tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42124165197261614772024-03-18T03:03:04.690-04:00A Soft Place to Land HAS MOVED!Please find me online: http://asoftplace.netKimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.comBlogger473125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-37529028177909434462009-11-19T13:02:00.000-05:002009-11-19T13:02:46.458-05:00You will now be automatically redirected to:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">http://asoftplace.net/</span></a></div><br />
See you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-54125596170864420892009-11-16T07:32:00.000-05:002009-11-16T07:32:43.996-05:00A Very Kimba Christmas ~ The Ebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SwBrYLE1CzI/AAAAAAAAEpM/c__Esa2zMkE/s1600-h/title.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 179px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SwBrYLE1CzI/AAAAAAAAEpM/c__Esa2zMkE/s400/title.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404437615878671154" /></a><br />I am thrilled to announce the release of my new ebook, A Very Kimba Christmas.<br /><br />It is being released at the new and improved <a href="http://asoftplace.net/">A Soft Place to Land</a>.<br /><br /><p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/">http://asoftplace.net</a><br /></span></div><br /><br /><p>Come visit my new bloggy home.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png"></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-55218556646995924762009-11-11T07:46:00.002-05:002009-11-11T07:50:58.087-05:00Reminder! ASPTL has Moved!<p>Please come find me at my new bloggy home:<br /><p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/">http://asoftplace.net</a><br /></span></div><br /><p>While you're there, please sign up for my brand-spankin' <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ASoftPlaceToLand">new RSS feed</a>. <br /><p>You can also Follow Me using my new Google Friend Connect. Then my posts will show up in your Blogger Dashboard like always.<br /><p>If you Followed Me on Monday, you'll need to add your pretty face again. Something was wonky with Google Friend Connect and the only way to fix it was to trash it and start over. <br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-57967372561326898942009-11-09T07:15:00.003-05:002009-11-09T07:18:29.403-05:00A Soft Place to Land is Moving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Svcl5xkM9jI/AAAAAAAAEpE/HmTmEMCOV44/s1600-h/moving+boxes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Svcl5xkM9jI/AAAAAAAAEpE/HmTmEMCOV44/s400/moving+boxes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401827952542152242" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Important News!</span></p><p>I am so glad you're here! But please, please, please come find me in my new digs. A Soft Place to Land is now at...</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/">www.asoftplace.net</a><br /></span></div><br /><p>I should have given you all some notice so you could come and help me pack. Now, I'm settling in and it would be so much better with you there. This moving business can get messy and I need all my blog friends to help me through it.</p><p><a href="http://asoftplace.net/">Click here</a> to fly straight to my new blog home.</p><p>See you there!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpopp/">Mpopp</a></span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-11296871910432168142009-11-06T00:10:00.004-05:002009-11-06T11:59:55.897-05:00DIY Day Recap and a Winner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvNRHHynXTI/AAAAAAAAEo8/vkUqobUKacY/s1600-h/funky+junk+window+treatment.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvNRHHynXTI/AAAAAAAAEo8/vkUqobUKacY/s400/funky+junk+window+treatment.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400749560939633970" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/11/funky-creation-alert-10-minute-dreamy.html">10 Minute Curtains</a> @ Funky Junk Interiors (I NEVER would have thought to use hangers to hang my curtains. She's a genius!)<br /><br /><a href="http://continentalcalliope.blogspot.com/2009/11/farmhouse-master-bath.html">Farmhouse master bath</a> @ Continental Calliope (Oh my goodness! What a beautiful bathroom!)<br /><br /><a href="http://yarboroughhouse1929.blogspot.com/2009/11/so-here-is-my-fave-light.html">DIY Heather Chadduck Hanging Light</a> @ For the Love of Older Homes (Heather is one of my favorite real designers and I have been in love with this lamp.)<br /><br /><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2009/11/may-i-present-dining-room-reveal.html">Dining Room Reveal</a> @ Cottage Instincts (If you think you can't makeover a dated, wallpapered mess of a room, think again. And check out this makeover.)<br /><br /><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2009/11/thankful-for-my-children-burlap-dollar.html">Burlap Dollar Store Wall Grouping</a> @ Tatertots and Jello (I love that she used her kids initials in these!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvNNpVAqmAI/AAAAAAAAEo0/t99qpSOm6Kg/s1600-h/living+with+lindsay+book+wreath.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvNNpVAqmAI/AAAAAAAAEo0/t99qpSOm6Kg/s400/living+with+lindsay+book+wreath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400745750557267970" border="0" /></a><p><a href="http://www.livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html"><br /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html">Book page wreath tutorial</a> @ Living with Lindsay (WOW! Thrifty and beautiful!)<br /><br /><a href="http://invitedinn.blogspot.com/2009/11/craigs-list-hutch-after.html">Craiglist Hutch Makeover</a> @ Invited Inn (The green color she used is perfect!)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/11/stripping-down/">Revamped Dresser</a> @ Centsational Girl (She did this for her brother's bachelor pad. It's perfect!)<br /><br /><a href="http://somewhatsimple.blogspot.com/2009/10/thanksgiving-thankful-countdown.html">Thanksgiving Countdown Thankful Jar</a> @ Somewhat Simple (What a great idea to help us be purposefully thankful this month.)</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br /></div><p>The winner of the $50 gift certificate from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns">Molly Caroline Designs</a> is Sherry from <a href="http://creationsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/2009/11/floral-creation.html">Creations from My Heart</a>. Congratulations, Sherry! Shoot me an email and we'll get you set up. </p><p>A million thank-yous to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns">Molly Caroline Designs</a> for sponsoring DIY Day this week! Be sure to swing by her shop for tons of personalized goodies.<br /><br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-87392887144813929592009-11-04T12:06:00.000-05:002009-11-04T12:06:00.491-05:00Quick Projects with Foam Stamps: A Guest Post<span style="font-style: italic;"><p>Today's post comes from Sara at <a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/">Creative Jewish Mom</a>. Sara and I connected a few months ago and I am a huge fan of her site where she shares the joys of crafting, decorating, cooking, and gardening. I think you're going to love her too!</p></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIzr1_kKI/AAAAAAAAEoo/K1G5PMsdU1I/s1600-h/runner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIzr1_kKI/AAAAAAAAEoo/K1G5PMsdU1I/s400/runner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400247849717829794" border="0" /></a><br /><p>A scrap of awning fabric stamped with fabric paint makes a casual table runner.<br /></p><p>The craft of stamping images onto fabric or paper is always fun and satisfying, so when I spotted a collection of large foam stamps at the dollar store a few years back, I scooped them all up, and wish I had bought duplicates! Foam stamping does not produce the crisp results one can obtain with stenciling so I wouldn't recommend doing it on your walls, but there are so many other ways to use this quick decorative technique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIzdoVjMI/AAAAAAAAEog/VI_CfvxqnpE/s1600-h/banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIzdoVjMI/AAAAAAAAEog/VI_CfvxqnpE/s400/banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400247845902453954" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>Cover the blank walls at a school or community function with long stamped banners!<br /></p><p>I have used these stamps for projects with children as young as 5 years old and fun was had by all. Even imperfect results are charming and can be used as wrapping paper or for gift cards and tags.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIzG8qhVI/AAAAAAAAEoY/POsxvX-ZKpU/s1600-h/boxes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIzG8qhVI/AAAAAAAAEoY/POsxvX-ZKpU/s400/boxes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400247839813698898" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>Plain brown boxes : now wonderful gift boxes or decorative storage containers!<br /></p><p>Stamping is the kind of thing you just can't get enough of, so before you get started make sure you have a whole bunch of boxes, paper and anything else you can think of on hand! I used one of these stamps on cracker boxes turned inside out to make really festive Purim containers, but you'll just have to wait awhile to see them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIy9REAcI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/wU6EzEBbICc/s1600-h/pencil+cans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIy9REAcI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/wU6EzEBbICc/s400/pencil+cans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400247837214900674" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>Stamping on colored paper with white or creme paint is quite successful. Cut your paper to the exact height of some good recycled cans, and make useful containers that look great!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIyqHsSTI/AAAAAAAAEoI/Bo7ZQW_fzCk/s1600-h/stamps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SvGIyqHsSTI/AAAAAAAAEoI/Bo7ZQW_fzCk/s400/stamps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400247832075323698" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>These are the stamps that I used to make all the above examples in this post!<br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">How To:</span><br /></p><ol><li>Buy some foam stamps like these, if you can't find them sit tight, I'll hopefully be teaching you how to make something similar in the future!</li><li>Using acrylic craft paint, apply paint to the stamp with a large brush</li><li>Carefully place stamp on paper and press down</li><li>Lift from paper to enjoy the results</li></ol><br /><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Note from Kimba:</span> Thanks Sara! I've always wondered what to do with those huge foam stamps at the craft store. Now I know. Here are just a few of my favorite posts from <a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/">Creative Jewish Mom</a>:</p><p><a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/container-gardening-houseplants/">Container Gardening with Houseplants</a><br /><a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/10/make-a-three-dimensional-fall-tree-with-felt-leaves.html">Dimensional Fall Tree with Felt Leaves</a><br /><a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/07/floral-pomander-balls-for-diy-wedding-decorations-or-anytime.html">Floral Pomander Balls</a><br /><a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/10/whole-wheat-oatmeal-and-yogurt-pancakes.html">Whole Wheat and Yogurt Pancakes</a><br /><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Sara was born and raised in California, educated in New York and now lives in the gorgeous rolling hills of Northern Israel with her Israeli husband and five children.<br /></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">She left a high profile designer life in Manhattan for spiritual pursuits and ended up meeting her husband in Israel. They have chosen to live in the North of the country to give their children a quiet upbringing close to nature and away from the distractions of commercialization. </span><br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-33276714679237496832009-11-04T07:34:00.001-05:002009-11-04T07:55:42.311-05:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNIz-b7WfI/AAAAAAAAElg/Zya0mDnUK0o/s1600-h/door+wreath.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNIz-b7WfI/AAAAAAAAElg/Zya0mDnUK0o/s400/door+wreath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396236836290648562" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Foof up your entry way door.</strong><br /><p>Today's "welcoming" idea came right from one of my readers, Lynda from <a href="http://sportsmadgirl.blogspot.com/">Ramblings of a Sports Mad Southern Girl</a>. </p><p>I spend a lot of time making wreaths and pretty things for my front door. I love doing it and it makes the front of the house look great. I can't believe it never occurred to me to give the same treatment to the door that our family uses.<br /></p><p>Today, we're going to hang something pretty on the door that our family usually uses. For me, that's the door from the garage into our kitchen. Maybe you use your front door and you already have something pretty hanging there. In that case, yay you! Now go hug someone. :)<br /></p><p>I have no shortage of wreaths, so that's what I'll do. I also have my eye on a vinyl Welcome sign like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32942586">this one from Back 40 Life</a>.<br /></p><p><span style="font-style:italic;">You can browse all of our challenges and join in any time. Just <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge.html">click here</a> to see the whole series.</span><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center><br /><p>Make sure you check out the beautiful collection of Christmas stationery items and stamps that <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/purple-lemon-designs-for.html">Purple Lemon Designs made just for A Soft Place to Land readers</a>! There's a giveaway! <br /><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center>And <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/11/diy-day-and-giveaway.html">DIY Day</a> is still going strong! You can still enter your project and be in the running for our prize!<br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24882165@N07/">Puzzler4879</a></span>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-86551695843058084112009-11-02T22:01:00.000-05:002009-11-02T22:01:00.653-05:00DIY Day and a Giveaway!<center><img alt="DIY Day @ ASPTL" title="DIY Day @ ASPTL" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/kimbaDIY.png" border="0" /></center><p>Welcome to DIY Day! Are you ready to share your latest project?<br /></p><p>If you're new here, every Tuesday we get together to share our newest DIY projects. I'm really flexible about what constitutes a DIY project. A furniture makeover, an outdoor project, an indoor project, some new artwork...heck, even a great recipe could qualify as DIY, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Su89wnUsSlI/AAAAAAAAEoA/nfUX4jgNYIU/s1600-h/header.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 54px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Su89wnUsSlI/AAAAAAAAEoA/nfUX4jgNYIU/s400/header.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399602383639300690" /></a><p>Today, we have a fantastic prize from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns">Molly Caroline Designs</a>. This adorable etsy shop is full of so much personalized goodness that I could hardly decide what to show you!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Su89NuP1NoI/AAAAAAAAEn4/d8rnhOEdWys/s1600-h/plate.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Su89NuP1NoI/AAAAAAAAEn4/d8rnhOEdWys/s400/plate.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399601784202540674" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33136711">Polka Dot Customized Plate</a></center><br /><p>There are <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns?section_id=6393425">personalized plates and placemats</a> that my kids would flip for (make sure to look in the Seasonal section to for Thanksgiving and Christmas designs).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Su87NUc3gWI/AAAAAAAAEnw/D_HKul1jtQM/s1600-h/water+bottle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Su87NUc3gWI/AAAAAAAAEnw/D_HKul1jtQM/s400/water+bottle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399599578254639458" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31797106">Personalized water bottle</a></center><p>And I don't know about you, but my kids are always using plastic water bottles for sports and such. The plastic ones become totally YUCK after a while. We would love a couple of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns?section_id=6393440">nice aluminum ones</a>.<br /><p>You definitely want to go browse around <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns">Molly Caroline Designs</a>. She has the most adorable stickers and stamps, customized kids t-shirts, and stationery items. And her seasonal designs are too cute.<br /><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">One lucky winner will get $50 to spend at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollycarolinedesigns">Molly Caroline Designs</a>!!!</span> Yeeehaw! That'll take care of some of your Christmas shopping, huh?<br /><p>All you have to do is link up a post to DIY Day and you're entered to win!<br /></p><p>Just a couple of guidelines to help things run smoothly.<br /></p><ol><li>Link to your specific post, not the main page of your blog. I HATE having to delete these. It makes me feel like a big meanie.</li><li>Include a short description of your DIY project in parenthesis after the name of your blog. This helps people browse the HUGE number of projects. And you get MORE clicks!<li>Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun.</li></ol>Now let's see those projects!<br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=9293" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" height="39" border="0" /></a>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-66291739426404337022009-11-02T11:36:00.002-05:002009-11-02T11:44:57.005-05:00Broken Sugar Bowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNTUTnqkfI/AAAAAAAAElw/qloij1LHerM/s1600-h/broken+sugar+bowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNTUTnqkfI/AAAAAAAAElw/qloij1LHerM/s400/broken+sugar+bowl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396248386849116658" border="0" /></a><br /><p>I have a broken sugar bowl. My caffeine-deprived fingers fumbled its lid one morning as I was getting my coffee. My oldest son was nearby and said, "Don't worry mommy. You can get a new one."<br /></p><p>Simple words that were meant to comfort me. Instead, they broke my heart.<br /></p><p>My kids don't have a spirit of thankfulness. Things like toys, games, books and clothes come easily for them. They have generous grandparents, aunts and uncles. And they have a mom who is an uber-bargain-shopper. This has all lead to too much stuff.<br /></p><p>And not enough gratitude. When something breaks, we just get a new one.<br /></p><p>I decided that moment would be a teaching moment. We talked about being grateful for what we have and caring for our things because sometimes, when something breaks, it can't be replaced. Sometimes we fix what's been broken and sometimes we make due (do?) without.<br /></p><p>And so we carefully pieced back together the lid of my sugar bowl. We found each little sliver of ceramic and super-glued it in place.<br /></p><p>Nearly 2 years later, I still have my broken sugar bowl. I could run to Target and buy a new one for $6. I could probably find a nearly new one at Goodwill for $1. But the lesson that is remembered every single time we use that sugar bowl is worth more than a new one.<br /></p><p>We still have too much stuff and not enough gratitude. We also have a bunch of friends who probably wonder why I have a busted sugar bowl. But now we also have a reminder. Even if it's only me that gets the reminding.<br /><br /></p><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center><br /><p>I don't pretend to be a writer. But Emily from Chatting at the Sky IS a writer. And she has written <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2009/09/27/broken/">the most beautiful post on brokenness</a>. Trust me. You want to read it.<br /></p><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></center><br /><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Keep scrolling down or </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge.html">click here</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> to read today's Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge.</span><br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-38842435183249230022009-11-02T07:34:00.004-05:002009-11-02T09:12:10.185-05:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuND5BX6pLI/AAAAAAAAElY/oExcxlPsJqA/s1600-h/wine+goblet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuND5BX6pLI/AAAAAAAAElY/oExcxlPsJqA/s400/wine+goblet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396231425420338354" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Use the good stuff.</strong><br /><p>Do you have a china cabinet full of wedding china (or Grandma's china or thrift store china?) that only gets pulled out for a holiday or special occasion? How about some pretty glasses that don't get used because they're fragile? Is it REALLY the end of the world if one gets broken?<br /></p><p>What's the point? Let's get out the good stuff and use it for our own family. Now, I'm not telling you to use Grandma's china if that's going to mean hours of hand washing afterward, but if it can go in the dishwasher...why not?<br /></p><p>Me? I'm going to pull out some fun appetizer plates that I only use for parties and use them to serve lunch to the kids. Fun, right? And easy.<br /></p><p>And I'm going to pull out my fancy goblets and use them for dinner.<br /></p><p>Do you have something special that you don't use. Get it out and give it a spin! Maybe there's a bottle of champagne in the back of your fridge that's just waiting for a special occasion.<br /></p><p>I say Monday is a special occasion. How about you?<br /><p><span style="font-style:italic;">You can browse all of our challenges and join in any time. Just <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge.html">click here</a> to see the whole series.</span><br /><center>~~~~~~~~~~</center><br /><p><span style="font-style:italic;">I have 1 or 2 spots left for holiday advertising. If you'd like information on reaching ASPTL readers with your fabulous goodies for Christmas, email me and I'll send you all the details.<br /></span><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8363028@N08/">DeusXFlorida</a></span>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-71158349247688536622009-11-01T08:40:00.000-05:002009-11-01T08:40:00.891-05:00Sunday Morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuMZ8IzgiUI/AAAAAAAAElA/quvFLruPSgs/s1600-h/lake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuMZ8IzgiUI/AAAAAAAAElA/quvFLruPSgs/s400/lake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396185299466357058" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.<br /><br />Philippians 4: 8-9<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerlynn/">Roger Lynn</a></span>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-73225250867056447222009-10-30T07:29:00.004-04:002009-10-30T18:26:32.448-04:00Purple Lemon Designs For You!<p>Kelly from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5981330">Purple Lemon Designs</a> has designed a set of awesome stationery items and address stamps <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">just for the readers of A Soft Place to Land</a>! I am so full of myself today.<br /></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Psssst. There's a giveaway at the end of this post.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujWyYbjADI/AAAAAAAAEm4/pAC-TGHnPSU/s1600-h/celebrationwreath.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujWyYbjADI/AAAAAAAAEm4/pAC-TGHnPSU/s400/celebrationwreath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397800314443333682" border="0" /></a></p><p>Kelly is a really talented designer and her printable stationery is pure brilliance. This <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Celebration Wreath</a> design will be customized with your family's name.<br /></p><p>Then you'll receive an electronic file that you can use to print as much as you want from your own printer. Each set includes folded cards, flat cards, note paper, enclosure cards/gift tags and an A-2 envelope template. The best part? It's only $10!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujYIiD4qxI/AAAAAAAAEnA/ki109RU8TaQ/s1600-h/themessage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujYIiD4qxI/AAAAAAAAEnA/ki109RU8TaQ/s400/themessage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397801794497194770" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p><a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">The Message printable stationery</a> is only $5.00! Seriously! $5.00, people!<br /></p><p>I have used her printable stationery before and it couldn't be easier. It comes with step by step instructions for printing, cutting and assembling. So easy even this Cave Kimba can do it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujYp0mPHwI/AAAAAAAAEnI/4m2aCg6b3nI/s1600-h/kimba1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 244px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujYp0mPHwI/AAAAAAAAEnI/4m2aCg6b3nI/s400/kimba1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397802366408793858" border="0" /></a></p><p>And if you're looking for some professionally printed stationery, Kelly has designed these <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Swirly Fun Flat Note Cards</a>. Wouldn't these make a fantastic Christmas gift? Of course, yours wouldn't say Kimba. Unless that's your name. Which it probably isn't.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujZL0qhfZI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/DXt8s2gXmrk/s1600-h/redgreendots2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 231px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujZL0qhfZI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/DXt8s2gXmrk/s400/redgreendots2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397802950542327186" border="0" /></a></p><p>And yes, my friends, it is time to start thinking about your Christmas cards. Especially if you want something beautifully customized like these <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Red and Green Goodness Christmas Cards</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujZ2jUkHrI/AAAAAAAAEnY/q-LsLLQWPgw/s1600-h/wreathstamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 232px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujZ2jUkHrI/AAAAAAAAEnY/q-LsLLQWPgw/s400/wreathstamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397803684621196978" border="0" /></a></p><p>I have one of Purple Lemon Designs' Customized Address Stamps that I use for my business. I love it! And I'm totally wild for this <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Celebration Wreath Address Stamp</a>! Your Christmas cards will thank you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Suja5-NPYlI/AAAAAAAAEng/MwkU6b_fN4I/s1600-h/ornamental.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 325px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Suja5-NPYlI/AAAAAAAAEng/MwkU6b_fN4I/s400/ornamental.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397804842889470546" border="0" /></a></p><p>And this <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Ornamental Stamp</a> is perfect for everyday use. I think it would make a fantastic Christmas gift for those newlyweds or someone who recently moved...or anyone with an address.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujbcRABlvI/AAAAAAAAEno/P6W9rIDsKv4/s1600-h/scrollystamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 386px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujbcRABlvI/AAAAAAAAEno/P6W9rIDsKv4/s400/scrollystamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397805432049866482" border="0" /></a></p><p>Stamps ordered from <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Purple Lemon Designs</a> will be customized with your information and your choice of fonts.<br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kelly has set up a special page on her site just for readers of ASPTL. <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Click here</a> to shop these exclusive designs. They will be available at these prices for a limited time.</span><br /></p><p>If you don't see exactly what you're looking for, you can also browse <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5981330">Purple Lemon Designs Etsy shop</a> for a huge selection of custom stamps and stationery.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GIVEAWAY!</span></div><br /><p>Would you like to win a <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Celebration Wreath Address Stamp</a> from Purple Lemon Designs? I thought you might! Leave a comment here telling us your favorite item from <a href="http://purplelemondesigns.com/asptl/">Purple Lemon Designs ASPTL Collection</a>. I giggle every time I write that!<br /></p><p>And if you tweet about this new collection, then come back and leave another comment and you'll be entered again!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This post is sponsored by Purple Lemon Designs. </span><br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-69999899589419432009-10-29T10:06:00.001-04:002009-10-29T10:26:29.342-04:00DIY Day Recap & Linky Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujOeghjc2I/AAAAAAAAEmo/nbb29DmDzZI/s1600-h/blue+castle+kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujOeghjc2I/AAAAAAAAEmo/nbb29DmDzZI/s400/blue+castle+kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397791176925606754" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.sarahsbluecastle.com/blue_castle/2009/10/kitchen-reveal.html">An amazing $200 kitchen makeover @ Blue Castle</a> (It just goes to show what you can do with a small budget and some creativity.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mommywords.com/2009/10/diy-play-kitchen-who-needs-pottery-barn/">DIY Play Kitchen</a> @ Mommy Words (Who needs Pottery Barn? You rock, Brittany!)<br /><br /><a href="http://sweetpaisley.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-pretty-pumpkins.html">Pretty, pretty pumpkins</a> @ Sweet Paisley (Wow! What a carving job!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Sui0u06fJRI/AAAAAAAAEmg/GvOkY2IikLM/s1600-h/infarrantly+creative.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Sui0u06fJRI/AAAAAAAAEmg/GvOkY2IikLM/s400/infarrantly+creative.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397762869974476050" /></a><a href="http://infarrantlycreative.blogspot.com/2009/10/fabric-on-walls.html"><br />Wallpapering with fabric</a> @ infarrantly creative (This is adorable!)<br /><br /><a href="http://lifeongrace.blogspot.com/2009/10/12-days-of-handmade-christmas-sweater.html">Sweater stockings</a> @ Life in Grace (Could Edie be any more creative? I think not!)<br /><br /><a href="http://classyandsophisticated.blogspot.com/2009/10/because-empty-rooms-will-be-empty.html"> Brilliant storage idea</a> @ Classy and Sophisticated (I literally squealed when I saw this idea! Squealed and ran to show The Hubster.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujRlEQmeOI/AAAAAAAAEmw/fExmpL9S2vQ/s1600-h/mabels+house+bathroom.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SujRlEQmeOI/AAAAAAAAEmw/fExmpL9S2vQ/s400/mabels+house+bathroom.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397794588132276450" /></a><br /><a href="http://mabelshouse.blogspot.com/2009/09/before-after-half-bath-makeover.html">Before & After: Half bath makeover</a>: Mabel's House (Liz has such killer taste. I love her use of grey in this bathroom.)<br /><br /><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-reupholster-dining-room-chairs.html">How to reupholster dining room chairs</a> @ Thrifty Decor Chick (Great tutorial! And I love the new design over at TDC!)<br /><br /><a href="http://bethcrabtreehunter.blogspot.com/2009/10/top-10-list-for-decor-bloggers-must.html">Top 10 list for home decor bloggers</a> @ The Stories of A to Z (This cracked me up! Thanks, Beth!)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Keep scrolling down or <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge_29.html">click here</a> for today's Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge!</span><br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png"></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-8395374516113251092009-10-29T07:43:00.002-04:002009-10-29T07:43:00.253-04:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNCGVmiOHI/AAAAAAAAElQ/omLx6Q9pKSE/s1600-h/cookies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNCGVmiOHI/AAAAAAAAElQ/omLx6Q9pKSE/s400/cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396229455165405298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make them something yummy.</span><br /><p>Even if you regularly have a homemade dinner on the table at 6pm sharp (I don't!), there's something extra special about having a little something sweet made for the one's you love.<br /><p>It doesn't have to be some takes-all-day project. I'm a huge fan of popping some break-and-bake or slice-and-bake cookies in the oven. It makes the house smell divine and when you serve them with a glass of cold milk, you'll get no complaints.<br /><p>If you're looking for something a little more special (but still easy), try my <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/in-kitchen-apple-and-pear-crisp-fake.html">Apple and Pear Crisp Fake Out</a>. No one will EVER guess how easy it is.<br /><p>Just joining our Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge? <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming.html">Click here</a> to read all about it and join in.<br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilmungo/">ilmungo</a></span>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-80577903845166205152009-10-28T07:50:00.002-04:002009-10-28T09:37:29.128-04:00Make Your Own Stick Bundles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNVI8r6HfI/AAAAAAAAEl4/xoy6Er2C_HI/s1600-h/willow+bundle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNVI8r6HfI/AAAAAAAAEl4/xoy6Er2C_HI/s400/willow+bundle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396250390737591794" border="0" /></a><p>I love those expensive stick/grass/willow bundles (what are they called, anyway?) that you see in all the stores. But the ones I was looking at the other day were between $25 & $35. YIKES! Not happening!<br /></p><p>Here's how to make your own. So easy and only $4.00!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Supplies:</span><br /></p><ul><li>Tin can</li><li>Brown spray paint</li><li>Plaster of paris</li><li>Grass, sticks or branches</li><li>Jute rope</li><li>Hot glue</li></ul><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257556349667210882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPaXpPCDdoI/AAAAAAAABTs/Z0m88U5pAVg/s400/Picture+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1:</span> Paint your tin can brown (or another color that matches your sticks/grass/branches. That's so that if a bit of the can shows through the final product, you won't really be able to tell.<br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2:</span> Mix up some plaster of paris and put it in the bottom of each can for weight. You could use anything you wanted to give them some weight. But I wanted to make sure that whatever was in mine didn't spill out when my little hooligans knock them over.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257556358481463426" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPaXpv3iSII/AAAAAAAABT0/YGG6LA3w0FU/s400/Picture+020.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3:</span> Hot glue a piece of floral foam into the can right on top of the hardened plaster.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257557701052175602" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPaY35VVlPI/AAAAAAAABUE/HbeiuD66ZYA/s400/Picture+023.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4:</span> Start sticking in your sticks. My stick-grass stuff came in a big bundle from <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3392278-3483085?cm_mmc=CJ-_-2648059-_-3392278-_-Joann.com" target="_top">Joann</a> for $4.00 (50% off!). You can find it at any craft store. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257560293199502994" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPabOx1a3pI/AAAAAAAABUc/Vb5LDcYvHpc/s400/Picture+034.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5:</span> Hot glue the sticks, grass or brances around the outside of the can. Don't worry if a bit of the can shows through because you painted the can brown, remember?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257560297451285810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPabPBrH7TI/AAAAAAAABUk/uzBZsvY_27w/s400/Picture+035.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 6:</span> A little rustic twine to finish off the bottom.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257557705821841954" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPaY4LGg6iI/AAAAAAAABUM/7JUCRe3Hij4/s400/Picture+024.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 7:</span> Wrap it around a few times.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257557707598001826" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SPaY4Rt-9qI/AAAAAAAABUU/JNU29shjpNM/s400/Picture+025.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 8:</span> Tie another piece of twine around the grass right above the top of the can. If you're using something stiff like sticks, you won't need to cinch it so tight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNVJAMPO_I/AAAAAAAAEmA/UbYRqIUeZG4/s1600-h/stick+bundle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNVJAMPO_I/AAAAAAAAEmA/UbYRqIUeZG4/s400/stick+bundle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396250391678499826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This article was originally posted on October 16, 2008.</span><br /></p><center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >~~~~~~~~~</span></center><p>My newest sponsor, <a href="http://www.completely-coastal.com/">Completely Coastal</a>, is hosting <a href="http://www.completely-coastal.com/2009/10/cool-coastal-giveaway-all-modern-glass.html">A Cool Coastal Giveaway</a> on her blog today. Check it out! Her site is full of all things beachy, nautical and coastal.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-1486803956960559482009-10-26T22:00:00.000-04:002009-10-26T22:00:00.707-04:00DIY Day!<center><img alt="DIY Day @ ASPTL" title="DIY Day @ ASPTL" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/kimbaDIY.png" border="0" /></center><p>Welcome to DIY Day! Are you ready to share your latest project?<br /></p><p>If you're new here, every Tuesday we get together to share our newest DIY projects. I'm really flexible about what constitutes a DIY project. A furniture makeover, an outdoor project, an indoor project, some new artwork...heck, even a great recipe could qualify as DIY, right?<br /><br /><p>I've been a smidge disorganized this week so we don't have a prize but I love seeing all of your projects even without a giveaway. So let's see 'em!<br /><p>Just a couple of guidelines to help things run smoothly.<br /></p><ol><li>Add a <a href="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/faq.html#02submit-02permalink">permalink</a> to your specific post, not the main page of your blog.</li><li>Include a short description of your DIY project in parenthesis after the name of your blog. For example, A Soft Place to Land (painted pumpkins).</li><li>Link to this party from your post so everyone can get in on the fun.</li><li>Double-check to make sure your link works and goes to the right page so it doesn’t get deleted! If you come back and see your link is gone, re-read these rules and try again. No worries!</li></ol>Now let's see those projects!<br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=8645" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" height="39" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png"></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-44023221443545804922009-10-26T11:30:00.001-04:002009-10-28T19:26:02.927-04:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuM9We07sOI/AAAAAAAAElI/-aEwh_mhrl4/s1600-h/jar+candle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuM9We07sOI/AAAAAAAAElI/-aEwh_mhrl4/s400/jar+candle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396224234961481954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make it smell good.</span><br /><br /><p>I don't know about you, but in our house we have 2 young boys. That means our house can smell like all sort of funkiness if I don't keep a breeze blowing.<br /></p><p>Today's challenge is so simple...just make it smell good. That could mean lighting those fancy candles (what are you waiting for, anyway?) or maybe you could bake something yummy.<br /></p><p>It doesn't get any easier, right?<br /></p><p>Just joining our Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge? <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming.html">Click here</a> to read all about it and join in.<br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-13464916024027865432009-10-26T07:42:00.002-04:002009-10-26T11:23:34.850-04:00Bloggers Care: Operation Christmas Child<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNb3_VgLjI/AAAAAAAAEmI/XtxupOv_CaA/s1600-h/OCCimg.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 186px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNb3_VgLjI/AAAAAAAAEmI/XtxupOv_CaA/s400/OCCimg.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396257795972542002" border="0" /></a><br /><p>One of the things I love best about having this blog is that it gives me a platform to talk about things that I really care about.<br /></p><p>This is me talking about <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/">Operation Christmas Child </a>because it's something I really care about.<br /></p><p>Some of you may know Operation Christmas Child as the Shoebox Ministry, which is run by Samaritans Purse. Because of Operation Christmas Child, some 8 million needy children, in more than 100 countries on six continents, will receive personal, gift-filled shoe boxes this year. For many of these children, the shoe box gift will be the first gift they have ever received.<br /></p><p>Operation Christmas Child partners with caring individuals, families, schools, churches, civic clubs and other organizations in thousands of cities in all 50 states and 11 additional countries to fill those 8 million shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, necessity items, family photos and notes of encouragement for needy<br />children.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNeZD8kZFI/AAAAAAAAEmY/q3u8_roEyOc/s1600-h/occ.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuNeZD8kZFI/AAAAAAAAEmY/q3u8_roEyOc/s400/occ.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396260563169076306" border="0" /></a></p><center>Picture from <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/">Operation Christmas Child</a></center><br /><p>More than 500,000 volunteers worldwide, including some 100,000 volunteers in the United States, will join forces to prepare the boxes for transport to distant lands.<br /></p><p>Our church participates in Operation Christmas Child and each year our family fills at least 2 shoeboxes...for children the same ages as our sons. It's a great way to get our kids thinking outside of themselves at Christmas.<br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">My friend, Sarah, from <a href="http://www.reallifeblog.net/">Real Life</a> is partnering with Operation Christmas Child to reach the blogging community. She is going to host a blogging carnival for people to share their OCC stories (the carnival starts TODAY!) and a virtual packing party on her live MomTV Show. You can read all about <a href="http://www.reallifeblog.net/2009/10/operation-christmas-child-carnival-and.html">Bloggers Care: Operation Christmas Child</a> on her site.</span><br /></p><p>When she asked for volunteers to help spread the word, I couldn't say YES fast enough. If you're a blogger, we'd love for you to help spread the word too.<br /></p><p>And there are so many ways to get involved as an individual or as a group. You can pack boxes as an individual or you can organize a group to pack or you can donate. Be sure to see <a href="http://www.reallifeblog.net/2009/10/operation-christmas-child-carnival-and.html">Bloggers Care: Operation Christmas Child</a> at Real Life for more info.<br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-91952729677397508822009-10-25T08:35:00.000-04:002009-10-25T08:35:00.397-04:00Sunday Morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuMZG9JE_NI/AAAAAAAAEk4/TkgsQD_QP-I/s1600-h/autumn+leaves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuMZG9JE_NI/AAAAAAAAEk4/TkgsQD_QP-I/s400/autumn+leaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184385802534098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<br /><br />Philippians 4: 4-7<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerlynn/">Roger Lynn</a></span>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-4309891597836816822009-10-23T10:00:00.000-04:002009-10-23T10:00:05.652-04:00DIY Day Recap and some Linky Love!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCrapd7zwI/AAAAAAAAEkg/_32qv0QEpSs/s1600-h/sunburst+mirror.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCrapd7zwI/AAAAAAAAEkg/_32qv0QEpSs/s400/sunburst+mirror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395500827886210818" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://ashleysthriftyliving.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-3-dollar-mirror.html">DIY sunburst mirror for $3</a> @ Ashley's Thrifty Living (She's a genius, people!)<br /><br /><a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2009/10/before-and-after-master-bedroom.html">A beautiful before/after bedroom makeover</a> @ It's the little things that make a house a home<br /><br /><a href="http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2009/10/foot-stool-revealed.html">Feedsack footstool makeover</a> @ Mustard Seed Creations<br /><br /><a href="http://mamantattoo.blogspot.com/2009/10/bebe-tattoos-room-reveal.html">Beautiful YELLOW little girl's room</a> @ Maman Tattoo (I adore yellow!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCoKdp4Q1I/AAAAAAAAEkY/qygy5N1hGqI/s1600-h/artwork+twig+frames.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCoKdp4Q1I/AAAAAAAAEkY/qygy5N1hGqI/s400/artwork+twig+frames.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395497251302294354" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://littleredroost.blogspot.com/2009/10/little-tweet.html">Some sweet DIY artwork</a> @ Little Red Roost<br /><br /><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/2009/10/craft-project-vintage-bird-knobs.html">DIY vintage bird knobs</a> @ The Graphics Fairy (Complete with step by step instructions and downloads for the graphics!)<br /><br /><a href="http://mrs-b-blog.blogspot.com/2009/10/decoupage-poe-pumpkin-from-archives.html">Decoupaged Poe pumpkin</a> @ Mrs B (Welcome back to blogging, girl!)<br /><br />A great collection of <a href="http://bluecricketdesign.blogspot.com/2009/06/before-and-aftersit-doesnt-take-lot-of.html">her own Before & Afters</a> @ Blue Cricket Design<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCrz_eXKYI/AAAAAAAAEko/LpcKCPjOYwU/s1600-h/waxing+leaves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCrz_eXKYI/AAAAAAAAEko/LpcKCPjOYwU/s400/waxing+leaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395501263290313090" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2009/10/waxing-leaves.html">Waxing leaves</a> @ Clover Lane (If you've ever wondered how to preserve and display those gorgeous fall leaves, here's how. I'll be doing this with the kiddos!)<br /><a href="http://northerncottage.blogspot.com/2009/10/come-on-in.html"><br />A fantastic makeover of a garage entry way</a> @ Northern Cottage (I love making those those family only spaces more usable and pretty!)<br /><br /><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/10/linky-party-today-introducing-change-my.html">Beautiful coffee table makeover</a> @ Funky Junk Interiors (I love the paint and the tiled top! It looks fantastic!)<br /><br /><a href="http://flaxandspindle.blogspot.com/2009/10/dyi-refrigerator-message-board.html">DIY refrigerator message board</a> @ Flax and Spindle<br /><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center><br /><p>The winner of our prize from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8279979">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a> is <a href="http://latdah.blogspot.com/">Tiffany from La *T* Da</a><br /><p>Many, many thanks to Gina from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8279979">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a> for sponsoring DIY Day this week.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-37589296144693451292009-10-23T07:55:00.001-04:002009-10-23T07:59:50.075-04:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCihOhHHgI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/xzWYLoh7Kr8/s1600-h/iced+tea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SuCihOhHHgI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/xzWYLoh7Kr8/s400/iced+tea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395491045306211842" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get them something to drink.</span><br /><p>Such a simple thing to do. It's one of the first things that I do whenever a friend comes over. It's usually the 3rd question I ask a guest...right after "How are you?" and "Did you bring me a present?". I ask "Can I get you something to drink?"<br /><p>There's something welcoming and sociable about getting someone a beverage. <br /><p>So today, I challenge you to pour a drink for the people you love without them even asking. The Hubster has a long drive home and usually grabs a can of Diet Coke with Splenda when he gets home. Today, I'll pour it over ice for him before he walks in the door.<br /><p>I'm thinking that I should change the title of this series to "Make Yourself More Welcoming." But, we're kind of committed now, so we'll stick with what we've got.<br /><p>You can join our Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge any time. Catch up by reading:<br /><a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge.html">Challenge #1</a><br /><a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge_18.html">Challenge #2</a><br /><a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge_22.html">Challenge #3</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stay tuned! DIY Day Recap coming in a little while!</span><br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p><br /><br />photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drp/">DRP</a> via flickrKimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-74222484620891801672009-10-22T12:24:00.000-04:002009-10-22T12:24:00.428-04:00Decorating with Pumpkins and Gourds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQDO18d3I/AAAAAAAAEhY/W-ykpF3p72M/s1600-h/Country+living+pumpkins+cloche.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQDO18d3I/AAAAAAAAEhY/W-ykpF3p72M/s400/Country+living+pumpkins+cloche.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007832742000498" border="0" /></a><center><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/">Country Living</a></span></center><p>One thing I love about fall is being able to decorate with the beautiful pumpkins, gourds and squash that I find at the grocery store and farmer's market. You gotta love decorating with produce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SttemHDGz0I/AAAAAAAAEiY/_OTMo4N6u5w/s1600-h/pumpkins+and+leaves+on+twine+bhg.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/SttemHDGz0I/AAAAAAAAEiY/_OTMo4N6u5w/s400/pumpkins+and+leaves+on+twine+bhg.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394008987526418242" border="0" /></a></p><center><a href="http://www.bhg.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">BHG</span></a></center><p>I'm thinking about making this simple garland by wiring some mini pumpkins and real leaves to a piece of twine or rope. So beautiful for a kitchen window.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Sttd_WC_D-I/AAAAAAAAEiQ/NVyYDn7l18Y/s1600-h/pumpkins+on+mantle+bhg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Sttd_WC_D-I/AAAAAAAAEiQ/NVyYDn7l18Y/s400/pumpkins+on+mantle+bhg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394008321537544162" border="0" /></a></p><center><a href="http://www.bhg.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">BHG</span></a></center><p>How beautiful is this simple mantle display done with pumpkins and gourds in shades of yellow and green?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQEqB15BI/AAAAAAAAEh4/RLf40CyzG_c/s1600-h/pumpkin+picks+southern+living.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQEqB15BI/AAAAAAAAEh4/RLf40CyzG_c/s400/pumpkin+picks+southern+living.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007857219527698" border="0" /></a></p><center><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/">Southern Living</a></center><p>I am in love with these mini-pumpkin picks! They would be adorable peeking out of a pot of mums on the front porch. Here is an <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/holidays-occasions/pint-size-hallowee-pumpkins-and-blooms-00400000054875/">easy tutorial from Southern Living</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQEYkGBII/AAAAAAAAEhw/a3gOZs7w8K8/s1600-h/gourds+in+bowls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQEYkGBII/AAAAAAAAEhw/a3gOZs7w8K8/s400/gourds+in+bowls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007852531352706" border="0" /></a></p><center><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Country Living</span></a></center><p>It doesn't get any easier than colorful gourds in simple white bowls. That's my kind of centerpiece. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQDxxRNhI/AAAAAAAAEho/BFGKgcQhYQ4/s1600-h/gourds+in+a+dough+bowl+country+living.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/StfQDxxRNhI/AAAAAAAAEho/BFGKgcQhYQ4/s400/gourds+in+a+dough+bowl+country+living.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393007842117629458" border="0" /></a><center><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Country Living</span></a></center><p>For a more abundant look, try filling a long container with gourds, leaves, apples, pine cones and candles. Pure natural beauty. I love that everything for this gorgeous display can be found in the produce section and the backyard.<br /><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">What ideas do you have for displaying fall's bounty?</span><br /><br />Scroll down or click here<a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge_22.html"></a> to read Challenge #3 of our Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-5759940768643386392009-10-22T07:30:00.002-04:002009-10-22T08:48:16.528-04:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/St-hqKD_tCI/AAAAAAAAEkI/qpvSQmSvBy0/s1600-h/radio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/St-hqKD_tCI/AAAAAAAAEkI/qpvSQmSvBy0/s400/radio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395208624240833570" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Turn on some music!</strong> Really. It's that simple. Just turn it on!<br /><p>What does your home sound like? I'm a big believer that music soothes the savage beast. Whether that's my kids or me, I'll leave to you to decide.<br /><p>I just know that when we reach the witching hour (that hour before dinner), turning on some music makes things a little better.<br /></p><p>There are times when I'm cooking dinner and I can feel the tension rising. If I stop to listen, I'll usually realize that I have the news on the TV (loud enough to hear it in the kitchen) and the kids are ramping up their noise to compete with it. Everyone is hungry and we're ready for daddy to get home.<br /></p><p>My irritation is rising by the minute and The Hubster usually walks in the door just as I'm about to explode.<br /></p><p>I have found that the simple act of turning off the TV and turning on some music changes the mood. My mom bought us one of those under cabinet cd players like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013CXZZ6?ie=UTF8&tag=asopltola-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013CXZZ6">this one</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=asopltola-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013CXZZ6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />for our kitchen a few years back. Thanks Mom! And I like to think that walking into a house with some tunes playing feels really welcoming.<br /></p><p>I'll leave the tunes selection to you but two of our faves are:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CR7RDE?ie=UTF8&tag=asopltola-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000CR7RDE">Jack Johnson - Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=asopltola-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CR7RDE" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (The kids remember the music from the movie and Jack Johnson chills me right out. A total crowd-pleaser.)<br /></p><p>and<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002ORZ?ie=UTF8&tag=asopltola-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000002ORZ">Louis Armstrong - All-Time Greatest Hits</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=asopltola-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002ORZ" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (Fun enough for the kids. Cool enough for mom.)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imh/">Ian Hayhurst</a></span></p><p><br /></p><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center><br /><p>Are you on board with our Make Your Home More Welcoming Challenge? You can start whenever you're ready. Check out <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge.html">Challenge 1</a> and <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge_18.html">Challenge 2</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stay tuned. Fun with pumpkins and gourds coming later today.</span><br /><br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-9686343182405258502009-10-21T12:45:00.000-04:002009-10-21T12:45:00.036-04:00Fall Planting<p>Did you know that fall is a great time to plant new trees and shrubs? Yep! The air may be cooler, but the ground is still nice and warm and that lets all those little roots take hold before it freezes. Then, come spring, your new tree already has a jump start.<br /><br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Styt2m8eUQI/AAAAAAAAEjo/oy7M3UY4Kxs/s1600-h/japanese+maple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Styt2m8eUQI/AAAAAAAAEjo/oy7M3UY4Kxs/s400/japanese+maple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394377607361745154" border="0" /></a></p><p>The best part is that now is the time when most nurseries and garden centers (like Lowes and Home Depot) put their trees and shrubs on deep discount. The leaves on this tree may be a little crispy, but they'll be fine come spring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Styt3Ll_dOI/AAAAAAAAEjw/koF0ltOsqBs/s1600-h/leyland+cypress.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Styt3Ll_dOI/AAAAAAAAEjw/koF0ltOsqBs/s400/leyland+cypress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394377617199559906" border="0" /></a></p><p>We snapped up some new trees and bushes for 1/2 off over the weekend.<br /></p><p>The downside is that you have to buy 'em when you see 'em even if you don't have the right vehicle. Otherwise someone else may snap up that Japanese Maple Tree that will be perfect for your front yard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Styt3vYRBGI/AAAAAAAAEj4/C8rZrakIF_w/s1600-h/tree+in+car.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Styt3vYRBGI/AAAAAAAAEj4/C8rZrakIF_w/s400/tree+in+car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394377626805666914" border="0" /></a></p><p>I wish I could say that this was the first time we risked life and limb (hardy har) and drove home with our heads stuck in a tree. My poor boys.<br /></p><p>Don't believe me? Here's a <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/fall-planting-is-good-for-plants/index.html">article on fall planting from HGTV</a>.<br /></p><p>And here's a great how-to on <a href="http://www.doityourself.com/stry/falltreeplant">tree planting from DoItYourself.com</a>.<br /></p><br /><center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></center><br /><p>You can still enter your project for <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/diy-day-and-giveaway_19.html">DIY Day</a>! If you have a few minutes, go browse through some of the projects. Amazing!<br /><p>The winners of our giveaway from <a href="http://www.dischangers.com/">DiscHangers.com</a> are:<br />Christi @ <a href="http://lifeisdancingintherain.blogspot.com/">Life is Dancing in the Rain</a><br />Connie @ <a href="http://mylifeatmidlife.blogspot.com/">Shady Creek Lane</a><br />Ellen @ <a href="http://handmaderecess.blogspot.com/">Handmade Recess</a><br /><br />Congratulations! Shoot me an email with your address and I'll get you hooked up with your DiscHangers. And if you didn't win, remember that you can get free shipping at <a href="http://www.dischangers.com/">DiscHangers.com</a> by using code FREESHIP09!<br /><br /></p><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png" /></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4212416519726161477.post-3652036053228106012009-10-21T08:17:00.002-04:002009-10-21T08:33:33.306-04:00Make Your Home More Welcoming - Challenge #2<span style="font-weight:bold;">Clean up your entryway.</span><br /><p>I'm not talking about making a beautiful wreath to hang on your front door. That's for your guests...and for yourself, if you're a wreath-loving fool like me.<br /><p>I'm talking about getting rid of the clutter and mess that's going on in the entrance that your family uses. For me, that's the door from our garage.<br /><p>We're lucky that we have a little mudroom area between the garage and the kitchen. The problem is that it becomes a dumping ground for shoes, book bags, grocery bags, library books, stray dogs and pizza boxes. It makes me cringe every time I walk into it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Sty2TxHMm0I/AAAAAAAAEkA/wqRCyb-Hkws/s1600-h/mudroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_VgzBw9Dy0/Sty2TxHMm0I/AAAAAAAAEkA/wqRCyb-Hkws/s400/mudroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394386904400304962" /></a><center>Actual, un-retouched photo. I'm so embarrassed.</center><p>We have big plans for a wall unit with a bench and hooks and shelves. Plans, but no funds. In the meantime, I've done nothing with it.<br /><p>Today, I'm going to clean it up. I'm going to find places for all of the clutter that has made it's permanent home in our entry way. I'm not usually one to show you the "before" without the "after" pictures, but we're in this together. This is what I'm doing today too.<br /><p>What if you don't have a mudroom? I know most people don't. So how does your family get into your house? What can you do to make it more welcoming? Does it need picked up? Can you add a little table with a bowl where you can drop your keys on the way into the house?<br /><p>Do you have room for a little chair where you can stop to take off your shoes?<br /><p>How about a hook on the wall for a coat?<br /><p>Need a little inspiration?<br /><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2009/06/lord-of-key-rings.html">Key Catcher</a> @ The DIY Show Off<br /><a href="http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2009/10/informal-entryway-checklist.html">Informal entry way checklist</a> @ Pure Style Home<br /><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/entryway/possible-lack-of-entryway-solution-096879">Solution for lack of an entryway</a> @ Apartment Therapy<br /><a href="http://mybackyardeden.blogspot.com/2009/10/enter-coatrack-exit-entryway-clutter.html">DIY coat rack</a> @ My Backyard Eden<br /><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Did you miss Challenge #1? Check it out by <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-your-home-more-welcoming-challenge.html">clicking here</a>!</span><br /><p>Another post and the winners of the <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/10/dischangerscom-and-giveaway.html">DiscHanger giveaway</a> coming later today. Stay tuned...<br /><br /><p><img src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/Kimbasig.png"></p>Kimbahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16013989296760980717noreply@blogger.com36