tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30408352202578904202024-03-15T14:21:40.099-04:00threads and thoughts and things i loveValeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.comBlogger635125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-16015930145105388232014-06-30T17:39:00.000-04:002014-06-30T17:39:45.565-04:00VK MADE Quilts: My Newest Endeavor!Four months ago, I made <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/03/rainbow-baby-quilt.html">this baby quilt </a>for AA. I loved making it; AA loved playing on it; naturally, I felt inspired to make even more.
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I had this thought in my head that baby blankets weren't really just for babies. They're for <i>families</i>. Blankets go everywhere with babies: through all the different rooms of the house, while they travel, to the park, to grandparents' and aunts' and uncles' houses. Not only that, but eventually babies become toddlers, who become kids, who become teenagers.</div>
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With that in mind, why not make a quilt that a baby would love--using bold colors and a geometric pattern--but with a modern aesthetic that would fit into a family's living room as part of the decor after baby's gone to bed? A quilt that could be well-loved throughout a child's life into adulthood, without being covered in cartoon giraffes?</div>
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I threw this line of thinking out to my friend Kendra, and she immediately shared my vision, so what else was there to do but partner up? That's when <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VKmadequilts?ref=l2-shopheader-name">VK MADE</a> was born!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlFwTRQIJK2QWeBGMWUVBkw5iLCrJ5MqHoxugL0mVYSTuFijL2LbgsGrSuhwEwE4_zX09qjse-1Al3-vl7Qeq1zOQWE2eHWcdSuk4YTJMKakSzlUnrQdv6JbMgkL-w78o_gsnJagFPdGm/s1600/VK+quilts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlFwTRQIJK2QWeBGMWUVBkw5iLCrJ5MqHoxugL0mVYSTuFijL2LbgsGrSuhwEwE4_zX09qjse-1Al3-vl7Qeq1zOQWE2eHWcdSuk4YTJMKakSzlUnrQdv6JbMgkL-w78o_gsnJagFPdGm/s1600/VK+quilts.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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We designed and brainstormed and sewed and worked for months, and now it's a reality, up on Etsy and out in the world! Here's our starting line-up of 6 quilts:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G_GUzA26kIso3Wf80mrzb7DTrU3obQh8SFNsmwmX0fuPBeP4WXFuQ7vVvvX0qx9n-keBGuOv7Ye7t6JeUp9Gmtr_A-XfhkZ2mKt1E8tEzZHlcmy6elITYl8B0eAfpqGoXqNiPytvXKW0/s1600/il_570xN.614771278_82a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G_GUzA26kIso3Wf80mrzb7DTrU3obQh8SFNsmwmX0fuPBeP4WXFuQ7vVvvX0qx9n-keBGuOv7Ye7t6JeUp9Gmtr_A-XfhkZ2mKt1E8tEzZHlcmy6elITYl8B0eAfpqGoXqNiPytvXKW0/s1600/il_570xN.614771278_82a6.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192948714/the-brighten-up-quilt-modern-ombre-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_4">The Brighten Up Quilt</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsps8X4mKir6C6EEkGfn7SR1Zn2PHma8-lNyEMchndtm-bukjAkKHFuD7PAdf2TXLda-tg36p4mm90N2pdmcR3y_itACeVOjpx8lLPbTC_vRjYXR6X5PQ9pxN_jqF9wDVNi1Yh7cgJ32D/s1600/il_570xN.614781296_9f7p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsps8X4mKir6C6EEkGfn7SR1Zn2PHma8-lNyEMchndtm-bukjAkKHFuD7PAdf2TXLda-tg36p4mm90N2pdmcR3y_itACeVOjpx8lLPbTC_vRjYXR6X5PQ9pxN_jqF9wDVNi1Yh7cgJ32D/s1600/il_570xN.614781296_9f7p.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192959279/the-overunder-quilt-modern-stripe-quilt?ref=related-0">The Over/Under Quilt</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Likaics7Lxx0yRC9QmOddktbQoCRGGEjIm69sZtiiXFxALSeY-IBEkB5hEkKZs9ch2QMzYub4NJULeKdQi1i_B4WtQI6dLsqbjUM3p0AauGuyzzAiiI4fY5CLYWJv3hvQLy3W_bXL8no/s1600/il_570xN.615008103_b08x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Likaics7Lxx0yRC9QmOddktbQoCRGGEjIm69sZtiiXFxALSeY-IBEkB5hEkKZs9ch2QMzYub4NJULeKdQi1i_B4WtQI6dLsqbjUM3p0AauGuyzzAiiI4fY5CLYWJv3hvQLy3W_bXL8no/s1600/il_570xN.615008103_b08x.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192948514/the-new-addition-quilt-black-and-white?ref=listing-shop-header-0">The New Addition Quilt in Black</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSl9XIppJ8R5BAVdGiM46dQ8bcanyUQjWvnYgBB_4Jj0fEuvhNUVzCgMbL9dMd99PdEJ-4gg8chT6_zs-k0dDqLcnHmpqRCIDsLolvALY0Fknse17v0WFrrC7SdcHPQW9HDHvHkW_xwbm/s1600/il_570xN.615538749_rde1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSl9XIppJ8R5BAVdGiM46dQ8bcanyUQjWvnYgBB_4Jj0fEuvhNUVzCgMbL9dMd99PdEJ-4gg8chT6_zs-k0dDqLcnHmpqRCIDsLolvALY0Fknse17v0WFrrC7SdcHPQW9HDHvHkW_xwbm/s1600/il_570xN.615538749_rde1.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192943229/the-pixel-quilt-modern-multicolored?ref=listing-shop-header-4">The Pixel Quilt</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUBZwkYapUWwctv-eT2ubi6cq2p_DR8jMhAjhcFU7U1MqYAoLwOytirCAJgmFMcrHiYSdfO2QgLyatd06PP9ghzCFT-ljL66yIRymO-A8FZVkcASMBffG4NlUAGvTpirdf3fMsbqz4QBe/s1600/Photo+Jun+12,+5+39+02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUBZwkYapUWwctv-eT2ubi6cq2p_DR8jMhAjhcFU7U1MqYAoLwOytirCAJgmFMcrHiYSdfO2QgLyatd06PP9ghzCFT-ljL66yIRymO-A8FZVkcASMBffG4NlUAGvTpirdf3fMsbqz4QBe/s1600/Photo+Jun+12,+5+39+02+PM.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192932950/the-new-addition-quilt-white-and-black?ref=listing-shop-header-2">The New Addition Quilt in White</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QW69K5FDRvqQ5gamBusQEsNKWrrkAahervkSayy8wB2mf63Zt9sz6ij7-f_mjwcV3MEFemqgm4sb-ZEVGIHaNlta4VfvMysVYQ8bPuQMpWpjnQlM-OKwE8cQGOI-CoIncJhPsitTyG6H/s1600/il_570xN.614796696_p339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QW69K5FDRvqQ5gamBusQEsNKWrrkAahervkSayy8wB2mf63Zt9sz6ij7-f_mjwcV3MEFemqgm4sb-ZEVGIHaNlta4VfvMysVYQ8bPuQMpWpjnQlM-OKwE8cQGOI-CoIncJhPsitTyG6H/s1600/il_570xN.614796696_p339.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192958999/the-confetti-quilt-modern-triangle-quilt?ref=listing-shop-header-1">The Confetti Quilt</a><br />
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Kendra and I have had a fantastic time working through all this together and feel like we've created something we are proud to put our names on (or our initials, I guess!). If you like looking at pretty little quilts, here are all the links where you can stalk us online:<br />
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Etsy: <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/vkmadequilts">VK MADE</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/wearevkmade">@wearevkmade</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vkmadequilts">@vkmadequilts</a>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-57569493688229898822014-06-10T13:37:00.000-04:002014-06-10T13:37:13.813-04:00Quilt for a Little One #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been using up all my scraps like crazy making little baby quilts! Here's a third in the very same design as <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/03/another-quilt-for-little-one.html">this quilt </a>and <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/03/rainbow-baby-quilt.html">this quilt</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-0jU8rchkNgBh_Lt5eKzWWENevAlIMv0tLTsBRFqlzveKHXfea7ar-FzAvSR1kgCue4MQblSfV_K4_j8RvYq7oVex4h8lUQ4C_ZFoj2MFWKdHYzuokHGVaBpeA3_XCXehSSdNCxbynVb/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-0jU8rchkNgBh_Lt5eKzWWENevAlIMv0tLTsBRFqlzveKHXfea7ar-FzAvSR1kgCue4MQblSfV_K4_j8RvYq7oVex4h8lUQ4C_ZFoj2MFWKdHYzuokHGVaBpeA3_XCXehSSdNCxbynVb/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
This time, I used scraps from several different places: all the solid colors are leftover from various versions of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182903637/heart-shaped-waistband-skirt-seafoam?ref=shop_home_active_6">Heart-Shaped Waistband Skirts</a> from my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home">Etsy shop</a>; the white print and pale mint stripes are both from my <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-20-year-quilt.html">20-Year Quilt</a>; the border, binding, and back are the spare fabric I had after making <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2013/11/bridesmaids-dress-collection-julia.html">this collection of bridesmaid dresses</a>. What a mash-up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4QR7e3zJz4uXyDCci-A5n8H2ctFEP-s49_R_7d-_VgvVQHF1XPRzz2X_NBiTvLkIW7pR3No3c5IuUIXi207C53FrihNiuxpPWtns220xnyi1YQigYcKYS5fDYcRpWsTJzFgPrdi1MPUh/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4QR7e3zJz4uXyDCci-A5n8H2ctFEP-s49_R_7d-_VgvVQHF1XPRzz2X_NBiTvLkIW7pR3No3c5IuUIXi207C53FrihNiuxpPWtns220xnyi1YQigYcKYS5fDYcRpWsTJzFgPrdi1MPUh/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
The most fun detail is that it's quilted in yellow stitching! Normally I just use off-white, but this whole thing was already so colorful and bright, it seemed only natural to have another happy little color contribution.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kcwdpUSO15I4S96FZvw0amaR4l09Rhz5Ow_L2BuUDhwUvx59pM_Mt6hCj1TMUfaqNyJYzd3TigOvqWZbOHfAPJr1VfcPDOO0UO9rYC8hYTlbSZSwcoqBf3_dE7T4aZodXh-F9IDFyTEU/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kcwdpUSO15I4S96FZvw0amaR4l09Rhz5Ow_L2BuUDhwUvx59pM_Mt6hCj1TMUfaqNyJYzd3TigOvqWZbOHfAPJr1VfcPDOO0UO9rYC8hYTlbSZSwcoqBf3_dE7T4aZodXh-F9IDFyTEU/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And yes (obviously), this baby is a girl! Hopefully a future very, very girly girl :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcthQpkQaiKWNyprtfxamgpl1-cg4ai3b_kceIbRaDac7sQXta2VWdS7ueF3gPAJmreqedr37Bu0zcH8w7WL-GG9deQ5vkKpGwSwVsEe7KbQv2aDoZ1R9ZMqaUGA-Isw7MEsKxX_lPblTI/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcthQpkQaiKWNyprtfxamgpl1-cg4ai3b_kceIbRaDac7sQXta2VWdS7ueF3gPAJmreqedr37Bu0zcH8w7WL-GG9deQ5vkKpGwSwVsEe7KbQv2aDoZ1R9ZMqaUGA-Isw7MEsKxX_lPblTI/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-83470172946308194102014-05-29T09:00:00.000-04:002014-05-29T09:00:06.805-04:00Vera Aveline Tutorial: Sweet as a Peach MaxiIn an effort to continue making simple, quick-to-construct clothing that will suit this desert climate (we've already hit 100 degrees several days!), this week I took on <a href="http://www.madalynne.com/">Madalynne</a>'s <a href="http://www.madalynne.com/make-vera-aveline">Vera Aveline tutorial.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotuwPKbAQl4TWI7ARO_HKXBjZ0SPRzDsueX4eN5YC2_OWHCr1uOMpbIXT-0uvsZOYlq3dKckkE4-4HTSg66DxhDxQ75LVcW67ygwEVDCTm_hPsTalgfJM5iHQFFeXsQhuvxvKXH08N1fJ/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotuwPKbAQl4TWI7ARO_HKXBjZ0SPRzDsueX4eN5YC2_OWHCr1uOMpbIXT-0uvsZOYlq3dKckkE4-4HTSg66DxhDxQ75LVcW67ygwEVDCTm_hPsTalgfJM5iHQFFeXsQhuvxvKXH08N1fJ/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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This dress is so simple--literally two rectangles of fabric sewn together and attached to straps--and the result is a super flowy, comfortable dress. My fabric choice made this so light and airy as well (p.s. the print is peaches!).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvVipunayx8APcir6VL448vz6S4mCJmDKLhDkc88ZyMkQaK8LP39N-qjVgMy7zaWROKQVCNG8-zCa_-F32INz9zNkukfZLHBZNbr2qzaNZJw-rV9WXRgFy_8HevXlcqlcKeuVe8kV8wmg/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvVipunayx8APcir6VL448vz6S4mCJmDKLhDkc88ZyMkQaK8LP39N-qjVgMy7zaWROKQVCNG8-zCa_-F32INz9zNkukfZLHBZNbr2qzaNZJw-rV9WXRgFy_8HevXlcqlcKeuVe8kV8wmg/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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While this isn't super practical for me right now in terms of my day-to-day, I think this dress is just <i>begging </i>to be worn while lounging poolside this summer, perhaps with some sort of cabana situation involved. In fact, I already tested that scenario out and am wearing my swimsuit underneath in these pictures - holla!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIldteIUtGdE_Xx9d3u45n8k4ziGdDgCci0dKPzrjhgQXcBFkBRck6vqPFWq4TlBen3N7JGHEVE1aRuGtaGlWpkUI0aESvm_6FRUdDAcnYG9mSwoweyjeCVC9S8Ba9o3593pQ21bWYsdf-/s1600/IMG_1772e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdpPeuzAS6KJHv4ELbpZlobZ7jmpdJyaCgjTTGZ5ZBxpPYuLp7oD_U0-crt2lvxmq65-gXg368a6oF58DHZhnJuhoh1tfaqnw7DEkBESJbX-2fwSEBR5h6Z0eMRre0ydMU3ZzPf-fvPtj/s1600/Vera+Aveline+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdpPeuzAS6KJHv4ELbpZlobZ7jmpdJyaCgjTTGZ5ZBxpPYuLp7oD_U0-crt2lvxmq65-gXg368a6oF58DHZhnJuhoh1tfaqnw7DEkBESJbX-2fwSEBR5h6Z0eMRre0ydMU3ZzPf-fvPtj/s1600/Vera+Aveline+1.jpg" height="640" width="588" /> </a></div>
My favorite feature is probably the t-strap in the back. I love the way it hangs and the way it splits the shoulders.<br />
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Can't get much better than a two-hour make that turns out as floaty as this dress. If I'm ever pregnant in the summer again, this would also be so fabulous to make again and again and again for every day of the week.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIldteIUtGdE_Xx9d3u45n8k4ziGdDgCci0dKPzrjhgQXcBFkBRck6vqPFWq4TlBen3N7JGHEVE1aRuGtaGlWpkUI0aESvm_6FRUdDAcnYG9mSwoweyjeCVC9S8Ba9o3593pQ21bWYsdf-/s1600/IMG_1772e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIldteIUtGdE_Xx9d3u45n8k4ziGdDgCci0dKPzrjhgQXcBFkBRck6vqPFWq4TlBen3N7JGHEVE1aRuGtaGlWpkUI0aESvm_6FRUdDAcnYG9mSwoweyjeCVC9S8Ba9o3593pQ21bWYsdf-/s1600/IMG_1772e.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Thank you to <a href="http://www.madalynne.com/">Maddie</a> for sharing this tutorial with the internet! I'm so happy to add this one to my closet!Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-50463851500491494502014-05-27T09:00:00.000-04:002014-05-27T09:00:02.875-04:00Viva-ing Las Vegas: The Neon Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend we went to a delightful little corner of Las Vegas: <a href="http://www.neonmuseum.org/">The Neon Museum</a>, aka the Neon Boneyard (because it's where neon signs go for their final resting place). Apparently, this place was also made famous by this season's finale for <i>The Amazing Race</i>? Sweet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwU3dnkYETjYQIyylqans7cPK0UK6ul6vwoRmG8gGvESTi_gp6qfP2mpbwj8c-ZSICz1_plbFAjusdzd_1Y7tvAQGLEt8cV1ed1bmNff8nUTOWFZx5JhHGUhcACQTRpLQdXDdHSflx5pg/s1600/Neon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwU3dnkYETjYQIyylqans7cPK0UK6ul6vwoRmG8gGvESTi_gp6qfP2mpbwj8c-ZSICz1_plbFAjusdzd_1Y7tvAQGLEt8cV1ed1bmNff8nUTOWFZx5JhHGUhcACQTRpLQdXDdHSflx5pg/s1600/Neon+1.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
The Museum is basically a giant collection of old signage from all around Las Vegas - going back around 80 years - all artfully arranged in a big junkyard. So, it's awesome.<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0THYnWG9CasmI5sriGDelb5LkhCJmQT-NK5NFPiYgFFWP20EFJfHY6AocHSLtNHKYgPfoittMnbu92ThxMxVDl1tyh-1G-1vkB6IbWWcuufgau4Gp0-ugQVmlZGXwJA5YxGFnbRZYWL9/s1600/Neon+4.jpg" height="472" width="640" /> The only way to visit is by guided tour, which I at first thought was sort of annoying, but as it turns out, our guide was fantastic and the anecdotes and unique history of Vegas she provided were so fascinating and so much fun to listen to. There is so much nostalgia with all those old (now defunct) hotels and casinos! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pRZpm6j84zLtYD5KfjybFqg-PxXRHLbz5iFw80-etnXGSx-J65_ai92Kb8xyUa3UKi4jS5W6x5i-8uGo-LtvmoCBuoioZtQh_MlEiIQ_0Z_tpfp9h6DP5i1YV5o_9w0OsxCTVTKmA9Ee/s1600/Neon+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pRZpm6j84zLtYD5KfjybFqg-PxXRHLbz5iFw80-etnXGSx-J65_ai92Kb8xyUa3UKi4jS5W6x5i-8uGo-LtvmoCBuoioZtQh_MlEiIQ_0Z_tpfp9h6DP5i1YV5o_9w0OsxCTVTKmA9Ee/s1600/Neon+2.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
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One of my favorites was the sign from Vegas' Moulin Rouge. They have rearranged the letters of it, though, so that it says "in love" - how precious is that?! The tour guide said people get married in front of it all the time. Awwww!</div>
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Another fun part was this HUMONGOUS skull from the old pirate show in front of Treasure Island. The tour guide said if we wanted to see it's face, to go to Google Maps satellite view and zoom in... <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW8XjQ637HWwUGtOqoHRlhH5gDu8sm0KKTAgVYfqggKy5Us4DlozeAp7RVi_ORTTB5Pbbjd2nCe8hAuuXV0JHA3z56mAzZMRRyJy-9gDH7aGi6TPsTOzdomVMXA2bPY-NikbY8HilHDNz/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" height="480" width="640" /><br />
So I did, of course:<br />
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We chose to go on a night tour to see everything lit up, but I actually think a day tour would be just as much fun and you would be able to see more details of all the signs and probably catch quite a few things you couldn't see in the dark! Also, it's like half the price :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.neonmuseum.org/">The Neon Museum</a> is on Las Vegas Boulevard, just north of the Strip and not far at all from Fremont Street area, so it would be super easy to make a stop by here even if you were just on the regular Vegas vacation down on the Strip!
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We've spent the last few months watching a gigantic ferris wheeler sloooooowly being built down on the Strip, hoping hoping hoping it would be finished before we move in August. And it is! Here's the punnily named <a href="http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/high-roller.html?promoCode=locals#.U3ZCFoXaDp8">High Roller</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_06eZtZI3C0KiVUyAAJRG19gOrurYpOsL0IwsIaD4ycRGnkOmUApfCF_kqUpXyGuSIwr3ZSIkr7EA7o1cZZYFSzgIrltrbEcEuBCn0Ml3W2T0aSA4o2zMjDP66fOjd2Rd1uasDIKfxgg/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_06eZtZI3C0KiVUyAAJRG19gOrurYpOsL0IwsIaD4ycRGnkOmUApfCF_kqUpXyGuSIwr3ZSIkr7EA7o1cZZYFSzgIrltrbEcEuBCn0Ml3W2T0aSA4o2zMjDP66fOjd2Rd1uasDIKfxgg/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
It's the largest observation wheel in the WORLD at 550 feet. I'm a sucker for a great view of a big city, and this is the best way to get it, no doubt.<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGFqNbUpEaJpfi7kfLekRkh-y5WNNkt4zsEIcBtLdKedCJh4zNMB70fem2fvYiv5hVT4tEswPUvitldciTyG0ie_0X5Yc1booprIpe9L7cp92fb1YG8cbxp009tgarhmCSvbG-kfSYe2s/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" height="282" width="640" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv80Q2GHxxuvscgosy9-C4R51Q6wsXo0AtCBmYYbzrdtThbOkmaW1MrtQtzYRnDQXUL3BPera9vLwxNo3i02uKFFdjGA95AbLQ0xDeH9bV4gN7WQbw_obpsRoil1m-n5aJ2nI1zuuxor5B/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv80Q2GHxxuvscgosy9-C4R51Q6wsXo0AtCBmYYbzrdtThbOkmaW1MrtQtzYRnDQXUL3BPera9vLwxNo3i02uKFFdjGA95AbLQ0xDeH9bV4gN7WQbw_obpsRoil1m-n5aJ2nI1zuuxor5B/s1600/IMG_1687.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>It took about 30 minutes to go all the way around, and the cabins have windows on all sides so you can walk around and get any view you want. Up to 40 people can stand in each pod, but there were only about a dozen in ours (maybe because of the time of day we went - Sunday at noon), so there was plenty of space to move all around.</div>
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Even AA loved it! Or at least didn't cry about it (which is basically what we use to judge if he likes something or not at this point). He seemed so fascinated looking out all the windows and really seemed to like looking <i>down</i> - I'm guessing he didn't quite understand how high up we were, haha! Or he just loves heights and we have a dare devil on our hands.<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZuT7cFKMuO6FWgOBMjMWjLc_HQD2dBgHMbHLfjZhH-qLoAMWWsXvxC88sLcTb9M8oS3t_Eb8cVtVEAzinkxLEjDxJXdQuy0Pdnhy7cKKg17lT8QPDgJWo4nmvMMNWsuhYM0OQD3BYZah/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </div>
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We decided to ride during the day time so AA could come with us (and also because moms rode free on Mother's Day - YES PLEASE) and we loved being able to see all the way to the mountains, but how breathtaking would this be at night with all the lights?! Maybe we'll ride again for a little date night.</div>
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We <i>high</i>ly recommend you put <a href="http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/high-roller.html?promoCode=locals#.U3ZCFoXaDp8">the <i>High</i> Roller</a> <i>high</i> on your list of things to do when you come to Vegas. It's a welcome break from the busyness of walking along the strip, and so nice to be out in the sunshine with all the views instead of stuck in a smoky casino - for at least a little while!<br />
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Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-18554848411034447692014-05-14T13:02:00.000-04:002014-05-14T13:02:43.979-04:00Summertime Dress: Take 3 - Romper Version!I made another of my <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/04/summertime-dress-take-2.html">Summertime Dresses</a>! This time, in a kitschy little pineapple print. And also, this time, as a romper!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_iBoIvISZji5t9HS0a0ka9Sm1FsLXeh-yDY29qX9__KKYDYILLIDW9Iu0PbRrHxypmtPyaPF0TlQC6tn54GWNS9XDjbmJEQVS6o-BpJFiA6jeripxZ7eitftP65Z7yD3lhlV20nYX_Ly/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_iBoIvISZji5t9HS0a0ka9Sm1FsLXeh-yDY29qX9__KKYDYILLIDW9Iu0PbRrHxypmtPyaPF0TlQC6tn54GWNS9XDjbmJEQVS6o-BpJFiA6jeripxZ7eitftP65Z7yD3lhlV20nYX_Ly/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did wear this in public yesterday, but I'm thinking maybe it should be reserved for activities that are related to a pool or an ocean. It just seems better suited for a cabana or a lounge chair than for walking the grocery aisles!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzEQzh3j3pJpbdh9kszGwKoGmvd9tJQ7IHz_nwyPMESwIvRpenJ3s3E2QJFROQMJ2fyFdefz49uIdjZxXxElZ3hXhM7eKOuopY_rHFERMX7myG7P9VJAHPAA1Ripm-niWCmg2ZBsZU1xI/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></div>
I've now drafted myself an actual pattern for the crossover top (on the previous <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/04/summertime-dress-take-2.html">two</a> <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2011/05/blue-and-white-striped-summertime-dress.html">versions</a>, I just kind of cut and prayed for the best), so I can make as many of these as I want! The bottom half came from these <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2012/05/me-made-may-days-18-21.html">previously made shorts</a> that I used to sell in my Etsy shop. Easy to combine into one romper!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImqiVIYQ59uNIt2tQPK0Je8KBtavE_2jBiS5YqoE9DKIim9_Ks9oc_i77ZKCOeYuIKyk_9lpUSCooNWGxOQeB7jyOBI0cKnFsX4IvLApg1TVZuL7mwINluZv62S9wk32LQgU-835rYBnr/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImqiVIYQ59uNIt2tQPK0Je8KBtavE_2jBiS5YqoE9DKIim9_Ks9oc_i77ZKCOeYuIKyk_9lpUSCooNWGxOQeB7jyOBI0cKnFsX4IvLApg1TVZuL7mwINluZv62S9wk32LQgU-835rYBnr/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
At least one more version of this Summertime Dress to come now that I have all the kinks worked out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs78Tumb2gc0AIYSXbv0oZ6lHfTtyNh4uKq9O76yaXb5doIhmeZk99H7BPjwrRX_i2yvp_Pi33LmRKf4Qws4IHBqwaBrvEXC4j3YMcwruuFXxi7PYBLYMD0hS03gWLU6K_a6a54qgO6gt/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs78Tumb2gc0AIYSXbv0oZ6lHfTtyNh4uKq9O76yaXb5doIhmeZk99H7BPjwrRX_i2yvp_Pi33LmRKf4Qws4IHBqwaBrvEXC4j3YMcwruuFXxi7PYBLYMD0hS03gWLU6K_a6a54qgO6gt/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-45274620365928136792014-05-12T23:59:00.001-04:002014-05-12T23:59:19.058-04:00Mother's Day Masterpiece<span style="font-size: small;">Is it too much to say that I think Mother's Day (my first as a mama!) was one of the best days of my life? Because I think it might have been. Nothing truly spectacular happened, but it was just one the happiest, most fun, love-filled days from start to finish, and I felt so, so, so blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">AA and I came downstairs after our morning nursing time to find this spread out on the dining room table:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL63zzIRTYilnWRTeTyMg6arh6nPF7172Mqgi1vIwgkFRIkEOSbp-jX2l8NUVRZxRuVM0ltlUIP4GL0bjO6t-3Of4I9tSK4HQxezJVGRtSbOe8flG-_1AENVQXmsvXAcJuwyXuBgVKKVk/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL63zzIRTYilnWRTeTyMg6arh6nPF7172Mqgi1vIwgkFRIkEOSbp-jX2l8NUVRZxRuVM0ltlUIP4GL0bjO6t-3Of4I9tSK4HQxezJVGRtSbOe8flG-_1AENVQXmsvXAcJuwyXuBgVKKVk/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" height="640" width="478" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, how well Scott knows me!!! We never have been very big on gifts ever since we've been together (we don't exchange for birthdays, anniversaries, or even Christmas!), but he knows that I cherish experiences and memories above all else, so he planned on us having a little family art-making session! (Also, so much better than if he had just helped AA make something for me on his own and then given it to me...I wanted to see our boy covered in paint!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUPdVTjviYnzxlI7SNBK5Dd6T1sw5T4wyHgLudl6AMQYvoTqVJjG3ftJhs__8MR0okgw0Z28qX-V8U-U0K4OfohkUXEs82gJzf81OIczQNYhQyWeVxQZq22ZYDJX_j4rkzyb9nyp6RyD1/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUPdVTjviYnzxlI7SNBK5Dd6T1sw5T4wyHgLudl6AMQYvoTqVJjG3ftJhs__8MR0okgw0Z28qX-V8U-U0K4OfohkUXEs82gJzf81OIczQNYhQyWeVxQZq22ZYDJX_j4rkzyb9nyp6RyD1/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We spread out some paper to protect the table, squeezed out a couple
puddles of (nontoxic, washable) fingerpaints, and basically just let AA
go to town.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DMpR0Re74p_gat-ecDCWXJ66g00ZKy6sYSBbXSp4XAc5JFbI9JOOJvOwy6KJtNDMTZ48OodfYhxldcJQmnX1BU3aLQik2xDQ3pPDwDog4ojdoTj_c8eob3tZ5BQ9zM0AXloBXDtMFebT/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">It was truly one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my life. He did not understand the concept AT ALL, which was hilarious in itself, and the sheer amount of paint he was eventually covered in and how quickly he became covered in that paint were both pretty incredible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The aftermath (which could be considered art as well, right? Just a little abstract):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8TxJe4aMkZrJ8G2ZraKpF32XIdSiBn55VITEWNJLZG-zRLwwmrNKIMgtKqeXR9vkbP-nycP_VsAUO6NUTiB_ag5c5-O0v7kzHNLSlmuqnmzLWR2vOd5bDuEAhyTnjMVFkEqKp6Fe9rIY/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8TxJe4aMkZrJ8G2ZraKpF32XIdSiBn55VITEWNJLZG-zRLwwmrNKIMgtKqeXR9vkbP-nycP_VsAUO6NUTiB_ag5c5-O0v7kzHNLSlmuqnmzLWR2vOd5bDuEAhyTnjMVFkEqKp6Fe9rIY/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">And here is AA's finished masterpiece and his paint-covered little body:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GWXUcEkZ43AYwH65jhyphenhyphenrQbUDc78jf-B_j1KYNGlCDmOiSVjfR9iOE1hE0srE3m3u-OVQoEAa6CZdm_XAhh1aKJVWVHitkGS71r3GoCuRXTMvIZbOdwkK3Gwzi-3w6HnmqGcSMaobTeC7/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GWXUcEkZ43AYwH65jhyphenhyphenrQbUDc78jf-B_j1KYNGlCDmOiSVjfR9iOE1hE0srE3m3u-OVQoEAa6CZdm_XAhh1aKJVWVHitkGS71r3GoCuRXTMvIZbOdwkK3Gwzi-3w6HnmqGcSMaobTeC7/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I told Scott today that this is now my most cherished possession in the entire world. I will never, ever, ever, ever get rid of this beautiful mess, and I'm so grateful for the memory of its creation! And of course, for the artist himself, for making me a mother.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldrVW4gwXqkWWLCHX4753JgZqcGH4ytHKaJpNIhSW8pckns5mlZhF3b5vgai5pvPHZdMKuOGyDe83NLqyeUWuGXMwC05qhaBKGpzViNv9UoI1HOka3aD6jeaG5DH-iBxTYHrmWoybAuRq/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldrVW4gwXqkWWLCHX4753JgZqcGH4ytHKaJpNIhSW8pckns5mlZhF3b5vgai5pvPHZdMKuOGyDe83NLqyeUWuGXMwC05qhaBKGpzViNv9UoI1HOka3aD6jeaG5DH-iBxTYHrmWoybAuRq/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></div>
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Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-71990830813575324802014-05-06T12:55:00.000-04:002014-05-06T12:55:52.235-04:00My Week in Motherhood: 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXQl4FRDkwfDnkfH4tFlfx2i2wWfwLAuD7pK3xouIyPXWM1ZSjR1hjpAvSkxnPZHGnBFgtUTQy-1AdA13_Q-9rT2m1UXahx1R9RTDNcekYpC3_ari77f9yfvQmegdXEYtOl2g5y0XqVsX/s1600/IMG_2252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXQl4FRDkwfDnkfH4tFlfx2i2wWfwLAuD7pK3xouIyPXWM1ZSjR1hjpAvSkxnPZHGnBFgtUTQy-1AdA13_Q-9rT2m1UXahx1R9RTDNcekYpC3_ari77f9yfvQmegdXEYtOl2g5y0XqVsX/s1600/IMG_2252.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>A few weeks ago, I wrote about <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-week-in-motherhood.html">the week I had had</a> with AA being a sick little baby. Well, now the tables have turned! <u>I've</u> been sick for the last two weeks now! Basically, between the two of us, we were sick the entire month of April. Ugh. Here's what I've learned from the other side of the coin, being the sick mom with the well child!</i><br />
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<b>> </b> Babies will do anything they can to get ahold of that Kleenex you have stuffed up your nose to catch your snot.<br />
<br />
<b>></b> I never noticed how much I kiss AA's face until I was actively making myself <i>not </i>do it so I wouldn't spread my germs to him. That was hard!<br />
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<b>> </b>I started to feel sorry for AA and how boring
his life was, just sitting at home with his mom, not going anywhere
because she didn't feel well enough to. So finally one day, I packed us
up, brought along a whole roll of toilet paper for my nose, and we went
to a nearby park to lay on a blanket for an hour. The sun was healing
for me and AA's ttoootttaaallll fascination with some birds was
priceless.<br />
<br />
<b>> </b>The old advice from the newborn days, "sleep when the baby sleeps," is just as applicable when you're feeling sick. I've had an 8:30 bedtime for the last couple weeks, and I don't get out of bed in the morning until that kid is wide awake and insisting I come get him. Rest, rest, rest!<br />
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<b>> </b>Sometimes it feels really good just to lay in bed and let your baby touch your face with his cool little hand. I hope he understood even a little bit how much his sweet little touch did to make his mama feel so much better.Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-12371779371393105492014-04-25T14:39:00.000-04:002014-04-25T14:39:31.697-04:00Summertime Dress: Take 2I attempted to make <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2011/05/blue-and-white-striped-summertime-dress.html">this very same dress</a> almost three years ago (that seems so long ago!), but didn't do the greatest job. I liked the idea of it, but in execution, it was too big and baggy and I hardly ever wore it.<br />
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But! I decided to give it another go this week, with much better results. Here it is, the perfect little summertime dress:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpDZw-g4EKzdalL8ERBk5s4y2VzAgpw5WvdOklG0eJlAswfLqQHdFgPJRAQfcX04bxkGYJ_JlA8aFy_2LXcZShEITBV9vZbJ3UyUdeMBlHTQJ9Pv1dgnOPzR4FxiptYAD4OVAuU75BUvA/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpDZw-g4EKzdalL8ERBk5s4y2VzAgpw5WvdOklG0eJlAswfLqQHdFgPJRAQfcX04bxkGYJ_JlA8aFy_2LXcZShEITBV9vZbJ3UyUdeMBlHTQJ9Pv1dgnOPzR4FxiptYAD4OVAuU75BUvA/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a5lFwGYMihmsT-yHno3eJo_wsTm1aN5usmwRS8PLxuL1k3XVqijUyqjDjmBM1QELRa3cuS3sCebPh7v4-7x8xEye2CalWmp3QFy5FKnZh_6vbR5BBAcmqlVmiy8EZ3x_9XrBIUFgwnpa/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a5lFwGYMihmsT-yHno3eJo_wsTm1aN5usmwRS8PLxuL1k3XVqijUyqjDjmBM1QELRa3cuS3sCebPh7v4-7x8xEye2CalWmp3QFy5FKnZh_6vbR5BBAcmqlVmiy8EZ3x_9XrBIUFgwnpa/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
The front and back are identical crossovers (which I guess technically makes this dress reversible. Spill mustard on one side at a BBQ? No prob, just flip it around!). This dress also features three of my all-time favorite things: a wacky pattern (elephants!), pockets, and, of course, an elastic waistband. Another bonus for me in this season of my life: breastfeeding friendly!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1uvDDoESgPXWEd1j-FTv1xqCNzZjwTTwZ_0fsc3EJDnKodM7GmUIE3xmR1eKtY7X8AUQuFVJ-vAtuA23aIs5EhRas6-E-tIpqswMJtej14C3KCUUudMf07jAGLVzhJOzW8Z0AtuEcvZC/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1uvDDoESgPXWEd1j-FTv1xqCNzZjwTTwZ_0fsc3EJDnKodM7GmUIE3xmR1eKtY7X8AUQuFVJ-vAtuA23aIs5EhRas6-E-tIpqswMJtej14C3KCUUudMf07jAGLVzhJOzW8Z0AtuEcvZC/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs9GC-dMCNBzoDAkQejvkuJjZM4aPj50i27ytKGpZSIAEO81kLTyDUdJuIakKjP1dWNLXItZvCnUODthGziH5TA8w9LFhIuDOclNwSJASpHGR9iLoiZcF0vQSbU5TLQGMsZQ23xztV04e/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs9GC-dMCNBzoDAkQejvkuJjZM4aPj50i27ytKGpZSIAEO81kLTyDUdJuIakKjP1dWNLXItZvCnUODthGziH5TA8w9LFhIuDOclNwSJASpHGR9iLoiZcF0vQSbU5TLQGMsZQ23xztV04e/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a><br />More Summertime Dresses to come, now that I have the pattern down to a science!Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-10497494040967450342014-04-21T05:00:00.000-04:002014-04-21T05:00:08.285-04:00Viva-ing in Las Vegas: Hiking Springs Mountains National Recreation AreaThis weekend we took our second little family hike (<a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/02/viva-ing-in-las-vegas-red-rock-national.html">here's the first</a>!). This time, we headed to the local mountain area known to locals as Mount Charleston, but the official name is either Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest or Spring Mountains National Recreation Area...as you can see, even the sign below says both. About 30 minutes from the north edge of Las Vegas, this is a gorgeous area perfect for a day trip; there are dozens of trails to choose from and even a ski/snowboard area in the winter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrLPrlGQTiEf5WKLH48q_3WO0YuS_WZXgImxGidFOzVPKNeMgVwyVVC6Prx5NvPQhlXOIjv1dZ1gF-08hEYHDOp17lRrTQjoJuslanY5jmGOCeQ22fVEwRhb2K06FzFaQ2UK3-YWxW8cw/s1600/image(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrLPrlGQTiEf5WKLH48q_3WO0YuS_WZXgImxGidFOzVPKNeMgVwyVVC6Prx5NvPQhlXOIjv1dZ1gF-08hEYHDOp17lRrTQjoJuslanY5jmGOCeQ22fVEwRhb2K06FzFaQ2UK3-YWxW8cw/s1600/image(16).jpg" height="640" width="630" /></a></div>
We chose <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/htnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=65416&actid=50">Sawmill Loop trail</a> because it was only 1.3 miles and had less than 100 feet of elevation change. Sounds about right for taking a baby along!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOHo1hluK4ieEIDi6XtwrhJJYuwCgC1zExByq5bc3k_uQXg9WrYj6MAxNB9Xw1nJZ5UGYUfJ8-P0fk99zjiCvi1Jy0_F66csIZjVd_DYwuii4OJN70bNRqXqEGAEPeNoBv-oDGLYH8O-N/s1600/IMG_1580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOHo1hluK4ieEIDi6XtwrhJJYuwCgC1zExByq5bc3k_uQXg9WrYj6MAxNB9Xw1nJZ5UGYUfJ8-P0fk99zjiCvi1Jy0_F66csIZjVd_DYwuii4OJN70bNRqXqEGAEPeNoBv-oDGLYH8O-N/s1600/IMG_1580.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
The views were beautiful, the weather perfect, the sun shining brightly. We could not have picked a more perfect day.<br />
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Nor could we have chosen a more ridiculous hat to put our baby in (isn't that the best thing about babies? You can dress them however you want and they can't say anything about it!).</div>
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Spring was springing! Along with the ol' obligatory cactus. We are still in the desert, after all.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKhfvCGOlEX5yxTufbsTgLz_Fvxvi-YuqwXgWC0oyJtrd3Fsi1GTtiJahS313rlQ65Oz1kfCEAPkoosTsCRLapyY0GavQI9V1BzPPElhimy1oCMcyPj5EbLfinhfJ5xrsYScntW9mLx8h/s1600/IMG_1604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKhfvCGOlEX5yxTufbsTgLz_Fvxvi-YuqwXgWC0oyJtrd3Fsi1GTtiJahS313rlQ65Oz1kfCEAPkoosTsCRLapyY0GavQI9V1BzPPElhimy1oCMcyPj5EbLfinhfJ5xrsYScntW9mLx8h/s1600/IMG_1604.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Then AA decided he didn't want to be in the ErgoBaby anymore and would rather be physically carried in someone's arms the rest of the trail. The better to feel the trees, I suppose!<br />
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How un-Las-Vegas-like does this picture feel with that gorgeous mountain in the back? Just so beautiful!<br />
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Please allow me to take the rest of this post to post more baby ridiculousness that is so cute I can't even deal with it:<br />
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THE HAT.<br />
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THE PANTS.<br />
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THE STARE.<br />
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And for the baby who insists on being carried, the only thing that will do is THE LION KING POSE.<br />
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Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-33411974506771781342014-04-11T23:52:00.001-04:002014-04-11T23:52:30.596-04:00My Week in Motherhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dO-MjTgBudjLutSq1Ibl2emZjB8N8dCAACuc2n6Yfqq0PQZGA0wcd6gShkkkoSRpOasU6V-reaNhYBv71-VvKWFMbccw2k93w9QvIZtUBbpI_2ZqnkLYmL9M2AX8aSUInnGtDMiSeRcc/s1600/photo(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dO-MjTgBudjLutSq1Ibl2emZjB8N8dCAACuc2n6Yfqq0PQZGA0wcd6gShkkkoSRpOasU6V-reaNhYBv71-VvKWFMbccw2k93w9QvIZtUBbpI_2ZqnkLYmL9M2AX8aSUInnGtDMiSeRcc/s1600/photo(13).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><b>> </b></b>No matter what time of day it is, if he's hungry, tired, wet, or grumpy, no matter how bad or good he may feel, the Mario Bros. song will always, ALWAYS get a smile. [see photo above]<b> </b><br />
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<b>> </b>AA has now had a runny nose for 20 days straight. A week ago, he gained a sore throat, cough, and wheezing on top of that. To say we've been a little bit miserable would be an understatement. There is nothing more pathetic than a sad baby...and there's also nothing more hilarious. Obviously I feel horrible that he feels horrible, but sometimes he's just so melodramatic about it, I have to hold in my laughter.<br />
<br />
<b>></b> Caring for a sick baby is <i>almost</i> as exhausting as being sick yourself. It has been yet another lesson in "So this is how my mother felt!" I remember how comforting and better it felt to be near my mom when I was sick as a kid; it is incredibly humbling to know that I'm doing the same for AA now, too.<br />
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<b>></b> One morning this week, I started singing "The Circle of Life" to AA while he sat in his high chair and I emptied the dishwasher, and I got so overwhelmed by emotion, I couldn't finish. Not even because I was thinking about the meaning of life or anything deep...I just literally love <i>The Lion King</i> to the point of tears.<br />
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<b>> </b>As the sickness stuck around and each day got a little harder, I noticed that I slowly devolved into a total slob. On Monday, I had fixed hair, make-up on, and wore real clothes; today, I have day 3 hair, no make up, and wore sweats. Just ran out of energy!<br />
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<b>> </b>I want, need, and will possibly physically and mentally collapse if I don't get a <i>little</i> break this weekend. Scott has promised me 3 baby-free hours out of the house! I'm imagining something simple: a Target trip without a car seat in the cart, a smoothie while I sit in the sun at a park, and maybe even an afternoon matinee. Isn't it amazing how in just 4 months an afternoon like that has become a total luxury - and something that has to be planned in advance?!<br />
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<b>> </b>I am now a woman who picks her child's boogers and wipes his nose on her clothes. <br />
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<b>> </b>This evening during the witching hour, I took AA for a quick stroll outside before we started to put him to bed. All of a sudden, I realized I was<i> standing barefooted in my front yard with a baby on my hip. </i>It may sound silly, but that's what I always pictured being a mom would look like. And there I was, doing it. Finally. I've arrived at the place I've been dreaming of. And it feels really good.Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-31179840790448199772014-04-08T19:14:00.001-04:002014-04-08T19:14:12.430-04:00A Homemade Baby Toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago while browsing around Etsy, I notice an abundance of something called "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=baby%20crinkle%20toy&ship_to=US">crinkle toys</a>." I had never heard of these or seen them, but there were TONS of shops selling them, so I figured they must be something babies like!</div>
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Essentially, they are just squares of fabric with something inside them that crinkles and a few looped ribbons on the sides. Seems easy enough for a seamstress like me!</div>
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I took about 20 minutes one day and sewed together 8 5" squares, cut up 2 plastic bags and stuffed them inside, and put 4 different colored and textured ribbons along the outside. Simplest sewing project ever - and AA even watched me do it.</div>
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Verdict:
OBSESSION. Turns out all a baby wants in life is to have his senses
stimulated, and this thing appeals to AA's sight (bright colors), sound
(crinkling), and touch (textures). [And technically, it appeals to his
sense of taste too, I suppose, since he puts it in his mouth all the
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<br />It was fun to be able to make a toy for AA instead of just buying him another rattle or teething ring...and even more fun that it's one of his very favorite things. Make this Mama feel like a winner :)Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-51534263270196691092014-04-04T06:30:00.000-04:002014-04-04T06:30:03.796-04:00Book I Read in March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justaonegirlrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Room-book-cover-e1317342148359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.justaonegirlrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Room-book-cover-e1317342148359.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Room-A-Novel-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098329/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396479832&sr=8-1&keywords=room"><b><i>Room</i> by Emma Donoghue</b></a><br />
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<i>Room</i> is one of those books that I felt like I got asked about over and over when it came out; as in, "Have you read <i>Room</i> yet?" I finally got around to it about three years later - I'm so on top of things. And, just like l<a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/03/books-i-read-this-winter-rearranged.html">ast month's book</a> about a woman's dead husband and sick only child, I have no idea why it would be in my best interest to read a book about a young mother and her son who are trapped in an 11x11 room for five years just a few months after giving birth to my first child with whom I stay home all day, but that's what I did. <br />
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And I LOVED THIS BOOK. <br />
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Narrated by five-year-old Jack, who has never been outside the shack his mother's kidnapper has kept her in for the past seven years, his tiny world is contained entirely in a space shared by himself and his Ma. She has created a fulfilling life for him the best she possibly can considering the circumstances, but it can only last so long, and Jack's mind is totally blown upon hearing the news that the world outside Room is real. While this would be a gripping story no matter how it is told, seeing it all through Jack's innocent eyes and reading it through his limited-knowledge, child's voice makes the whole thing so compelling and addicting that I would have easily read it all in one sitting if I could have. This is a new addition to my all-time favorites list, no question.<br />
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[Author Emma Donoghue just came out with a new novel a few days ago: <a href="http://emmadonoghue.com/books/novels/frog-music.html"><i>Frog Music</i></a>. Adding that to my to-read list!]Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-75315805366751511532014-04-03T00:17:00.002-04:002014-04-03T00:17:24.261-04:00Four GenerationsOur house was full last weekend. Bursting at the seams, in fact. With baby smiles and good food and reminiscing and lots of hugs. An AA and a Mama and a Daddy and a Grandma and a Grandad and a Mimi and a Papa Ted. Four generations of one family, all under one roof.<br />
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AA is lucky enough to have six living great-grandparents. Six! Over the weekend, he was able to meet his first two: my incredibly loving grandparents. And AA just happens to be their very first great-grandchild, too. Watching them meet warmed my heart in a way I didn't know was possible. Hearing them tell him how sweet and cute and wonderful he was brought tears to my eyes. Knowing how much they love him overwhelms my soul.<br />
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This is the first version of a four generation picture we are so blessed and excited to take many more times with AA's four other great-grandparents as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPSsBm4xDhbVoLb1VlVS4eZ3PEfWNiTvTVfdVy-LnXmFE_BuUGUA8m-JZQypIStQytHKmyuWOx_O_N8VmVqkOha5qNCDeWV6hp4SePWSl6ZPeIzj5aJOXVo6H5L6uS9mJowciaxxqta75/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPSsBm4xDhbVoLb1VlVS4eZ3PEfWNiTvTVfdVy-LnXmFE_BuUGUA8m-JZQypIStQytHKmyuWOx_O_N8VmVqkOha5qNCDeWV6hp4SePWSl6ZPeIzj5aJOXVo6H5L6uS9mJowciaxxqta75/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are some of the people I will tell AA about for the rest of his life: my Grandma and Grandpa, his Mimi and Papa Ted. I will tell him how they spent the weekend reading him books and playing with his toys and talking to him about anything and everything and hugging him when he cried. I'll tell him that they spent 36 hours in a car just to see him face-to-face. I'll tell him his every smile made them so, so happy. I'll tell him that's what love is.Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-71304758901417038642014-03-27T19:28:00.002-04:002014-03-27T19:28:26.589-04:00Teammates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know nothing about babies. And I mean nothing. (For example, I thought that there were diapers for girls and diapers for boys...this is not true.)<br />
<br />
So, ever since AA was born, it's been a learning experience, to say the very least. For both of us. For AA, to learn how to be a human. For me, to learn how to be patient, flexible, steadfast, understanding, creative, spontaneous, and basically a better person all around.<br />
<br />
Early on, I would find myself thinking (and sometimes saying out loud), "Why are you doing this to me?" whenever AA would be especially fussy, or unpredictable, or just downright befuddling. I felt like he was against me somehow, that we were competing to see who could live on less sleep or who could cry longer, or stop the other person from using the bathroom when they really needed to.<br />
<br />
But that's not how it is, and thank goodness I snapped into that realization sooner rather than later. AA doesn't know how to be a baby any better than I know how to understand a baby. We're both starting at square one. We're both total newbies. Neither one of us knows what the heck we're doing.<br />
<br />
So that means we're a team. We're in it together, figuring out how to sleep and eat and nap and play and smile and laugh. I can't become patient, flexible, steadfast, understanding, creative, spontaneous or better without him; he can't become a human without me. We need each other mutually and equally. <br />
<br />
We're teammates. Go us.<br />
<br />
<i>photo by <a href="http://instagram.com/sam_lorton">Sam Lorton</a></i>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-601351705437889762014-03-25T12:45:00.000-04:002014-03-25T12:45:09.708-04:00Another Quilt for a Little One<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm on a roll with little quilts over here!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18oOz_sODSclq8_rvx2MJ0Koba0Sks680GwPOJHiR43pcMZ-OeQ4desDjlZXYcL-HmuWt5B_-tpldk12lXLW44FIwGdRt4sccw5M22OJ24RiAUSVNQ7luTMAvbuK_6HrhA2o7QdyZbAnu/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18oOz_sODSclq8_rvx2MJ0Koba0Sks680GwPOJHiR43pcMZ-OeQ4desDjlZXYcL-HmuWt5B_-tpldk12lXLW44FIwGdRt4sccw5M22OJ24RiAUSVNQ7luTMAvbuK_6HrhA2o7QdyZbAnu/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I loved the look of the <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/03/rainbow-baby-quilt.html">rainbow quilt</a> I made for AA so much, I decided to repeat the basic pattern for the upcoming 1st birthday of some of our dear friends' daughter.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMVn9kLTAViF5JpCdB4S0Hf5SRGJYWhYoUcPWZpmCcNTYKGnczy5h1HDBSeb2S6gOIGbz3IXJckVWJXBPhuuseyAldPApMslMKwwmvn3PleU_awuXd1BqbEFW1Wp9V6Dd21svSWcpv7u3/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNcfRFCT3LJ7-FtSzANUJxedOHOHC_9slW9ja_VNuAcxf-Nv9N9JKZMe-GHEDwYgXLm9mHgQMqPuylM_ppJNlFKA4lv8YPk_Kl1RRLLFnLR1PeXeH_RZViT5eSe_UbGCzu56ILcG38_sx/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNcfRFCT3LJ7-FtSzANUJxedOHOHC_9slW9ja_VNuAcxf-Nv9N9JKZMe-GHEDwYgXLm9mHgQMqPuylM_ppJNlFKA4lv8YPk_Kl1RRLLFnLR1PeXeH_RZViT5eSe_UbGCzu56ILcG38_sx/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I used 5" squares in 4 colors [mustard, coral, cream, and grey] for the center, added a 5" border in a very pale green with white stripes, and used a white & grey patterned fabric for the back and the binding. [The border and back fabrics are remnants from my <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-20-year-quilt.html">20 Year Quilt</a> I finished last summer!]<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMVn9kLTAViF5JpCdB4S0Hf5SRGJYWhYoUcPWZpmCcNTYKGnczy5h1HDBSeb2S6gOIGbz3IXJckVWJXBPhuuseyAldPApMslMKwwmvn3PleU_awuXd1BqbEFW1Wp9V6Dd21svSWcpv7u3/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMVn9kLTAViF5JpCdB4S0Hf5SRGJYWhYoUcPWZpmCcNTYKGnczy5h1HDBSeb2S6gOIGbz3IXJckVWJXBPhuuseyAldPApMslMKwwmvn3PleU_awuXd1BqbEFW1Wp9V6Dd21svSWcpv7u3/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> The center squares are placed completely randomly, and there were a few more each of the grey and the cream, so it took a lot of rearranging to get it to where no two adjacent squares were the same color. Good thing I love a challenge :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTyBsUpS5kQA7tiCCnAJIU5AosXW9mvUyKaBedmYbXoFKJDyPV26l0nOxxmNca5uXSciY1O6u-_NRxG5DRNDi-DkHBNOA9V8KXjhyphenhyphenwXK_MBFdCrxyUDYDkVNIKkTJ_MuFCUcBQ3vvCV8F/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTyBsUpS5kQA7tiCCnAJIU5AosXW9mvUyKaBedmYbXoFKJDyPV26l0nOxxmNca5uXSciY1O6u-_NRxG5DRNDi-DkHBNOA9V8KXjhyphenhyphenwXK_MBFdCrxyUDYDkVNIKkTJ_MuFCUcBQ3vvCV8F/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Hope this can become a favorite blanket for a very sweet one-year-old girl!<br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1w_eJRaOz84%2FUzGtGOfwdsI%2FAAAAAAAAJMQ%2FmrNP4tyylMs%2Fs1600%2FIMG_1511.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18oOz_sODSclq8_rvx2MJ0Koba0Sks680GwPOJHiR43pcMZ-OeQ4desDjlZXYcL-HmuWt5B_-tpldk12lXLW44FIwGdRt4sccw5M22OJ24RiAUSVNQ7luTMAvbuK_6HrhA2o7QdyZbAnu/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" -->Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-18901121155813110552014-03-19T18:14:00.003-04:002014-03-19T18:14:33.239-04:00Becoming a Work-From-Home Mom: Crafting My Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtzF5xZl052-JtN3ZziUr-MFTjcz6YX3uXjEyz2U-Axds5xO4nuhIhxyXwa06H9rpy75IO_pWVfX0hPH6W0563gT5YeStn41Tbddiep6i2-s83k3QO8HCThGjVaWQDa32mRs9uFIs4jkO/s1600/workfromhome+motherhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtzF5xZl052-JtN3ZziUr-MFTjcz6YX3uXjEyz2U-Axds5xO4nuhIhxyXwa06H9rpy75IO_pWVfX0hPH6W0563gT5YeStn41Tbddiep6i2-s83k3QO8HCThGjVaWQDa32mRs9uFIs4jkO/s1600/workfromhome+motherhood.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Now that AA is 4 months old, I'm starting to slowly adapt to new life as a mom and, hopefully, becoming a work-from-home mom. I could spend all day forever doing nothing but lounging around with that sweet, sweet baby. But! I also have a house to take care of and ambitions
for a career in design and sewing that I'm not willing to give up, and I'm dedicated to finding a way to succeeding in all the areas of my life that are important to me.<br />
<br />
My
priorities must go in this order: self, family, home, career. With that in
mind, my day-to-day is starting to come together according to those priorities.<br />
<br />
First, my <b>self and health</b>: because if I'm not well taken care of, I can't take care of anything else. Happy mom is a happy family!<br />
<br />
Second, our <b>family</b>: that's Scott and AA. I want to be present with them both at all the times I can be. The most important thing to me during the day while Scott is at work is,
and has to be, cherishing my son. If I have the luxury of being at
home all day with him, I have to take full advantage of that and never
take a moment for granted. I get to be there to witness him learning
and growing every single day - that is a great, great blessing for all three of us.<br />
<br />
Third, our <b>home</b>: part of taking care of my family is providing a home that is inviting, comfortable and comforting, clean, and full of love. <br />
<br />
Lastly, my<b> career</b>:
when the other three priorities are well taken care of during a day, I
have time to pursue my other dreams. This means I may or may not
have time for working every single day at this point, and that's okay.<br />
<br />
Here is what all that looks like for me on a practical level each day, depending on if AA is awake or asleep: <br />
<br />
<b>MY HEALTH </b>[physical, mental, spiritual, emotional]<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbNZ8E8v43jooaJlDkbl2UzzzfBQPOj4Peeiv6VzN68gPAVEAh_GStL_KGtRLUoY5BFmq_O2TGLdfvpjp7JhS-kx05ObFNc1yIYl1-K3WdTTsM9U4qYEL2Ax_JVzJVn8QFhx_lnqDb-ZJ/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbNZ8E8v43jooaJlDkbl2UzzzfBQPOj4Peeiv6VzN68gPAVEAh_GStL_KGtRLUoY5BFmq_O2TGLdfvpjp7JhS-kx05ObFNc1yIYl1-K3WdTTsM9U4qYEL2Ax_JVzJVn8QFhx_lnqDb-ZJ/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" height="320" width="236" /></a><i>While AA is awake, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Pray - I pray over Anderson every night when I put him to bed, and I have the Jesus Calling app on my phone to meditate on each morning during AA's first feeding.</li>
<li>Exercise - we take walks about 3 times a week (pushing a 25 pound stroller is such great added resistance!), and since we spend the majority of our day laying on the floor anyway, it's the perfect time for me to stretch!</li>
<li>Read - I'm sitting in a chair nursing a baby for about 2 hours total a day, so why not use that time to devour a bunch of books?</li>
<li>Eat - I'm not preparing anything that complicated and time-consuming for any of my meals these days, so AA is perfectly content to play alone while I get my meals together and chow down.</li>
</ul>
<i>While AA is asleep, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Take care of my hygiene - I shower at night after AA is asleep, and I get up in the morning before he does to get ready for the day.</li>
<li>Sleep - Duh.</li>
<li>Watch TV - We've made the decision to try to limit AA to zero hours of screen time a day for as long as possible (we're aiming for 2 years old...<i>maybe</i> we'll make it to 1 year, haha), so any TV-watching I want to do must be done while he's asleep. This means I've greatly reduced the amount of TV shows I watch, because there are just other things that are more important to me now.</li>
</ul>
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<b>OUR FAMILY</b> [Scott and AA]<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy-Mhyphenhyphenu0Bl8L_AS3NK4OoFoXeeuE59PFoK1KqVcp1dBT8fPo-LxUpbm_2LUoZft5VB5f2RGRfCwvwiJ6f7RVTxn24OD18FIwRVf4D-GwA0c-cJY6xjajDIuqzu1u2G6ANUDzR0x3C5RiW/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy-Mhyphenhyphenu0Bl8L_AS3NK4OoFoXeeuE59PFoK1KqVcp1dBT8fPo-LxUpbm_2LUoZft5VB5f2RGRfCwvwiJ6f7RVTxn24OD18FIwRVf4D-GwA0c-cJY6xjajDIuqzu1u2G6ANUDzR0x3C5RiW/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>While AA is awake, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Engage with him as much as I can. And do a bunch of really stupid antics to see if I can get him to laugh.</li>
</ul>
<i>While AA is asleep, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Talk to my husband - Meaning have any adult-type, boring conversations we need to have (like talking about finances or the yardwork!). We can talk about those things when AA is asleep; when he's awake, it's more fun to be talking and playing as a family!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>OUR HOME </b>[keeping it a happy place]<br />
<b></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznELhzHR6KAPFIy9LqtE4VAK2cgBNHNy3spqQex12Eg7igHyi8vtXGCK7S9hnBye9me-pm_BxjV4Cakd3iOb1SwPkseygvemG4aRFUGzO2nGwmlyWNZLCAv4Epsv7PXwjqPBHYyYXFPS-/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznELhzHR6KAPFIy9LqtE4VAK2cgBNHNy3spqQex12Eg7igHyi8vtXGCK7S9hnBye9me-pm_BxjV4Cakd3iOb1SwPkseygvemG4aRFUGzO2nGwmlyWNZLCAv4Epsv7PXwjqPBHYyYXFPS-/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a><i>While AA is awake, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Run errands - AA loves a good car trip, and Target fascinates the heck out of him.</li>
<li>Do some chores - If I toss AA in my Moby wrap, he is perfectly happy being toted around the house while I dust and vacuum.</li>
<li>Work in the kitchen - Give this kid a whisk, put on some music, and do some singing and dancing while you empty the dishwasher or cook dinner, and he is happy as a tiny, adorable clam.</li>
<li>Do laundry - I toss a load in the washer in between naps and fold while he's awake. He loves looking at different colors and feeling different fabrics, so that's a win/win!</li>
</ul>
<i>While AA is asleep, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Do all other household chores</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>MY CAREER</b> [Dottie Adele and other sewing endeavors]<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHIgsZOuX5vrZIUla_t82w5ciTLwggg-0foQdVfvYfLiiB0UrBPWf94887B4CJ-6TEMik1G2J8zfd67SjSXDj0nhqcNYcckI1mEu2ZeEYICBTfD4219Nr5adAe1z_1PtXSpB1stpgVLYL/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHIgsZOuX5vrZIUla_t82w5ciTLwggg-0foQdVfvYfLiiB0UrBPWf94887B4CJ-6TEMik1G2J8zfd67SjSXDj0nhqcNYcckI1mEu2ZeEYICBTfD4219Nr5adAe1z_1PtXSpB1stpgVLYL/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>While AA is awake, I:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Sew (a little) - AA can entertain himself for about 15-20 minutes at a time at this point, so if I have something I want to quickly finish up, I bring him in the sewing room with me and let him play while I sew.</li>
</ul>
<i>While AA is asleep, I choose to:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Sew (a lot)</li>
<li>Internet things - blogging, e-mails, Etsy stuff, etc. can all wait until AA is asleep so I don't have to divide my attention.</li>
</ul>
<br /><b>So, that is what life looks like as of now! I'm interested to see how it evolves and changes over the next couple months as he gets older and how things pan out for my own small business endeavors. Oh, and yes: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DottieAdele?ref=si_shop">my Etsy shop</a> is now re-opened for business!</b>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-70498178697750968292014-03-17T13:46:00.000-04:002014-03-17T13:46:16.823-04:00Crazy Pants: How to Bleach Tie-Dye JeansI love black jeans. And I've been rocking the same pair from <a href="http://www.stylemint.com/showroom">Stylemint </a>for the last couple of years, but the downside of black jeans is that with too many washes, they become faded to a sort of dark-grey-wannabe-black. Exhibit A: my old jeans on the left. Exhibit B: those jeans compared to the new black ones I just got. So f<span style="color: #444444;">a</span><span style="color: #666666;">d</span><span style="color: #999999;">e</span><span style="color: #cccccc;">d</span>! (See what I did there?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbrE4GIKTyHoaqaWBhWS9lfpr3sMatu9y5J1KGswRDOA-WcsdAgKodYjfAciqM6pdATgRU_uWS4-lWUDjGhzbXC26BdgsHoiuNmDRqDha-TtDNStuf2eDWH7mY414vzr-hC-YeNnQwO3i/s1600/TieDye+Jeans+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbrE4GIKTyHoaqaWBhWS9lfpr3sMatu9y5J1KGswRDOA-WcsdAgKodYjfAciqM6pdATgRU_uWS4-lWUDjGhzbXC26BdgsHoiuNmDRqDha-TtDNStuf2eDWH7mY414vzr-hC-YeNnQwO3i/s1600/TieDye+Jeans+(1).jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></div>
But I love, love, love these jeans and how they fit, so I wanted to find some sort of way to salvage them. For some reason, the idea popped into my head to bleach them. <b>Tie-dye bleach them.</b><br />
<br />
I looked up a few tutorials on the interwebs ("how do you bleach jeans") and every one seemed to have a different idea of how much bleach and how long to leave the jeans in, so in the end, here's what I did:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MYhaNutoL2QLObFc7NaKfWDT6KPI2ZkfWnAx6jSIDh6d6H-SUdxtqYn8W-QhJnXYHGp1l1A7g6AYf0CKPw6ICF7fqZKyF-_sWi5tN8H_NZk8GlwPnnjNzIYugufpYgi5OuU4IY6CKcD9/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MYhaNutoL2QLObFc7NaKfWDT6KPI2ZkfWnAx6jSIDh6d6H-SUdxtqYn8W-QhJnXYHGp1l1A7g6AYf0CKPw6ICF7fqZKyF-_sWi5tN8H_NZk8GlwPnnjNzIYugufpYgi5OuU4IY6CKcD9/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a><br />
I balled up my jeans and held them with 5 rubber bands, then dumped them in a bucket along with that entire small bottle of bleach, which was about 10 cups, and 27 cups of water (I came by these numbers simply by what was needed to cover the jeans in the bucket. Science!). I left the jeans to soak for 3.5 hours. <i>Important notes when using bleach: wear gloves and do it somewhere well-ventilated!</i><br />
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I took out my jeans and squeezed them out as much as I could, then refilled the bucket with clean water and let them soak for about 10 more minutes. Then I squeezed them out again and laid them out to dry for a little while in the sun. They looked insane:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmIDVMKgUbpSe9tH-zTU_boLeNQtwlESkxfMCuzaxyRSubcL0SrVL9geAecYR9w6FFwllou_k781nV-4A5-tqSfclhgIGaDLWgHKOkSnMx6qTKdR6_a9v62sj7nhXnWMMBvexv64HaIlo/s1600/TieDye+Jeans+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmIDVMKgUbpSe9tH-zTU_boLeNQtwlESkxfMCuzaxyRSubcL0SrVL9geAecYR9w6FFwllou_k781nV-4A5-tqSfclhgIGaDLWgHKOkSnMx6qTKdR6_a9v62sj7nhXnWMMBvexv64HaIlo/s1600/TieDye+Jeans+(2).jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></div>
Something about the bleach and the color of the jeans created three colors: the faded original black, violet, and a dark ivory! My obsession was immediate.<br />
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Then I put the jeans through one "rinse only" in the washing machine, followed by a real wash with detergent by themselves, and these <b>wild thing</b>s are the final result:<br />
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New favorite pants, NO DOUBT.</div>
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-29695603214949583182014-03-14T13:32:00.001-04:002014-03-14T13:32:41.319-04:00Rainbow Baby QuiltI finished sewing something!!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLOLz3zhyphenhyphenoLEMG2py_0vpnVnqVpy8CHbwKCBmpAxxUJ_jbmtw81s7sRB3wrOvPI7Tn-pmlomN9SX9f0cHPpOrc0GzKOXz-j-NHOCVNMtCxhEoKuNhN3q7PZVMHxz1jLJUGiRGL68lsRpg/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLOLz3zhyphenhyphenoLEMG2py_0vpnVnqVpy8CHbwKCBmpAxxUJ_jbmtw81s7sRB3wrOvPI7Tn-pmlomN9SX9f0cHPpOrc0GzKOXz-j-NHOCVNMtCxhEoKuNhN3q7PZVMHxz1jLJUGiRGL68lsRpg/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2014/02/works-in-progress-baby-stuff-of-course.html">Just as I thought it would</a>, this took me weeks to finish in between taking care of AA all day (and the fact that I go to bed at 8:30, right after he does), but despite how long it took me, I am so pleased with it!<br />
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Someone else seems to be pleased with it too:<br />
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I used 56 squares from a <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/fq-1782/michael-miller-cotton-couture-broadcloth-5-charm-pack">Michael Miller Charm Pack</a> for all the colors (left out most of the bolder colors so it would be a little more subdued), and then just an ivory colored quilting cotton for the border, back, and binding.<br />
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I decided to quilt it diagonally and love the subtle triangles it creates all over the quilt.<br />
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Scott thinks there are too many "girl" colors, but <i>realllllly</i> there's almost exactly 1/3 "girl" colors, 1/3 "boy" colors, and 1/3 neutrals, so it's the most neutral colored quilt it could possibly be!<br />
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What a little baby model I've got.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimle3YcYQqN1z6ulRI3j4nvSEH2exOCEGqMQaWNTylb3XS6DZCfEnwFAHiWm5LObZrU2TgB_Z0oJruOtUiMteV7t2ZyCbJyCD09pI80islZX2g53bYJpiyvDnA5hyjr3YnIFoDmWvKeGFO/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimle3YcYQqN1z6ulRI3j4nvSEH2exOCEGqMQaWNTylb3XS6DZCfEnwFAHiWm5LObZrU2TgB_Z0oJruOtUiMteV7t2ZyCbJyCD09pI80islZX2g53bYJpiyvDnA5hyjr3YnIFoDmWvKeGFO/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I just may have been bitten by the quilting bug...Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-23871388190149082562014-03-12T17:58:00.001-04:002014-03-12T17:58:59.203-04:0029 + Everything is New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was my 29th birthday! I spent the day with the littlest handsome guy above and the evening with the biggest handsome guy above and our little group of friends. It was a good day.<br />
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<a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2013/03/28-changes.html">Last year on my birthday</a>, I got all introspective about what the previous year (27) had been like for me, and all the changes I imagined 28 was going to bring. I was certainly right about all the changes that were coming, but as I thought about it last night, I was struck by just how significantly different my life is this year:<br />
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At 28, I was a wife. At 29, I'm a wife and a mother. [In fact, I wrote <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2013/03/28-changes.html">last year's birthday post</a> the evening we found out I was pregnant - one year ago tomorrow!]<br />
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At 28, I was working full-time. At 29, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and don't have a job of any sort for the first time since I was 16 years old.<br />
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At 28, we lived in a tiny apartment in a sort of ungentrified neighborhood in New York City. At 29, we live in a house that is (literally) three times bigger than that apartment in a suburb neighborhood in Las Vegas.<br />
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At 28, we celebrated my birthday by going to an <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/2013/03/nyc-list-sleep-no-more.html">experimental theater production</a> downtown and got back up to our place at midnight (on a work night!). At 29, we celebrated my birthday by eating pizza and cupcakes at our house with friends...and everyone was gone by 7:15 PM.<br />
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Last year's birthday, and last year's life, seems a world away at this point. It's hard for me to remember what it was like to ride a subway for 2 hours round trip just to go a show or to have to wear a coat in March, and I almost don't even want to remember that I had to spend 28 birthdays before this without kissing the face of my little AA a million times. <br />
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This year is so different.<br />
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This year is also so, so good.Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-41864493713051930152014-03-10T12:53:00.000-04:002014-03-10T12:53:26.919-04:00Viva-ing in Las Vegas: Pinball Hall of FameFor all the nostalgia geeks out there, there is a magical place with your name on it here in Las Vegas. That place is the <a href="http://www.pinballmuseum.org/">Pinball Hall of Fame.</a><br />
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If 10,000 square feet of pinball machines--old ones from the 1950s all the way up to brand new ones like a Transformers one--sounds appealing to you, this is your place. It sounds SUPER appealing to Scott and I, and we've spent many a quarter in this dark concrete building already. Walk in with a $20, visit the change machine, browse the rows with about a pound of quarters in your pocket, and you've got a good hour of solid entertainment for a Saturday afternoon! My personal favorite is the Space Jam one; it gives you crazy good bonuses and, you know, Michael Jordan.<br />
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The Pinball Hall of Fame is actually on Tropicana Ave, essentially down the street from the Strip, so it's not even too far off the beaten path. Plus, I figure if you're going to be putting quarters into a machine and losing all your money anyway, you just as well give your wrists a workout while you do so, right?<br />
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<i>P.S. There is also a Super Mario Bros (the first one) arcade game here, which I dominated for like 30 minutes straight without losing all my lives.</i>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-33518022803606191822014-03-07T12:27:00.000-05:002014-03-07T12:27:22.331-05:00Books I Read: This Winter + A Rearranged Bookshelf<br />
<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0NbAHBZkz2NFmyz9dbGJZkiDolm0BSjLtlSltGkhYE3Njk3RBc-PU7BBt5eEmZpfi58CJ6rOzOaozFCWKctkmoc6Fij0JX2Wfyz6KDfGOdd7WWfEcYv8tE12jVkhAWHYMpfih74UJWry/s1600/joan-didion-the-year-of-magical-thinking-six2eleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0NbAHBZkz2NFmyz9dbGJZkiDolm0BSjLtlSltGkhYE3Njk3RBc-PU7BBt5eEmZpfi58CJ6rOzOaozFCWKctkmoc6Fij0JX2Wfyz6KDfGOdd7WWfEcYv8tE12jVkhAWHYMpfih74UJWry/s1600/joan-didion-the-year-of-magical-thinking-six2eleven.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Year-Magical-Thinking-Joan-Didion/dp/1400078431/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394209848&sr=1-1&keywords=the+year+of+magical+thinking"><i>The Year of Magical Thinking</i> by Joan Didion</a></b></i></b><br />
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Hmmmm, what to read as your first book after you've just had a baby? How about a memoir about a woman whose husband suddenly dies one night at the dinner table, while their only child is in a coma due to an unexplained neuro issue on and off for the next year? Sign me up! Who knows what possessed me to pick this one up as my "before going to sleep"book when AA started to going to bed in his own room, but I did...and while it basically destroyed me emotionally (but so did the Olympics, so...), it was an absolutely beautiful read. It was brutally honest to the point that Didion shared thoughts and feelings I almost can't imagine she would have been willing to share with even her closest friends, and it was just a heartbreaking, stripped bare portrait of marriage and family and death and recovery that will resonate with me for a long time to come.<br />
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<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1363979873l/15815333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1363979873l/15815333.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Interestings-Novel-Meg-Wolitzer/dp/1594488398/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394209931&sr=1-1&keywords=the+interestings"><b><i>The Interestings</i> by Meg Wolitzer</b></a><br />
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First off, prettiest book cover ever, huh? Secondly, I picked up this book because I had seen many, many "best of 2013" lists in which this novel was at the top. WORTH IT. Weaving in and out of the lives of 6 people who met at an arts camp in the late 70s, the plot explores how a shared experience among teenagers can continue to have a ripple effect throughout our lives. I also felt super connected to the characters for a couple of reasons: I, too, went to an arts camp as a teenager, for modern dance! [However, I didn't thrive quite as well as these kids...I spent the entire 2 weeks basically unable to walk because I was so sore from our daily Pilates sessions, which I had never done before!] Also, the adult versions of the characters all live in a very authentic New York City, which of course has a special place in my adulthood as well. [At one point, two characters meet up for brunch at "a place on Amsterdam with popovers as big as a baby's head" - this is a real place, and I've been there! It's called Popover Cafe! Though it apparently <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/22/nyregion/goodbyes-pour-in-for-popover-cafe.html?emc=eta1">closed at the beginning of the year</a> :( ] Connections like those aside, this novel is really just a story about people and their lives and their friendships and how life can be interesting if we just make it be so.<br />
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Yesterday, I did that thing where I accidentally start organizing something I didn't mean to organize and rearranged our bookshelves! Here they are, in our upstairs loft space, which I love.<br />
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I was looking for a new book to read, but all our books were just sort of haphazardly thrown up there and I kept running across books I had already read. So I decided to separate all our books out to see just how many there even were that I have yet to read. Of the 18 shelves, this is what I ended up with:<br />
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2 shelves of knick knacks<br />
3 shelves of photo albums<br />
1 shelf of games<br />
1 shelf of coffee table books (should these go on a coffee table, by definition? Probably)<br />
2 shelves of college textbooks (whyyyy do we keep these?)<br />
1 shelf of travel books<br />
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AND<br />
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4 shelves of books I <i>have</i> read<br />
4 shelves of books I <i>haven't </i>read!<br />
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I gotsa to get to reading! Not only that, of the 4 unread shelves, one entire shelf of that is Christian theology and philosophy books, so I've got the perfect opportunity and a host of books to choose from to expand my mind and explore my faith even further. We will be moving again in August, but I'm going to see if I can get one more entire shelf read before we have to pack up again!Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-4728024609161644422014-03-05T16:21:00.002-05:002014-03-05T16:21:51.812-05:00Bridesmaid Dress Collection: KarenLast fall when I was still pregnant, I was sewing up a storm of <a href="http://threadsthoughtsthings.blogspot.com/search/label/bridesmaids">bridesmaid dresses</a>, and here's one more collection I haven't documented yet!<br />
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Karen wanted a black dress similar to <a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Short-Cotton-Dress-with-Y-Neck-and-Skirt-Pleating-83690_Bridal-Party-Bridesmaids-All-Bridesmaid-Dresses">this David's Bridal dress</a> but liked the idea of having the dresses custom-made for each girl instead, which is where I stepped in, of course!<br />
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The prettiest feature of these dresses are definitely the neckline. I based them on <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/lonsdale-dress/">Sewaholic's Lonsdale Pattern</a> but created a loop for the strap (which I also thickened by a few inches) to thread through instead of having the straps tie at the neck.<br />
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The other features - the cummerbund waistband and the pleated skirt - I created my own pattern for and then pieced it altogether. <br />
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Since these dresses are made from black satin (basically the most
classic bridesmaid fabric of all time, right?), they are (hopefully)
timeless (let's check back in 10 years and see if they look obviously out-of-date!), and I loved the elegance the neckline added to an otherwise fairly simple dress!<br />
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Here's a pic I very creepily stole from Facebook - looked like a very fun group of gals!<br />
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<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-65335997855695718892014-03-03T12:56:00.001-05:002014-03-03T13:22:15.698-05:00AA's Best Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you are having a baby, you get a lot of baby blankets. Like, <i>a lot</i>. And you need a lot! For the first 6 weeks of his life, AA was wrapped up in a blanket basically constantly, and thus many bodily fluids of various types ended up all over these blankets...which is why you need a lot!<br />
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But there was one blanket AA got that was a little more special than all the others, because it was crocheted by his Aunt Kelsey! And it's basically the coolest baby blanket ever. I mean, look at it!<br />
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It has <i>raised adorable animals crocheted into its border.</i> I don't even understand how that's possible to make! But I don't need to understand anything more than this blanket is so beautiful and so special, so I figured this blanket needed to be in as many pictures as humanly possible for the rest of AA's life.<br />
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So every Thursday, we take a picture on this blanket, and I watch AA grow before my very eyes. To think he started out smaller than that middle square!<br />
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<i>Here AA is at 1, 5, 9, and 13 weeks. </i><br />
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(And my heart already hurts for the day he outgrows the outer square too...<i>stay tiny, baby</i>!!!!)Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040835220257890420.post-40530281821055700632014-02-28T13:09:00.001-05:002014-02-28T13:09:46.266-05:00Viva-ing in Las Vegas: Red Rock National Conservation Area<i>Living in a city that is almost completely known for being a tourist destination can be a little tricky. Before we moved here, I was legitimately worried that the entire town would be like The Strip: all flashing lights and casinos and just general wildness. While there ARE slot machines and poker games in the grocery stores and gas stations (because why wouldn't you want to be able to gamble while picking up some produce?), we have been so pleasantly surprised to find that there are tons of other unique and fun things to do in <b>Las Vegas</b> besides just going to the strip. I'll be writing about a few of them over the next few months in case anyone who is visiting Vegas wants to venture off the beaten path!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/red_rock_nca.html">Red Rock National Conservation Area</a> sits on the western edge of Las Vegas and is so easy to get to. There are trails for hiking, biking, horsebacking riding, and you can rock climb. But, if you have a baby (or some other person who is physically incapable of walking over rocks for several miles - or just doesn't feel like it), good news! The 13-mile scenic drive loop is breathtakingly beautiful and will get you a million spectacular views.<br />
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We did duck off the scenic loop and take a short little hike (as in, approximately 1/2 mile) with AA in my <a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/mw/Home.htm">Moby wrap</a>! Hopefully we can both build up our endurance (me, for carrying a 15-lb. object on my person) and tolerance (AA, for being wrapped and strapped to Mom) and take some longer hikes in the future! Or just get a different baby backpack and throw AA on Dad instead :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKKCm1MwTscxXU2TTTbtl0u6G3AsD3SLiMCi6KZBKVQQ9OhW6VUe48rhpZe2vrhK8moow31Mqstx6AO9Cy9c2OO2ZxDKKd7E0dA8nj_Z1lww_yEjdoS4UcxjkRzvpbWZLuGjfbbaERv_j/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKKCm1MwTscxXU2TTTbtl0u6G3AsD3SLiMCi6KZBKVQQ9OhW6VUe48rhpZe2vrhK8moow31Mqstx6AO9Cy9c2OO2ZxDKKd7E0dA8nj_Z1lww_yEjdoS4UcxjkRzvpbWZLuGjfbbaERv_j/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you bring some friends, it makes the drive and photo ops even more fun (we had <a href="http://instagram.com/heidireeves">Heidi </a>and Marshall with us that weekend!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnIHGQGlEBR-n7YSO9NUHQzDAiL9dv5nI5rboVaI9KWu3lH59R7PjvEtIgqYWP4MV4Oj1zj4aa-W_iKQ3ojH3ABZeV1FlZLkThZjcWNZysfIziVxSuCoqDsuWxpsRFTST7Xcbi_krXbDA/s1600/IMG_1407_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnIHGQGlEBR-n7YSO9NUHQzDAiL9dv5nI5rboVaI9KWu3lH59R7PjvEtIgqYWP4MV4Oj1zj4aa-W_iKQ3ojH3ABZeV1FlZLkThZjcWNZysfIziVxSuCoqDsuWxpsRFTST7Xcbi_krXbDA/s1600/IMG_1407_01.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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But of course, watch out for that extremely bright Las Vegas desert sun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl7hjqdTW9URe5pAQkOQUeijoKhwhG-EOwIgpI3sc3nZ65ifTYZU5v7e_DfMX1mIlyg0GkUkZD0RovR2Y8jkYNIq5eESF079bF_8NfVpt96VxcCI1bCZ3DU6cfI1SwaZwQ3XtbEvsRcpj/s1600/IMG_1404_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl7hjqdTW9URe5pAQkOQUeijoKhwhG-EOwIgpI3sc3nZ65ifTYZU5v7e_DfMX1mIlyg0GkUkZD0RovR2Y8jkYNIq5eESF079bF_8NfVpt96VxcCI1bCZ3DU6cfI1SwaZwQ3XtbEvsRcpj/s1600/IMG_1404_01.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<i> </i>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05759253203126795836noreply@blogger.com1