Dq96QD4jbQN8cQ45hZFlI7d6-wv3TUIc7IbhxIwsLWUP8uTKZY-bG-zRiUyYGHRy-B4Tc4_ZFsgHsd5OiLL_tjM3VThbCluGYkBhgyktZ3WqQpTU/s1600/light+15.jpg" height="548" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was <i>finally</i> warm enough to wear shorts again today!</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Natural beauty I'm afraid.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Honda checking out the view.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It was a gorgeous, warm, sunshiney day. As cheesy as it is, sunshine on <i>my</i> shoulders, really <i>does</i> make me happy! </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-47494846016344916602015-01-03T14:19:00.000-08:002015-01-04T15:26:59.326-08:00Scarf Happy<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So, I've been knitting up a storm over here and I wanted to share some of what's been going on. All of the scarves are listed on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/forestandseacreative" target="_blank">Etsy Shop.</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Warning: Excessive Knitting May Cause Brain Failure</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWIEuCRzM2tZkB43eI-hwV7zTmHLqOKf4dKseoZfWGCjBid4woiv2SZ9XULO9dUcfM4FZmP7MHcksnQgKD6pc094vJGs2XuCyIWGwffW3gDlMftY3KE96PFW7k6wEb6M3L_NUKCEUP7o/s1600/scarf+warm+forestandseacreative+cowl+infinity+knitting+acrylic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWIEuCRzM2tZkB43eI-hwV7zTmHLqOKf4dKseoZfWGCjBid4woiv2SZ9XULO9dUcfM4FZmP7MHcksnQgKD6pc094vJGs2XuCyIWGwffW3gDlMftY3KE96PFW7k6wEb6M3L_NUKCEUP7o/s1600/scarf+warm+forestandseacreative+cowl+infinity+knitting+acrylic.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some great new colors! </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWKHdGOK5YyPM0rHkgA3W4fJjpkSmtsdSOK1UY-pFiq9d5vKV2PFmEfEDuj2Bzko_g04NlU1cDQupV9TaLqwZKEC21zji6wTiuKAu74pD6CsI_WvPiIYoK2w9lMrDo5W7SCuNkB_MleQ/s1600/Dark+Grey+Scarf+Infinity+Knitted+Knit+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWKHdGOK5YyPM0rHkgA3W4fJjpkSmtsdSOK1UY-pFiq9d5vKV2PFmEfEDuj2Bzko_g04NlU1cDQupV9TaLqwZKEC21zji6wTiuKAu74pD6CsI_WvPiIYoK2w9lMrDo5W7SCuNkB_MleQ/s1600/Dark+Grey+Scarf+Infinity+Knitted+Knit+(5).jpg" height="640" width="622" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">Ribbed Scarf. Available in all the colors shown below!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxv2qatxdTDvi4ZM_zxU4qXPyIDdDVq7g3DD2mizJ-C4ms31-TlO14qu7-DmZxX3-Q-f_2gDBT8GBtA6umVLlqefoFs62m06kqyOL010AAU2W1CiZKm-760vEiwl9MeocVYh_4c0hfZM/s1600/scarf+infinity+cowl+knitting+knitted+etsy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxv2qatxdTDvi4ZM_zxU4qXPyIDdDVq7g3DD2mizJ-C4ms31-TlO14qu7-DmZxX3-Q-f_2gDBT8GBtA6umVLlqefoFs62m06kqyOL010AAU2W1CiZKm-760vEiwl9MeocVYh_4c0hfZM/s1600/scarf+infinity+cowl+knitting+knitted+etsy2.jpg" height="632" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Plain Scarf</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm65m_V-ltf70cxxwv8xXMogWwNBii6Xh871SOZYCse7cmrouwvB6WBW-tdNEJ_zRAvAB1nyWcNaqETT7skLMpFR7CgIf2re2liDZ8QnEl6vwF76-NH3X-PPWssoroaRRk9nf3Gt56wgg/s1600/Grey+Scarf+Infinity+Circle+Knitted+Knit+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm65m_V-ltf70cxxwv8xXMogWwNBii6Xh871SOZYCse7cmrouwvB6WBW-tdNEJ_zRAvAB1nyWcNaqETT7skLMpFR7CgIf2re2liDZ8QnEl6vwF76-NH3X-PPWssoroaRRk9nf3Gt56wgg/s1600/Grey+Scarf+Infinity+Circle+Knitted+Knit+(4).jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A beautiful silver, gray. This scarf is so silky soft. It's to die for!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCb9QhCcOjKkYb0Gjc4ms5InTpwy8KsVPlsyafXkJ_zDW23lXRvRb3K5SEPUTpk2LzsY6Xk2f1Zd0wXphezy9jGdu2Iwcy7Nu92KFKst6pmwCGPsdrcFRepprIAcbjXoJRGZZq2UH1M/s1600/etsy+scarf+black+knitted+knit+cowl+infinity+forestandseacreative+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCb9QhCcOjKkYb0Gjc4ms5InTpwy8KsVPlsyafXkJ_zDW23lXRvRb3K5SEPUTpk2LzsY6Xk2f1Zd0wXphezy9jGdu2Iwcy7Nu92KFKst6pmwCGPsdrcFRepprIAcbjXoJRGZZq2UH1M/s1600/etsy+scarf+black+knitted+knit+cowl+infinity+forestandseacreative+blog.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will be making a black one for myself in the near future.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkE4E0diSZ7RNbh3VUzAuDxClm8ITG3BAEOvyRw2LBlruyJljE08x1buyHzbUjp7zBDQdxtbsUie-wJHcZzjYdhGEJrMHRn6Y04H3qBz4XYS_GyLdYkoQnbi_RqX465ZD_jxepK8-R1g/s1600/etsy+scarf+cream+knitted+knit+cowl+infinity+forestandseacreative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkE4E0diSZ7RNbh3VUzAuDxClm8ITG3BAEOvyRw2LBlruyJljE08x1buyHzbUjp7zBDQdxtbsUie-wJHcZzjYdhGEJrMHRn6Y04H3qBz4XYS_GyLdYkoQnbi_RqX465ZD_jxepK8-R1g/s1600/etsy+scarf+cream+knitted+knit+cowl+infinity+forestandseacreative.jpg" height="640" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A beautiful soft, cream color. It goes with anything. Instant classic!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyjz86r0seKvlOHwMjuuu14SygVCD8LEfLDpAUON-zqNBoKNDZ3Oj8Gt7D_obXM1fGvRMZ59Satt4sCMQKfPjFLUPaftEuwm7-ID53CyAsxW8yCOG9GBh3_vMWSp1cd1HWsfeMcPruPM/s1600/Scarf+cowl+knit+knitted+cozy+infinity+circle+etsy+blogger+blog+natural+brown+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyjz86r0seKvlOHwMjuuu14SygVCD8LEfLDpAUON-zqNBoKNDZ3Oj8Gt7D_obXM1fGvRMZ59Satt4sCMQKfPjFLUPaftEuwm7-ID53CyAsxW8yCOG9GBh3_vMWSp1cd1HWsfeMcPruPM/s1600/Scarf+cowl+knit+knitted+cozy+infinity+circle+etsy+blogger+blog+natural+brown+1.jpg" height="640" width="616" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The newest color, just finished! Natural Brown.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJST34Ag52-VfAq4aJJnnKne1yzKi_oTttY-W_tXKULdwBUtobAVV3JK2gJlwQWAJnZXoCearPUlmPfSx-tVNCaeRmq_LTdg7Rmt2xeeL4uwcBM4rp-scTefur7MQjhmTQ7QB67Zb4IU/s1600/scarf+scarves+circle+infinity+cream+black+gray+cozy+knit+knitted+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJST34Ag52-VfAq4aJJnnKne1yzKi_oTttY-W_tXKULdwBUtobAVV3JK2gJlwQWAJnZXoCearPUlmPfSx-tVNCaeRmq_LTdg7Rmt2xeeL4uwcBM4rp-scTefur7MQjhmTQ7QB67Zb4IU/s1600/scarf+scarves+circle+infinity+cream+black+gray+cozy+knit+knitted+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+3.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Things got a little crazy over here....</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih18z1S-bpBeoPajT8PW8InrLQKe-jdR_hRBu4Hq0fccVhxKSLcbJGPI42CocnAvFze7Wdz0vaB_564Do1Kva3l0Jce4oEHdVBEql-kB1IpZ26Ib_MH2t02QwSZ2khsZ925AZOSK6ix1c/s1600/scarf+scarves+circle+infinity+cream+black+gray+cozy+knit+knitted+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih18z1S-bpBeoPajT8PW8InrLQKe-jdR_hRBu4Hq0fccVhxKSLcbJGPI42CocnAvFze7Wdz0vaB_564Do1Kva3l0Jce4oEHdVBEql-kB1IpZ26Ib_MH2t02QwSZ2khsZ925AZOSK6ix1c/s1600/scarf+scarves+circle+infinity+cream+black+gray+cozy+knit+knitted+etsy+blog+forestandseacreative+4.jpg" height="640" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They sure are soft and warm!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy knitting everyone!</span></span></span></div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-22745887922813529882015-01-01T14:25:00.000-08:002015-01-01T14:40:44.331-08:00Welcome 2015!<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Happy New Year to you all! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you had a fun and safe New Year's Eve, and rang in the New Year in style!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As for me, I started the day with a migraine. <i>Fun</i>. But the day was redeemed by a visit with my favorite baby! </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My tablet does NOT take good evening pictures but I couldn't resist.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_UQbkLXBX2_qJGida6o7NQTKuTWsZ_bAosGCtu0lLxf25lrLz4fShRYVrtNpi4whBIG1K4yv_U-ileDaWF8JIIWFryaYrT81DSs80BF2RSG0fw5czF2uxcmCIUaNf2elKW8-igpxx_w/s1600/baby+evelyn+rae+bartels+cute+niece+auntie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_UQbkLXBX2_qJGida6o7NQTKuTWsZ_bAosGCtu0lLxf25lrLz4fShRYVrtNpi4whBIG1K4yv_U-ileDaWF8JIIWFryaYrT81DSs80BF2RSG0fw5czF2uxcmCIUaNf2elKW8-igpxx_w/s1600/baby+evelyn+rae+bartels+cute+niece+auntie.jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My sister and I spent the evening in Huntington Beach with Katelyn and her family at her sister's home. It was a chilly evening and we all went to the beach to snap a few photos. Again, the quality is not so great, but I couldn't resist.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZDjjv6Sp22YlHIYqWFXpM4EQjUVihaxLPb8qGhR2i4g0VLpFmVbGrJBOuzlhIcsTGaJ8648YjL1VjSUp9MiW33fw5P3DlhTXwE9-c5x8usIenGYZcYwyj0xF-PT-f7zNc1s2pYcb5e4/s1600/huntington+beach+california+sunset+new+year's+eve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZDjjv6Sp22YlHIYqWFXpM4EQjUVihaxLPb8qGhR2i4g0VLpFmVbGrJBOuzlhIcsTGaJ8648YjL1VjSUp9MiW33fw5P3DlhTXwE9-c5x8usIenGYZcYwyj0xF-PT-f7zNc1s2pYcb5e4/s1600/huntington+beach+california+sunset+new+year's%2Beve.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The only snow you'll see in this part of California.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We went back to the house and played games, sat around the fire, decorated cookies, and of course passed the babe around. We left around eleven to beat the drunk drivers home, and made it just in time to watch the ball drop in NYC. It may not have been the most eventful night, but it was cozy and spent with friends and family.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Looking back on my 2014, I'd say it was a pretty good year. Every year brings trials but it also brings joy. Here's a look back on some of the highlights from 2014:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have been blessed with my job at the daycare back home. I had fabulous hours and it gave me the freedom to use my creativity. Every year, the community center where I worked would host a Daddy-Daughter Dance around Valentine's day. I have helped with the design and decorations of these events for the past 3 years, but this past year I was given complete creative control and was able to channel my inner event planner to bring to life a beautiful winter wonderland. This time of year was always the highlight of my job, but I was so thrilled and honored that my boss wanted me in charge. It was definitely a high point for me!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I also had the opportunity to grow my relationship with my dear friend, Annie this past year. My family has always been close with her's </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(they practically <i>are</i> part of our family)</span></span></span>, and she and her two sisters as well as <i>my</i> sister have always been friends. But this year, <i>we</i> really had the opportunity to become friends. We got to spend a lot of time together drinking coffee, shopping, going on long walks, and just talking. It's also allowed me to become closer to her two younger sisters as well, Becca and Beth. </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've come to truly appreciate them as friends and sisters, and I've
loved that we've been able to reconnect after they returned from China.
And, I can't wait to have a Starbucks date when I come home!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPu6brgxMIt2oZ7_Ul5mwIemr4kMmmLhesrJz5xCJcSQwq-JpMisSPEZfcqF4MGlDrvvsaRZ-8WDO5s9fNBfIJnS2OMC7-jmWckTJJ7JmRyNE9u0s5UWNWUJ8-eCvwEwzNv4Mx7dDctM/s1600/best+friends+blonde+brunette+birthday+fun+silly+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPu6brgxMIt2oZ7_Ul5mwIemr4kMmmLhesrJz5xCJcSQwq-JpMisSPEZfcqF4MGlDrvvsaRZ-8WDO5s9fNBfIJnS2OMC7-jmWckTJJ7JmRyNE9u0s5UWNWUJ8-eCvwEwzNv4Mx7dDctM/s1600/best+friends+blonde+brunette+birthday+fun+silly+girls.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She might disagree, but I love this photo of us!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This year has also given me time to spend with my family. Living together again has brought us closer (even though it's a little stressful at times) and it's going to make going home without them difficult. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNayKP8dPNN2-FbVVOwsu2B01wvDZRLaQxKBSq6XBMvOvy2bQf0jJDbFH2i0QLmaneuxynRBBXcxNS37XRbpzqpwyNLM1le8UKYiNT7rS6dpfDFifdoh3FC8UdvQ-uGlGbp0iNTy6QmI/s1600/family+love+siblings+redhead+brunette+blonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNayKP8dPNN2-FbVVOwsu2B01wvDZRLaQxKBSq6XBMvOvy2bQf0jJDbFH2i0QLmaneuxynRBBXcxNS37XRbpzqpwyNLM1le8UKYiNT7rS6dpfDFifdoh3FC8UdvQ-uGlGbp0iNTy6QmI/s1600/family+love+siblings+redhead+brunette+blonde.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We celebrated my mom's 50th birthday this year too and that was a fun, special time spent with our close friends in a beautiful, autumn backyard. It was a bittersweet event, as my Grandpa had just passed, and we were busy packing up their lives, and mine, in preparation for the California move.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Rockin' 50 like a pro.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VcSgGFZwqz1QeruHmZTsPYKpR6bhjOGnLDlX4ZNkAsWy4iT0bHOVSyE2L0QP816pLSViTJ6yxIJlenMLrruRGoC7Khz4qKOD0qKeqtJENQQJxvxpDbyE0rpNUydCkLysr5TBhq3e3KQ/s1600/Birthday+fall+autumn+colorado+50+mom+leaves+october.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VcSgGFZwqz1QeruHmZTsPYKpR6bhjOGnLDlX4ZNkAsWy4iT0bHOVSyE2L0QP816pLSViTJ6yxIJlenMLrruRGoC7Khz4qKOD0qKeqtJENQQJxvxpDbyE0rpNUydCkLysr5TBhq3e3KQ/s1600/Birthday+fall+autumn+colorado+50+mom+leaves+october.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Doesn't autumn just <i>get</i> you??</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPsPNqVcXJJMmldzfYcIgqaCQ1BPR2zQa1t2Yhyphenhyphen-YTKLigv4j9NGEqL2Dxmvbp4Z8jqUy0dJEC1kp2yWTgm5QiYxp3lQKDoHv2ws4kWf5zSGmrrdh46AjFAQmhzxldyeChDkKLUugD6g/s1600/Birthday+fall+autumn+colorado+50+mom+leaves+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPsPNqVcXJJMmldzfYcIgqaCQ1BPR2zQa1t2Yhyphenhyphen-YTKLigv4j9NGEqL2Dxmvbp4Z8jqUy0dJEC1kp2yWTgm5QiYxp3lQKDoHv2ws4kWf5zSGmrrdh46AjFAQmhzxldyeChDkKLUugD6g/s1600/Birthday+fall+autumn+colorado+50+mom+leaves+cake.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Orange Sicilian Cake (courtesy of me), and Texas Hot Chocolate Cake (courtesy of our hostess).</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RppM4E9UvzJnWzDzkQDaLFbQZmdz2JMFtdgPx6H57Xc0QExkTOuXUeeib92-3u63ui0f_OHH1QiSk76gk3P8lxYEKf797DfXH3xBL3D_mfyJcEoYCb7eYEx1pnGZ092kE3_a-bAUCdw/s1600/Birthday+fall+autumn+colorado+50+mom+leaves+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RppM4E9UvzJnWzDzkQDaLFbQZmdz2JMFtdgPx6H57Xc0QExkTOuXUeeib92-3u63ui0f_OHH1QiSk76gk3P8lxYEKf797DfXH3xBL3D_mfyJcEoYCb7eYEx1pnGZ092kE3_a-bAUCdw/s1600/Birthday+fall+autumn+colorado+50+mom+leaves+family.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check out my mom's DIY and life blog <a href="http://creatingalifenow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was able to cross an item off of my bucket list this year; participate in a 5k! My good friend, Vonnie, and I participated in the Color Vibe in Grand Junction, Colorado. </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
met this girl at my daycare job, and she has a special place in my
heart. She is one of the silliest and most caring people I have had the
privilege to meet, and I am so happy to call her my friend! L</span></span></span>et me tell you, even after we arrived late and missed the first part of the race, we still had blast, danced in the rainbow, and had a delicious lunch. It may not have been exactly what we were planning, but it was a lot of fun, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZqXSyJgK07ufX1_tUjoPvf3-Bdix_agk2uglrZLedNDsiEmJGHo8AsVduP9REK6OxVdYlt9VBrR7W9cHDmX2_cLx1huq6CTbLzXH0ULSeSuzWesHTU8oOwSw1hjxkmmMW_jmCtf8K_s/s1600/color+run+5k+vonnie+friend+colorado+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZqXSyJgK07ufX1_tUjoPvf3-Bdix_agk2uglrZLedNDsiEmJGHo8AsVduP9REK6OxVdYlt9VBrR7W9cHDmX2_cLx1huq6CTbLzXH0ULSeSuzWesHTU8oOwSw1hjxkmmMW_jmCtf8K_s/s1600/color+run+5k+vonnie+friend+colorado+summer.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sorry Von, I stole your photo!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was able to learn a little bit about our history in Glenwood Springs with my sweet friend, Lizzie. We have been close friends for years, but this year has been special because she and her family are preparing for a big move, so any time we've been able to spend together, I've tucked away in my heart. We had both been to the Hotel Colorado many times for different occasions, but we were intrigued by the history that went along with it. So this summer, we planned a lunch date and a ghost tour at the Hotel. You can read about our experience on <a href="https://columbinedreams.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/history-of-a-hotel/" target="_blank">Lizzie's blog.</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I should have done a better job of taking photos that day, but she has some good ones as well as a brief history of the Hotel. I will be so sad when she moves away, and I'm looking forward to at <i>least</i> one more coffee date before she leaves me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This year I visited California three times. One of these trips was because of my Grandpa passing away, and even though it was a sad time, I'm glad we could all be together, and that we had each other to lean on. It's been a difficult time, and hard living in a home where he no longer resides. But we can rest knowing that he isn't suffering any more. And we know that he wouldn't want us to cry and make a fuss. He would tell us to knock it off and move on. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My cousin made a wonderful <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkkSTfEfo4I" target="_blank">memorial slideshow on YouTube</a> for anyone who would like see a little of what Grandpa was like.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTZ41P0DCoDQQu-mahGIuJyXeVLhe7r1ManVMePONTMHOkUx2OXjrdVhyphenhyphenSbb2Yp6g1wFLjcYo2ul72DZfuTp80ZbMfKw_FDaM56FcBjZ8-5XNsBf5_JhDRkvFkgOTQj5ckeqGHEa53M0/s1600/grandpa+love+missing+you+family+california.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTZ41P0DCoDQQu-mahGIuJyXeVLhe7r1ManVMePONTMHOkUx2OXjrdVhyphenhyphenSbb2Yp6g1wFLjcYo2ul72DZfuTp80ZbMfKw_FDaM56FcBjZ8-5XNsBf5_JhDRkvFkgOTQj5ckeqGHEa53M0/s1600/grandpa+love+missing+you+family+california.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Me and Grandpa.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My husband and I took another camping trip this summer. Each time is so special to me. It's such a great chance to bond and just get away from life for a while. You can read about our travels <a href="http://sasquatchandbuns2013.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I went to 3 concerts this year (the most in a year I think), auditioned for my favorite musical, got a taste of being back in college again, threw knives in the woods, went to a Great Gatsby party, and read more than I have in years.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I became an Instagram user, which has made me get back in to photography. A passion that I let slide over the past few years, and I am thankful I have the ability to get back in to it.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A photo I took for an Instagram contest. The dreamcatcher is available on Etsy!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I also started my Etsy business, and made my very first sale, right before the end of the year!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My first item, SOLD!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am forever grateful for all my experiences this year. I always get a little sad and nostalgic as the year comes to an end, and may have had a few tears in my eyes as the countdown to midnight began. But I am looking forward to 2015 and all that it may bring. I am excited to see where blogging and Etsy take me and what new adventures are waiting. The new year has begun with my husband finding an apartment for us, and I am so proud of him for doing it all on his own. I can't wait to be home again, and to begin new memories in our new place, with spring just on the horizon. Happy New Year to you all and may all your wishes come true!</span></span></span></div>
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Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-28713391743847233542014-12-29T13:00:00.001-08:002014-12-29T13:01:30.051-08:00BFF's And A Baby Niece<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Most girls have a BFF. Someone we can be completely ourselves with, and we know that they will love us anyway. For me, that crazy someone is Katelyn. We've been friends since we met on the second day of 3rd grade (precise, I know). That was 15 years ago! I've known her longer than anyone and even though we are now both married and live in different states, I can still say she is my best friend. We don't talk often, or see each other often, but every time we're we're together it's like no time has passed at all. <i>That</i> makes my heart sing!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpK818JFUo2kd0u5grJP5dPnogoJG9jPtZGnTOgmP7QNV1X2a6DGqUI1KtKGe4h2B3srTVPtGdpUqi6wASZcx9r3VnLXUNMBIi8T_bJtHGRJuNwfdDGbARkM7kcBZNvH8kXYvUWCimTU/s1600/best+friends+crazy+silly+love+girls+blondes+brunettes+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpK818JFUo2kd0u5grJP5dPnogoJG9jPtZGnTOgmP7QNV1X2a6DGqUI1KtKGe4h2B3srTVPtGdpUqi6wASZcx9r3VnLXUNMBIi8T_bJtHGRJuNwfdDGbARkM7kcBZNvH8kXYvUWCimTU/s1600/best+friends+crazy+silly+love+girls+blondes+brunettes+.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are slightly on the special side....</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We have a lot of memories together, and our families became close because of us. We both were home schooled (her family starting a year after us), which allowed us to spend a lot of time with one another. I always remember the time they were studying Egypt, and I got to help them mummify a chicken! Yeah, we home schoolers are awesome! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She and her family moved to Oregon when we were still kids, and it was devastating to lose my best friend and sister. But we've managed to remain close through the years; I guess you could say we're "kindred spirits" (any <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> fans out there?).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We had the privilege to be in each others weddings and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else as my maid of honor.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWzcGLDWgsX4rESvG-PwQiJKHnglx_AdibBHoXukDGKnUmb7ECsq1awQrWPBKe50V9JmeyyPMBZGd5xh-Ac1hk9jjy7U9KypnEOkUXT_kBpLDyMR03TeoTQU74as-AoGPFk614dSnbU4/s1600/best+friend+wedding+winter+aspen+october+colorado+girls+maid+of+honor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWzcGLDWgsX4rESvG-PwQiJKHnglx_AdibBHoXukDGKnUmb7ECsq1awQrWPBKe50V9JmeyyPMBZGd5xh-Ac1hk9jjy7U9KypnEOkUXT_kBpLDyMR03TeoTQU74as-AoGPFk614dSnbU4/s1600/best+friend+wedding+winter+aspen+october+colorado+girls+maid+of+honor.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photo by the wonderful Krystine Lewis. Aspen, Colorado.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've gone to visit her in Oregon and she's come to visit me, and we've both had the chance to meet up in sunny California on several occasions. She has a sister that lives here, which makes it the perfect halfway point for us both to see each other. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend some time in the sunshine? </span></span></span><br />
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Fast forward a bit, and she now has an adorable baby girl; my little
niece. And like every good aunt, I have every intention of spoiling that
little girl. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I wasn't able to visit when baby Evelyn was born, but it happened to work out that I am here visiting family and she and her husband were making a trip to visit her <i>husband's</i> family (who also live in California). So I <i>finally</i> got to meet my adorable girl!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Spending some time with her Auntie, and not being still for the photographer.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Best friends, baby niece, and the nerdy husband. I mean...<i>cool</i> husband.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We exchanged Christmas gifts (there <i>may</i> have been a lot for the baby), and I've gotta say, this lady knows me well. She gave me a beautiful wooden box that she wood burned a design in, a book about crocheting, and earrings that she thought would give me inspiration for my own jewelry designs.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YeYV8K_E4-6K06VJWY591-b9CbG9QSxHav6E3UUwJYmbER77rAGEOMf4OqRQlCbRSIf5F7-mUm8fo8qHbBzjo50VMqqUB3qh6cjCBbv1yCunaT5PQtA98F_58Q-SIiVvopfKD6g2Et0/s1600/best+friends+gift+christmas+earrings+woodburning+box+book+crochet+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YeYV8K_E4-6K06VJWY591-b9CbG9QSxHav6E3UUwJYmbER77rAGEOMf4OqRQlCbRSIf5F7-mUm8fo8qHbBzjo50VMqqUB3qh6cjCBbv1yCunaT5PQtA98F_58Q-SIiVvopfKD6g2Et0/s1600/best+friends+gift+christmas+earrings+woodburning+box+book+crochet+(3).jpg" height="640" width="606" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Funny side note, crocheting has always intrigued me as well as overwhelmed me, and I just ordered crochet hooks and some yarn to give it a try. And then she gave me a book about crocheting. Perfect coincidence!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm so glad that I got to spend time with this wonderful family, and we will hopefully have a beach day later this week before they return home. I can't wait to use my new treasures, and perhaps make a baby gift with my new crochet skills (fingers crossed!).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This little family is a treasure in my life and I look forward to watching them grow as a couple, and grow as a family. I love you all! </span></span></span><br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-79503394315849248492014-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:002014-12-28T09:00:31.289-08:00Catching Dreams<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Sunday to you all!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've always been intrigued by dream catchers. I don't believe that they really "catch" my dreams, but the delicate nature of them has always spoken to me. Maybe it's that teeny bit of Native American in me. Who knows! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Two summers ago, my husband and I took a road trip <a href="http://sasquatchandbuns2013.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">(check out our travel blog here)</a></span></span></span> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I picked up a tiny dream catcher in Steamboat, Colorado. It sparked my interest once again, and I may have the makings of a new collection going....here's what I've been working on the past few days.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> There is limited work space in my current living situation, so my "studio" happens to be my bed. At least I have a pretty white blanket as a backdrop!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The lighting was kind of <i>dreamy</i> the morning I snapped these shots too. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I spent many days laying out different pieces and looking at dream catchers on Etsy that grabbed my attention. And this is what I ended up with. Simple, unique, bohemian. Perfect!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALdypl5ZMGIF30sZYbKfanf8U95eYo0xLy_rK2y8FpnL1RrOBmqmXvZ0zhceIj3GCg7WcH1zlqt9Rf5Uhf6x8woD7s2-lcMhSAnM5Cy9mJWqZ8JcDeyODJ790KKMCBICxw4n0ep1Pysc/s1600/vintage+leather+feather+wire+dream+catcher+forestandseacreative+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALdypl5ZMGIF30sZYbKfanf8U95eYo0xLy_rK2y8FpnL1RrOBmqmXvZ0zhceIj3GCg7WcH1zlqt9Rf5Uhf6x8woD7s2-lcMhSAnM5Cy9mJWqZ8JcDeyODJ790KKMCBICxw4n0ep1Pysc/s1600/vintage+leather+feather+wire+dream+catcher+forestandseacreative+(1).JPG" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It looks <i>slightly</i> misshapen because well, it is. I wanted to use an embroidery hoop as the base, but I was too anxious to start creating to go out and purchase one. So instead, I used a semi-sturdy wire I had lying around, and fashioned a hoop out of it. I then used leather cord to attach the vintage doily I bought from a neighbor's yard sale.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I bought the duck feathers from Michael's for just a few dollars, the geometric wooden beads for $1 at Wal-Mart, and the beautiful copper wire, I had already. Making my total project under $5. Score!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I like this dream catcher because of how big it is (10 inches!). Just the right size for catching all my crazy dreams, hehe.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I made a dream catcher last Christmas for my sister. I believe it's packed away in their storage unit, or I would share it with you all! Here's another one I made last year for myself, and is now listed <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/216387183/handmade-vintage-inspired-dreamcatcher?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">here, on my Etsy shop</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmPGIWoitJ9eeDR7MTU_QHupSk9UeQ5EBSJYaDI8Eby01DhrdFVRiOWE-U9LIpngTZbm3Gi-qDM7ayPEFH9UFvxx9AODN_qeQnWhfdCzIiAJ4Gw6tjZyI5yJfhAbNRefVTJ5rVYPc8KU/s1600/Vintage+lace+beads+key+button+boho+bohemian+dream+catcher+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmPGIWoitJ9eeDR7MTU_QHupSk9UeQ5EBSJYaDI8Eby01DhrdFVRiOWE-U9LIpngTZbm3Gi-qDM7ayPEFH9UFvxx9AODN_qeQnWhfdCzIiAJ4Gw6tjZyI5yJfhAbNRefVTJ5rVYPc8KU/s1600/Vintage+lace+beads+key+button+boho+bohemian+dream+catcher+(1).jpg" height="640" width="521" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It's made from the lace of a vintage dress, a vintage button from my great-grandmother's collection, and some other pieces of mine. I would love to host a dream catcher workshop one day. Maybe when I get settled back in Colorado....</span></span></span><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" async defer data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-28101170815183302862014-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:002014-12-27T08:00:01.012-08:00Food For The Soul<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have had a lot of free time in the past few months. When I decided to move to California for a few months, I thought I would be able to land a job to fill my time, and that has not been the case. At this point, I've kind of given up on the job search and have chosen to use this time to start my shop, my blog, create, volunteer some time, spend time with family, and <i>read. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i>Here's a look at what I've been reading and will be reading this month. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I read <i>The Help</i> again for the second time a couple weeks ago. I loved it more the second time around, and highly recommend it! I think I gained more insight in to what it was like to live during that time, and it sparked some questions to ask my Grandma about her memories of being young during that time. She told me that where she grew up, there were no segregation issues, but she recalls going in to town and other places and being told they had to use a separate drinking fountain and bathroom. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <i>A Little Princess</i> was a treasured movie from my childhood. Seriously, it's so cute and sad. Check it out, but be prepared to cry. My Grandma was donating the book to the second hand store, so I snatched it up to read. It's a children's book, so I will excuse the poor writing, but the movie was <i>so</i> much better and that is rarely the case!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have one chapter left in <i>Growing Up Amish</i>. This one I also picked up at Grandma's house. It was covered in dust on her bookshelf and thought it could be an interesting read. I have learned some things I didn't know about the Amish community, but overall it wasn't my favorite book. It's a memoir about Ira Wagler and his struggle between being Amish and longing for an "American" life. I kept expecting something exciting to happen, and was sadly disappointed. But the knowledge aspect made it worth the read.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Next on the list is one of my all time favorite books. I have probably read it 4-5 times. I usually switch back and forth between <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and <i>Emma</i> every year. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. And every year, right before Christmas, I get the urge to pick up one of her books and immerse myself in her beautiful stories. This year is no different. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is a fun little addition to any readers collection, <i>The Book Lover's Journal</i>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Inside, you'll find a section to journal about your latest read; who the author is, how many pages, rating, and space to write your personal opinions about the book. In the back, there is a section to list books you'd like to read, who recommended it to you, genre, etc. There's also a section to list where you got your book from, books you've borrowed, books you've loaned, and even a section with their recommended list of books. I love this little treasure, because sometimes I forget what I've read or what a book was about, and it's nice to have a place to go back to.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What are you reading this winter? I hope you're staying warm and cozy!</span></span></span></div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-5967931082787704752014-12-26T12:57:00.000-08:002014-12-26T12:57:23.202-08:00Post-Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Although Christmas was different this year for us, we had a great day filled with gifts, good food, family, and love. </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was thoroughly spoiled (as always) and ate <i>way</i> too much. We spent the morning at my Grandma's house where we opened gifts and devoured cinnamon rolls and monkey bread (after some baking mishaps). Then we drove to my Aunt's house where we had second Christmas, spent time with family, and of course indulged in turkey, tamales, potatoes galore (my 3 favorites), and so many desserts. I ended the day tired, and with a cold I was trying to keep away all day, but it was worth it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I wanted to share some Christmas traditions in my family.</span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Growing up, we got to open one small gift on Christmas Eve. I'm not sure if it's meant to build the anticipation or temporarily satisfy until the morning.... Since my husband and I were apart this year, we decided to have Christmas on Christmas <i>Eve</i> via Skype and open our gifts to each other early.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We open our stockings after everything else has been opened. This year we forgot to fill the stockings, so we passed out the candy and small gifts from a Target bag (hey, you make due with what you have).</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In my "new" family (my husband and I), we have orange cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast. Two years ago, I made them in the waffle iron. Delicious! </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My Aunt's family serves tamales for Christmas dinner. This is definitely a tradition I think I will be incorporating in to <i>my</i> family celebrations.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I usually fill my husband's stocking with the same 3 things each year: gum, gummy worms, and a Monster energy drink. It's always topped off with an assortment of candy, maybe a gift card, or a couple small gifts. I was sad I wasn't able to do that this year, but I sent him a big box full of goodies. I'm regretting not taking a picture of it though. My heart that longs for beauty sure enjoyed decorating the inside of the box and coordinating all the individually wrapped gifts. <i>Maybe</i> the Husband didn't notice, but <i>I</i> noticed, and that's what matters, right? Haha!</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What are some of <i>your</i> family traditions?</span></span></span></div>
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Forest and Sea Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11207844324397154387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208694147223862076.post-40763657835641438392014-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:002014-12-25T08:00:04.782-08:00Merry Christmas: Sing Hallelujahs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Merry Christmas my friends! I hope this day find's you happy and well. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Our day is starting off with coffee (the most important) and tearing in to all the colorful gifts. I was feeling more nostalgic this year, and found wrapping paper that has probably been sitting in my Grandma's house since the 1990's. So I threw pretty, sweet, handmade wrapping out the window, and decided to use what was already at the house for that touch of childhood I'm so desperately holding on to this season.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> This Christmas brings many emotions for people in all walks of life. For me and my family, this Christmas is laced with sadness. Many of you know, my Grandpa passed away in October, which makes this holiday season bittersweet. He battled cancer for many years, and thankfully we had the opportunity to come out to California last Christmas because we knew it could possibly be his last. Our Christmas was sweet and cozy, with all of us gathered around the tree and dinner at my Aunt's home with a surplus of good food. This year will be the same, but we all feel that piece of us missing.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Grandpa was the most generous, open-hearted person you could meet. So many people loved him and speak about how kind and giving he was. Christmas and birthdays, we kids always felt so spoiled because he made sure to go above and beyond. He showed his love through giving. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Kind of like someone else. <i>Jesus</i>. We couldn't celebrate this miracle of Christmas if Jesus hadn't come to live among us. To love and to teach and give. He gave his <i>life</i> so that we may live. Let's just step back a minute from our Christmas hustle and bustle and really think about that for a moment. I mean <i>really</i> think about that. Can your mind comprehend the power of that act of love? Because honestly, it's hard for me to wrap my insignificant brain around. Me, being selfish, proud, sometimes hard-hearted...someone would want to <i>die</i> so I could live? It's mind-blowing and can bring you to your knees. Today, I pray, as you go about your day and prepare your meals, spend time with loved ones, listen to Christmas music, sing hallelujahs to His holy Name! In your heart, with your voice, in your soul.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">"Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' "</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">- Luke 2:13-14</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Be safe as you go about celebrating today. Shower love wherever you can. I pray that if today your heart is sad or hardened, you may find peace and happiness in some small thing. Try giving time or money or even food to someone less fortunate than yourself. Sometimes even a note or a smile is enough to brighten someone's day. So as we go our separate ways today and celebrate our Christmas, I hope you can revel in the beauty of snow, the miracle of a "baby's first Christmas", maybe your flight got delayed but you still arrived at your destination <i>safe</i>. There are so many things to inspire awe this holiday season from our Savior's birth to the tiniest snowflake. As for me, I will sing hallelujahs and shed a few tears of sadness, as well as joy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #990000;">Merry Christmas to you all!</span></span></span></span></div>
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