tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32473150043133956722024-03-13T07:23:47.576-05:00Mr. Magnificent and CompanyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-58470795535482179372012-06-03T22:05:00.001-05:002012-06-03T22:05:44.112-05:00I'm a believer...<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Since we have decided to build our own home I have been feeling the pressure of needing all the money it will take to do just that. I ran across a blog called<a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/" target="_blank"> Ring Around the Rosies</a>. She sells <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com/?referrer=87AA5ABAA7BA" target="_blank">Shaklee</a> (shack-lee) cleaning products. I have seen <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a> talk about <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com/?referrer=87AA5ABAA7BA" target="_blank">Shaklee</a> all the time. </div>
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Well, I decided to find out about their products and what it would take to sell them myself. The crazy thing is that I hadn't even tried their products out yet. Crazy right?! So, I talked with Ring Around the Rosies and she sent me some info to talk with Mr. M about it and I ordered some Scour Off and Laundry Detergent since I was about out and my soap nuts hadn't come in yet. <br /> </div>
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I talked with Mr. M and the he reassured me that I didn't need to spend the time or money that would be required to be a part of the <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com/?referrer=87AA5ABAA7BA" target="_blank">Shaklee</a> team. Whew... (whiping sweat off my brow....). I love when he takes my fears and makes them irrelevant. He reminded me that my sole focus is out sweet little girl, not making money. Thanks honey :)<br /> </div>
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So, this morning I was able to put the Scour Off to the test! I have had this spot on my floor for 3+ years. I have scrubbed and scrubbed with EVERYTHING! It is spray foam that was spilled on the floor and not wiped up fast enough....ooops. Well, as you can imagine it collects the dirt every time I sweep and mop. See for yourself...</div>
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I have a rug in the kitchen that covers it most of the time but I still know it is there... </div>
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So, I covered it with some of the scour off and crossed my fingers. </div>
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After scrubbing until that was all scrubbed off I could tell a difference. After a few more coats and getting out my scrub brush, here is the final product! One of the best things is that my fingers although sore from scrubbing were not in pain from using some crazy chemical laden cleaning supply!</div>
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You can still see some of it but I think it is mostly just discolored. My linoleum isn't smooth so it may just be what is stuck in the crevasses. Regardless, it doesn't stand out for everyone to see. </div>
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I couldn't believe my eyes!! I have been trying to get that up for 3 years! So, I am now a Shaklee believer!! If you would like to check out <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com/?referrer=87AA5ABAA7BA" target="_blank">Shaklee</a> and you feel so obliged, I do get a bonus for anyone who orders from <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com/?referrer=87AA5ABAA7BA" target="_blank">Shaklee</a> using my referral. The best part for you is that by using my <a href="http://referral.myshaklee.com/?referrer=87AA5ABAA7BA" target="_blank">link</a>, you will get 15% off your order (over $25). This was not a sponsored post. I just had to tell you how excited I was about my clean floor! </div>
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Here it is again! </div>
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6533671.272;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=53463;usg=AFHzDLvz9CP_RUnAzqrVdc8CFhC8XZScMw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F53463%252FNikon-25478.html;pubid=548716;price=%24649.95;title=Nikon+D5100+16.2+Megap...;merc=Abt+Electronics+%26+Appliances;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_D5100KIT.jpg;width=85;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6534763.1039;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000028505128;pid=TPE1189_5999773;usg=AFHzDLuM1OiPAUDUxTr9yHnwQRT4IwzMBQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.wayfair.com%252FTop-Performance-Microfiber-Pet-Towel-12-Pack-in-White-TP6036-L1315-K%257ETPE1189.html%253FPiID%253D5999773;pubid=548716;price=%2444.99;title=%22Microfiber+Pet+Towel+...;merc=Wayfair;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcommon1.csnimages.com%2Flf%2F49%2Fhash%2F9811%2F4102057%2F1%2F1.jpg;width=85;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6534763.1040;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000028505128;pid=QUJ1106;usg=AFHzDLulJpFoB0gzuwrYLVphJ2TOSrns-Q;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.wayfair.com%252FLibman-Power-Scrub-Brush-57-L2773-K%257EQUJ1106.html;pubid=548716;price=%246.42;title=%22Power+Scrub+Brush%22;merc=Wayfair;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcommon1.csnimages.com%2Flf%2F49%2Fhash%2F10863%2F3886369%2F1%2F1.jpg;width=85;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-21396742020297855382012-05-30T09:26:00.000-05:002012-05-30T09:26:37.673-05:0031 Days to Clean....Reboot!I have talked about the ebook, <i>31 Days to Clean</i> by Sarah Mae before. With good intentions, I bought the book and read most of it but never really did any cleaning... Have you ever done that?? I am sure you have! Well, Sarah Mae is going to have her book published and is asking for help to revamp her book by having lovely ladies go through the challenges with her to help make it better. Check out her post by clicking on the button. <br />
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<a href="http://sarahmae.com/2012/05/31-days-to-clean-the-reboot-join-in-see-my-frizzy-hair/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJye-90ioDk/T8YtOminUoI/AAAAAAAAKeE/lxWrmSSz8UU/s1600/Reboot-OPT.jpg" /> <span id="goog_1881014062"></span></a><span id="goog_1881014063"></span></div>
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I have decided to join up and to help keep me accountable, I am going to post on here my progress! The good news is that we don't start until Monday so we have a few days to get supplies and/or motivation!! You can follow along and link up on Sarah Mae's blog as well! Here's to a clean house!! Also you can get the pdf book for half off with code "reboot" <a href="http://31daystoclean.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-60512901763080260252012-02-21T10:21:00.000-06:002012-02-21T10:21:41.825-06:00Big Mac Cake<div style="text-align: center;">
Eric completed his first wedding cake this weekend for my sister. It was gorgeous!! The best part were the flavors. One tier was lemon with lemon curd filling, then chocolate with mocha filling, and finally vanilla bean with raspberry filling. The cake was covered in homemade marshmallow fondant (much better than store bought!!). It is hard to tell but there is airbrushed flourishes in pearl on the middle tier.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7DE-1VpFHg/T0PDpt9nIyI/AAAAAAAAKds/btHtBo_Z2es/s1600/Liz+&+Tommy%27s+Wedding+Cake%0ALemon+with+lemon+curd+filling,+Chocolate+with+Mocha+filling+and+Vanilla+bean+with+raspberry+filling..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7DE-1VpFHg/T0PDpt9nIyI/AAAAAAAAKds/btHtBo_Z2es/s400/Liz+&+Tommy%27s+Wedding+Cake%0ALemon+with+lemon+curd+filling,+Chocolate+with+Mocha+filling+and+Vanilla+bean+with+raspberry+filling..jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sadly, the grooms cake stole the show. My brother-in-law's cake was a Big Mac. He and his family owns multiple McDonald's so this cake was perfect. He was very surprised! It came complete with a large drink and fries (made from sugar cookies). </div>
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We even talked him into taking a bite out of it!! </div>
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<br />We are so excited to welcome our new brother-in-law to the family! Congratulations!!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-29761480135879552282011-11-15T10:33:00.001-06:002011-11-15T11:03:48.846-06:00A little Christmas crafting...I finally broke down and created a Pinterest account! It has been a love/hate relationship. I love the ideas and the organization. I hate the tech problems and the inherent desire to create something else...<br />
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As a family, since this is little bugs first Christmas, we decided she would get one present from us along with stocking stuffers. We would open these together Christmas morning. I never really had any family traditions so I wanted to be sure Jorja grew up with some. We have already made some salt dough ornaments with her hand print and footprint!<br />
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Since we didn't have any stockings before, I decided I wanted to make some and I was inspired by this lovely photo on Pinterest (imagine that). <br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/471753994/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/264305071850912267_kFgrFqCE_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/11/glitterfied-christmas-mantel.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cottageinstincts.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/mrselh/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Melissa</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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The sad part is that there wasn't a tutorial :(<br />
After searching around, I found <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2010/12/tutorial-lined-stocking-with-cuff.html" target="_blank">this</a> tutorial from Cluck, Cluck, Sew. She did a great job explaining how to do a cuff on the stockings. I also used <a href="http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/xmas_stocking/Christmas_stocking_pattern.html" target="_blank">this</a> site for a template since I didn't have any stockings that I could just trace.<br />
Well, here is what I created! <br />
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I used "Life is Good" font. I printed our initials out (mirrored). Then traced them onto some wonder under and ironed that onto the fabric then cut out the letters and ironed them on. Such an easy way to monogram!! <br />
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We are looking for a small Christmas tree to put up this year since Jorja is crawling and pulling up everywhere.<br />
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On other great news!! We decided that we will be adding on to our house in the spring. We'll add on a master bed and bath and another bedroom. That will give us 3 bedroom/2 bath! YAY! Plus we are going to take out a wall to create a big living/dining room. I can't wait. I have been collecting tons of inspiration on Pinterest. This will all be documented, of course, and it tie into our before and after posts that you can find <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20First%20Home" target="_blank">here</a>.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-24310455046211271342011-10-17T21:55:00.003-05:002011-10-17T21:55:40.212-05:00Mr. Magnificent's Baby Shower Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not too long ago, I posted about Eric's pregnant belly cake. You can
find it <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/06/mr-magnificents-latest-cake.html">here</a>. </div>
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Well, Eric was able to make the follow up cake for the
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People are surprised to find out all of our little talents. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(sewing, crafting, taxidermy, baking, decorating)</span></div>
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They assume I am the one who makes the cakes. </div>
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They can't believe it when I tell them, no, Eric (Mr. M) does make them <span style="font-size: x-small;">(with a little help of course...)</span>. </div>
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<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-20262570503906412262011-10-06T22:54:00.003-05:002011-10-06T22:54:55.759-05:00A little weightloss update...<div style="text-align: center;">
Not too long ago I posted about our weight loss journey. Click <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/making-lifestyle-change.html">here</a> to read all about that. </div>
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Just as a reminder, here is where I started.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I can't believe I am actually admitting to this...</span></div>
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On May 24, 2011 I weighed in at 176.5 lb. </div>
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Today, October 6, 2011 I weighed 140.0 lb. </div>
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Just so you don't have to do the math... that is 36.5 pounds!!</div>
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I have also lost 48 inches. 10 of those inches were in the last month since I stopped breastfeeding.</div>
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I went from a tight size 16 to now getting into a 7/8. Some 7/8s are tight and some are fine depending on brand of course. I can wear a medium shirt. </div>
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So, how far do I have to go? Another 10.5 pounds. Did I mention high school was the last time I was this size? </div>
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How am I getting there? Sticking to my menu. Doing some Pilates and 30 day shred from Jillian Michaels. I have done one day of each in the last two weeks. I am not going to beat myself up about only doing one thing a week. Afterall, I have a 9 mo old. I am proud that I even did something.</div>
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I don't have any before/after pictures of my whole self yet. I'll save those for the big finale :)</div>
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I did get my hair cut yesterday and can share that picture with you along with one about a month before we started with Metabolic Research Center.</div>
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February</div>
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October</div>
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Thanks for stopping by. If you are new you can check out my <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/p/about.html">About</a> page to get to know me and the rest of my "Magnificent" crew. </div>
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I have to take a minute and give God some glory. I would not have been able to do this if He had not been my strength. I was seriously addicted to foods and was emotionally eating. I still fall into that from time to time. The great thing is that God loves me how I am (imperfect) and wants to see me grow. As I grow, His glory is magnified. With His power, that is just what I am doing (growing). I don't want my little one's growing up with an unhealthy diet and it is up to me to provide for them. First, I had to get my diet under control. </div>
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<center><a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Freshmen-Friday-Button-e1314966899981.jpg" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;">
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-67210007290581130792011-10-04T08:30:00.000-05:002011-10-04T08:30:02.675-05:00My RoutinesI posted yesterday about doing the 31 Days to Clean challenge. You can find the post <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/10/31-days-to-clean-having-martha-house.html">here</a>. I went ahead and added my lists for the challenge under the 31 Days to Clean page on the sidebar. This then inspired me to revamp my cleaning and daily routine page. Mind you, I don't do this to a "t" daily or even weekly but it gives me a goal! If you are struggling with your routine, I hope these help you out or inspire you. If you want either document send me a message or comment and I will email it to you. If you don't have your email linked to your Blogger profile, please include your email. <br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/67393408/Preview-of-%E2%80%9CClean-HOUSE%E2%80%9D" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Preview of “Clean HOUSE” on Scribd">Preview of “Clean HOUSE”</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_8876" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/67393408/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-n3mrv5yyl089te70qtt" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/67393404/Preview-of-%E2%80%9CJorja-Mommy-s-Routine%E2%80%9D" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Preview of “Jorja & Mommy's Routine” on Scribd">Preview of “Jorja & Mommy's Routine”</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_69582" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/67393404/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-wsz37qrdlfgs3vgdure" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-19123537884535642542011-10-03T10:51:00.000-05:002011-10-03T10:51:27.548-05:0031 Days to Clean- Having a Martha House the Mary WayAlright dear readers! I am finally going to start this! I bought this ebook, 31 Days to Clean- Having a Martha House the Mary Way, a few months ago. Right before I went to California actually. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W3UK4M/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=mrmagcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B004W3UK4M"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B004W3UK4M&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=mrmagcom-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mrmagcom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004W3UK4M&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
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I have wanted to work on it and have read a lot of it but haven't done the actual work involved. So, here I am today telling you that I am going to start today! </div>
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If you want to know more about this, check out the website. It is a great ebook for only $4.99. You can order it through the sidebar right now!! </div>
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<a href="http://31daystoclean.com/"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFwWrus4cog/TonYWJsudWI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/x8lDb6dq11s/s400/Screen+shot+2011-10-03+at+10.35.14+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know that I have talked with Sarah (my bestie) about doing this challenge together. She is tired from being pregnant and all but getting her house in order would help a lot too! The great part about this is that the Martha challenges or chores don't take long. Once day you clean out your fridge. One day you clean your oven. Plus the Mary challenges help you in a different way. Anyone can spend 10-15 minutes a day working over your house! </div>
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I know that being a stay-at-home mom has made me realize that I have to set goals each day to be productive. Otherwise I get sucked into the internet and don't accomplish much other than taking care of my child. I much prefer when I cross off most of the things on my list and my hubby comes home to a clean house. I know it improves my mood too because I actually "accomplished" something! </div>
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There are a couple different ways you can approach the 31 days. You can follow their challenges as outlined in the book or you can create your own 31 days of chores. Well, since I am not one who listens very well when told what to do, I will be creating my own list. As I accomplish them, I will mark them off. For the time being I will have a page dedicated to the 31 days and my list of what I accomplish. </div>
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Won't you join me in doing some Fall cleaning?!?!?</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-2759623845450109762011-10-01T22:24:00.001-05:002011-10-01T22:24:50.545-05:00I'd like to...This post is my way of posting and updating and being random all at the same time...<br />
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I'd like to....<br />
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<li>eat what I want without thinking about how I shouldn't be eating certain things because I need to lose these last 12 pounds.</li>
<li>be done with my <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/making-lifestyle-change.html">diet</a>.</li>
<li>have confidence that I would actually keep this weight off. </li>
<li>stop griping about my diet now.</li>
<li>magically know if we should add on to our house, buy a house, or build a house.</li>
<li>know if I really want to have kids two years apart.</li>
<li>know if three years apart would be better than two. </li>
<li>win a makeover show ( I have two pairs of pants I can fit right now)</li>
<li>know what my "style" is.</li>
<li>go shopping for some clothes that fit.</li>
<li>get rid of my baby belly (although it was so worth it).</li>
<li>read the rest of Super Baby Food.</li>
<li>tell you how much I love Babywise because it has worked great for us. </li>
<li>read a new book. </li>
<li>get a pedicure.</li>
<li>go on a date with Mr. Magnificent.</li>
<li>get more slobbery kisses from Jorja (baby M.).</li>
<li>spring clean my house.</li>
<li>sew my <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-organizers.html">latest</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelissasCustomSewing?ref=pr_shop">organizer</a> order.</li>
<li>sew a diaper bag that I bought and cut out the fabric for because it is super cute.</li>
<li>sell said diaper bag. </li>
<li><strike>eat </strike>bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies (can you tell I'm hungry).</li>
<li>tell you how much I have learned about myself in the bible study I am doing right now but I don't know if you want to know lol!</li>
<li>call my <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2010/11/dear-dad.html">dad</a> and grandpa and tell him how much their (great)granddaughter has changed. </li>
<li>have some time with my sisters without our little munchkins. </li>
<li>hear what you have to say! </li>
<li>make Jorja a quiet book! </li>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-37930330920144905572011-09-10T23:28:00.003-05:002011-09-10T23:28:44.100-05:00I'm back, kinda....I truly apologize for my absence. My grandfather passed away August 22 at the sweet old age of 92. We were blessed that he was able to pass away peacefully at home. Since my father passed away in 2008, I am the only grandchild and I have been busy taking care of everything.<br />
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We made a whirlwind trip to California and back. God has taken care of this entire situation!! It amazes me even though I shouldn't be surprised. Jorja and I are still trying to get back in the groove of things.<br />
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Did I mention that I decided to stop breastfeeding in the middle of all of this? No? Oh well, that will be another post in itself! <br /><br />
Again, I haven't forgotten you, I will return soon! Thank you for understanding!!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-6274860380359308332011-08-15T23:04:00.000-05:002011-08-15T23:04:18.977-05:00Making a Lifestyle ChangeI haven't blogged about my latest "diet" yet. The thing is, it shouldn't be a diet, it should be a lifestyle change. Last year before I conceived, I did weight watchers and lost 10lbs. I tried to be healthy when I was pregnant but that didn't happen. However, I lost all of my "baby weight" within the first 2 months. It was the other 40+ pounds that I needed to do something about. If you have had a child, you know how that reshapes you! You see, I got married and went to college in the same semester so I gained all of that weight on top of pregnancy weight. Well, Mr. Magnificent gained right along with me. We were to the point where we knew we wouldn't do something unless we put some money behind it. We are <strike>cheap</strike> frugal and being on one income made it truly a sacrifice. I knew of several people that had gone to Metabolic Research Center (MRC), including my sister. She went though them when she was nursing so I knew I could diet in a way that wouldn't jeopardize my breastfeeding.<br />
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We started MRC the 24th of May. Since then, Eric has lost 38lbs and I have lost 25.5lbs. Eric has reached his goal! Let me show you a quick before and after...<br />
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I need to get a picture of me in clothes that fit but I will give you an idea an idea of what my 25.5 lbs is like in sizes. I started out in a tight 16 and now my size 12s are getting loose. <br />
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Here is the problem I am having now... Eric is to the point where he no longer has to follow our strict menu and so it is getting harder on me to stick with my menu. As a way for me to be more accountable I am going to start blogging about my progress each week. I will tell you more about my diet as we go through this. Until then, do you have any questions?? What helps you stay on track? Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-57595378778984575872011-08-12T13:45:00.000-05:002011-08-12T13:45:13.427-05:00Comparison ShoppingI don't know about you but I spend a lot of time online researching items and comparing prices. I am not an impulse shopper. I want to make sure I get the best item and pay the cheapest price. I found a website that makes this tast a little simpler.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.become.com/images/global/become_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.become.com/images/global/become_logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
Become.com is a great source that offers several different features. They have price comparisons for whatever you are shopping for. Here is a great feature- the prices they show include shipping and applicable taxes if you include your zip-code. They also have buyer's guides for products you might search for.<br />
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I have been considering getting Jorja a smaller (easier to travel with) stroller. So, I searched for <a href="http://baby.become.com/combi-stroller">combi strollers</a>. I was able to set my price limit, choose a color and see my options. Since I am a fan of Chicco brand, I did some searching and found this stroller that I like. It is<a href="http://www.become.com/chicco-liteway-stroller"> chicco liteway</a><a href="http://www.become.com/chicco-liteway-stroller"> stroller</a>. <a href="http://become.com/">Become.com</a> listed several from Diapers.com. I was able to click on the ones I was interested in and go directly to the site itself to read reviews.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.become.com/imageserver/s0/1045007420-75-75-5-0/chicco-liteway-stroller-surf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://image.become.com/imageserver/s0/1045007420-75-75-5-0/chicco-liteway-stroller-surf.jpg" /></a></div>Even though it was $129 at diapers.com I was able to see that it was $10 cheaper at a store that I wouldn't normally search for. And I didn't have to type in 20 websites, just one.<br />
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I decided to then do some shopping around for my nephew's upcoming birthday. He turns a big 3 in September. Wow he has grown up fast!! He could use some shoes and I really liked some of the <a href="http://www.become.com/baby-jordan-shoes">Baby Jordan</a> Shoes I saw. They didn't help my baby boy fever. Since Jorja is growing out of the baby stage, I have been missing the tiny days... which makes me want another little one. A little boy this time. Not that we have any plans to add to our family any time soon but little read headed boys are adorable!! So, in the meantime, I will drool over some adorable baby sneakers! <br />
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Enjoy your weekend!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post was brought to you by your friends at Become.com.</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-43739536304316872332011-08-11T22:44:00.001-05:002011-08-11T22:57:11.006-05:00Our First Home Part 5<div style="text-align: center;">I have loathed this kitchen from the very beginning! </div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Ancient cabinets that were dark wood and 70s vibe</li>
<li>Vinyl counter with several places of missing or burnt vinyl</li>
<li>No dishwasher</li>
<li>Avadodo green stove and fridge</li>
<li>Windows that allowed you to see the laundry/sewing room (it used to be the exterior wall before they added on the room)</li>
<li>One ceiling fan/light</li>
<li>Black pantry with a couple wobbly shelves </li>
<li>And the list could go on forever</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">Well, take a look for yourself...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezcLlD24DOY/Tj9ryWF7w7I/AAAAAAAAKKc/oE0ZlpAJAIU/s1600/P1010054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezcLlD24DOY/Tj9ryWF7w7I/AAAAAAAAKKc/oE0ZlpAJAIU/s400/P1010054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKEFSWzqdXk/Tj9rvT4kqNI/AAAAAAAAKKY/qmC8vpDxOaA/s1600/P1010053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKEFSWzqdXk/Tj9rvT4kqNI/AAAAAAAAKKY/qmC8vpDxOaA/s400/P1010053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two summers ago I talked Mr. Magnificent into doing the demolition while I was in California visiting my Grandpa. My allergies don't get along with all the dust and debris. I was sick after we did Jorja's room. The decoration came from a love for my Grandmother's blue & white china. I brought some home from California and I found my theme. Did I mention I got a dishwasher!! We bought the new stove a while before the remodel. This fridge was our third for the house. We gave up and bought a brand new one. Should have got one with an ice maker though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNxJu3F2Jlg/TkScdyR6hlI/AAAAAAAAKPc/qTFPg2Za0Vg/s1600/k15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNxJu3F2Jlg/TkScdyR6hlI/AAAAAAAAKPc/qTFPg2Za0Vg/s400/k15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDVgkGJ4BYY/TkSbg6_uiQI/AAAAAAAAKPA/nT6lnROVTBE/s1600/k5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDVgkGJ4BYY/TkSbg6_uiQI/AAAAAAAAKPA/nT6lnROVTBE/s400/k5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NK5Ol6r12I/TkSbWV8GYmI/AAAAAAAAKO8/mztiUez61z8/s1600/k3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NK5Ol6r12I/TkSbWV8GYmI/AAAAAAAAKO8/mztiUez61z8/s400/k3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsQ14mE6EqA/TkSbtn9Os-I/AAAAAAAAKPI/rlo4KFFB-1A/s1600/k6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsQ14mE6EqA/TkSbtn9Os-I/AAAAAAAAKPI/rlo4KFFB-1A/s400/k6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We added the wood burning stove. I also collect metal cookie cutters and Mr. M created a way for me to display them. This was only one piece of the cookie cutters. Last I counted, I had 107 cookie cutters. It all started on our honeymoon and I have been collecting ever since.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_HuoEGnjZQ/TkScaqprCMI/AAAAAAAAKPY/_EC3kvjsGSg/s1600/k12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_HuoEGnjZQ/TkScaqprCMI/AAAAAAAAKPY/_EC3kvjsGSg/s400/k12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a closer look at some of the blue and white china. Pieces came from family, friends, yard sales and antique stores. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_ZufY0hNkU/TkSbKIOIb_I/AAAAAAAAKO4/OvU_SVsTRMc/s1600/k2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_ZufY0hNkU/TkSbKIOIb_I/AAAAAAAAKO4/OvU_SVsTRMc/s400/k2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also got to add some functional things that I love! This is great for my pots and pans. I no longer loose my lid in the corner of the cabinet. We bought these from Home Depot. We had to order my sizes and I'll admit they weren't cheap but they were a worth while splurge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz4Ni2A8h2s/TkSb3oFm1AI/AAAAAAAAKPM/PJiprnj8JI0/s1600/k7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz4Ni2A8h2s/TkSb3oFm1AI/AAAAAAAAKPM/PJiprnj8JI0/s320/k7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have all of my cutting boards and cookie sheets in here! So much better!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Owm3NqSizo/TkScD6E-dvI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/PP70qVQoRYY/s1600/k9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Owm3NqSizo/TkScD6E-dvI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/PP70qVQoRYY/s320/k9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This organizer is great since I only have 4 drawers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWd8DtJX7qo/TkScNxEjxSI/AAAAAAAAKPU/zVQK_x6oMZI/s1600/k10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWd8DtJX7qo/TkScNxEjxSI/AAAAAAAAKPU/zVQK_x6oMZI/s320/k10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just to recap.. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Before </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYJN7R5oGhU/TkSa-zSTiVI/AAAAAAAAKO0/cubzzlQ95Vc/s1600/P1110115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYJN7R5oGhU/TkSa-zSTiVI/AAAAAAAAKO0/cubzzlQ95Vc/s320/P1110115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_HuoEGnjZQ/TkScaqprCMI/AAAAAAAAKPY/_EC3kvjsGSg/s1600/k12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_HuoEGnjZQ/TkScaqprCMI/AAAAAAAAKPY/_EC3kvjsGSg/s320/k12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ah... it is nice to look through these pictures and remember just how far we have come. You may be wondering where the pictures are from the sewing room and living room. Well, we have yet to complete them. They did get new carpet when we did the rest of the house. There are talks of doing the laundry/sewing room. It has dark paneling and it is a little depressing in there. It just depends on finances and when I can talk Mr. M into it. He really is the one that does most, ok, all of the work. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I really enjoyed sharing this series with you. Thank you for all the sweet comments :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Any suggestions on what you would like to see from me next?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Incase you missed the other rooms...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-1.html">Part 1</a>- Before</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-2.html">Part 2</a>- Bathroom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-3.html">Part 3</a>- Jorja's Room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-4.html">Part 4</a>- Exterior </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Linking at Parties on Link Parties Tab and...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.504main.com/"><img alt="Tickled Pink at 504 Main" src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/Grab_button_150-1-3.jpg" /></a></div><center><a href="http://happyhourprojects.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/AdrianneSurian/HHFF1-4.jpg" /></a></center><center><a href="http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/search/label/T.G.I.F.%20Linky%20Party"><img alt="Craft Junkie Too Friend" border="0" src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g350/cjtoodesignteam/smbtnlinky.png" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><center><a href="http://www.keylimedigitaldesigns.com/"><img src="http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac241/kelimedesign/keylime125.jpg" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-84256559740099370582011-08-11T10:20:00.000-05:002011-08-11T10:20:26.752-05:00Our First Home Part 4I hope you have enjoyed <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-1.html"> Part 1</a>, <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-2.html">Part 2</a> and <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-3.html">Part 3</a>! Today I will be showing you Jorja's room! You should know that I am a "planner." I don't fly by the seat of my pants too well. I like to have a plan in advance.<br />
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So, when it came to redoing our spare room, I knew in the future it would be for our child. I also knew that I didn't want to repaint in a couple years either. I knew it would be a challenge to figure out a gender neutral nursery scheme. Thankfully I had some inspiration in a local fabric store. They had a Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter Quilt. I fell in love and Mr. M liked it as well. So, with that I picked a nice yellow for the walls. It is called Banana Split. Fun!<br />
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Before<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg0UoCeGYeI/TkPrCxYwy2I/AAAAAAAAKN0/CxrmDlMCc6M/s1600/P1010006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg0UoCeGYeI/TkPrCxYwy2I/AAAAAAAAKN0/CxrmDlMCc6M/s400/P1010006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After we took off the paneling there were layers of paper, sheet rock and more wallpaper! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eSe0ABwNFw/TkPre42oj3I/AAAAAAAAKOI/MJgMf2eM57E/s1600/100_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eSe0ABwNFw/TkPre42oj3I/AAAAAAAAKOI/MJgMf2eM57E/s400/100_0532.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Since this house was built in the 40's it is SOLID. How do you like the solid walls? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBypiU3TqxI/TkPr1UsRHWI/AAAAAAAAKOU/c0ibisL5hIw/s1600/100_0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBypiU3TqxI/TkPr1UsRHWI/AAAAAAAAKOU/c0ibisL5hIw/s400/100_0535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> After<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsXDxl4wGfo/TkPuNdLFOtI/AAAAAAAAKOk/hRtwt9ghydM/s1600/2011-01-14+at+22-20-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsXDxl4wGfo/TkPuNdLFOtI/AAAAAAAAKOk/hRtwt9ghydM/s400/2011-01-14+at+22-20-43.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRY2e_XN4sc/TkPuPrSHKUI/AAAAAAAAKOo/jslgwURHCaA/s1600/2011-01-14+at+22-20-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRY2e_XN4sc/TkPuPrSHKUI/AAAAAAAAKOo/jslgwURHCaA/s400/2011-01-14+at+22-20-52.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
One of my favorite things in her room is the book wall. Mr. M & I made the shelves and now you can see all of her books on display! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-826if2FAZtw/TkPuRheplII/AAAAAAAAKOs/3AfACfYdXG8/s1600/2011-01-14+at+22-21-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-826if2FAZtw/TkPuRheplII/AAAAAAAAKOs/3AfACfYdXG8/s400/2011-01-14+at+22-21-05.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sONzT9VjaQ/TkPuTzLar7I/AAAAAAAAKOw/lXznVpJc_h4/s1600/2011-01-14+at+22-21-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sONzT9VjaQ/TkPuTzLar7I/AAAAAAAAKOw/lXznVpJc_h4/s400/2011-01-14+at+22-21-01.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
I made all of Jorja's crib bedding. Here is her quilt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSCImjoICuY/TIZ1Tg1RuoI/AAAAAAAAHxo/94dtnHWQXLo/s1600/DSC_1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSCImjoICuY/TIZ1Tg1RuoI/AAAAAAAAHxo/94dtnHWQXLo/s320/DSC_1800.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
I changed the bumper pads when she was about 4 months old. She would get her arm in between the bumper and crib so I made the bumpers fluffy and she doesn't have that problem again. The bumpers have little pictures of Beatrix Potter characters. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270230_227022770661518_226869684010160_716433_1272394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270230_227022770661518_226869684010160_716433_1272394_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262289_227022747328187_226869684010160_716432_8105443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/262289_227022747328187_226869684010160_716432_8105443_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The crib skirt has scenes from the books. <br />
I inherited this wardrobe from my father. It was his as a child and was used for me as well. After failing at trying to re-stain it, we painted it white. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/10946_527866819744_124302716_31174401_441802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/10946_527866819744_124302716_31174401_441802_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/10946_527866660064_124302716_31174398_7870026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/10946_527866660064_124302716_31174398_7870026_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/10946_527866665054_124302716_31174399_4456065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/10946_527866665054_124302716_31174399_4456065_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Tomorrow we will have the finale with my kitchen remodel!! <br />
<span id="goog_167928335"></span><span id="goog_167928336"></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-13867171238631756872011-08-10T07:00:00.001-05:002011-08-10T06:44:00.891-05:00Our First Home Part 3If you missed<a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-1.html"> Part 1</a> or <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-2.html">Part 2</a> feel free to go back and check out all of the before pictures and our bathroom transformation!<br />
The improvements we made to the exterior went in phases. Here it is the week we bought the place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAkoDhOz3Nw/Tj9sGZJSgmI/AAAAAAAAKK0/alGtCaTDSgM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAkoDhOz3Nw/Tj9sGZJSgmI/AAAAAAAAKK0/alGtCaTDSgM/s400/P1010001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It is funny to look at this picture because I don't remember the stump or the tree because they were the first things Mr. M took care of.<br />
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Next we painted the house and Mr. M made some planters. We also hung up our porch swing. Oh along with a new front door, screen door and light.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmo35lwVMdI/TkHzmECTG3I/AAAAAAAAKMs/6Bwm0BQGMnc/s1600/100_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmo35lwVMdI/TkHzmECTG3I/AAAAAAAAKMs/6Bwm0BQGMnc/s400/100_0565.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then, last summer we decided to work on our "curb appeal." Mr. M went to a local nursery and they came out and drew out the landscaping (for free)! Then we went and purchased the plants and Eric and his dad did all of the planting. Around the same time we also laid concrete in the garage and added the door to make it a garage rather than carport.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xntWcwTxCk/TkHz9TvzHuI/AAAAAAAAKM4/kZOuHscwWDc/s1600/100_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xntWcwTxCk/TkHz9TvzHuI/AAAAAAAAKM4/kZOuHscwWDc/s400/100_1792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here is a close up of the sidewalk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXIPGSt_QGM/TkH0PR9zSqI/AAAAAAAAKM8/XQg8J-S3Qs4/s1600/100_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXIPGSt_QGM/TkH0PR9zSqI/AAAAAAAAKM8/XQg8J-S3Qs4/s400/100_1794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a mold like the one below that we used to do the pathway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=mrmagcom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00002N8SO" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is what our house looks like after our landscaping has had a year to grow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u05E2lEyyrI/TkH5IcRtYRI/AAAAAAAAKNg/xzSdIJEgwbA/s1600/DSCN1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u05E2lEyyrI/TkH5IcRtYRI/AAAAAAAAKNg/xzSdIJEgwbA/s400/DSCN1308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc7iWPmbfKM/TkH28gN9wQI/AAAAAAAAKNA/5YSrWhKBvGw/s1600/DSCN1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc7iWPmbfKM/TkH28gN9wQI/AAAAAAAAKNA/5YSrWhKBvGw/s400/DSCN1310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The poor box woods by the driveway have just about all died thanks to the neighborhood dogs. My mother-in-law suggested putting mini fire hydrants there instead. I wish I had thought to take the picture earlier so it would have been brighter but you get the idea. Have you noticed that I have two front doors? We have tried very hard to make the proper front door look that way. It enters the living room while the other door goes into my laundry and sewing room. We all know how those rooms tend look most days! <br />
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Before<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxJQ9bZ2j-k/TkH5L8_EwhI/AAAAAAAAKNk/uzvS1h1iqRQ/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxJQ9bZ2j-k/TkH5L8_EwhI/AAAAAAAAKNk/uzvS1h1iqRQ/s320/P1010001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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After<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc7iWPmbfKM/TkH28gN9wQI/AAAAAAAAKNA/5YSrWhKBvGw/s1600/DSCN1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc7iWPmbfKM/TkH28gN9wQI/AAAAAAAAKNA/5YSrWhKBvGw/s320/DSCN1310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is amazing to me what Mr. M is capable of. For all the newbies, if you are wondering where the Mr. Magnificent comes in, you are seeing part of in this series but you can also check out my <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/p/about.html">About</a> page for the full story.<br />
Linking <a href="http://bunnyjeansdecorandmore.blogspot.com/2011/08/bunny-hop-wednesday.html">here</a>. Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-45934411644401790642011-08-09T09:57:00.000-05:002011-08-09T09:57:02.092-05:00A dorm room design to rival othersGuest post written by Andrea Booker<br />
I like to take care of my sons and make sure that they are set off for their best. There's nothing different about me sending my oldest one off to college. I know that it's time to let him have some breathing room as a college student, but I want to also make sure that I have him set for everything that may come along. The first thing I can worry about is his dorm room being set up for him.<br />
He could care less about his room design, so I went online a few weeks ago to order him some dorm room decorations. While I was online looking at that, I ran across the site <a href="http://www.clearwirelessinternet4g.com/contact-clear.html" title="http://WWW.CLEARWirlessinternet4g.com site">http://WWW.CLEARWirlessinternet4g.com</a>. After I looked through it a little bit, I decided to change over our home internet service to it.<br />
I thought that for his <a href="http://kissandtell.onsugar.com/tag/Dorm-Room-Decorating-Ideas">dorm room design</a> we could go pretty neutral. I picked out a few posters of his favorite bands to go with his stuff and he acts like he's pretty impressed with all of hte stuff that I've picked out for him!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-60789470522564307482011-08-09T09:55:00.000-05:002011-08-09T09:55:56.938-05:00Trying to make ends meet...For those of you who are Stay-at-home moms, you know that trying to make ends meet is a little rough at times. Mr. M and I would like to be able to pay off our truck so we can in turn have the income needed to build a house in the not so far off future (1100 sq ft house can only hold so many people). Since I am not bringing in an income, we are trying to figure out ways I can make some money to make ends meet, have the occasional date night, and pay for gifts throughout the year.<br />
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Because of this, I have been pursuing my side job of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MelissasCustomSewing">Melissa's Custom Sewing</a> even more. I have also been looking into how to make money blogging. You may find a few more ads here and there. I hope they won't become annoying as that is not my intention. I have also joined <a href="http://www.blogsvertise.com/?rid=b65642%20">Blogvertise</a>. This company pays your via PayPal to write about certain advertisers or have guest posts about advertisers. Lets just be honest here. I can occasionally post an ad post and make $10+. Considering I have 12 people to buy for on each side of my family (24+people) for Christmas and Birthdays, that money ads up.<br />
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What I am trying to say is that I hope you will understand my occasional "ads" and that sort of thing. If you are in the same boat I am, which some of you are, you should check it out for yourself! Thanks for the understanding! Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-82895740170155286722011-08-08T23:45:00.001-05:002011-08-09T09:09:41.910-05:00Our First Home Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">If you missed Part 1, go <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-first-home-part-1.html">here</a> for that post. I left you with a sneak peek of the bathroom. I should warn you that I do not claim to be an interior decorator. I am not one to spend much money on decorating. We have always intended to sell this house at some point so I was going for pretty neutral for the wall color, fixtures, and such. Now that we have covered that....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyp631VxppA/TkCzgzlme7I/AAAAAAAAKL0/mnn3u_2i9NY/s1600/House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyp631VxppA/TkCzgzlme7I/AAAAAAAAKL0/mnn3u_2i9NY/s400/House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> We ditched any piece of the green! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8w7rm5INZE/TkC0B2m6KNI/AAAAAAAAKL8/GvSjUq4h3Ps/s1600/House1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8w7rm5INZE/TkC0B2m6KNI/AAAAAAAAKL8/GvSjUq4h3Ps/s400/House1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my red shower curtain! My sister bought it for me for Christmas one year and I still love it. It was from Target and it has a quilted look to it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NBvYUkjL1s/TkC0NCuBraI/AAAAAAAAKMA/_kvnxkAeivs/s1600/House2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NBvYUkjL1s/TkC0NCuBraI/AAAAAAAAKMA/_kvnxkAeivs/s400/House2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thankfully we were able to relocate the sink which gave us a lot more room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWBspD_y4rE/TkC0XoGV1aI/AAAAAAAAKME/qXpesB1pmPI/s1600/House3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWBspD_y4rE/TkC0XoGV1aI/AAAAAAAAKME/qXpesB1pmPI/s400/House3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What used to be a linen closet turned into a large vanity area. The only downfall is that I have to close the door to get into the cabinets on the left of the sink. You are only able to see 2/3 of the vanity in the finished picture. There are matching cubbies on the other side of the mirror. My husband and father in law built the vanity to fit our space as well as the cubbies. I found the baskets (at Wal-Mart) and had the <strike>boys</strike> men custom fit the shelves. A little secret... I had them turn the bottom right "door" into a drawer. Now I keep my towels in there. You could also use it as a laundry hamper. This was actually my father-in-law's idea! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was not to interested in having a separated tub/shower surround but since it was a remodel versus new construction, we had to find something that would fit through our house. I didn't want to deal with replacing silicone all the time so this was the best option. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On the decorations, I needed a place to display my Willow Tree collection and they ended up in the bathroom. They are all gifts from special occasions. I made the heart wreath that you can find a tutorial for <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2010/01/felt-heart-wreath.html">here</a>. It lives in my bathroom until Valentines Day comes around and then it goes on my front door. I only paid $5 for the clock on clearance at a Kirkland's in Branson, MO. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Come back tomorrow to see what the exterior of our house looks like today! Did you forget what it looked like to start with? Let me remind you- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAkoDhOz3Nw/Tj9sGZJSgmI/AAAAAAAAKK0/alGtCaTDSgM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAkoDhOz3Nw/Tj9sGZJSgmI/AAAAAAAAKK0/alGtCaTDSgM/s400/P1010001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Check out the link party tab to see where I link up frequently. As well as<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/08/tutorials-tips-link-party-24.html"> Home Stories A to Z</a>,<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/08/screen-in-your-deck-in-minutes-for-only.html?utm_source=feedburner"> Between Naps on the Porch</a>, and <a href="http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/08/inspiration-board-link-party-10.html">Homework</a>.</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-80891660285830904012011-08-08T07:00:00.002-05:002011-08-08T10:28:23.213-05:00Our First Home Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">I decided it would be fun to reminisce about our transformation of our house. We bought our house in 2006. We had been married for 2 years at the time and were renting until this house came up for sale. I have to give God some serious credit on our house and one acre because the price we paid can only be considered miraculous. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Now when you see our house when we bought it you will think we are crazy. To an extent we are. </div><div style="text-align: center;">However, we have a very handy family. My father-in-law built their home and he is also an engineer that does house plans on the side. As you know if you have been around here long, Mr. Magnificent (Eric) can do anything he sets his mind to. Plus we have a great brother and brother-in-law who are always around to help. Then we have the women for the cleaning, decorating, and of course feeding the hard working men. HaHa. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
When we bought the house, there were some things I put my foot down about that had to be done before we moved in. It has been a work in progress ever since. It has been a blast to remodel our house. We have two rooms left but little Jorja has put a halt on our remodeling for a while. Which is fine since we would rather play than deal with sheet rock dust any day! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Are you ready to see some pictures???</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAkoDhOz3Nw/Tj9sGZJSgmI/AAAAAAAAKK0/alGtCaTDSgM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAkoDhOz3Nw/Tj9sGZJSgmI/AAAAAAAAKK0/alGtCaTDSgM/s400/P1010001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The front of the house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezcLlD24DOY/Tj9ryWF7w7I/AAAAAAAAKKc/oE0ZlpAJAIU/s1600/P1010054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezcLlD24DOY/Tj9ryWF7w7I/AAAAAAAAKKc/oE0ZlpAJAIU/s400/P1010054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kitchen- the refrigerator is behind the door on the right. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKEFSWzqdXk/Tj9rvT4kqNI/AAAAAAAAKKY/qmC8vpDxOaA/s1600/P1010053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKEFSWzqdXk/Tj9rvT4kqNI/AAAAAAAAKKY/qmC8vpDxOaA/s400/P1010053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Standing in the kitchen looking at the pantry and what is now my sewing and laundry room. Yes, those are windows on the interior of my house. I can't wait to show you how I fixed the windows when we remodeled the kitchen!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCH8Q4lPor0/Tj9r0sN_ajI/AAAAAAAAKKg/mxouCohpvXU/s1600/P1010057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCH8Q4lPor0/Tj9r0sN_ajI/AAAAAAAAKKg/mxouCohpvXU/s400/P1010057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The living room. Notice the avocado green carpet!! This was the theme color for the house!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f02TTxH650s/Tj9r6F5MT0I/AAAAAAAAKKo/1DmZnLV4axE/s1600/P1010006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f02TTxH650s/Tj9r6F5MT0I/AAAAAAAAKKo/1DmZnLV4axE/s400/P1010006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What is now Jorja's room. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c4idOMQJa0/Tj9r3W520oI/AAAAAAAAKKk/FQbzlz5fqXE/s1600/P1010060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c4idOMQJa0/Tj9r3W520oI/AAAAAAAAKKk/FQbzlz5fqXE/s400/P1010060.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The bathroom. The tile was PLASTIC!! Even the ceiling was green!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_QfT2ETB5g/Tj9r8wa4z8I/AAAAAAAAKKs/bB_ioMLCm7E/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_QfT2ETB5g/Tj9r8wa4z8I/AAAAAAAAKKs/bB_ioMLCm7E/s400/P1010007.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
If you are guessing what had to be done before we moved in.....yes the bathroom was the number 1 priority. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll leave you with a sneak peek of Tuesday's post....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R19ML64GpQ/Tj9uB2hGyhI/AAAAAAAAKK4/FHsrAkj2Af4/s1600/P1030003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R19ML64GpQ/Tj9uB2hGyhI/AAAAAAAAKK4/FHsrAkj2Af4/s400/P1030003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to come back to see what we did with the bathroom after we gutted it! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Check out the link party tab for where I link up frequently!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-79417840246189570572011-08-03T13:21:00.000-05:002011-08-03T13:21:27.465-05:00Colores-Colors-Couleurs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMP7ZEXCsAU/TjmNoW0OrfI/AAAAAAAAKJc/UMPNUR9VFIw/s320/DSC_2497.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the first thing I have made for Jorja since she has been born. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I found the panel to make the book at a yardsale and scored it for $0.50. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDQNO6V7Xso/TjmNuWyZuiI/AAAAAAAAKJo/GyrHFBfSOW8/s320/DSC_2500.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the neatest things is that it is in three different languages. English, French and Spanish. Now, if I could pronounce the other languages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NI-i1OcmGP0/TjmNrWQuZOI/AAAAAAAAKJg/lgU32IE0ndQ/s320/DSC_2498.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My child loves tags and finds them on EVERY toy! So, I decided to add ribbon tags to the pages. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TaLkk_Q58R4/TjmNve3bgrI/AAAAAAAAKJs/PywzzANTnvQ/s320/DSC_2501.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0pZdBirdME/TjmN0n7j5_I/AAAAAAAAKJ0/zDrG_67o6Kc/s320/DSC_2503.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She likes it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEw6URafeFo/TjmN8LAOJUI/AAAAAAAAKKA/-BzzCtNMaCs/s320/DSC_2509.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She had to tell me how much she liked it in her own squealy language. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq4ENxwnAUg/TjmOA9vIRDI/AAAAAAAAKKM/Yq_phbDOckk/s320/DSC_2515.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_896008398"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did some hand sewing to close the pages of the book. I never hand sew. But with the help of Youtube.com I was able to gain some confidence and go for and I am quite happy about the result. I don't think Jorja is complaining either! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKVuBgpXPCI/TjmOFSzGPJI/AAAAAAAAKKU/hnIH0o1pcBc/s320/DSC_2520.jpg" width="212" /></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-3792969255341079142011-08-01T11:23:00.000-05:002011-08-01T11:23:41.835-05:00Thread Catcher Pin Cushion<div style="text-align: center;">For a while now, I have wanted to make myself a cute pic cushion and thread catcher. Since I had some leftover fabric that matched my sewing machine cover, I went to work...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD5wYatNnbM/TjbQ0whGxEI/AAAAAAAAKJQ/_tbDjSqq3Ig/s1600/DSC_2492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD5wYatNnbM/TjbQ0whGxEI/AAAAAAAAKJQ/_tbDjSqq3Ig/s320/DSC_2492.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had seen a few tutorials online but didn't use one specific one, I just went for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q6wXNOK8jk/TjbQ33SiOGI/AAAAAAAAKJU/MZlk0jS3Cvs/s1600/DSC_2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q6wXNOK8jk/TjbQ33SiOGI/AAAAAAAAKJU/MZlk0jS3Cvs/s320/DSC_2488.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Helps to spruce up my paneled wall sewing/laundry room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbGjNwm0LvM/TjbQ6r2GAmI/AAAAAAAAKJY/A_-MWTzQQEk/s1600/DSC_2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbGjNwm0LvM/TjbQ6r2GAmI/AAAAAAAAKJY/A_-MWTzQQEk/s320/DSC_2489.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Practical and cute!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to check out the giveaways at <a href="http://www.alittleumbrella.com/2011/07/giveaway-and-review-melissas-custom.html">Put a Little Umbrella in Your Drink</a> and <a href="http://www.frugalityisfree.com/2011/07/coupon-organizer-melissas-custom-sewing.html#more">Frugality is Free</a> to win a Cash/Coupon Wallet! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I linked up on some of the parties listed under the Linky Party tabs. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-58922649797394037942011-07-25T09:35:00.000-05:002011-07-25T09:35:54.890-05:00Making Apple Baby Food Using a Kitchen Aid Food Strainer Attachment<div style="text-align: center;">I knew I would want to make our own baby food. Save money, no preservatives, ya da ya da. So, I thought it would be a great idea to have the Food Strainer Attachment for my <a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2010/05/kitchenaid-mixer-cake-decorating.html">Kitchen Aid Mixer</a> I got last summer. My mother-in-law got it for me for my baby shower gift. Saturday I broke it out and put it to good use.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started with 6 Granny Smith and 6 Golden Delicious apples. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBUENucKHyY/Ti16M9upT3I/AAAAAAAAKIM/eIm1nmgXrbI/s320/DSC_2669.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Start by washing your apples and removing stickers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqw-_6NQnUs/Ti16PaodJKI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/B8PA-9PI-Ds/s320/DSC_2671.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I let my apples dry while I took care of Jorja. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_mhrs88zSw/Ti16RvJEddI/AAAAAAAAKIU/exy2b38XzD4/s320/DSC_2675.jpg" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then slice your apples and remove the core. My apple slicer broke so I used a good 'ol knife.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtJVqmfZQ9E/Ti16UEe2eHI/AAAAAAAAKIY/29WM-tlniRk/s320/DSC_2677.jpg" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Since it is over 100 degrees lately, I wasn't about to turn on my oven so I steamed my apples until they were tender. Be sure to save the water in case you need to thin your apple puree. The water has the nutrients in it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jycqRT1HgUo/Ti16WlvuLvI/AAAAAAAAKIc/-rKxhNXyBow/s320/DSC_2679.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Then I set up my mixer. The big bowl catches the puree and the smaller bowl catches the peeling or "junk."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-4Oy15p57c/Ti16Yy4-8ZI/AAAAAAAAKIg/iUr2WWI6sEM/s320/DSC_2681.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The junk comes out the little whole at the end of the strainer attachment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbBD6gibEKY/Ti16bEP3raI/AAAAAAAAKIk/F9H2ZE51F9M/s320/DSC_2683.jpg" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, feed your apples through the strainer. I decided to run the junk through again just to make sure I didn't miss out on any yumminess, but I don't think it made a difference. Some reviews said there was a lot of waste but I didn't think it was more than if I had peeled the apples to start with. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then you can separate your apples into ice cube trays, store them in the fridge or use at the next meal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been using this website for most of my baby food questions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkh27JzHfnk/TiuNSPCwAjI/AAAAAAAAKIE/Gg_KRtUW0IM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-23+at+10.06.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkh27JzHfnk/TiuNSPCwAjI/AAAAAAAAKIE/Gg_KRtUW0IM/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-23+at+10.06.05+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> They are pretty comprehensive. They have lists of what babies should eat and when. How to cook, make, and store baby food and even menus for later on. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">**A note on cleaning the mixer and attachments- do it RIGHT AWAY! **</div><div style="text-align: center;">**Do not let it sit for any amount of time or it will be very hard to clean. **</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now for some cute baby pictures...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m86MXxp10Ak/Ti1-C9xtA3I/AAAAAAAAKIo/JUtMr5yEETQ/s320/DSC_2652.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She LOVES green beans! Can you tell?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzFNnfi7vh8/Ti1-FHotTQI/AAAAAAAAKIs/kX6LYYixboo/s320/DSC_2663.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She wasn't a fan of mush o' banana but she liked it in her little baby feeder thing. If you aren't familiar with these, the part in her mouth is mesh and as she bites, the juice or mush comes out. Great for teething because you can put a frozen piece of fruit in there to soothe their gums.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Rue0E9mABE/Ti1-HLRyrmI/AAAAAAAAKIw/6ppe7mVcn0w/s320/DSC_2695.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here she is eating her first Popsicle. I refuse to let her have ice cream so this was a Grandpa pleasing treat. She liked it. Everything in moderation- right?!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-68086594798052266772011-07-22T09:19:00.000-05:002011-07-22T09:19:53.941-05:00Giveaways- because I love you so..Today is the LAST day to enter the giveaway over at G.I. Joe's Wife. You have pretty good chance of wining so go enter!! This giveaway ends at 10pm E.T.<br />
<br />
There is a new giveaway over at <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alittleumbrella.com/2011/07/giveaway-and-review-melissas-custom.html"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9EQDL9JOKI4/TimF9sAPnmI/AAAAAAAAKHA/IkvB7fegIm0/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-22+at+9.14.45+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>There is also a surprise gift if you head over there and check it out! She has the easiest entry form for the giveaway. You won't have to comment each time but rather fill out her easy form! <br />
<br />
HAPPY FRIDAY!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-14955480218400130572011-07-20T10:22:00.001-05:002011-07-20T10:24:38.632-05:00Jorja's Schedule & BabywiseBefore I ever had Jorja, I read Babywise by Gary Ezzo. Now I know, you have probably heard horrible things about this OR you have heard rave reviews. I am going to tell you about my experience and how it has turned out for us. I have a cousin that read Babywise and we loved being around her children and how well it worked for them. So, being the reader that I am, I grabbed the book and read it a whole year before I was even pregnant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/2135213TZBL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/2135213TZBL._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then we had her and new mommy fear took over. I was so afraid Jorja was going to choke on her own spit and so she ended up sleeping with us for the first two weeks. Because of the<a href="http://mrmagnificentandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/02/too-much-information-warning-this-post.html"> breastfeeding issues</a> I had, I was persuaded to feed on demand. By two weeks- I was about to loose my mind. Then I was able to talk to my cousin and she reminded me about Babywise. Since on-demand feeding was not working for us, what would it hurt to start working on Babywise? Since I couldn't call my cousin every minute of the day, I got out my Babywise book and reread pieces of it. Then I started searching the internet for some POSITIVE Babywise information. This is when I came across an amazing website and Google group.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.babywisemom.com/"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiD2QPDYTZ4/TibpCuW2ewI/AAAAAAAAKG8/G-YLI37y-1Q/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-20+at+9.40.41+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>This amazing woman, Valerie, is queen of Babywise. She has three children of her own which results in a lot of experience with all things baby and Babywise. She also created a Google Group for the blog so you can get real advice from other moms!<br />
<br />
Back to Jorja's story....<br />
<br />
We started working on getting Jorja on the Eat-Wake-Sleep pattern. This was easy enough. Then we worked towards 2.5-3 hr schedule and we managed to do that. What really made the difference and I believe led to her sleeping through the night, was starting her day at the same time. So, we would get up between 7 and 7:30 and within a week she was sleeping through the night. Jorja dropped her middle of the night feeding on her own by 12 weeks. I would feed her at 10:30 and then she would go all the way through! We have worked through our other steps and we are now on a four hour schedule.<br />
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Here is was a typical day for Jorja looks like.<br />
<br />
7-7:30 Wake up, nurse<br />
9 Naptime<br />
11 Nurse & cereal + vegetables<br />
12:15-12:30 naptime<br />
3 Nurse & cereal + vegetables<br />
4:45-5 Nap (if we are home) <br />
Around 6 (just depends) Nurse<br />
7:15-7:30 Bedtime<br />
<br />
Keep in mind I am NOT a morning person and we are working on having fruit and cereal for her breakfast as soon as she gets fruit that is. According to Babywise II they should have fruit and cereal for breakfast, vegetables and fruit for lunch and vegetables and cereal for dinner. Since we felt it was important to get some good veggies in her before fruit, we are working towards the goal of what Babywise II recommends. Since you have to wait 3-7 days to introduce a new food, it take a little while. Green beans and bananas are on the schedule for this week!<br />
<br />
Here are a few reasons why Babywise works for us:<br />
<ol><li>I have a need to be organized and Babywise allows me to have a schedule while still being able to be FLEXIBLE and take care of our needs.</li>
<li>Babywise gives me guidance on things that I would have no clue about (how much food and when) </li>
<li>It combines the child's needs along with my judgment to make the best decisions. I am not letting my 6 mo old make the decisions but I do use her needs as a guide. </li>
<li>Babywise is more than just a schedule. It is a way of life. One of the biggest things I have taken away is that I need to "begin as I mean to end." So, if I don't want to have to rock, sing, bounce, soothe, etc my child to sleep when they are 3, why would I start that habit now? If you do these things, that is your own personal desire and that is fine, it just doesn't work for us. Trust me I get enough grief for not rocking my child to sleep but my daughter is 6 months old and she puts herself to sleep. I consider this a good thing.</li>
</ol>Just like with anything in life, you have to make your own personal decisions on what works for you. I am not trying to jam my opinions down your throat but rather share our story. <br />
A few questions for you...<br />
Have you heard of Babywise before? Was what you heard positive or negative?<br />
Do you actually know someone who has used Babywise?<br />
What do you think about it?<br />
<br />
Hope you have a great Wednesday!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247315004313395672.post-88971183757176316092011-07-15T10:23:00.000-05:002011-07-15T10:23:44.533-05:00Giveaway!! @ G.I. Joe's Wife<div style="text-align: center;">Have you been admiring the cash and coupon organizers? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, here is your chance to win an organizer and change purse. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My bestie is hosting this giveaway! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gijoeswife.blogspot.com/2011/07/handmade-giveaway.html"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQqrfOFwsKA/TiBaszw1A8I/AAAAAAAAKGw/U6fhIWyq6FA/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-15+at+10.19.27+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Head over to G.I. Joe's Wife and enter to win this set! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHgHwvb0x5E/ThR5PU1zcZI/AAAAAAAAKDM/rng9a7v75r0/s1600/DSCN1183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHgHwvb0x5E/ThR5PU1zcZI/AAAAAAAAKDM/rng9a7v75r0/s320/DSCN1183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI2P5lptpLw/ThR5SeUfjfI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/4F0AODSPb8w/s1600/DSCN1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI2P5lptpLw/ThR5SeUfjfI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/4F0AODSPb8w/s320/DSCN1184.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She will be offering one entry for voting for your favorite fabric. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is going to be very helpful as I stock my etsy store! </div><div style="text-align: center;">So hurry and go vote! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
All entries must be submitted by July 22, 2010 10pm E.T. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582567531688186428noreply@blogger.com1