tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43150051777352903972024-03-13T11:00:42.944-07:00La MaisonLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-42703330301976051752013-01-13T17:18:00.002-08:002013-01-13T17:18:31.583-08:00Playing Catchup <div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, it's been months since I've last updated. Yes, that means I'm a slacker. My sincerest apologies to my family and anyone else who has been waiting for my next update with baited breath. I really don't have an excuse except for..... I suck. Yup.</div>
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Anyway, things have been pretty busy at our house. We had our foundation repaired which has led to a myriad of other projects. Jeff and I joke that by the time we're done with this project all that's left will be replacing the windows. Our fifty year old house will almost be new. No joke. </div>
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So here's the low down... Basically they ripped off the walls along the back of the house.</div>
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Like so..</div>
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Then sealed any cracks with blue rubber stuff and put up giant steel beams. It's supposed to prevent further leaning/ movement/ damage/ bad things.</div>
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But this meant we basically had to rip out the bathroom and laundry room. Let's blame it on the drywall, and the previous owners. </div>
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Jeff has fixed more bad electrical, tiled, plumbed, hung drywall, scraped popcorn ceilings, painted rooms, and is now redoing all of the woodwork. Let's just say that marrying a handyman is probably the smartest thing a person could do. I'm pretty sure that Jeff is good at everything. I mean, seriously folks. </div>
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Anyway, it's been crazy but I feel like we're finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.</div>
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On that note, I'll leave you with a sneak preview...</div>
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Eek!</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-65231894665270329242012-08-19T11:36:00.001-07:002012-08-19T12:19:24.420-07:00Our Life According to My PhoneLet's play catch up.<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-19727305885652782422012-06-21T21:52:00.000-07:002012-06-21T21:54:12.063-07:00Oh Sweet Sweet Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7418036656/" title="Lauren 079 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="Lauren 079" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7418036656_7e35d02ce3.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Yeah, that's me in the blue poodle skirt. I'm only sharing this 'cus I like you.</span></div>
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It's Friday!! </div>
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Well, actually it's currently 11:24 pm on Thursday, but I'm pretty stoked... Can't you tell?</div>
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So, I spend my entire work week thinking about my weekend to-do list. I get out my little lined notebook, make sure everything is neatly bulleted, and get out my favorite black ink pin. Then, I put everything into categories. First there are the errands I have to run, the projects I need to finish, and the food I want to cook. I already have a list for this weekend, but I have a looming problem..... As soon as the weekend hits I will end up forgetting that that neat little list ever existed. </div>
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That's sort of an issue.</div>
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My to-do list has become so insanely long that all I really want is to crumple it into a ball and throw it in the trash. Apparently I can't do that anymore. The projects are staring me in the face, and my stock pile of Nutella is becoming dangerously low. (Oh Heavens!)</div>
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I am now going to share my list.. Not to get phone calls from certain relatives (ahem), but as a virtual reminder that I cannot destroy with a match or lighter.</div>
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Okay, here we go.</div>
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1. Finish painting my closet doors</div>
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2. Repaint the bookshelf</div>
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3. Start curing the pork belly</div>
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4. Do laundry</div>
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5. Drink a glass of rosé (Hey, something has to be enjoyable.)</div>
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6. Read my latest issue of Bon Appétit</div>
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7. Clean the coop</div>
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8. Spray paint my big metal B</div>
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This list is totally do-able, right? I purposely didn't make it too large, mostly because...well...I know myself.</div>
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Anyway, I'll let you all know how it goes on Monday. Expect a new update on <a href="http://scratchthatdining.blogspot.com/">Scratch That</a>, including a possible new "Wine of the Week" series. Oh, and if you haven't started "following" it yet, do it. I pinky swear that it won't be lame. I'm not crossing my fingers behind my back either.</div>
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So there it is! Have a great weekend dudes. </div>
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À bientôt!</div>
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<br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-28198831133613934592012-06-17T11:17:00.002-07:002012-06-17T11:17:28.886-07:00Happy Fathers Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMDOS4OGTlk3rYceNyg6I8O1U-ei13RT4ehCzvyveqNqcrYGlHBgMMy5AjJMitQ2h-8s9SjDYHotNFSc-2lqTaU8L1j2LMZFa8XmsduI9e3CEOTH_NAgUwpKF33bFIiDKyuqEXPXCqGB1/s1600/n69600575_31217867_757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMDOS4OGTlk3rYceNyg6I8O1U-ei13RT4ehCzvyveqNqcrYGlHBgMMy5AjJMitQ2h-8s9SjDYHotNFSc-2lqTaU8L1j2LMZFa8XmsduI9e3CEOTH_NAgUwpKF33bFIiDKyuqEXPXCqGB1/s320/n69600575_31217867_757.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Happy Fathers Day to the man who taught me everything.</div>
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(like the most effective way to blow something up)</div>
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I love you. </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-46307180453370566622012-06-15T19:24:00.000-07:002012-06-15T19:24:34.685-07:00Jeff is 30!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7376750150/" title="jbday2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="jbday2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7376750150_64860c2fc8.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
My Mister turned thirty yesterday. We celebrated with pizza, strawberry cake, scotch, and a zombie movie. We're total grown ups, yah know?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7376750074/" title="jbday by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="jbday" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8153/7376750074_c740db52f3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="375" /></a><br />
The cake was the best part. He LOVED (uhem) that I put all thirty candles on the cake instead of the big boring numbers. It took him one very long breath to blow all of those little candles out. I thought I was going to have to get the fire extinguisher. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7376750694/" title="jbday6 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="jbday6" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7376750694_c85c3a4bfa.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="375" /></a><br />
You can totally tell which side we started lighting from. They're the candles that look like stubs. <br />
Teehee<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7376750462/" title="jbday4 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="jbday4" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7376750462_4a7e042dd6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Here it is in all of it's glory. Strawberry cake with cream cheese butter cream frosting. Heck yeah!<br />
sugar overload<br />
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Want the recipes? Follow the <a href="http://scratchthatdining.blogspot.com/">link.</a><br />
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<br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-64284761920348839472012-06-07T17:54:00.001-07:002012-06-07T18:07:37.256-07:00New Toys<div style="text-align: center;">
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Look what I got in the mail today!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7349933058/" title="fiesta2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="fiesta2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7349933058_8b97698846.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7349933058/" title="fiesta2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"></a>That's right, a "new" piece of chartreuse Fiestaware. Woot! Chartreuse was originally released in 1951 and lasted until 1959. A teacup from that era would look more like this... <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100918220/vintage-fiestaware-teacup-and-saucer?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=fiestaware&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all">(etsy)</a></div>
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This particular piece was made during a limited two year re-release from 1997 until 1999. It has the modern handle and a slightly different, glossier finish. Pretty cool, eh? </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7164721581/" title="fiesta1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="fiesta1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7164721581_d8ddf4b11d.jpg" width="375" /></a> </div>
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I also just purchased this mini-disk persimmon pitcher. This color ran from 1995-2008. The photo really doesn't do the color justice. It's slightly more salmon in color and definitely not that dark. </div>
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Oh well. My bad.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7349932876/" title="fiesta by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="fiesta" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7349932876_5692119319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They're pretty great... right? Heck yeah! Plus, collecting Fiestaware is way cooler than when you hoarded pet rocks as a kid. For serious.<br />
Oh, and my collection may be pretty tiny, but that just means I have room to grow. Yup! (P.S: I am hiding a few marigold plates and platters, and another turquoise ramekin.) </div>
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The pictured colors in no particular order:</div>
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Chartreuse: 1997-1999</div>
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Persimmon: 1995-2008</div>
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Sunflower: 2001- current</div>
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Scarlet: 2004 - current</div>
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Turquoise: 1988 - current</div>
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Marigold: 2011 - 2012 (75th Anniversary edition)</div>
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I have my eye on a few more colors (lilac, rose, flamingo, medium green, sea mist, uh hem), but I need to lay off for a while. </div>
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By the way, my birthday is next month....</div>
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<br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-90261371620227756262012-06-04T18:44:00.001-07:002012-06-04T19:24:34.101-07:00Befores and Afters<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hey dudes!</div>
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So, I am just now realizing that I haven't posted a photo of the house since we (I'm sorry ... Jeff ) has painted it. I suck. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281434529/" title="before by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before" height="300" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6238/6281434529_21bac77629.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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This is a before photo. I can't believe how gross the siding looked.<br />
I'm so glad that crap is in the dumpster. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7154551521/" title="baruth kids by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="baruth kids" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7154551521_f4749dff10.jpg" width="329" /></a><br />
This shot is probably the closest thing I have to a photo of the front of the house. Oops!<br />
Btw: This is me, my lil' sis, and my cousin Andy. We're pretty cute. Just sayin'. <br />
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Anyway, here is what's been going on at our house.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7154529749/" title="siding3 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="siding3" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7154529749_47ed699d58.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
First off, Jeff knocked down the dang railing. It was rotty and gross, so it's in the trash. Jeff also found that the pillars were the only thing holding up the awning, so good thing he figured that out before it came crashing down! He plans on adding some molding around the new "pillars", which will be nice.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7154529439/" title="siding by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="siding" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7154529439_d6970d5391.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Have I mentioned how great it is to be married to someone so particular / handy? (Well, until I let the house get messy, then it's annoying.) He has painting the siding by himself, mostly to save money, but jeeze... would anyone else have been this detailed? I think not! Our retired carpenter neighbor even came over just to tease Jeff about using an artist's brush on the edging. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7154529439/" title="siding by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7339733568/" title="siding1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="siding1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7339733568_1043e486fb.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
By the way, I got fired from helping with the siding. Turns out, I'm not that into it. <br />
I'm crying on the inside... No really. Phhh..<br />
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In other news, my room is slowly coming along. I inherited my mother's habit of starting a project but not always finishing it in a timely manner. (<a href="http://elderberrystreet.blogspot.com/">Love you Mom!</a>) Oh well. I do have to admit that the green color is still scaring me something awful, so I may be changing that. We'll see.<br />
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Hope you're all having a good Monday!<br />
Peace out.<br />
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<br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-80887162057250777792012-05-28T10:34:00.003-07:002012-05-28T10:34:56.221-07:00Family Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7288227794/" title="strombergs1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="strombergs1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7288227794_d35f09b832.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Spend some time with your family today! </div>
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See yah next week.</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-29397136503287909462012-05-25T14:34:00.003-07:002012-05-25T14:36:36.693-07:00Like Woah<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7269877794/" title="bookshelf by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="bookshelf" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7269877794_496dafd380.jpg" width="375" /></a>
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Before you click this link.. Remember I am no where near done.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7269878192/" title="bookshelf1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="bookshelf1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7269878192_9625b34152.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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For someone who paints everything blue, gray or white, this is quite the departure. Let me also remind you that I am too young to have a ten year old daughter (well, kinda). I don't have an excuse.</div>
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Just trust me on this.<br />
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(btw: the mauve is going away completely. you can sigh in relief.)</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-20637020947787665752012-05-24T13:52:00.002-07:002012-05-24T17:21:39.081-07:00Lessons I've Learned From Being a "Professional" DIYer<div style="text-align: center;">
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The Money Pit 1986</div>
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This list needs no introduction.</div>
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1. <b>The Money Pit</b> <b>is for realz: </b> I walked into my house and thought.. "This won't be too bad, maybe 10 grand tops". HA! If I could kick my former self in the butt, I would. Rotten floors, saggy dry wall, bad electrical, a hole in the roof and a foundation that tilts??? Ten grand my butt.</div>
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2. <b> You'll know you married the right guy when you do a home reno: </b>Seriously, I think my marriage could withstand a nuclear holocaust. </div>
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2. <b>Don't take anything at face value:</b> Do yourself a favor, look behind that bathroom vanity before you think the bathroom redo will be super easy. </div>
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3. <b>Tarps are your friend: </b>You'll figure that out quickly when you spill an entire gallon of white latex paint on your hardwood floors.</div>
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4. <b> There are only two types of real motivation: </b>The weather and your parents coming to town. Funny how things get finished when you don't have any choice.</div>
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5. <b>You'll absolutely detest the former home owners: </b> Yes. Whoever decided to paint all the register covers without taking them off the wall. I'll find you.</div>
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6.<b> No matter how much space you think you have, you'll fill it up: </b>Can anyone say yard sale?</div>
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7. <b>Good friends grout: </b>Thanks Joe.</div>
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8. <b>Listening to Marvin Gaye on Pandora helps you paint faster: </b>No joke.</div>
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9. <b>Dogs live to break your antiques: </b>Thanks Shadow. Momma loves you.</div>
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10. <b>No matter how much you pre-plan, you'll always want to change something: </b>The new white desk in my room isn't white enough. I wish I hadn't used so much blue and I already redid my master bedroom. Just sayin'.</div>
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<br /></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-8786839283618001872012-05-23T12:27:00.002-07:002012-05-23T12:29:44.802-07:00One Month Later<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/7257313274/" title="colors by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="colors" height="300" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7257313274_a7f312aeb0_n.jpg" width="350" /></a>
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Yeah, I'm still working on this project. I think it just took me awhile to A) Get some inspiration / motivation and B) Get the right color scheme.</div>
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So this is what I've chosen for my office. The walls are going to be Martha Stewart's Eggplant. My woodwork is all Behr's Ultra Bright White. The back panel of my bookshelf is Behr's Retro Avocado. The blue is Martha Stewart's Plumage, which is going to be integrated somehow. The silvery tone, Martha Stewart's Tin, will most likely be put on a piece of furniture. The fabrics (from Hancock Fabrics) will be integrated either as new chair padding on my desk chair, curtains, or throw pillows. I'm honestly leaning towards the hounds tooth for the chair, and the gray and white for curtains. </div>
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We'll see! I better get to it. I'll never finish at this rate. Be on the look out for before and after photos. </div>
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-17125548067668625102012-03-14T15:11:00.002-07:002012-03-14T15:34:11.929-07:00My Purple Problems<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6836973028/" title="purple by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="purple" height="275" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6836973028_d9ec5241df.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess you have it pretty good when your biggest issue is picking the perfect shade of purple. Hum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway. I am picking out a purple color for my office. It's a small room with three windows and a big built in book shelf. I kind of want the room to feel cozy, grown up, and clean. So far the plan is to paint all the woodwork semi-gloss bright white, the book case bright white, and then continue to use my white desk. I have also thought about bringing in some ochre, and a neutral gray (possibly).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So help me pick one out! Let me name them starting from the top left swatch and going clockwise:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1) Blueberry Pie (Martha Stewart)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2) Eggplant (Martha Stewart)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3)Purple Basil (Martha Stewart)</div><div style="text-align: center;">4) Purple Rain (Benjamin Moore)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do have two favorites, but I'd rather not divulge that information. Leave a comment with your vote.<br />
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Disclaimer: The swatches on the wall were taken mid-afternoon. Blueberry pie is more intense in other parts of the day, and purple basil is more of a red-violet. Googling Martha Stewart Paints may give you a better idea of what they look like in real life.</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-81017514937388009522012-03-01T15:23:00.000-08:002012-03-01T15:23:31.939-08:00Three Weeks Later<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6944987373/" title="scale by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="scale" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6944987373_ae0ba30721.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe it's been about three weeks since I've last updated. Then again, I can. Home improvement things seem to come to a screeching halt during the cold winters months. Jeff is also now a full time student and the work is all on me. Of course, we know how effective that is....... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So in the last month or so I've painted the bedroom, which you've already seen, and done a little bit of antiquing. (Thus the photo of my little $10 food scale) See! I'm good for something! Even if it is shopping. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also recently started a small food blog called <a href="http://scratchthatdining.blogspot.com/">Scratch That: Eating the way Memaw Intended</a>. So far, it's not much, but I hope to be able to put more time into it. I will admit that my real interests have been in cooking. I think it's because you can create something beautiful and the satisfaction of the effort and final product is so addicting. So please, head on over there and join, comment, or hate on it.. whatever you so choose.<br />
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I hope you all are doing well, and that the promise of spring is as exciting to you as it is to me. Here's to an exciting, project-full March! </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-9779056225639905732012-02-05T20:08:00.000-08:002012-02-05T20:08:05.826-08:00Phases<div style="text-align: center;">Yeah.. I totally go through phases. First it's white, then it's yellow, then it's polka dots... Who knows. Anyway! We redid the bedroom, and (NEWS FLASH), I'm in lurve. I thought I'd take you through each step.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It might look subtle at first but don't let your eyes fool you... It's not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase one: "Former Owner's Leftovers" (aka dirty mauve flat paint, or sick and disgusting) 'Scus the mess.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6827502903/" title="1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6827502903_256819617b.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase Two: Martha Stewart's Opal. Beautiful color, but honestly, not for us. It was exactly as the name described it. The color shifted from gray, to white to blue and then purple. I guess that's fine, but as a wife, I feel bad making my husband sleep in a baby blue room. After a year of being unhappy with the results I finally changed it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6827502527/" title="2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6827502527_d7653cfb75.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase Three: Martha Stewart's Lamb, or white perfection. It is a warm white with a smidge of green, but not enough to really call it green. We replaced the curtains with some beautiful Pottery Barn nubby cotton drapes, and then we hung up a bit of art. Not only does the room feel bigger, but it feels cleaner. I can't believe what a can of paint can do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6827503031/" title="newroom by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="newroom" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6827503031_054d896312.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So... that's what's goin' on at our house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On a side note. Please join me in mourning the loss of the Pats to the NY Giants. I'm shedding a tear or two tonight. </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-77541299572475876582012-01-08T09:39:00.000-08:002012-01-08T09:39:16.804-08:00The Best Surprise Ever<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6660639425/" title="1stegg by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="1stegg" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6660639425_5301024a04.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After much anticipation, I got my first egg today! I believe it's from Harriet due to the location in which I found it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">YAY!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-89090380330947335052012-01-04T20:15:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:16:36.712-08:00Spring Fever Already??<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/202380576974521532/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/202380576974521532_7cTpO7RU_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lstromberg/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lauren</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Maybe it's because I spent five days in sunny California, or maybe it's because Kansas has yet to have any sort of snow storm, but I already have spring fever. (How was that for an extra long sentence??) <br />
I can't help but think about landscaping ideas, and gardening ideas even though it's usually around 30 degrees F here. Total wishful thinking.<br />
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Anyway, here's my gardening wish list:<br />
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<b>Hard-scape </b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(is that how you spell that??)</span></b><br />
New lighting in the front yard<br />
Fix the edging around the raised beds in the front yard<br />
Rip out the remaining ground cover in the front yard<br />
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<b>Plants</b><br />
Herb garden with tarragon, basil, sage, rosemary, oregano, mint and whatever else I can find<br />
Tomatoes (3 varieties)<br />
Peppers<br />
Greens of all sorts<br />
Grape vines near the coop<br />
Gourds possibly<br />
Sunflowers<br />
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I really want mostly herbs and greens. We really don't have a large garden area and I'd love to change that, but we'll see what time and life permits.<br />
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Anyone else have spring fever yet?</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-6978504467857048842012-01-03T16:13:00.000-08:002012-01-03T16:13:41.868-08:00He's So Fly<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6631368449/" title="pup1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="pup1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6631368449_c1c140f20e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Say hello to Mr. B, my oldest furbaby. I had two days of vacation to kill so I decided to knit him a little sweater out of some yarn in my stash. I have to admit, the yarn is gross. It's like this faux suede junk. The texture was awful to work with and I'm pretty sure I'm going to give the other skein and a half away. The pattern I used also did not work out. My boy is pretty husky in the shoulders and upper rib cage, so this sweater ended up being one big experiment. Oh well, he's a dog and he doesn't have a say in what clothes I put on him. Oh the joy of being a dog mother.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bucalicious-sweater">Here</a> is the pattern it is based off of. I used Lion Brand Lion Suede. I'll never use it again. Ugh! </div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-75407288973013352932012-01-02T12:45:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:45:10.219-08:00It's A New Dawn, A New Day<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6622445305/" title="mountains by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="mountains" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6622445305_bb7a1a264d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the view from my parents house. No really!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I'm really starting to believe that years go faster the older you get. I feel like we just started 2011 and that we've just moved into this house. In reality, we're only a few months from spending our second year on Lawrence Ave. Insane. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This last year has been full of ups and downs. Job loss and recovery, graduation from KU, visiting family, never ending house projects, and it goes on and on. I'm so happy that we have made it this far. Life is good (as cheesy as that sounds) and we're stronger than ever. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Anyway! The last week we spent in So. Cal at my parents' new home. It is beautiful and the view is unbelievable. I took some photos of the trip and I'll be sharing them throughout the next week or so. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> While we were there we went to Disney Land and downtown Temecula, we also read a lot and met some of their new neighbors. Honestly, you should really see their "neighborhood". I'm using quotations because the houses are so spread apart that it's almost like living on a small homestead. There were cows, horses, llamas and all sorts of other animals. Some houses even had orchards and vineyards. It really fueled my desire to do more outside. My chickens are one thing, but I need to start being serious about gardening. This brings me to my next point.... In honor of the new year, I though I'd share my resolutions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Keep a garden, and keep it well.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Finish some more house projects</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Learn to make cheese, salamis and what not.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Focus on quality "clean eating" and consuming more vegetables</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Keep up my blog</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This little blog may be going through some changes soon. I've realized that while my home is incredibly important to me, my real passion lies in cooking. I firmly believe that quality, time and love taste better. Soon I will be posting more about food, kitchen essentials, recipe reviews and so forth. While, I am a novice at recipe creation, I hope that what I do know will be beneficial to my small group of readers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In all of this I have one thing to say.. You only have one life: experience, create, and truly live. Risk opens doors; trials and tribulations create character. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-78002383119543887192011-12-16T22:06:00.000-08:002011-12-16T22:06:55.500-08:00Things I'm Loving Right Now.... Winter Edition<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/202380576974612349/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/202380576974612349_bQunfdMr_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Design Sponge, via Pinterest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/page/2" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">designsponge.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lstromberg/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lauren</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">White on White</div><div style="text-align: center;">Agate</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antique Brass (the real stuff kids)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antique Lace</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mustard and Ochre (of course!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Leather</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antique Velvet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mud Cloth</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rocking Chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antique Clocks, Watches and Typewriters</div><div style="text-align: center;">Faux Antlers and Faux Fur</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wire</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sisal Rope</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sisal Rugs</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nubby Cotton</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fiesta Ware</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pottery</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mismatched Place Settings</div><div style="text-align: center;">Depression Glass</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mercury Glass</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amateur Art, Oil Paintings and Watercolors</div><div style="text-align: center;">Curtains that skim the ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrought Iron</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wood tones</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grays</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antique Globes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Real Wood floors</div><div style="text-align: center;">Exposed Brick</div><div style="text-align: center;">Burlap</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chevron</div><div style="text-align: center;">Raw Silk</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-14101372091604713592011-12-04T17:46:00.000-08:002011-12-04T17:47:41.517-08:00French Onion Soup: My Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKosuPWfO_0FRthKX75YFKtM88zQuWym1JE-CrWfZYhzgWLDw77GOXqJQpxGKSkwkK4z8zl48ekGGlIoIwbK7v4Jpsh0SqZI2ugcmypD3BOeJ15cBUiolmkhqR9w8OqppItlgLLlhvjuHI/s1600/img-0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKosuPWfO_0FRthKX75YFKtM88zQuWym1JE-CrWfZYhzgWLDw77GOXqJQpxGKSkwkK4z8zl48ekGGlIoIwbK7v4Jpsh0SqZI2ugcmypD3BOeJ15cBUiolmkhqR9w8OqppItlgLLlhvjuHI/s400/img-0632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cookography.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/img-0632.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cookography.com/2008/the-best-french-onion-soup-ever&usg=__D5_2XNAiTrvwHuiWJwKXty8xzsA=&h=333&w=500&sz=43&hl=en&start=3&sig2=-URU6yDe5KCN7DQkFFNdIA&zoom=1&tbnid=NAfzqIqHgg_OJM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&ei=Lx_cTs73AcnetgeT9fj_DA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfrench%2Bonion%2Bsoup%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1">Image Borrowed From Here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am a sucker for French Onion soup. It's something about the cheese and the salt and the rich broth that just gets me every time. Tonight I improvised on a basic recipe for this classic french soup. Here it is!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">French Onion Soup</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">6-8 Onions, cut into half moons and sliced thinly (I use a mix of onions, yellow and white to be exact)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 c butter sliced into pats</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbl extra virgin olive oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp kosher salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp cracked black pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 cups of beef broth</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup medium bodied red wine (I used a Malbec)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup chicken broth</div><div style="text-align: center;">2-3 sprigs of tarragon</div><div style="text-align: center;">2-3 sprigs of sage</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 bay leaves</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 baguette sliced </div><div style="text-align: center;">Shredded gruyere cheese to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet until melted and slightly bubbling. Add onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on med-low heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown and caramelized. (This will take up to an hour). Remove the onions from the skillet and put into a stew pot or something comparable. Add liquids. Tie the herbs together into a bundle (the bay leaves may not fit into a bundle). Season with more salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil and then quickly reduce heat until is just simmers. Simmer for 30+ min. I usually let mine go for an hour, this helps the flavors meld.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour soup into oven proof bowls. Place a few slices of bread and a sprinkling of cheese over each bowl. Place under the broiler until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melty. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember that this soup is adjustable. I did a lot of ingredient eyeballing and a lot of time improv. It's also important to taste as you go! I've tried this soup several times and this version was by far the best, even Jeff said so. Enjoy it and tell me what you think!</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-71948323507969745722011-11-30T21:36:00.000-08:002011-11-30T21:39:07.384-08:00A Christmas Story<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="275" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NpC-dZpD7eI" width="440"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone has a memory that really stands out in their life. My Grandfather has made a name for himself by telling stories and encouraging others to share their own. (Check out his website <a href="http://ccnlifestory.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=3&MMN_position=5:5">here</a>. I'm telling you it's totally worth it.) Personally, I don't really know if I have a specific story, but I do have a song. My sister and I were bathed and baptized in musicals, especially Christmas musicals. White Christmas was always my favorite mostly because of the song "Sisters". I honestly think Bing and Danny did it best. Their version defines the relationship I have with my sister, goofy, never too serious, but always meaningful. This song and this particular musical have a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my family, Christmases in Massachusetts, and a lovely childhood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a story or a song? I'd love it if you'd share.</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-87650082623151607602011-11-09T18:28:00.000-08:002011-11-09T18:29:00.613-08:00Recipe Review: Paper Bag Apple Pie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6330067831/" title="pie4 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="pie4" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6330067831_bc388a8ed6.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back in high school I used to spend a week at a summer camp in Wisconsin. There used to be this farm stand (my mother would remember the name) that sold pies baked in an brown paper bag. We would always buy a few pies and the day that the last piece was was devoured was mildly heartbreaking. Since then I've been looking for a recipe to replicate it. I'd like to think that I found it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I made the pie. It was the prettiest pie I've ever made in my life. It tasted pretty good too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I have to admit that this pie has rendered me speechless. Jeff was pretty excited too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6330067815/" title="pie2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="pie2" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6330067815_d21a004e1e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What's so great about baking in a brown paper bag?? The way it caramelizes the crumbles on top. It was crispy, the fruit was tender, the crust was buttery and flaky, perfection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6330067827/" title="pie3 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="pie3" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6330067827_2cbbd43b7a.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a perfect way to enjoy fall fruit!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6330832438/" title="pie6 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="pie6" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6330832438_d9e435c5e0.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 20.0px Georgia; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Brown Bag Apple Pie: <br />
Recipe from King Arthur Flour</div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Hands-on time:</b></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">25 mins. to 40 mins.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Baking time:</b></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">60 mins. to 60 mins.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Total time:</b></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1 hrs 25 mins. to 1 hrs 40 mins.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Yield:</b></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">9" pie, 8 to 10 servings</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="color: #814914; font: 15.0px Verdana; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">CRUST</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 1/4 cups King Arthur Perfect Pastry Blend or <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/detail.jsp?id=3005"><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; text-decoration: underline;"><b>King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour</b></span></a></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>heaping 1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3 tablespoons vegetable shortening</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" pieces</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4 to 5 tablespoons ice water</span></div><div style="color: #814914; font: 15.0px Verdana; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">FILLING</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3 1/2 to 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; enough to make 8 cups sliced apples</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>¾ cup brown sugar</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>¼ teaspoon salt</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>½ teaspoon ground nutmeg</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 tablespoons lemon juice</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/detail.jsp?id=1003"><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; text-decoration: underline;"><b>boiled cider</b></span></a>, optional but tasty</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3 tablespoons King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or ¼ cup <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/detail.jsp?id=3466"><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Pie Filling Enhancer</b></span></a></span></div><div style="color: #814914; font: 15.0px Verdana; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">STREUSEL TOPPING</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/2 cup granulated sugar</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/2 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) cold butter, cut into pats</span></div><div style="font: 20.0px Georgia; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Directions</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1) To make the crust: Whisk together the flour and salt, then work in the shortening until everything is well combined.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2) Work in the butter until the mixture is unevenly crumbly; some pieces of butter can be left a bit larger than the others.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">3) Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing as you sprinkle the water onto the flour/fat.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4) When the dough is moist enough to hold together when you squeeze it, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough three or four times to bring it together, then pat it into a thick disk. Roll the disk on its edge, like a wheel, to smooth out the edges. This step will ensure your dough will roll out evenly, without a lot of cracks and splits at the edges later. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes, while you make the filling.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">5) To make the filling: Put the sliced apples in a big microwave-safe bowl, and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, lemon juice, and boiled cider.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">6) Microwave the filling, uncovered, for 5 minutes. This softens the apples just a bit, and gets their juices flowing. Skip this step if you like; it's not critical, though we think it helps.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">7) Stir in the flour or Pie Filling Enhancer.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">8) Preheat the oven to 425°F.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">9) Remove the crust from the refrigerator. If it's been chilling longer than 30 minutes, give it 10 minutes or so to warm up a bit. Roll it into a 12 1/2" to 13" circle.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">10) Lightly grease a 9" pie pan, preferably one that's at least 1 1/2" deep, and lay the crust in the pan, settling it into place gently. Don't tug at it or stretch it; this could cause it to shrink as it bakes.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">11) Spoon the filling into the crust.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">11) To make the topping: Combine the sugar, flour, and butter, working them together until crumbly. Don't over-mix; you don't want the streusel to turn into a solid mass.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">13) Spread the streusel atop the filling.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">14) Place the pie in a brown paper grocery bag. If you're nervous about baking in a paper bag, see our tip about baking in parchment, above. Secure the bag closed; staples or uncoated paper clips work well for a paper bag.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">15) Bake the pie for 1 hour.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">16) Remove the pie from the oven, and carefully open it, avoiding any steam. Remove the pie, and set it on a rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font: 14.0px Georgia; line-height: 18.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 4.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Yield: one 9" pie, 8 to 10 servings.</span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-18097062488787912552011-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:002011-11-06T09:03:31.322-08:00A Coop Without A Name<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6319037968/" title="coop1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="coop1" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6319037968_1b36d70814.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's November 6th and I just finished my chicken coop. Don't judge! I am a well honed procrastinator. Then again, I think this thing came out kinda awesomely so I really don't care how long it took. I took some photos for you. Take a look after the link.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6319038316/" title="coop2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="coop2" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6319038316_a1873d4dbd.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the side with the "people" door and a side view of their nesting box. Can you see two of my ladies? That's Dixie and Blanche.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6319039024/" title="coop4 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="coop4" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6319039024_9aeef05928.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From the back looking towards the front.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6318518583/" title="coop5 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="coop5" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6318518583_48ffc838d8.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6319032442/" title="harriet by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="harriet" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6319032442_165f49eb1d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and this is Harriet. My queen of the roost. She definitely has the strongest personality, if chickens can have a personality. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My coop remains nameless. Any ideas? I'm kind of trying to steer clear of names which sound like bad chicken jokes. I.E: Cluck Med, Coop de Ville, Peckingham Palace. So if you have any ideas, I'd love some suggestions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Sunday!</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-34139889230600764112011-10-30T18:46:00.000-07:002011-10-30T18:47:19.896-07:00Grey v. Gray<div style="text-align: center;">Okay, so the siding is on, now comes the hard part. Color.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6296559783/" title="colorchoice by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="colorchoice" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6296559783_c68f95fbbf.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've decided on grey with bright white trim and some black shutters. The issue is mostly the tone of grey. I'd rather it not be too blue, or too purple. Have I mentioned how hard that is to find???? All I can say about redoing this entire house is that I have definitely picked my favorite paint companies. For color palette I love the Martha Stewart line, Benjamin Moore and Farrow and Ball and for paint formula it's between Behr and Benjamin Moore. The process of picking out a siding color really surprised me. I actually like a color from a company that I usually steer clear from, Glidden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out our color options and follow the link.</div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Option #1: Behr's Anonymous</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6297091836/" title="anonymous by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="anonymous" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6297091836_c0c873bbf6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Option #2: Glidden's Seal Grey</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6297092042/" title="seal by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="seal" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6297092042_b5da41e986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(The Door is Benjamin Moore's Ruby Red and the trim is Behr's Ultra Bright White)<br />
<br />
Can I be honest here?? I'm totally leaning towards Glidden's Seal Grey. It's a hair darker and a hair warmer, a little less purple. Am I wrong here?<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought I'd share a few photos of the siding completed. Yes, we still have to work on the trim up top and replace the gutters, but at least you get the point.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6297090676/" title="finishedfront by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="finishedfront" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6297090676_d607227bf3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6297091482/" title="finishedside2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="finishedside2" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6297091482_d6fcc23571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6296559127/" title="finishedside by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="finishedside" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6296559127_af42617009.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're extremely please with how this is going and I'm so glad to finally be rid of that awful vinyl. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In the words of Napoleon Dynamite, yessssss...</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315005177735290397.post-82577541846746552072011-10-25T18:43:00.000-07:002011-10-25T18:43:48.914-07:00Workin' On It<div style="text-align: center;">I know.. I know.. Long time no see. I really don't understand what my problem is 'cus blogging ain't that hard. (Woah, I sound like a Kansan). Well, let me fill you in. Jeff and I have decided to reside our entire house. Yes, we have taken the plunge. A found farewell to our Lil' Tykes house (aka vinyl) and hello to our new lap siding (woodish). Jeff took a few photos of the before and the in between. Take a look!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281434529/" title="before by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6281434529_21bac77629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281435135/" title="before3 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before3" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6281435135_68d4e5a177.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281950218/" title="before4 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before4" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6281950218_2c273a8a69.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281434769/" title="before1 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before1" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6281434769_9c31bbaf47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's BLACK!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281950358/" title="before5 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before5" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6281950358_220df3c3f6.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281434945/" title="before2 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before2" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6281434945_227154cb99.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a start!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281950566/" title="before7 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before7" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6281950566_f7a0bf722e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennoel/6281435491/" title="before6 by lesyeuxbleu33, on Flickr"><img alt="before6" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6281435491_072856e9d5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, so here is the question. What should we paint it??! We're going between white or a medium toned gray with white trim. I'm honestly stumped. Oh, and by the way, we've opted to paint this house ourselves. Woah Mary!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I really need some feedback. Ready, set, go!</div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080898624987725737noreply@blogger.com0