tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54873488027300757532024-03-14T03:59:56.994-04:00Wallis DesignsNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-87185661436853962012014-06-04T14:23:00.000-04:002014-06-04T14:23:28.219-04:00Saying Goodbye.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May was such a sad month for our family. On May 2nd we said goodbye to our beloved dog Mabel. It has taken me some time to find the words to write this. It was too fresh, too guttural, too heartbreaking. Yet I knew I wanted to say something.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyxGTnEn3QrX_gDVBLyLWRRQ4OI_HvWGqFMfIxpYJJ8Qo_CJGicbz70pe0i2t4wdNeoYtFBE2wMubwxHTdBAMWiXynEwSD1-30Hndzj7w-5oywlAQ4tznPj27kPQtTzCJlB73ihPZRoI/s1600/IMG_6415.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/AVvXsEiVyxGTnEn3QrX_gDVBLyLWRRQ4OI_HvWGqFMfIxpYJJ8Qo_CJGicbz70pe0i2t4wdNeoYtFBE2wMubwxHTdBAMWiXynEwSD1-30Hndzj7w-5oywlAQ4tznPj27kPQtTzCJlB73ihPZRoI/s1600/IMG_6415.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>It seems unreal. I still expect to see her outside in the backyard or lying in her favourite spot in the family room. A spot where she could keep an eye on us and make sure we were with her. It's the little things I miss. The sound of her tags on her collar as she walked, the sound of her low grumble to let us know she wanted to go outside and her enthusiasm for laundry fresh and hot out of the dryer.<br />
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We speak of her often and I'm glad we do. She's everywhere in our lives but yet the emptiness is there. I still dread coming home knowing that I will return to an empty house with no greeting at the door. No stretch of her legs upon my knees and no burying of her face into my chest when I picked her up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvxuzL6kY8dzc0W3KQOhPXBOVSbx-ZJ9PKe0-1hD-U-JP6D1yAxb_xAawNVHgl-bhCSMEDd84bnxmhnanH_EhUEls9EWUMznCcU39bUJDvjhVS2KQI91uyFjaZ6PWMnc1i2Hb_sLoZbA/s1600/IMG_0243.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/AVvXsEjgvxuzL6kY8dzc0W3KQOhPXBOVSbx-ZJ9PKe0-1hD-U-JP6D1yAxb_xAawNVHgl-bhCSMEDd84bnxmhnanH_EhUEls9EWUMznCcU39bUJDvjhVS2KQI91uyFjaZ6PWMnc1i2Hb_sLoZbA/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Over the month the weather has turned warmer and we've been out gardening but there is something missing. She loved this time of year when we spent more time outside. She would keep close while lying on the grass with her head held high and taking in one of those lovely spring breaths. She would wriggle on her back in the grass for that perfect satisfying back rub. <br />
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She was a quirky, loveable dog. She was loyal and protective of her family and she loved us. Outside of her loud greeting to strangers, and even visiting family members at the door, she was a calm, gentle spirit. In quiet moments she could even convince non-dog people to like her.<br />
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We said many times how well she fit into our family because really we're kind of quirky too. I'm not sure if we were meant for her or if it really was that she was meant for us. She did everything with us. Everyday she was always nearby. She traveled with us, camped, hiked and loved going up to my parent's lakeside cottage. She was fabulous on long car trips but completely awful on short ones whining and howling as if we were going to leave her at the groomer or vet permanently.<br />
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She grew up with us. The girls were 8 and 10 when we got her...and Al and I? Well, we were younger too. :)<br />
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We've had lots of good memories to share and so many funny Mabel-isms that we just got used to and made us love her even more.<br />
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<li>Mabel was afraid of hardwood floors which led to many funny situations. </li>
<li>When caught trying to pick up kitchen floor food remnants she would back out of the kitchen really slowly as if thinking we would not see her. </li>
<li>She had a weakness for paper. Although she had mostly grown out of this one day in March we returned home to find some chewed up paper in the living room. We didn't say anything but Mabel couldn't even look at us. She immediately went to the corner of the front hall and gave herself a timeout. (Something we never did or requested of her just simply something she thought she should do.) She was her own self regulator.</li>
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She did have her health issues over the years that I could certainly relate to. At age 6 Mabel went in for surgery to remove bladder stones the same day I was going to the hospital for a follow up to my kidney stone procedure. That is just such a strange coincidence.<br />
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She could look deep in your soul with those amazing brown eyes and I swear she understood what I was telling her. Through the worst times or even just trying to recover from a migraine I would feel a little paw on my knee or arm just to let me know she was there for me. I remember in February when she had been diagnosed with an enlarged heart I was upset and sitting on the floor with her. Her little paw on my knee and those eyes looking up at me. The dog with the biggest heart literally had the biggest heart.<br />
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Maybe looking back we can see that her death was not so unexpected but it does help us to know that not only a week earlier she was running around almost puppy-like. She was happily running for toys and giving excited greetings at the door. <br />
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Mabel loved her family and was the most happy when we are all together. In the last few months it was a rare time when we were all home together. Erica was in London at University and Al had many business trips and Sydney's dance season was upon us. On the Wednesday I picked Erica up from residence for her summer break. On Thursday night Al returned home from a 5 day business trip in Florida. On the Friday morning Mabel was out chasing rabbits in the backyard and only hours later I was rushing her to the vet. I sat with her on the floor of their office while we waited for some medication to kick in. We were expecting it to work like it had in the past. It took Al a couple of hours to make it home from downtown and within 20 minutes of him arriving at the vet she let in and laid down. She gave us enough time to get the girls over to the vet and she didn't leave us with any decisions to be made. <br />
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She had her family around her just like she would want.<br />
We knew it was her time to rest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mabel<br />
Feb 12, 2005 - May 2, 2014</td></tr>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-35486908386207022792014-03-29T17:12:00.001-04:002014-03-30T09:12:36.408-04:00Quick Spring Update for your Kitchen Counter - 10 easy steps to freshen it up! <br />
Hello...it's been a while. Actually it's been almost a year since my last post. I was feeling like I needed a break from posting and I guess it was true. If you're a first time reader thanks for dropping in and if you've been here before welcome back. It's nice to be here!<br />
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While I'm waiting for spring to appear outside my window I decided that a little spring cleaning is in order for our kitchen. I've been debating for a while about our kitchen backsplash. Last summer I painted the kitchen walls a light grey and I ended up leaving the backsplash its painted yellow colour. I was thinking about tiling it and then I thought I would do those Smart Tiles but never could decide and then didn't do anything about it. Two days ago I decided to just paint it. Eventually we will have to invest some money into updating our kitchen and any tiled backsplash installed would have to be removed so why spend the money and time to install it. <br />
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Paint is my good friend and such a quick fix. I decided to go with Pale Sea Mist from Benjamin Moore. It may not look that different in pictures from the yellow but it is definitely green and such a fresh pretty one that it instantly brightens up the kitchen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLbSFBjfyfERfEYQ2P-rU6GgJwIF6SrNNUziwKIJL3W2HHcPl1V03BMIFKQfUsoJ38t1OD6nlflp1RzuZhyphenhyphenq9oLDqz6mhUfKPZDzOhKr1tj69MP-TBvQ8hM0Wj37U67Mbw4AlMDtsFpQ/s1600/IMG_6956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLbSFBjfyfERfEYQ2P-rU6GgJwIF6SrNNUziwKIJL3W2HHcPl1V03BMIFKQfUsoJ38t1OD6nlflp1RzuZhyphenhyphenq9oLDqz6mhUfKPZDzOhKr1tj69MP-TBvQ8hM0Wj37U67Mbw4AlMDtsFpQ/s1600/IMG_6956.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale Sea Mist (2147-50) Benjamin Moore</td></tr>
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<b>1. Paint your backsplash to add some colour and freshen it up</b>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1edr1lNfB6GqH_yypsh19RViSOoxs3JZfXSVh2_raQKkh2eyC8qzvHS3N_VEOHz2Fn2f2sKk5vSYmcC3e3l9K_fBdjNPWj3KpOC6tpPZUwKh_KJ-3dujYXzD0m_kAzWFo1JdWcMLGbmU/s1600/IMG_6944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1edr1lNfB6GqH_yypsh19RViSOoxs3JZfXSVh2_raQKkh2eyC8qzvHS3N_VEOHz2Fn2f2sKk5vSYmcC3e3l9K_fBdjNPWj3KpOC6tpPZUwKh_KJ-3dujYXzD0m_kAzWFo1JdWcMLGbmU/s1600/IMG_6944.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Before</i></span><br />
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<b>2. Clear off and clean everything from the counter.</b><br />
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Our kitchen area is not that big. We have very little storage space and because of this we do store some of our appliances and kitchen things in our basement. It was time to clean up and clear out. Things we didn't use often I relocated to cupboards.<br />
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<b>3. Return only the items you use regularly</b>.<br />
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A kitchen also has to be functional though and things that we use all the time have to be handy. I just have to face it we'll never have that magazine spread look but would I really want it to not look like our family lives here, cooks here, bakes here, eats here? I don't think so. Our kitchen really is the centre of our home. It's the place where we all meet for dinner. We've laughed here, talked here, danced here and even cried here. <br />
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<b>4. Clean your cupboard doors and handles</b>. If needed swap out some new shiny chrome or brushed nickel hardware to give an instant boost.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcNipJreyCnzQeUvrSZK76pJVQR_2UIdY5JM3FP_2GRajHjCy45uM_kwozFIdY-iGllB0k5_xpuoeYOgufg54LQcdpJA6LLCgIIa05m1BUQFjA_N6HU3Knk7Ug9bf5CQhRMk1Qm1zpwY/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcNipJreyCnzQeUvrSZK76pJVQR_2UIdY5JM3FP_2GRajHjCy45uM_kwozFIdY-iGllB0k5_xpuoeYOgufg54LQcdpJA6LLCgIIa05m1BUQFjA_N6HU3Knk7Ug9bf5CQhRMk1Qm1zpwY/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">After</span></i></td></tr>
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I like to have things easily accessible so I have a canister containing our kitchen utensils near our stove. I managed to find some pretty blue utensils to replace old and broken ones.<br />
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5. <b>Add a canister or crock to store kitchen utensils.</b><br />
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Clean and cull your kitchen utensils. If you don't use them regularly store them in a drawer or elsewhere. Another trick if you're not ready to throw them out or give them away is to store in a box and date the box. If you haven't gone back to use it in a certain period of time (say 6 months-1 year) you likely don't need it.<br />
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6. <b>Add containers to hold cleaning products</b>.<br />
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I added a little ceramic crock next to the stove to store the smooth top range cleaner, a scrub and the razor blades I use to keep it clean.<br />
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7. <b>Buy new dish towels</b>. <br />
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These robin egg blue ones are perfect to go with my green and blue theme. Also, warn your family that these are show towels for at least 24 hours. After that it's a free for all and I know to see tomato sauce and peanut butter on them. :) <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQTvZ3qrp-BDRwCMSdVoj7aBUT-cxaHLuGVAzBI11m1v0fXVkkpQ7DxV2U9np3ACutELcj_MFIaFhg-UjiwHBadICJkVrRskaTi0-hqn6oL3iDFrG3I6tYlw7FNkpMQPyIBiPJlKIXfU/s1600/IMG_6942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQTvZ3qrp-BDRwCMSdVoj7aBUT-cxaHLuGVAzBI11m1v0fXVkkpQ7DxV2U9np3ACutELcj_MFIaFhg-UjiwHBadICJkVrRskaTi0-hqn6oL3iDFrG3I6tYlw7FNkpMQPyIBiPJlKIXfU/s1600/IMG_6942.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Before</i></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;">8. <b>Sort items into areas.</b> We enjoy a tea sometimes in the afternoon or in the evening so I set up a little tea nook on the microwave. I used a large rectangular plate to hold some tea boxes and a little dish to hold some loose tea bags. <br />
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If you use sugar add a small dish of sugar cubes.<br />
If you have a coffee machine add of bowl of your favourite coffee capsules.<br />
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9. <b>Change your electrical plates</b> over to white decora ones. (We still need to do this but the replacements have been purchased just need the time to do it!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42mj8r_t2dx-vKBTQMiR5pdWGtRcRTVByu-Y8gJvTMWyrTa1QioIf4scJoDrCITPnCgUY8LJgpqYWhABmBoEqRdPsUQd0dut0u2ZRM9WgWhVDSxDHe69Vqh38853kWXFqpfg0rU9dX64/s1600/IMG_6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42mj8r_t2dx-vKBTQMiR5pdWGtRcRTVByu-Y8gJvTMWyrTa1QioIf4scJoDrCITPnCgUY8LJgpqYWhABmBoEqRdPsUQd0dut0u2ZRM9WgWhVDSxDHe69Vqh38853kWXFqpfg0rU9dX64/s1600/IMG_6947.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>After</i></span></td></tr>
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10. <b>Personalize your space</b>. I added artwork that I really love above the stove and by the tea nook. I purchased two beautiful prints from my sister Kathy of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/trowelandpaintbrush?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Trowel and Paintbrush</a> and they look just perfect!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/115942454/berries-and-leaves-watercolor-painting?ref=shop_home_active_9"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/005/0/6573054/il_fullxfull.399138235_tvqq.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="color: #333333; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: white 0px 1px 0px; width: auto; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span itemprop="name" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/115942454/berries-and-leaves-watercolor-painting?ref=shop_home_active_9">Berries and Leaves Watercolor Painting by Kathleen Maunder</a></span></span></h1>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="color: #333333; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; text-shadow: white 0px 1px 0px; width: auto; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span itemprop="name" style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/124711214/tea-watercolor-painting-art-print-floral?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=tea">Tea Watercolor Painting</a> by Kathleen Maunder</span></span></h1>
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All in all this was a quick transformation. It took me less than 5 hours total to do the cleaning, painting and putting back what I needed. 24 hours later it's still clean but only because I'm guarding it and everyone happens to be out this afternoon. It will be back to its happy 'ol state of kind of, sort of clean by tonight! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc0cA_liVDG3h8dTF7VCGtq4CsHOlcDgHcQvJ_JT0wFpOMGanfoPqjehMhykTFQ5ym89Wa8fBSfigDQ0EC6NKbGQN2JZWhhlGPRgM-sPsZPjQRe352IyRPXdgewH-mHvIwqfkQcEc7sI/s1600/IMG_6952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc0cA_liVDG3h8dTF7VCGtq4CsHOlcDgHcQvJ_JT0wFpOMGanfoPqjehMhykTFQ5ym89Wa8fBSfigDQ0EC6NKbGQN2JZWhhlGPRgM-sPsZPjQRe352IyRPXdgewH-mHvIwqfkQcEc7sI/s1600/IMG_6952.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a> Do you have any good tips for a quick makeover in your kitchen? Share them in the comments I'd love to hear them.<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend friends it's nice to be back!<br />
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-46705895959031255062013-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-25T08:00:01.716-04:00Happy 5th Anniversary!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe but today I am celebrating my 5th anniversary on Etsy. My Etsy shop has taken me to places that at one point I could have only dreamed about. Knowing that something I designed is being worn and loved by a woman across the world is something pretty special. I've had so many lovely conversations with customers and I've been so happy to be part of their weddings, birthdays and Valentine's gifts or just a part of their everyday life. I thank all of you for your wonderful support!</div>
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This spring I've introduced some gorgeous colours into my designs. Bright yellows, corals and orange. Mint greens, periwinkle blue and turquoise. A perfect way to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe.</div>
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<li class="li1">Colour Block necklaces. So fashion forward and perfect for your summer!</li>
<li class="li1">Stretch bracelets with glass beads and semi-precious stones in vibrant colours and sterling silver accents.</li>
<li class="li1">Vintage glass jewel earrings in opaque brights. </li>
<li class="li1">My Lemon Cloud Necklace was in a design contest this month. Although I didn't win it was fun to have been asked to participate and be a part of a group of jewellery designers from around the world. Thanks to all those that voted! ❤</li>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancywallisdesigns"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOd2wg3gAprfOzO5wID1dEmzwYX2kdHuis_vBpRfNtD9R__KdBUg4633NC9St9jyAwZIcNlo_xMJtybAmujxdOgpDISEZ8FZ0d6SVELeHj_FWEPkZxysMmXIBy7pNDyh7a55j99LwIlQ/s400/Collages1-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To celebrate my anniversary please use this Coupon code: HAPPY5TH to save 15% of your purchases. (excludes custom orders) </div>
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Coupon expires April 28th, 2013. (11:59 p.m. EST)</div>
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<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-76815725606500151432013-04-17T14:56:00.001-04:002013-04-17T14:56:35.998-04:00Add some Colour to your life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's celebrate spring and bring some colour back into our wardrobe. I'm done with my drab black and grey t-shirts. I just love the colours of spring. Mint green, blues, corals, orange, pinks, neon brights. </div>
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It's so easy with these stretch bracelets. Just pop one on and you have instant colour. I've used materials such as premium glass firepolish beads from Czechoslovakia, semi-precious stones, sterling silver beads, premium cord and care in making. </div>
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Mix and match. Just pop one on and you have instant colour.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancywallisdesigns?section_id=6226933"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHuLcWNbyyc4yEwXzCIeGonI7VYuLr9v0Oin93VGZixao5lEtxUCckFV0FuNlR11HsQRYoLX9K3oW-W-ispSefg6QIRoEUb4-oGuirA9H85p-W9vcqTvgDtMKfBb5XWeEwZtqK2UGRJA/s400/IMG_4473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To celebrate spring I'm having a bracelet sale in my etsy shop.<br />
BOGO Sale. Buy one get the 2nd one (at same or lesser value) for 1/2 price.<br />
Limited time offer.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-34707178777594428892013-04-16T10:50:00.004-04:002013-04-16T10:51:05.133-04:00Bunny TalesAs a nice diversion from my morning here are some pictures from my garden over the last couple of days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklAhYHO-MBDmgDTh2n5BPoq9cHCCZ6UYyVwbrLsiDb8LkxxEGsUS_Fflb0JSAnCwQxaVrKNBRte2Uky0aXwGKj0ySeF3NnUfCYu4KVRMG9mAdJkatRGH2_Lag89d82G11z3mU45XiTWg/s1600/IMG_4388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklAhYHO-MBDmgDTh2n5BPoq9cHCCZ6UYyVwbrLsiDb8LkxxEGsUS_Fflb0JSAnCwQxaVrKNBRte2Uky0aXwGKj0ySeF3NnUfCYu4KVRMG9mAdJkatRGH2_Lag89d82G11z3mU45XiTWg/s400/IMG_4388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1dahi2JJz0N8LI9EsFWVdfUQQHQlv07njT5XE_4f1gwHB7DVIkX8t2l80x67-Hge-khDD76vHIPfMpBtEEDBLfIFtT0aEcusvBW-2g9-2w_05Ikxm2fKik3isTIZLE9kyM_oF80de8g/s1600/IMG_4391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1dahi2JJz0N8LI9EsFWVdfUQQHQlv07njT5XE_4f1gwHB7DVIkX8t2l80x67-Hge-khDD76vHIPfMpBtEEDBLfIFtT0aEcusvBW-2g9-2w_05Ikxm2fKik3isTIZLE9kyM_oF80de8g/s400/IMG_4391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KYZ6_zPnO_HHOU2-HC4pzroSS1EoZe7603X7NnRPDRtTg15Y7lbwZeKEytLRHsF89tsrFgrCiCdYf8Qlq4MuBLcBYLL5YqD8lwZXljCWpkQglA3UlB3D0YSron1947Y3XaH9XLvd_Ss/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KYZ6_zPnO_HHOU2-HC4pzroSS1EoZe7603X7NnRPDRtTg15Y7lbwZeKEytLRHsF89tsrFgrCiCdYf8Qlq4MuBLcBYLL5YqD8lwZXljCWpkQglA3UlB3D0YSron1947Y3XaH9XLvd_Ss/s400/IMG_4392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see he's pretty comfortable in our backyard. In fact, he and his siblings have become playmates for our dog! It's become a pretty leisurely chase around the garden now.<br />
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We're getting so close I'm sure before I know it he'll be expecting a proper dinner invitation.<br />
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I'm pretty sure I know who is eating our tulip leaves.<br />
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<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-3441538849313692302013-04-09T08:57:00.000-04:002013-04-09T09:03:45.343-04:00Sixteen CandlesTime is a funny thing. I remember my Mom telling me that when I get older time will just seem to fly by....and she was right. Yesterday was my youngest daughter's 16th birthday. How did that happen?! When I turned sixteen my parents gave me a bouquet of roses and we've kept up the tradition with our girls. These pink roses are the most spectacular and perfect for Sydney.<br />
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We're so proud of all her accomplishments. She's such a thoughtful and caring person, an amazing dancer, excellent student, and a fabulous daughter. How lucky are we!!<br />
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Erica made Sydney this fabulous cake with the perfect Dr. Suess quote. The world is at her doorstep and it will be so exciting to see where it takes her.</div>
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Happy Birthday Sydney!</div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-46450181157178513362013-03-28T08:42:00.000-04:002013-03-28T08:50:18.669-04:00Happy Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not sure what happened to March but it sure has come and gone quickly. While I'm still trying to grapple with the idea of spring the Easter weekend is already before us. The snow has melted in the front yard and glimpses of spring are starting to be seen as the first bulbs push themselves through the soil. In the backyard there is still mounds of snow mixed with inches of wet, sloppy grass by the midday sun. </div>
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Our backyard is visited daily by two or three local rabbits and our dog is most interested to greet them and as often as possible. This makes for lots of paw wiping when she gets back in the house and that is a sure sign of spring. I've noticed the birds singing. I don't know if they have always been there and their voices muffled by the snow or they have just returned from a southern winter but it sure sounds nice. The garden is wet and brown but there is hope out and there and a sense of excitement as to the possibilities. Spring is a very welcome sight to me.</div>
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Happy Easter! </div>
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May you enjoy your weekend with some rest, sunshine and friends and family.</div>
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-19582415778665323922013-03-25T16:18:00.000-04:002013-03-25T16:18:04.839-04:00Paint Works Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last winter one of my lovely customers, Amy Mogish, asked me to make a custom eye glass chain for a project she was working on. Amy had painted a beautiful wooden eyeglass case and she wanted me to make a coordinating chain for her eyeglasses. She sent me the sweetest owl charm that she had painted herself and wanted me to attach to the back. She also sent a couple of pictures of her painted owl for inspiration. </div>
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Now her work can be seen in the latest Paint Works Magazine (April 2013). You can even try your hand at making this project with her detailed step by step instructions.</div>
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<a href="http://www.paintworksmag.com/">Paint Works Magazine</a></div>
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<i>Owl Be Seeing You</i> by Amy J. Mogish.<br />
Page 82-84.<br />
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I made the glass chain with denim blue and brown glass beads along with some copper beads. All handwrapped onto copper wire and attached to antiqued copper cable chain.</div>
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So much fun to see this project in print. I'm so happy for Amy and so happy I could be a small part of it. You can find Paint Works Magazine at your local book or magazine shop.</div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-35271335273900604882013-02-14T14:19:00.000-05:002013-02-14T14:25:54.976-05:00Happy Valentine's Day! Mmm....the house has a wonderful warm, chocolate scent to it right now.<br />
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What better way to celebrate Valentine's then with some heart shaped brownies.</div>
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I think these strawberries might still need a little chocolate dipping.</div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-15713291821426204002013-01-09T16:16:00.001-05:002013-01-09T16:16:52.333-05:00Drawer by Drawer.Well, I must say my new year plans are going along pretty smoothly. If you knew what kind of week I've had you'd be pretty impressed (small kitchen fire, credit card fraud). Really? What's next??!!<br />
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Anyways, my organization plans are slowly but surely happening. Today's accomplishment...cutlery drawer.<br />
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Ok it seems pretty silly now that it was left for months because it actually took me less than 15 minutes to clean and sort. I bought a new drawer organizer at Winner's last week and it worked out quite well - it even gives me an extra spot to keep those measuring spoons that we are always searching for. <br />
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It went so fast it actually left me some time to sort out the kitchen utensil drawer below it. The bonus cleaning this drawer was that way in the back with the crumbs I found an earring I had lost a couple of months ago. I had searched everywhere in the house - well, not the kitchen utensil drawer because who would think to look there for an earring? I guess we should be lucky my earring didn't fall into somebody's dinner!<br />
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Ok so maybe kitchen renos are not in our budget right now but at least we can have an organized one in the meantime.<br />
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-26956547952353111372013-01-06T18:02:00.000-05:002013-01-06T18:29:47.483-05:00Looking Ahead at 2013.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay3zJj7Yl0McHDfPGgzd9ztchfqiubsUtNRsUKap1Fc7vZXwwg19YMc12B13O43zXMkjpRqkOd4VtNGrdJhC1UYIB5tOnwRKe6S8GLBCjKvSHNYprTSipogVYKXJSf3-KZkZdvj-WKHc/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay3zJj7Yl0McHDfPGgzd9ztchfqiubsUtNRsUKap1Fc7vZXwwg19YMc12B13O43zXMkjpRqkOd4VtNGrdJhC1UYIB5tOnwRKe6S8GLBCjKvSHNYprTSipogVYKXJSf3-KZkZdvj-WKHc/s200/IMG_3607.JPG" width="133" /></a>The corner of the living room does look a little bare right now. The tree is down and the decorations are packed away for another year. Another year, another Christmas gone by. A new year brings hope of something better, excitement of things to come and knowing to enjoy it day by day.<br />
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We have some big changes coming us to this year. It's hard for us to believe that Erica will be moving out to University in nine months. Wow! How can that be? By the end of this year it will just be the three of us at home and I'm sure that will be a bit of an adjustment to us all. As quantity of time inevitably diminishes as the girls get older we want to make sure we have quality time together. We'll have to work at continuing as many family dinners as we can and just spending time together. <br />
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I have some things I'd like to work on professionally. I want to be more proactive with planning, sales goals and effective marketing. I think to take things to the next level I do need to consider the business side of things in conjunction with the creative side. To continue to be profitable and competitive I can't just follow every pretty bead I see. I think sometimes beads to me are like squirrels to our dog Mabel. Beads!! Squirrel! (if you know what I mean!)<br />
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I want to start painting the walls again. A few years ago, and before I opened my etsy shop, I was painting rooms all the time. Paint chips and swatches could be constantly found taped to our walls as I considered future colours. It's definitely time to do this again and I'm ready. <br />
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To do this I need to find a better balance of my time with work and our home. One of my biggest goals this year is to organize and clean the house. This goal will involve other members of the house but we're all ready to get rid of all the stuff we've accumulated over the last several years. We've been in this house for 15 years now and it shows. My mind thinks big when it comes to organization (everything cleaned in the next 2 weeks!!) but I know this will be a long term process. Drawer by drawer, cupboard by cupboard. The time spent will be time saved later on when you don't have to go searching through mounds of stuff to find things. Most importantly for me though is that less clutter just makes for a calmer feeling. <br />
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Some sorted inspiration! (<a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/look-of-the-week-minimalist/a/37043/2">Style at Home</a>)</div>
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We started our organization plans off right by sorting and purging all our Christmas boxes. We had decorations that haven't seen the light of day for years. We still have a lot of Christmas boxes but they are labelled and everything in them is something we use. We are still missing a box of decorations that we could not find this year but I'm sure it will show up over the year when we tackle the basement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fo199n-nCai5GzpEfZW7T90Tz89XA0LxahYFB_zQfk2jLoKmH0gGWtv-TFPdeyOlKJdK2LSVFyCr60V0O6FLhP0GFNnNXEKQvv-cBo9C-3Cdp_uYdOLqX9MiXSUB7k00_Rq7fdrDI30/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fo199n-nCai5GzpEfZW7T90Tz89XA0LxahYFB_zQfk2jLoKmH0gGWtv-TFPdeyOlKJdK2LSVFyCr60V0O6FLhP0GFNnNXEKQvv-cBo9C-3Cdp_uYdOLqX9MiXSUB7k00_Rq7fdrDI30/s400/IMG_3633.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
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I'd like to grow about 3 inches taller but while I wait for that to happen we will continue to walk more and eat healthy. For me, I need to make sure to take the time for myself to do these things.<br />
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A picture from a beautiful walk we took at my parent's cottage over the holidays.</div>
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Happy New Year everyone. Any plans for your year ahead?</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-73558118952610580412012-12-21T13:54:00.000-05:002012-12-21T13:55:12.290-05:00It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sydney made this beautiful gingerbread house in her culinary class. All hand baked by her. I think this might be one gingerbread house that actually tastes good and doesn't risk your dental work! <br />
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No time to waste taking the pictures as we have some eager people in this house ready to start eating this one!</div>
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!</div>
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-9039147424656869222012-12-09T19:07:00.000-05:002012-12-09T19:07:59.970-05:0018th Annual CBC Charity Craft SaleIn the last week I've had the Christmas songs playing while getting ready for my Christmas show in Toronto this Thursday. I've been beading like a mad woman (well a happy one but sort of in a frantic way!) Beads are, well, let's just say everywhere right now. I'm hoping I can find the dining room table again before Christmas dinner!! <br />
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In amongst the beads, wire and chain I've been printing earring cards and having a trial run setting up my table. I've been tagging and pricing and rearranging the table set up. Phew no wonder I've been drinking a lot of coffee this week! I also ordered new business cards - twice. I'd love to say it's just because I love them so much that I had to order more. Well, actually I am really happy with them except for the spelling error on the front. Arghhh!! My fault entirely as I just didn't see the error. Perhaps this is a cue that I have a tad too many things going on at once! Anyways, the new and improved ones should arrive just in time for the show. <br />
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It is a busy time of the year but I'm really looking forward to this show. It will be great to see some of my customers in person and to meet new ones. It's also a great opportunity to meet some fellow vendors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cbccharitycraftsale.ca/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLctQMWsH5d03GnbF-zSNgsZzud2oBqx7Mp9O0QrsYPaUMx5i_OPbBZEAUC370didV3-IbufaB_CWChstkHLE0_rbEdABqf4o2HAAnQUpY0awFJkSc9sNIunWkZgYEtiCwFw330YzrYg/s640/CBC+Charity+Craft+Sale+Poster+Final2-1.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
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If you are in the Toronto area please come out and visit me at the <a href="http://cbccharitycraftsale.ca/">CBC Charity Craft Sale</a>. </div>
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CBC Building Atrium at 250 Front Street.</div>
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Thursday, December 13th 2012.</div>
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8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. </div>
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You can find me at Booth #51 under Wallis Designs.</div>
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The Sale is in support of Unicef. All proceeds from vendor table fees and public donations go directly to Child Protection around the world. </div>
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While I'm at the show most of my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancywallisdesigns">Etsy shop</a> will be travelling with me so I'll have reduced listings on Wednesday and Thursday this week. I also won't be shipping those days. I'll be back listing and shipping on Friday the 14th.</div>
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-59518993037180769972012-11-26T09:47:00.000-05:002012-11-26T09:47:46.995-05:00Cyber Monday Sale on Now!<br />
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<a href="http://nancywallisdesigns.etsy.com/">nancywallisdesigns.etsy.com</a></div>
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My annual <span style="font-size: x-large;">Cyber Monday Sale</span> is now on.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115732508/bright-pink-earrings-dangle-earrings"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MXo4B5z22UaDyvkLMlcuVCgilDvRh0RiqSPTQV6ux6fElzEM33fLGDzCZ0icHlLVcMSlz2_y4m4gprBcDyjS3g3YJeQguoCAhnQejoMHQCp5s0jLKzOOLWXFZpwKe1d0mBgHlCa3GsA/s400/IMG_3452-001.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Save 15%</span> off all items in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancywallisdesigns">etsy shop</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115127133/black-friday-etsy-sale-cyber-monday-etsy"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo7FOlNFAsUzQw6Soqk8WyRbGRXtBR-QYw_R3s-Vq7BbwoHfEMwNi8QBeuGL5pgmq8iUXr2nnNvPhcxj1kR_LCtwo2e7wfLy-ba1iXmgXYSSseQESAJhlyn-5NbgtUubZ9jDfW20VdT8/s400/IMG_3316.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Perfect for gifts.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114921040/swarovski-crystal-earrings-jet-black"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU71YmgJKnCSL6K28efTY9sWupRAX1Z7nFeeGqld_pUuqYXzeyEsacyRYJLnUD5naJspiw5wGW9KmiST9K0URVYJ6wDUWnGOVUUzrRFDFKFD6OlRuoP7Kb1j5VBM6Rkvw1d4LYqU6P98/s400/IMG_3264.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Holiday Glitz.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115125325/black-friday-etsy-sale-cyber-monday-etsy"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0BLIyb5XQkNHFixbg9btuAQ3wS7FoYJBBxpTM_MjMbGlfNwsgu-KLFIWh2tzLlQMz5Ck6xSx_9kax1SEylX6eXuodcEOdh-cCAGswXylWksByqetmYtw_4HfL9kR3ZqM-chi1OlKWqY/s400/IMG_3290.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Something for everyone.</div>
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Use coupon code: HOLIDAY2012 to receive your discount.</div>
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Sale ends at midnight tonight. (EST)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Shopping!</span></div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-52159794495080599622012-11-13T09:08:00.002-05:002012-11-13T09:28:43.714-05:00Pretty Chic Boutique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm happy to let you know that Pretty Chic Boutique is now carrying <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancywallisdesigns">Wallis Designs</a> Jewellery. If you are in the Guelph area please drop by and see my designs in person.</div>
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<a href="http://prettychic.ca/images/Contact.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://prettychic.ca/images/Contact.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Pretty Chic Boutique</span></strong> <strong><br />34 Quebec Street<br />Guelph, ON</strong></div>
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<strong>Phone:</strong> 519-780-2800</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Store Hours</span></strong><br />
Monday - Friday 10-6<br />
Saturday 10-5<br />
Sunday 12-4</div>
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<a href="http://prettychic.ca/images/wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://prettychic.ca/images/wall.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pretty Chic Boutique carries a gorgeous collection of handmade jewellery exclusively created by Canadian artists and designers.<br />
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Stop by on November 21st and save 15% on everything in the store.<br />
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<a href="http://prettychic.ca/index.php"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN-QVR-SZy7Q-8UeGpqZH2VDvUrvkQE1Cm1WJJVUOiDt6AJL0MQhdS4iy1s6CnTQVTjNph5OD1iQJ56gNgcj3iaxsGnEiWu38igEKAHdgU1anxt-g-6a75n6ffQnzgdcmCeYMEaLbDeM/s640/Pretty+Chic+-+Christmas+Flyer+2012.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-91717862571427576862012-11-06T15:03:00.000-05:002012-11-06T15:13:20.807-05:00The Year Ahead for a Scorpio.Yesterday was my birthday and as a tradition I looked up some birthday horoscopes. I know they are often quite silly and mostly amusing but I had fun reading these ones this year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.timegenie.com/">http://www.timegenie.com</a></td></tr>
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I liked these excerpts:<br />
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...Put creativity and effort into your domestic life. Make a move or fix up your digs... <i><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Better quit thinking and get those colours picked and start painting!</span></i><br />
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...Sometimes you might want more privacy, but because of your increasing popularity, this could become a burden. <i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">(hehe)</span></i><br />
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...Although Mercury retrograde begins in Sagittarius, it slips back into Scorpio. This means you'll be dealing with ex-partners and running into people from your past. <span style="color: purple;"><i>(no doubt this will happen while running to the post office in my yoga pants and no make up - that's usually when I see people I haven't seen for years!!)</i></span><br />
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Allow extra time for everything you do because you will be dogged by delays and silly errors. <i><span style="color: purple;">(oh dear!)</span></i><br />
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My Chinese Horoscope: Dragon.<br />
This is a day when you should be full of confidence in your ability to succeed. You can be especially encouraging to people who don't share your attitude. Fear of failure can make people hide and avoid taking risks. Sometimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes. <span style="color: purple;"><i>(hey, this works out with the fact I'll be dogged by silly errors!)</i></span><br />
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This one though was my favourite and actually quite hopeful.<br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">...No doubt you can find an excuse for giving up on a long-term goal, but you have come so far and achieved so much, why waste all that now? Your birthday chart indicates you are so <b>close to success - so keep at it. </b></span><span style="color: purple;"><i>(and I will!)</i></span><br />
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Thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-91483891749122200012012-11-01T14:36:00.001-04:002012-11-01T14:36:54.964-04:00Thank you for making my day!Last week I received the nicest handwritten card in the mail. When I picked it up out of the pile of bills and advertising I didn't immediately recognize the name or return address. Who's it from? and What could it be?<br />
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I couldn't be more surprised to find inside a thank you card from one of my customers. This really made my day!<br />
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Wow! I am so lucky to have such wonderful customers! Here's a good chance for me to thank all my customers for their wonderful comments and feedback. It's a joy to work with you and know you are wearing my designs.<br />
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Thank you Laura for taking the time to write and send this to me! You really brightened my day!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-88909052166375201062012-10-26T14:18:00.000-04:002012-10-26T14:29:10.980-04:00My brother in law.I'm a pretty private person and don't usually write things that are too personal. I enjoy sharing my new designs, photos and recipes and I think sometimes you may catch a glimpse of who I am through my writings. It's at this point though that all of these things just seem so trivial to write about and I can't really consider thinking about them without acknowledging the huge loss we have experienced in our family.<br />
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Earlier this month my brother in law (my husband's brother) passed away. 50 years young with a beautiful family including three fabulous daughters. He died of melanoma and even when the cancer was spreading through every part of his body he remained optimistic and strong.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mark Wallis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">May 1, 1962 - October 9, 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The things that I learned from knowing Mark are simple: Live in this moment, approach everything with optimism, be kind to others, dance like there's no one watching (but if there is an audience that's even better!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The loss is immense and heartbreaking but I will take the gift of knowing Mark into my own life. I'm sure Mark is looking down at all of us and saying "Keep on Smiling"...and that is what we will try to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><em>Please wear sunscreen.</em></span></div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-85348683683053683112012-10-04T10:58:00.000-04:002012-10-04T10:58:58.611-04:00Hola!I can't believe we were here less than two weeks ago. It's amazing how quickly you get right back into the swing of your normal schedule when you return. Ahhh. I guess it was inevitable to return to reality but it was nice while it lasted.<br />
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Pretty fabulous view from my lounger!</div>
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Oh yah, I could get used to this!</div>
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Surf's up!</div>
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A trip into San Jose del Cabo.</div>
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I'm pretty sure he's smiling.</div>
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It was fun while it lasted!</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-89513882957252985102012-09-06T16:42:00.001-04:002012-09-06T16:42:57.787-04:00Renovating my Life.During renovations you sure do notice all the other things in your house that need fixing or a face lift. Suddenly, the hall paint is looking pretty dingy and the carpeting...oh my, the carpeting...it will have to do for now with a cleaning after all this over. We moved into this house with the existing carpeting and we're lucky it's a neutral gray colour but it is worn and dirty and has really given us all it can give (add it to the list!).<br />
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<a href="http://vivanext.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PaintCanBlue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://vivanext.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PaintCanBlue.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Also, when we moved in almost every room had border wallpaper. Some rooms had more than one border design! We slowly moved through each room stripping wallpaper and border and choosing a more palatable palette. It's funny, now we are at the point in time that we are upgrading our own upgrades. What I once loved is ready for a change. The whole family knows the impending painting projects as they are greeted by tiny paint chips slipped into door frames or taped to the walls in different rooms. My mind is always one step ahead of the work in progress when it comes to wall paint. (I suppose that could be annoying to others!!)<br />
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<a href="http://lesliepaint.com/lesliepaint.com/images/products/FanDeck.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lesliepaint.com/lesliepaint.com/images/products/FanDeck.png" width="141" /></a>For now though, I must concentrate on the bathroom colours. I'm thinking we'll go pretty neutral but I do find neutral sometimes trickier - all of the sudden a once perfect paint chip looks greenish on the wall. I also don't want it to look too boring or wishy washy. One thing I have learned is that it's so important to buy the sample can and try it before you paint. I like to put two coats onto a board that I can move around the room and view it at different times of the day. Room lighting is so important and the amount of natural light can really change the look of a paint. I also live by "it's only paint". After sampling go for your gut. It's usually right and if it's wrong you usually know pretty quickly so it's not a really costly mistake. (Not like tile choices and locations of faucets...oh my I've had enough of these decisions lately!!)<br />
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Here's our bathroom at the end of last week. You can see my two sample colour boards above the vanity. (inukshuk CC-460) and (pale oak OC-20) Unfortunately neither of these seem exactly right. I'm looking at a couple of other colours now - one with a bit more grey and even one with a tinge of blue. Hopefully I'll be able to get to the paint store tonight so I can have the samples ready for tomorrow. We should be able to start priming the walls tomorrow night.</div>
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We're really happy with everything. The shower looks amazing. As I write this the plumber is hooking up the faucets and the toilet. We might even have a working bathroom in the very near future! </div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-44297643716634816892012-09-01T10:49:00.000-04:002012-09-02T08:30:50.587-04:00Hello September!I'm not sure what happened to the end of summer. It somehow just flew by. I'm not sad though as I always do love September and the fall weather. September has always felt like the beginning of the new year and I always love that feeling. This year there is also the promise of completed renovations.<br />
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In August I have grown used to the daily banging and scraping noises coming from our bathroom upstairs. I can now tune out the two top squeeky stairs that I hear everytime the contractors go up and down the stairs. I have accepted the fact that our house is encased in a thick coat of dust even right after vacuuming.<br />
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We've made such progress though and we're really happy with the changes.<br />
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We've gone from a completely blank room to new flooring.</div>
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We've chosen large 24 x24" porcelain tile with a neutral stone look.</div>
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Our shower went from this...</div>
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...to this. You can also catch a glimpse of our new vanity.</div>
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The shower was completely tiled this week and the countertop was installed. I'll take pictures this weekend to show next week. Hopefully by the end of the coming week it will be very close to a finished bathroom. I'm so excited! With school starting this week and four of us trying to get ready in the morning we will be thankful to have the extra space.</div>
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I also have some very exciting news. A pair of my earrings are featured in the Fall 2012 edition of <a href="http://www.diyweddingsmag.com/">DIY Weddings</a>. It's available now to order in print and will be available to download later this month.</div>
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<a href="http://www.diyweddingsmag.com/fall-issue-on-sale-now/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/storage1.magcloud.com/image/aa450fda060b9b4fb9a17ec3d624a145.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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I'm very excited and can't wait to see the feature!</div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-21575504551811960942012-08-20T10:37:00.001-04:002012-08-20T10:38:33.856-04:00Creative BurstGood Monday Morning! It's so nice to be listing some new items.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107316319/new-pink-gypsy-boho-chic-earrings"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYaTItXsrdDc-D6ZwHEstG5xB4lykVbSBmuT2FZN47MiRc3H5_u34CJKgWQIsKBUHPfeftwMOirMjpRqhClM3WtUHH48siQqmOBN7rGSXw35fPd_ghDARmZ5Tn4gP__qXIQHJ5xiIy0c/s640/IMG_2809-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Pink Gypsy.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107317742/grateful-necklace-charm-necklace-grater"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYJxDlyUyASF0vO9baQYtNUX5PHcoHNoUoDdRJ5N1uJz8yWx0xx-oiZ_h8vfFc8kUFHb7KJJyqiqCDbyA6bawxxFkSe10SlFF0NOFbdtAOZxzBBw4BAH5xrsK_sChusy1KUbX4uG92vc/s640/IMG_2800-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I couldn't resist these charms! Grateful for your love necklace.</div>
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These black and whites are fabulous.</div>
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More to come....<br />
A cool breeze coming through the window. Does this mean the end of summer already?Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-5779279935280494012012-08-17T09:32:00.000-04:002012-08-17T09:32:47.666-04:00The beauty of rain.Our camping trip this year ended on a rainy note. Seventeen hours of straight rain that is. Despite this it ended up to be such a fun day. It started with a well deserved afternoon nap. When we realized that it was not stopping we got our bathing suits on and headed to the beach (strangely there weren't many others sharing our enthusiasm for a swim!). The air was cold but the water felt warm. Later, back in our campsite, we played card games in our eating tent. Two of us on each side of the picnic table squished together to avoid the rain coming in at all sides. We made coffee and hot chocolate and shared some laughs.<br />
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We went to bed in the pouring rain. Often the sound of rain can be so soothing but not this night. It was strangely loud and it took me a while to get to sleep. I was hoping we would all stay dry inside (we did). We awoke in the morning to silence except for a few lone bird calls. Eventually, even the sun tried to peek out but was unsuccessful after a few minutes.<br />
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Our tent was soaked, our towels wet and sandy and we knew we would have heaps of laundry to do when we got home but we were still ending our trip on a happy note. It was great for the four of us to be together with no other distractions and just ourselves to entertain each other. I wouldn't have changed anything and I know I will always look back fondly at this trip.<br />
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While getting ready to pack up I noticed how pretty the droplets of water looked on the tent.</div>
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The girls will be returning tonight from a week with their cousins. It will be nice to have them back. The renos are moving along pretty well. The plumber is here now and with any luck I might just have the house to myself in the afternoon. Have a great weekend friends!<br />
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-52118918365111674122012-08-16T09:53:00.000-04:002012-08-16T09:53:46.473-04:00Fall Forward into the new Colors of the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vasanticosmetics.com/beauty-blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pantone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://vasanticosmetics.com/beauty-blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pantone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=20948&ca=4&from=hpfeatures">Image from Pantone</a></td></tr>
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Definitely a bolder collection of colors compared to <a href="http://nancywallisdesigns.blogspot.ca/2011/09/fall-2011-fashion-colours.html">2011</a>. This year's colors mix bolds, brights and neutrals. At first glance the colors read almost too strong for me but sitting back I can see how they could play beautifully together in fashion and in my home. Lately I've been moving to a more neutral palette on my walls but if not careful this can lead to a boring room. Color brings a room alive. Bringing some of these colors in with fabrics and accessories can really make a room go from ho hum to va voom.</div>
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Cheer up your deep brown sofa in French Roast with zesty pillows in Pink Flambé and Tangerine Tango. Think of mixing the warmth and softness of Honey Gold with accents in bold Olympian blue. For a softer look pair Titanium with Rhapsody and Rose Smoke and if your adventurous add some pops of Bright Chartreuse to the mix. oh la la!</div>
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The most important thing with color and trends is to have fun with it. You'll see these colors in fashion, furniture, bedding, home decor and more. Add a splash here and there to give your room an instant update.</div>
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What's your favourite color from this new line up? Stay tuned for some more ways to play with the new trends this fall.</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487348802730075753.post-75605381055913017482012-08-15T08:52:00.000-04:002012-08-15T08:52:51.788-04:00...and the walls came tumbling down.The renovations have begun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEAu7hdr55mwGBFBsYD70aedZdGi4qPHHaXZcXYm2fc14sR5mRaZ026x0FclugRJrnw3X5lzILib-flSO3KsFSWO8yr7zYL87cMzcYLz4Om7ZlSm1iwNnIUSAHZ9orf5MegnLFct__2g/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEAu7hdr55mwGBFBsYD70aedZdGi4qPHHaXZcXYm2fc14sR5mRaZ026x0FclugRJrnw3X5lzILib-flSO3KsFSWO8yr7zYL87cMzcYLz4Om7ZlSm1iwNnIUSAHZ9orf5MegnLFct__2g/s400/IMG_2750.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.</td></tr>
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I've decided to show you real before pictures. I took the photos as the bathroom was. I didn't put away the bottles of shampoos and lotions and things. I really wanted to show the transformation to a space that made us cringe to hopefully a peaceful space with an actual working bath tub! You can see here we kind of gave up on this bathroom a while ago. The windows were replaced a few years back but we never did replace the window coverings. Yes, those are sheets that we used as curtains tacked to the wall. It can only get better!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After demolition.</td></tr>
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Gone is the vanity and tub. Not a thing left. The bathroom is totally gutted.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.</td></tr>
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I will not miss the purple on the walls. It seemed fine at the time when I painted it years ago but once we repainted our master bedroom it clashed. I had really lost any enthusiasm to repaint while things were breaking and we knew repairs and renovations were in the future.</div>
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There goes the shower. (good riddance!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After demolition.</td></tr>
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...and it looks promising. Some expected water damage (but no mold which is great) and a weird pipe thingie (yes, that is the correct term) in the wrong spot that needs to be relocated. A new subfloor needs to go in but best to start the work correctly.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17671401385892104004noreply@blogger.com2