tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45227454284156806892024-03-04T20:54:06.147-08:00Pink Porridge PotJamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-15302667770100355372013-08-17T22:21:00.002-07:002014-05-12T20:33:38.876-07:00A Berry Beautiful Day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4GWeGyQFkvt5i4-abEzjjzr8Cq4Z673WchaV-Mr7rva9uIqj-jomES8e1JDKgSbrXuhA2iYW1HsQKG7YRMj6AmTPCMpt3XAJh7tCDMj-KOkRc0Ao0GQszj1zR8vrpN9BYOxdmaaaBiM/s1600/Santa+Barbara+Blueberries+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4GWeGyQFkvt5i4-abEzjjzr8Cq4Z673WchaV-Mr7rva9uIqj-jomES8e1JDKgSbrXuhA2iYW1HsQKG7YRMj6AmTPCMpt3XAJh7tCDMj-KOkRc0Ao0GQszj1zR8vrpN9BYOxdmaaaBiM/s1600/Santa+Barbara+Blueberries+(1).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Santa Barbara Blueberries</i></span><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I think of summertime, I think of fresh berries from the vine. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, yes, Yes, YES!!! At my childhood home, we had blackberry bushes that ran along the back fence of our property. I remember picking the delicate fruit from the thorny vines that provided a natural and delicious fence. Good times, good memories!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today, I visited two U-Pick 'Em farms that are 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. My first stop was at Santa Barbara Blueberries. Although the peak of the season has passed, there were still hundreds of sweet blueberries waiting to fulfill their berry destiny. I went up and down the rows carefully looking over each bush, picking and filling my bucket as I went along. I was told that snakes can be found on the farm, so I just whistled as I picked, hoping to discourage them from crossing my path. I am pretty sure that whistling is not a snake repellent, but it gave me the confidence to explore. When my bucket was full, I made my way back to the blueberry stand and paid for my pickings. Before I left, I sat down for a few minutes and took in the sights and sounds of excited children as they ran through the fields, discovering blueberries for the first time. So simple, yet so joyful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My next adventure awaited me at Ladybug Acres, a rambling farm with an amazing bounty of produce such as raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, green beans and melons. Exploring this farm was like being transported to the Country Fair. As I picked raspberries, my favorite berry, I imagined what it would be like to live on a farm, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I think the 'Little House on the Prairie' side of me would enjoy that life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope to visit both farms again next year. For now, I look forward to baking delicious tarts, pies, cobblers and muffins, filling my kitchen with the sweet smells of baked goods. I will leave the jam making to my sister who lives in Oregon, where berries grow so naturally and beautifully in the wild.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I guess you can say that it has been a berry beautiful day! </span></span>Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-68341054377889438482013-07-11T20:33:00.002-07:002014-05-13T14:38:10.841-07:00Framed Wall Collage...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBELTk6TOYXwbtJlLstn5187CXfMbFzskvUJWBhFbD7eLKOpfE05yFvTLZHxBf5JAdFJzUeSorOwXRfnJ-ZKvZPJ_r0cKYcmioZHRUyYbvNKtHtumm2xx2peSQrbAoOI_drNdbZefNfcs/s1600/Mosaic+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBELTk6TOYXwbtJlLstn5187CXfMbFzskvUJWBhFbD7eLKOpfE05yFvTLZHxBf5JAdFJzUeSorOwXRfnJ-ZKvZPJ_r0cKYcmioZHRUyYbvNKtHtumm2xx2peSQrbAoOI_drNdbZefNfcs/s400/Mosaic+003.jpg" height="640" nya="true" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I design for my home, I am drawn to a relaxed and comfortable look that expresses enchanted simplicity and whimsical mystique. I like to tell my life story through design, capturing memories in each creation. Staying in theme with my design style, I decided to create a framed wall collage for my pink bedroom. The collage showcases heartfelt memories of a European vacation I took in 2006. I remember taking each landmark photograph as I traveled through France, Italy and many other countries along the Mediterranean coast. Those precious memories live on in my mind and heart, and now in a collage I can enjoy and share with others for many years to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The collage is straight forward to make and requires no special tools. You can customize the paper and frame with embellishments if you would like. I thought about staining and stitching the edges of my paper, but decided to keep the look simple and clean, which suits me just fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Starting with 9 frames (8" x 10"), I cut coordinating card stock paper to fit each frame. I then centered and adhered each photo to the card stock paper using an acid free adhesive. Once assembled in the frame, I hung the collage on the wall in a grouping. Random placement would be cute as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Really, that is it! Give it a try. It is an easy, inexpensive and fun way to cover wall space. </span> Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-68352466753186508182013-02-10T13:02:00.001-08:002014-05-12T20:35:37.052-07:00Crocheted 100% Cotton Dishcloths... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvzrZItMc4tarMDkDzUXV0O-jozHoHx6gaIYC-xkN0nrYBRZpYAkzLTUpasgAw5_YgIJlHkkQNlEkULbhyevQZWZYUsWkbISb1lXj-QztH-pnQVlwNRfoUkPqdPwNzG4hyphenhyphenUEAjgUBKpo/s1600/BlogUse180a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvzrZItMc4tarMDkDzUXV0O-jozHoHx6gaIYC-xkN0nrYBRZpYAkzLTUpasgAw5_YgIJlHkkQNlEkULbhyevQZWZYUsWkbISb1lXj-QztH-pnQVlwNRfoUkPqdPwNzG4hyphenhyphenUEAjgUBKpo/s400/BlogUse180a.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With each passing year, I become more connected to the earth and am inspired to create with my hands. I love to bake and cook, filling my home with the sweet and savory smells of homemade foods that come from my heart. I also have a strong bond to home that seems to grow with time. Although it is easy to buy what I want and need, there is something very special and personally rewarding when I<span style="font-size: small;"> make</span> it myself.<br /><br />Lately, dishcloths have been the object of my time and attention. It has become my work week project. A few rows here and there gives me creative expression an<span style="font-size: small;">d ful<span style="font-size: small;">fillment </span></span>throughout the week and in just a few days, I have <span style="font-size: small;">lovely dishcloths</span> made from tidbits of time.<br /><br />I used Sugar 'n Cream cotton yar<span style="font-size: small;">n to create these natural, soft and <span style="font-size: small;">absorbent dishcloths. The pattern is made <span style="font-size: small;">using </span>the Trinity Stitch. </span></span>It requires very little in terms of crochet knowledge and experience. If you know how to “Chain” and “Single Crochet”, this is the project for you<span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br /><br /><b>Materials</b><br /><br />1 Skein 100% Cotton Sugar ‘n Cream Yarn<br />“H” Crochet Hook<br />1 Yarn Needle<br /><br /><b>Finished Dimensions</b><br /><br />9 ½” x 9 ½”<br /><br /><b>Abbreviations</b><br /><br />Ch = Chain<br />SC = Single Crochet<br />YO = Yarn Over<br /><br /><b>Pattern</b><br /><b><br />Trinity Stitch: (Worked over 3 stitches) Draw up a loop in same stitch previously worked in. (Draw up a loop in next stitch) 2 times. YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.</b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Chain 38.<br /><br />Row 1: Skip 1st Ch, SC in 2nd Ch from hook. In same stitch, begin Trinity Stitch (see above). *Ch 1, Trinity Stitch*, repeating from * to * throughout row. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SC in same stitch (last <span style="font-size: small;">Ch</span>). Ch 1, turn.<br /><br />Row 2: SC in first SC (last SC in previous row)<span style="font-size: small;">. In same stitch, </span>begin Trinity Stitch<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> *Ch 1, Trinity Stitch*, repeating from * to * throughout row<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> SC in same stitch<span style="font-size: small;"> (last SC). </span>Ch 1, turn.<br /><br />Repeat Row 2 for a total of 31 rows.<br /><br />Finish off and weave in ends with yarn needle.<br /><br />You may adjust the size by decreasing or increasing the beginning chain by removing or adding in multiples of 2 chains.</span></span></span>Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-3174197601486844692013-01-20T14:53:00.001-08:002014-05-12T20:35:50.905-07:00Black Bean Salsa...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01qG10BCllSuv4xoWOsfGt_OSMkcolkcFQoyUeFSVTjQJvw4tri1h1C3Z-gxW5DuH8IkrfT65W6WE3Fztccs7Fx0aeTPMFiu13FrE06tWRc_yXJ3EcQ9lW5KRKOV4wlHW9LKWqhplGRI/s1600/BlackBeanSalsa+002FS.psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01qG10BCllSuv4xoWOsfGt_OSMkcolkcFQoyUeFSVTjQJvw4tri1h1C3Z-gxW5DuH8IkrfT65W6WE3Fztccs7Fx0aeTPMFiu13FrE06tWRc_yXJ3EcQ9lW5KRKOV4wlHW9LKWqhplGRI/s400/BlackBeanSalsa+002FS.psd.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Having had the privilege of growing up in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, where Old Spanish Days is an annual celebration and a taqueria can be found on just about every street corner, it stands to reason that I love Mexican food. Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, posole and tortillas...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">YES please!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With a three day weekend and abundant sunshine at my doorstep, I decided to make my delicious Black Bean Salsa and served it alongside a freshly made basket of warm tortilla chips, <span style="font-size: small;">topped </span>with lime salt and Tecate beer. Absolutely wonderful flavors and a perfect January getaway to summertime in Santa Barbara<span style="font-size: small;">. </span>Life is good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Black Bean Salsa</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">10 Roma Tomatoes, halved</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 Jalapeno Peppers, halved (for milder salsa, remove seeds and veins)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 Yellow Onion, halved </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 Garlic Cloves</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 Lime, juiced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 C. Cilantro </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3/4 C. Black Beans, canned</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Extra Virgin Olive Oil </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 t. Salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 t. Pepper</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Place tomatoes, peppers and onion cut side up on a sheet pan, with garlic. Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in 400 degree oven until carmelized, about 20 - 25 minutes. Place vegetables in food processor, adding lime juice, cilantro, black beans, salt and pepper. Pulse until desired consistency is reached. Serve with corn chips. Store in refrigerator.</span> </span></span>Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-89056054455474256322013-01-06T20:07:00.002-08:002014-05-12T20:36:10.864-07:00Fried Chicken...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaz6lW6q88wUYOfEGiZy2OnEgt6IqLulPMxlDmn-4zqVyPS-hByQqNDyfUyAoh0P4nJbQQUTpJOJYt1r9GIU5kAxlB-LAebsRoWB-4PHI98ByP4Dv7J5VByG1tKdCCEL77GNy2LN_3iw/s1600/mosaicf441922ec9e0a6827ff64bfd50aabfbdd1ec7be5FS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaz6lW6q88wUYOfEGiZy2OnEgt6IqLulPMxlDmn-4zqVyPS-hByQqNDyfUyAoh0P4nJbQQUTpJOJYt1r9GIU5kAxlB-LAebsRoWB-4PHI98ByP4Dv7J5VByG1tKdCCEL77GNy2LN_3iw/s400/mosaicf441922ec9e0a6827ff64bfd50aabfbdd1ec7be5FS.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This morning, I woke up to the beautiful sound of rain, which I absolutely love, especially on the weekend. Over coffee, I decided that soul food would fill my kitchen today. Deep down, honest to goodness comfort and a perfect meal for a cold weather day. Yes ma'am, fried chicken, spicy parmesan green beans and kale, hot water cornbread and my sister's ridiculously good apple pie would be on my menu this blessed Sunday. I once had a co-worker tell me "your fried chicken is so good, the chickens come to your house and say, fry me, fry me". Exaggeration, so be it, but I have been told that I make amazing fried chicken and I give thanks to Wayola, my sister-in-law, who generously shared her love of baking and cooking with me. My memories of her are forever etched in my heart. Below, I have listed "our" fried chicken recipe. There really is no secret ingredient, it is all about the oil type, temperature and cooking time. This is for you Wayola. I have made adjustments to my liking over the years, but you are the original inspiration.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Fried Chicken</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Chicken, thighs and wings</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Buttermilk</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tabasco or hot sauce, to taste</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peanut oil</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Flour</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seasoning salt, to taste</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />In large bowl, soak chicken in buttermilk and Tabasco or hot sauce overnight. In large pot, heat peanut oil to medium temperature. Use enough oil to float chicken. In resealable bag, add flour, seasoning salt and pepper. Remove soaked chicken from bowl and immediately drop in bag. Shake to coat. Remove from bag and drop in oil to fry. The key to great fried chicken is oil temperature. Too low and it will be soggy, too high and it will burn.</span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span> </span> </span></span>Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-34020540989329738432013-01-04T15:45:00.002-08:002014-05-12T20:36:54.076-07:00Pink Paper Pagodas...<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I love making cards, scrapbooks and creating memories through art. Over the years, I have collected a bounty of scrapbook paper that is now bursting from my craft room. Designing on a dime is easy for me and has become a way of life. Often times, ideas come to me randomly and when I least expect it, as did the pink paper pagodas. If you have been following my blog, you know by now that I have a pink bedroom in my house designed for the little girl in me, sweetly inspired by my eldest daughter. The pagodas were inexpensive and easy to make, adding color, texture and lots of love to my bedroom. And, best of all, I found another use for my paper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, here is how my concept came together...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">First, I folded sheets of color coordinated 8 1/2" x 11" scrapbook paper in half, carefully tearing the paper into two pieces, each measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". By tearing the paper, I achieved a soft, feathered edge rather than a hard, cut line. Then, I rolled the paper around a dowel rod, working from the bottom (cut edge) to the top (torn edge). Using a glue stick, I secured the torn edge to the paper tube. Finally, I removed the dowel rod, which left a tight and sturdy tube.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOhkmk4iGLE-1XCiCIaDwj7fzvzeneOwiucOBHratQfXoiopFiBkP9wwYJ91vHb6CCodQW8XILUxHLlQKbsrlEamaIZ3aB_0UZTW-RxQoB5JOEec3QYYuuKxMwwOZoGPFVNNP-YG8ue8/s1600/PinkBedroom+%2810%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOhkmk4iGLE-1XCiCIaDwj7fzvzeneOwiucOBHratQfXoiopFiBkP9wwYJ91vHb6CCodQW8XILUxHLlQKbsrlEamaIZ3aB_0UZTW-RxQoB5JOEec3QYYuuKxMwwOZoGPFVNNP-YG8ue8/s400/PinkBedroom+%2810%29.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The rest is really quite simple. I formed the paper tubes around a square frame in order to keep them straight and just kept building up. Each tube was secured seam side down with a bead of craft glue connecting the ends. In no time at all, the pagoda was finished and in place in my pink bedroom. I added a glass votive and tea light inside for soft illumination, which gently peeks through the colored paper. <u>Note</u>: I used a glass votive that was significantly taller than the candle to prevent the paper from catching fire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4xyos8gETgfaD9f83mQ1pFnaRdDbjJS6kxN9Bfb4yRQM_GBzcuRou0hXKFeVNXQW11q1z1sow-jMfXM_k4861HwgY_GvKlT7hwAHOlNXQHpAGCGCTVs0AOPqsnjlq2Mt7UWi6APB5t8/s1600/PinkBedroom+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4xyos8gETgfaD9f83mQ1pFnaRdDbjJS6kxN9Bfb4yRQM_GBzcuRou0hXKFeVNXQW11q1z1sow-jMfXM_k4861HwgY_GvKlT7hwAHOlNXQHpAGCGCTVs0AOPqsnjlq2Mt7UWi6APB5t8/s400/PinkBedroom+%25285%2529.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, so they are not necessarily pagodas, but the name sounds cute, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2voNHD_OwJc4CZgayZF1cPD-snAYC3JXR-GIj-Z43ZG0qOPvj4n4j1zcKCiZgOh6BBpAp4S2dGXjd_bXb6F0HghpE6_Wz6N9iTRjmD73cxzhceM32N67FfozsTf22fYaj1H47lhWe9Kw/s1600/PinkBedroom+%2528173%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2voNHD_OwJc4CZgayZF1cPD-snAYC3JXR-GIj-Z43ZG0qOPvj4n4j1zcKCiZgOh6BBpAp4S2dGXjd_bXb6F0HghpE6_Wz6N9iTRjmD73cxzhceM32N67FfozsTf22fYaj1H47lhWe9Kw/s400/PinkBedroom+%2528173%2529.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are some other whimsical touches in my pink bedroom. More to come, with a full room reveal soon!</span></div>
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Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-63860508834701587802013-01-01T20:39:00.000-08:002014-05-12T20:37:37.567-07:00Every Tree Needs An Angel...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With the holidays behind us and a new year ahead, we are filled with resolution and hope as we look to the future. I would like to pause for a moment, however, to remember Ty, a special, once in a lifetime dog who was taken from our lives far too soon. This is for you little guy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW0RVhyphenhyphen8YmpyE9L6vouadrwV4NyApc_SyOMJ8C2lfAlvjNmj_26k70ifLucMC16E-ZcXDhyytiPQnJrdC68wONMcCDAh0rmpNyPPnnOcem8U8iCADNgo8JPaQq4EvEEZt6Blo82mqphg/s1600/PinkBedroom+%28269%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW0RVhyphenhyphen8YmpyE9L6vouadrwV4NyApc_SyOMJ8C2lfAlvjNmj_26k70ifLucMC16E-ZcXDhyytiPQnJrdC68wONMcCDAh0rmpNyPPnnOcem8U8iCADNgo8JPaQq4EvEEZt6Blo82mqphg/s400/PinkBedroom+%28269%29.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dear Ty,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love you to the moon and back. I put a picture of you on my tree because every tree needs an angel. You are the meaning of love and when I look at<span style="font-size: small;"> your </span>smile, I am reminded that life is a gift worth living to the fullest, with an open heart and without constraint. My resolution this year is to embrace each day with a song in my heart and a skip in my step. I will accept and love my imperfectly perfect self because it brings joy and laughter to others. This is how I will honor your legacy. Thank you beautiful boy, "TY". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am smiling back at you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Titi</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">To learn more about Ty's Story, please visit <a href="http://theluckyfox.blogspot.com/search/label/Ty%27s%20Story">The Lucky Fox</a>.</span></div>
Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-73232405103767740472012-12-19T16:00:00.002-08:002014-05-12T20:37:51.437-07:00Butter Cookies...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Without a doubt, my favorite holiday treat is a butter cookie. By definition, butter cookies are simple and show off the most basic of baking ingredients to their best advantage. Since I have never met a stick of butter I did not like, it stands to reason that these cookies are the star in my kitchen during the holidays. Classic on their own, they can also be paired with lemon curd, jam, whipping cream and fresh fruit or elegantly presented with a beautiful dusting of confectioner's sugar. There are a variety of recipes to chose from, each hosting similar ingredients, but I would suggest using a recipe that calls for butter, flour, confectioner's sugar, salt and vanilla such as <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/the-neelys-butter-cookies-recipe/index.html">The Neely's Butter Cookie</a> recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy and Happy Holidays my friends!</span></div>
Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-56687421585283155142012-12-16T13:36:00.001-08:002014-05-12T20:38:34.183-07:00Luggage Racks...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Luggage racks! I just happened to be looking for them online and there they were, the first item on the list. They were meant to be! I had the perfect idea to dress them up for my pink bedroom. As luck would have it, the gentleman selling the racks had two and was kind enough to sell them both for the price of one. He was converting his bed and breakfast to a vacation rental and needed to move them out quickly. With a double score in hand, I was excited to get started!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />First, I removed the straps and lightly sanded the wood. I only needed to knock off enough of the old finish to give the new primer and paint something to grab hold of. It was a quick and simple process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSP1xM75vhDCkwPDLG8aUpkvrQQe1r4SBxtdXoeH5NxnPY3zVg0bFhF4pG1jumdYlAdroFXQuahQCt8Zr2xPdkUFLkdQvWEE3Qzyt5k53urGzGaaAcxrPNtb8uXnTqDHOSlWY9lLHwyQ/s1600/LuggageRacks+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSP1xM75vhDCkwPDLG8aUpkvrQQe1r4SBxtdXoeH5NxnPY3zVg0bFhF4pG1jumdYlAdroFXQuahQCt8Zr2xPdkUFLkdQvWEE3Qzyt5k53urGzGaaAcxrPNtb8uXnTqDHOSlWY9lLHwyQ/s400/LuggageRacks+007.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Next, I covered the existing hardware with painter's tape to prevent over spray from the primer and paint. Eventually, I changed my mind and replaced the hardware in order to achieve a more detailed result. Neither was really a requirement, but I am a perfectionist, so...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I painted the luggage racks with Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch, Ultra Cover 2X Primer in White <u>and</u> Paint in Blossom White, Satin Finish. The coverage, color and finish was amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCMwLKHggqnQ_pkWhm9etqVdj01nG3A6jwZRPgJ5plDIUhDCd9qppki5d1ygVWIINt0mQB8a3IGkPLhdeaWa2ehOvNH0tJNnulS0tzRzW0IiHaKLHuykCiP4RBgKjRob35EX-SyAKmUc/s1600/LuggageRacks+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCMwLKHggqnQ_pkWhm9etqVdj01nG3A6jwZRPgJ5plDIUhDCd9qppki5d1ygVWIINt0mQB8a3IGkPLhdeaWa2ehOvNH0tJNnulS0tzRzW0IiHaKLHuykCiP4RBgKjRob35EX-SyAKmUc/s400/LuggageRacks+055.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While the luggage racks were drying, I started on the straps. I suppose there are a variety of techniques to cover straps, but I chose a no sew method, using a permanent fabric adhesive. I simply folded, ironed and adhered the cut edges of the fabric around newly purchased straps as shown below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLXRvIj0uMMGzaxvg36JQu9AVv2FCplrj5n2DHPkiGXYl3UhwqJOKHpvmy5PV4BYSLpV_C63NjLoY5I5WxT1tBjTmBISuQsCIv5Oo__02HEpsFeLFot5Uhx8tnmCdb3R6X8BAViIrpOg/s1600/LuggageRacks+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLXRvIj0uMMGzaxvg36JQu9AVv2FCplrj5n2DHPkiGXYl3UhwqJOKHpvmy5PV4BYSLpV_C63NjLoY5I5WxT1tBjTmBISuQsCIv5Oo__02HEpsFeLFot5Uhx8tnmCdb3R6X8BAViIrpOg/s400/LuggageRacks+062.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When the straps were finished, I stapled each end to the top of the wood frame, carefully wrapping under and over to the other side, connecting in the same way. For a fun and decorative touch, I added Dungaree buttons to the top of the straps for a bit of whimsy. Very me, indeed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NMzXU23Px5MjAXY68Q9GiucL2KBPBJW3wDk7TgSAIdSjKrSUo0sahCRl2RjnkNig5mzD9kIkeKYlVKATer9_zcc6cU1t4n7j9dcLKuRVSTqE_pSeg4HlDvYll-781vhNevhvCXCO36Q/s1600/LuggageRacks+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NMzXU23Px5MjAXY68Q9GiucL2KBPBJW3wDk7TgSAIdSjKrSUo0sahCRl2RjnkNig5mzD9kIkeKYlVKATer9_zcc6cU1t4n7j9dcLKuRVSTqE_pSeg4HlDvYll-781vhNevhvCXCO36Q/s400/LuggageRacks+089.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was that simple! An inexpensive project that is sure to add a point of interest and color pop to my pink bedroom. I love it! And, I have a second luggage rack painted and ready for use down the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am in the process of designing my pink bedroom and will post pictures soon! Stay tuned for more...</span></div>
Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-22112300858413998442012-12-14T15:56:00.000-08:002014-05-12T20:38:53.717-07:00The Crossing Guard...<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Each morning when I drive to work, I contemplate another day at the office and the challenges that await me. As I sip on coffee and navigate my way through familiar streets, I lose myself in anticipation of what is to come. This morning started off no different than any other. The alarm clock sounded at 6:00 a.m. and kept me on schedule as I went about my normal routine. Due to a last minute snafu, however, I left home later than usual. In order to avoid what would now be heavy commuter traffic, I decided to drive a road less traveled, albeit longer. Good plan, I thought, as I remained on task. I made my way down tree lined streets and through quiet neighborhoods, barely taking notice of the surrounding beauty. After all, I was late for work and had no time for the journey. As I stopped and passed through several intersections, causing further delays in my morning, I became aggravated by the nuisance. I thought, are all these stop signs really necessary, as if a conspiracy had been launched against me? It was then that I glanced to my right and saw her, the crossing guard. She was an older woman with a big and bright smile. She was proudly dressed in a red Christmas sweater and mittens, with a string of bells around her neck and reindeer antlers on the top of her head. Her chair was nestled under a pine tree, which was lovingly adorned with red ornaments and festive embellishments. She had arrived early to decorate her spot and was waiting enthusiastically for the children to make their way to school. As I passed through the intersection, she excitedly smiled and waved to me with both hands in the air as if we had known each other for a lifetime. Nope, we had never met. I waved back, a bit reserved, but touched nonetheless. I watched her through my rear view mirror as she greeted each passing car with the same smile and wave. My heart was suddenly filled with her spirit and in that moment, I changed my view. I was reminded of the power of human joy and kindness. The crossing guard very simply and purely made my day and although I do not know her, or even her name, she left an imprint on me that I will always remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Often times, we go so fast in life that we forget about each other. As we bustle about during this busy time of year, let us remember to live in the present and realize that life and love are the gifts. Love yourself, love others and celebrate the good around you. And, once in a while, give a smile and a wave to a stranger. Who knows, maybe you will bring joy to someone who needs it the most.</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-61244769536628241142012-12-03T15:43:00.000-08:002014-05-12T20:39:14.968-07:00Miss Wayola...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">You could say that my early love of cooking and baking came from watching my mom in the kitchen. Being the aspiring Domestic Diva that I was, I spent childhood time with her in the kitchen learning basic skills. Without fail, she prepared dinner for our family every night, which was on the table promptly by the time my dad came home from work. Weekends were a bit more casual, but dinner during the week was like clockwork. My dad came home at 5:20 p.m., dinner was on the table by 5:30 p.m. and dishes were well under way by 6:00 p.m. Regimented, yes we were. My dad was a military man and routine was, and still is, his way. We dined on pot roast and potatoes, hamburgers and French fries, spaghetti and garlic bread and many other delicious meals. I enjoyed my mom's food and especially looked forward to dinner, my favorite meal of the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When I was in my late teens, I met my soon to be husband. He was the youngest sibling in a family of ten children; six boys and four girls. I remember the day I met his eldest sister. Her name was Wayola. It was a Sunday, a family day filled with church, food and laughter. She was maternal, with a big heart and warm smile. She was the matriarch of their family. A devout Southern Baptist woman, she sang in the church choir and rarely missed a Sunday sermon. She was strong in her appearance and had a robust laugh that warmed my heart. I immediately fell in love with her. We met in her kitchen and talked about life and love. It was a special place and we soon realized the common ground we were standing on; our love of cooking and baking. That day, I watched her make fried chicken, barbequed ribs, collard greens, black eyed peas, hot water cornbread and strawberry pie. My senses were overwhelmed as I was taken on a soulful culinary journey to a place I had never been before. I ate until my heart was content. I had found my heaven, my Southern family. Wayola was my kitchen idol and I wanted to be just like her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Throughout the years, Wayola taught me how to cook many soul food dishes such as smothered pork chops, grits, corn bread stuffing and sweet potato pie. She rarely followed recipes, just a pinch of this and a handful of that. Everything she made was from her heart, a perfect reflection of her beauty. She canned her own fresh fruits and vegetables from the crates of produce her husband brought home from work. Peaches, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, jalapenos, you name it, she canned it or froze it. The freezer in her garage was full of fresh frozen foods. Wayola also had a green thumb. She grew her own vegetables and in particular, collard greens. I remember seeing them in her front yard for the first time and thinking, kind of ugly. Perhaps some lovely rose bushes would look prettier, as I redesigned her front yard in my mind. Young and naive, I had so much to learn about her way. She was a great teacher and I was a captivated student. I paid attention to everything she did because I was determined to get it right. After all, it would eventually be her legacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, Wayola passed away last fall. My time with her was special. She taught me how to cook and bake from my soul and love from my heart. She touched so many lives and gave so much to this world. I will always remember her fondly and am thankful for the time we spent together in her kitchen and for her gifts of food and wisdom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In Wayola's memory, I plan to post soul food recipes in the coming months to a soon to be created section of my blog titled, the Soulful Spot. I hope you will come back soon and share my tribute to an amazing woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God bless you Miss Wayola. I know god is happy you are home…</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i>Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-23738959769663167082012-12-02T11:40:00.001-08:002014-05-12T20:39:46.901-07:00Trash To Treasure...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In yesterday’s post, No Place Like Home, I mentioned that my home is a whimsical adventure. Creating on a shoestring budget, I look to the “old” for the “new”, giving repurposed life to someone else’s trash. Several months ago, my sister and I were brainstorming ideas to add a pop of color to one of my bedrooms. It was a bedroom designed with my youngest daughter in mind. Since my family is from France, I decided to go for a whimsical look, with a French twist. I fondly call it French Whimsy. I am certain French Whimsy is not a design style, but it seemed to capture my style, so it was named as such. My sister suggested that I take a metal trash can, turn it upside down and use it as an end table. By spray painting the trash can, I would get the color pop I was looking for. Great idea! Off to the paint store I went. Since the bedroom already had a blue, cream and white color palate in place, the obvious paint choice for the trash can was yellow. I put the first coat on, cute! The second coat, looking good! The third coat, oh boy, what have I done? Did I go too bright? With each coat, the color seemed to grow away from my original vision. I thought to myself, just keep going and see where you land. Well, I landed gracefully and the outcome was amazing.</span></div>
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I often frequent second hand stores. I go with an open mind, with no particular idea in place. I look at items not for what they are, but for what they can be. Soon after I had painted the trash can turned end table, I found an amazing chandelier. I immediately thought, this is the perfect piece to finish off the bedroom. With a little elbow grease and a helping hand from my sister and brother-in-law, the final touch was added. Voila! I could not be happier. It reflects my taste perfectly and for a few hundred dollars from start to finish, I have a beautiful French Whimsy bedroom.</span></div>
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The video below shows my French Whimsy bedroom. It also captures some of the love that can be found in my home. I hope you enjoy it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4zM9t9t-2HHyntZkGyhlTFpyaWCLYPz9Y_fzffaZKLXDvAusg6_n_Ww7k5arStLm-6jtNKlT6EvFh0zno1Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thank you to my sister for making and sharing such a beautiful montage. <br /><br />Love, love, love…</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></i>Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-7163076314946660842012-12-01T15:24:00.001-08:002014-05-12T20:40:30.748-07:00No Place Like Home...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNWAgUzojKU0zd91ZWQYZRpO7FpmrZYLVcLEkJcFqo4nqkPF0z_l4pI1CL1kDfAnmv0YDROvH9Ekc2fOYKuXfsJagRGGeP6GEz2HZNY-kJn7URVaYui3hoSUPaoikPenn8gR9WsDRImM/s400/IroningClothes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As far back as I can remember, I have had a strong connection to family and home. I always wanted to be a mommy and have little girls. I always wanted a home, built on a foundation of love. I am blessed to have both. My daughters are the loves of my life and home is where my heart is. My home is simple and honest. It is where you can see me the best. It is not a fancy home with state of the art appliances and beautiful furnishings. It is a whimsical home, where nothing really matches, but everything belongs. Most everything is homemade or second hand; each containing a story waiting to be told. Everything is perfectly me and I like it just that way. My sister says that my home reminds her of a little girl's dream come true. I guess that is true. Home is where my heart rests peacefully and where love is always present. There is no place I would rather be.</span></div>
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Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522745428415680689.post-61660012674137213212012-11-30T16:48:00.000-08:002014-05-12T20:40:38.205-07:00Why Pink?...<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I love the color pink. It makes me feel like a little girl again. The soft color reminds me of the childhood bedroom I shared with my sister many years ago. We each had a twin bed in our pink bedroom where we would lay playing with our dolls and coloring with crayons in our coloring books. We played games in our pink bedroom and brushed each others hair, playing beauty shop. I remember her humidifier in our pink bedroom. She has asthma. If I listen closely to my memory, I can still hear the sound of her humidifier as it cycled throughout the night keeping her lungs open and clear. I remember worrying that she might stop breathing. As we grew into teenagers, our parents made a bedroom for me in the basement of our home, my sister kept the pink bedroom. I remember being so happy to have my own bedroom, with my own things. I am sure she felt the same. As I have grown older, those memories draw me back to my childhood, to the pink bedroom I shared with my sister. I miss those days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now, many years later, I own a four bedroom home. I recently painted one of my bedrooms pink. For me, the color represents the innocence of my childhood and the good memories I made with my sister so many years ago. I have dedicated my pink bedroom to my eldest, now grown daughter. She reminds me of the color pink, innocent and sweet like my childhood memories. Appropriately, the paint color I selected for my pink bedroom is called "My Sweetheart". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hope, one day, I will have granddaughters who play with dolls in my pink bedroom and color with crayons in coloring books. I hope they giggle until they lose their breath and tell each other secrets in the middle of the night. I hope my sister and I can watch them from afar with smiles on our faces, remembering the good old days. </span></div>
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I love my sister, I love the color pink...</span></div>
Jamie Renaud Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349820517484768185noreply@blogger.com1