tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55294229288344535782024-02-21T01:09:30.795-05:00parcel & frockA lifestyle, design, and parenting blog written for my best friend Olive who lives far away.Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-68015658148536377842017-03-17T23:00:00.000-04:002017-03-21T11:07:29.688-04:00SUN AND SNOW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Olive, </div>
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What a lovely weekend we had with you.<br />
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Gabriel is so proud that you taught him to ski!</div>
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I fear though that he has inherited my coordination. Remember when you tried to teach me to ski and we just ended up rolling on the bunny hill laughing and accidentally tripping children skiers?</div>
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This is what we looked like:</div>
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What a lovely friend you are... to volunteer each of your Saturdays as ski patrol and to then let us reap the benefits of free passes for fun. It was especially fun when the sun came out!<br />
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I love to be with you friend!</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-56797634919073379092017-03-05T15:46:00.000-05:002017-03-05T15:46:03.629-05:00THE COTTAGE IN THE WOODS; Part IIIDear Olive,<br />
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Well, we didn't get the cottage. <br />
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I stood outdoors at the auction as a fairytale flurry of snow drifted down, knowing it was not to be.</div>
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Jason and I had crunched the numbers, interviewed roofers, and done a million walk throughs to make our decision. In the end, it was the layers upon layers of lead paint that was the final straw.</div>
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We could have pulled the trigger and paid someone to take out the dangerous materials. But the point was to do this ourselves as a family project. And as we increased the list of things to outsource, the scales were tipped. Ultimately, we realized it was not just a risky choice but also an irresponsible one. The same week that we got the news of the paint, I evaluated a child with neurological damage due to lead exposure. I took it as a sign.</div>
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So I stood amongst my neighbors and watched as our dream was sold to the highest bidder. Perhaps the point of this journey was to underscore the gratitudes that I sometimes take for granted... a safe home, a husband who bands together with me to make my heart's desire a possibility.</div>
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I wore my hot pink tights, green coat, and chartreuse gloves to the event. It was the outfit I had worn to work, but I realized how I stood out in the crowd of black wool coats. My friend Robin attended with me out of solidarity. I was struck by how in mourning my dream, I also felt relief for being exactly who I am, despite the things around me. So many friends have asked the outcome of this adventure. In it, I feel lucky to place emphasis on the friendship instead of the attainment. </div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-8757932672949845332017-03-04T15:11:00.000-05:002017-03-04T15:49:25.573-05:00SATURDAY ROUTINESDear Olive,<br />
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Saturdays are for sleeping in, laying like cats in pools of winter sunshine, and for freezing walks to the warmth of the local donut shop.<br />
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It doesn't get much better than this!</div>
<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-90228323831867984062017-02-12T23:03:00.003-05:002017-02-12T23:08:03.891-05:00DREAMING OF: The Cottage in the WoodsDear Olive,<br />
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We are circling in on the auction date for the cottage. And my dreaming is running full force. Here are my fantasies for the property:<br />
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I would love to add window boxes and an arbor of flowers over the door</div>
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<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/great-gatsby-film-set-design-slideshow#/slide=6" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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And thought about painting it a creamy white with black window panes</div>
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<a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/01/13/fig-tree-cottage-english-country-style-in-australia/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would definitely add English garden perennials throughout the property and perhaps extend the stone wall to add a picket gate</div>
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<a href="http://ohmybritain.tumblr.com/image/79581052833" target="_blank"> via</a></div>
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I would do this to the stairs:</div>
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<a href="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/wedding-photos/detail/image238579" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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And fashion an outdoor kitchen and pergola in the exterior</div>
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/live-outside-this-summer-9-inspiring-outdoor-kitchens-231428" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would extend the fireplace to the ceiling</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljMERllXDvd4aoU7zn_fV7CdpYRCBghPF-C1UsiX7VPwNSeUdadgaEhvYP1_ine0H0xXAU5wa8jzMck8vCjzKbTbaIt0wOmcUGgDBfll3xmytlogScs04ZZJJfa1wNR7u2Evm55C0Nufx/s1600/ISeks7xkuk7a3z0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljMERllXDvd4aoU7zn_fV7CdpYRCBghPF-C1UsiX7VPwNSeUdadgaEhvYP1_ine0H0xXAU5wa8jzMck8vCjzKbTbaIt0wOmcUGgDBfll3xmytlogScs04ZZJJfa1wNR7u2Evm55C0Nufx/s200/ISeks7xkuk7a3z0000000000.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm9DSADUL6L5eYfNzL19Xe-LAqUZyg4Jv3hLbWDO7TaWRP5plI7z0jN45y62Khm18gbrnsyHra0plvh2xaERtMfjLGSZyEjL42ejKDZCYcmZewAC9hRbrGdLB5OvfHxKVUZvcxNwFiDo8/s1600/911465386135585bf7eb9a50eadddca4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm9DSADUL6L5eYfNzL19Xe-LAqUZyg4Jv3hLbWDO7TaWRP5plI7z0jN45y62Khm18gbrnsyHra0plvh2xaERtMfjLGSZyEjL42ejKDZCYcmZewAC9hRbrGdLB5OvfHxKVUZvcxNwFiDo8/s320/911465386135585bf7eb9a50eadddca4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And use cream and color throughout the living room with calm cozy furnishings:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRgFSqK-AQZA6AVbf3QKeo_zlyPZ2DDQnxKSQVjNOwr4kx9QMoQzD7hh1tQ9nzE3T29HTEtTabG3MjaN6HricRrdZJR1P7Ihh1mTcTNDB23cArFazh_Ea5awMTB6YrY_7kvlvtPCtlqrp/s1600/633e96442421e8a6965e1a0e262b93e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRgFSqK-AQZA6AVbf3QKeo_zlyPZ2DDQnxKSQVjNOwr4kx9QMoQzD7hh1tQ9nzE3T29HTEtTabG3MjaN6HricRrdZJR1P7Ihh1mTcTNDB23cArFazh_Ea5awMTB6YrY_7kvlvtPCtlqrp/s400/633e96442421e8a6965e1a0e262b93e4.jpg" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nlBYJomUN0TmtsLe-pBDTkuZLh-09sBwLoJ6cBxAPGMZUals2cFa3Z5iBMk3stfWZlWOe9HdYGZNerzXdV3EcwcvhyphenhyphenPpSqD6fynjWH58KiDZn1PdPjAB3CVuvOLE__eW8_milVJJ7LAK/s1600/f709bf3558faf6d60887bc356b01134c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nlBYJomUN0TmtsLe-pBDTkuZLh-09sBwLoJ6cBxAPGMZUals2cFa3Z5iBMk3stfWZlWOe9HdYGZNerzXdV3EcwcvhyphenhyphenPpSqD6fynjWH58KiDZn1PdPjAB3CVuvOLE__eW8_milVJJ7LAK/s400/f709bf3558faf6d60887bc356b01134c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://witanddelight.com/2015/09/fall-room-refresh-oh-and-a-bellacor-giveaway/" target="_blank">via</a> <a href="http://thatnordicfeeling.com/page/3/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would install these stair runners</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvFZju9ozMG3A-pkQpvB0kMjn6VxhBOCqzxE1pQIxpWigMkJk29NzifAKV9fZzl_IhKMciitCzrKHJCgTEN3gzNMFSd6bfdcX5QmN763kI5SgKItKI8fpRKxcj6sPVwSPiO2z_czUGE8/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvFZju9ozMG3A-pkQpvB0kMjn6VxhBOCqzxE1pQIxpWigMkJk29NzifAKV9fZzl_IhKMciitCzrKHJCgTEN3gzNMFSd6bfdcX5QmN763kI5SgKItKI8fpRKxcj6sPVwSPiO2z_czUGE8/s320/IMG_3048.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejF7FRYbBtcahLJJ6mUPi0wCIddQaqDuYBOoIIRVqBYffE3Sd1TrxMXMq6_g5e5QWq4iFb4OnxYJackZBov6d0lyfld5HAGJvGK1Jv_OsETc-OoirXxmdukxASjbvtElgaOXT4ly_uaru/s1600/18703fcee41c4cdc18e28c91185264bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejF7FRYbBtcahLJJ6mUPi0wCIddQaqDuYBOoIIRVqBYffE3Sd1TrxMXMq6_g5e5QWq4iFb4OnxYJackZBov6d0lyfld5HAGJvGK1Jv_OsETc-OoirXxmdukxASjbvtElgaOXT4ly_uaru/s320/18703fcee41c4cdc18e28c91185264bf.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/11/stairs-and-stripes/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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And take all of the curtains off in the sunroom, constructing bench seating, panes, and wall mounted lighting</div>
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<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/lauren-geremia-san-francisco-house-makeover#8" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would beam the kitchen ceilings and add open shelving, either with black cabinets... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah-89PYNOseHNqT0xNwz6F_vMTj-efhyphenhyphennyiC_ZivIkXTMIApRSYG1MCmbbFou8Vp_ptN78F1HJEFaNHzOE9Ty_hvL8OJq3W91w-IP36uuMl8Nh44ZrD14cCEGLJpv7H2m2jxuJ_BGnolW/s1600/ISq1m7e1iwii3z0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah-89PYNOseHNqT0xNwz6F_vMTj-efhyphenhyphennyiC_ZivIkXTMIApRSYG1MCmbbFou8Vp_ptN78F1HJEFaNHzOE9Ty_hvL8OJq3W91w-IP36uuMl8Nh44ZrD14cCEGLJpv7H2m2jxuJ_BGnolW/s320/ISq1m7e1iwii3z0000000000.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BYdA2CGXddqr8Y-74y5ZQRyRIAbZGJGOcD1IuBIxiELhS9sK48rzy49ZWH0SMiekTv1cdCA35whiAumGxFGI4SQddlc4-C_rvj2BwxOSZoYGLyBak5NyxEE1dRG0aMvaFzBwTyfVECXn/s1600/782cc2cf8e6c0f5a91db2999c70d886de64b2c88.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BYdA2CGXddqr8Y-74y5ZQRyRIAbZGJGOcD1IuBIxiELhS9sK48rzy49ZWH0SMiekTv1cdCA35whiAumGxFGI4SQddlc4-C_rvj2BwxOSZoYGLyBak5NyxEE1dRG0aMvaFzBwTyfVECXn/s320/782cc2cf8e6c0f5a91db2999c70d886de64b2c88.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/20-beautiful-kitchens-with-butcher-block-countertops-kitchen-gallery-201997" target="_blank"> via</a></div>
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Or white, with a custom range hood</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-GspHYHlmMHupAccnBPOi6-Nb2SbwAh_uOq2TwAa-T2GqTPHYv6RVvLzdFtblDw9xE0oGyy1pn0zAqEb4t9ydk7VMb4psJcqgaJyTgDCmBuueuyRgZmbxLA6VH7AdZubaOtooP10KYZ4/s1600/ISy7ojw7m4rf3z0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-GspHYHlmMHupAccnBPOi6-Nb2SbwAh_uOq2TwAa-T2GqTPHYv6RVvLzdFtblDw9xE0oGyy1pn0zAqEb4t9ydk7VMb4psJcqgaJyTgDCmBuueuyRgZmbxLA6VH7AdZubaOtooP10KYZ4/s320/ISy7ojw7m4rf3z0000000000.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DpJOEtunGKr4HUnPhGM_0jOnhMdI18_NHo3Izr1sBOFdBt3ZUtOH2XQ-o4l1u5N-X4pQ5wrMvUHnjRpWRihbB45LGlaNrxbeEuZW60wKoRVR680WoQB1WJAfWuA8UAh4cyVLmF9LoXVm/s1600/101482576.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DpJOEtunGKr4HUnPhGM_0jOnhMdI18_NHo3Izr1sBOFdBt3ZUtOH2XQ-o4l1u5N-X4pQ5wrMvUHnjRpWRihbB45LGlaNrxbeEuZW60wKoRVR680WoQB1WJAfWuA8UAh4cyVLmF9LoXVm/s320/101482576.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/backsplash/subway-tile-backsplash/#page=3" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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Surely, there would be a breakfast nook</div>
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<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/inside-pretty-little-liars-star-shay-mitchell-spanish-style-los-angeles-home?crlt.pid=camp.VG8lGqCuTSF2#1" target="_blank">via</a> </div>
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In the bedrooms, I would extend the built-ins and add mirrored inserts for light: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIOTr3yJx5P9Ez8idre1_j8XVlXjxyFd4-QiuZRKkHbZSSvlxpcPGpDKrikYIlZ1SuobJt6WH_R3w4EF3ntTv7mWjjnC4b2oBiLjFWZazeAZFJn8kgwxM3V8ggv9FipMKjYGTqDO1oiLq/s1600/ISivjvvudoal3z0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIOTr3yJx5P9Ez8idre1_j8XVlXjxyFd4-QiuZRKkHbZSSvlxpcPGpDKrikYIlZ1SuobJt6WH_R3w4EF3ntTv7mWjjnC4b2oBiLjFWZazeAZFJn8kgwxM3V8ggv9FipMKjYGTqDO1oiLq/s320/ISivjvvudoal3z0000000000.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J_lcfzMKYRTXbciqPyi4wV0KE2bZVETK3PePc18EL0x0RsOr2twnm9sETL7Zkd509XfiWjRF5Sml2gjw52M0B2HWPTI6crWmFpO1fFCu3PZiAE_I_PS2Zl2WUTLwnBMDGpqN1MxeTcqa/s1600/7b4a6260135422643226c98c18e4dae1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J_lcfzMKYRTXbciqPyi4wV0KE2bZVETK3PePc18EL0x0RsOr2twnm9sETL7Zkd509XfiWjRF5Sml2gjw52M0B2HWPTI6crWmFpO1fFCu3PZiAE_I_PS2Zl2WUTLwnBMDGpqN1MxeTcqa/s320/7b4a6260135422643226c98c18e4dae1.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=141967" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would keep the period tile and add a mosaic floor in the bath</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxjs1e2Snq8AW9GNUGLI33kpw1hdAfhQei-1B3StMAZwPbmWNmUkaBLo316yuuakWE4P4fSTZnoWMMsqzIyX404GaXNVJvmbsq6yP4AeAAA1Q7zLcErlvKd0v1AAMdaSZDlfXAR5hCibH/s1600/IMG_3029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxjs1e2Snq8AW9GNUGLI33kpw1hdAfhQei-1B3StMAZwPbmWNmUkaBLo316yuuakWE4P4fSTZnoWMMsqzIyX404GaXNVJvmbsq6yP4AeAAA1Q7zLcErlvKd0v1AAMdaSZDlfXAR5hCibH/s400/IMG_3029.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmY13MsVh2LJp1nM0cyjQ2SOqar9j8cQ3QHkI0FU9SdUUAWbuPFTdJjbgzBglxWSkHnFwU-9Z9fhVi1-1VWgjhZK4fHMQg8Li6Avu2WzwAAHIMIUCMGg63NhFfZ4NFU9Ds4SIsr_JNR2_/s1600/6953d893ddbb9fef98dc42bab09f893c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmY13MsVh2LJp1nM0cyjQ2SOqar9j8cQ3QHkI0FU9SdUUAWbuPFTdJjbgzBglxWSkHnFwU-9Z9fhVi1-1VWgjhZK4fHMQg8Li6Avu2WzwAAHIMIUCMGg63NhFfZ4NFU9Ds4SIsr_JNR2_/s400/6953d893ddbb9fef98dc42bab09f893c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Upstairs, I would turn the 3rd floor into a master suite with this laundry:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy_b6rfMVX_X7nMxhKP99fJY1EAZqOQ4nxWpNqVSeIGogYIgY6ACclNlxNDPuRO82AZBwqfMkY-SZl1Csml_ymj-iMpf9JESYm2Q-kjbfosFXuNOrqcJI6zNrydxO7A9c8jmBgzsuKql8/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy_b6rfMVX_X7nMxhKP99fJY1EAZqOQ4nxWpNqVSeIGogYIgY6ACclNlxNDPuRO82AZBwqfMkY-SZl1Csml_ymj-iMpf9JESYm2Q-kjbfosFXuNOrqcJI6zNrydxO7A9c8jmBgzsuKql8/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3sh276wpU6hUOj1jDqAFYn8ADM75a98F3fQxNmY108fy3HbTzXonp9rkFLzre-CBnzrQNDiGqiljZ8IBPvC8po9hraI_eCLzYwQDfjLZdsVi1oPD0aY3pTDTKjNk8r3wEMnla22z4uVn/s1600/66d440f86c1c4d1b5a693877cdc8074f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3sh276wpU6hUOj1jDqAFYn8ADM75a98F3fQxNmY108fy3HbTzXonp9rkFLzre-CBnzrQNDiGqiljZ8IBPvC8po9hraI_eCLzYwQDfjLZdsVi1oPD0aY3pTDTKjNk8r3wEMnla22z4uVn/s320/66d440f86c1c4d1b5a693877cdc8074f.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homebunch.com/100-interior-design-ideas-2/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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And an attic closet:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DCQ3LN8S4LWe2kpbEt5hZq95_TVBXnd0-KycZZo7tQ-5YixunkbOyWXeW2IkyCrB1HoPmamfOZKermydiLjNwjjETnDYsZu57t0t464Yhx0tAnKypPb9V4RxtOADWoWZ4KBcZVwGt6Sj/s1600/899cd56593fd38216c17aa95f5a7b613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DCQ3LN8S4LWe2kpbEt5hZq95_TVBXnd0-KycZZo7tQ-5YixunkbOyWXeW2IkyCrB1HoPmamfOZKermydiLjNwjjETnDYsZu57t0t464Yhx0tAnKypPb9V4RxtOADWoWZ4KBcZVwGt6Sj/s640/899cd56593fd38216c17aa95f5a7b613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://interiorsbystudiom.com/attic-renovation-home-improvement-house-remodel-interior-design/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would add sconces and a window seat to the room with the eyebrow windows. And install bookshelves on the opposite wall, turning it into a library</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbWm8IK_eD6yyRnvQyme-ihFO7VibRRLkf0bbbhaSoaoNm2p720JfuMl6y4QlqDK-URxqbzzup6KCQiODzI2YwfSw9DxgLAAVC_dXzVgtPgxwDVLRNrpblELiFJXfqnnpPJ8DUpWBmHl6/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbWm8IK_eD6yyRnvQyme-ihFO7VibRRLkf0bbbhaSoaoNm2p720JfuMl6y4QlqDK-URxqbzzup6KCQiODzI2YwfSw9DxgLAAVC_dXzVgtPgxwDVLRNrpblELiFJXfqnnpPJ8DUpWBmHl6/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPUm0dsQ7aIGVUPZJfQ4zWcu4nnovqXu23qRcIhPBh6EL9vcicXignhz58AB8Ps4EZXcuaTMp8Rrn3Q2FMmjxgCl13mQdA65HvG7Ezn_I7JrNTdOhDYmEnLyLBgWcuna2VmgXFFF7zYg3/s1600/7bfdfc40b47452e32126eddc71fb9fe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPUm0dsQ7aIGVUPZJfQ4zWcu4nnovqXu23qRcIhPBh6EL9vcicXignhz58AB8Ps4EZXcuaTMp8Rrn3Q2FMmjxgCl13mQdA65HvG7Ezn_I7JrNTdOhDYmEnLyLBgWcuna2VmgXFFF7zYg3/s320/7bfdfc40b47452e32126eddc71fb9fe2.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.styleathome.com/mediagallery/house-tour-charming-and-sophisticated-victorian-rowhouse-1#slide-11" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I would make the best use of the built-ins and angles for a luxurious master bedroom:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHUZ2LlFtKKLXj9-rYK46q7L1T5IXjEN3v5gV7dge7yjdzUhDvuoo5rp-a1nR5E0-r7QHXpJ74n_fOFk2tw34q2omLlKsdEtrP-QmaYDlB6DcFm4_yC7wOb_c4GhH3H_gOkJdwyZl8E6h/s1600/IMG_3041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHUZ2LlFtKKLXj9-rYK46q7L1T5IXjEN3v5gV7dge7yjdzUhDvuoo5rp-a1nR5E0-r7QHXpJ74n_fOFk2tw34q2omLlKsdEtrP-QmaYDlB6DcFm4_yC7wOb_c4GhH3H_gOkJdwyZl8E6h/s400/IMG_3041.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIn1c-SKxQa4M1CvGrnh1-hJxNx2yCwIOOVCywAEJKthgUfigFDhohNkrlWETT3Wt1AsujRuVCC0IsaIRyMiCAKxkWbsnltI3PcUl7UKbDhGNQdSKS_Mg2i15qQdQS-h93lfw77leDVOS/s1600/999eea453e25695a37398c45a50b5c91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIn1c-SKxQa4M1CvGrnh1-hJxNx2yCwIOOVCywAEJKthgUfigFDhohNkrlWETT3Wt1AsujRuVCC0IsaIRyMiCAKxkWbsnltI3PcUl7UKbDhGNQdSKS_Mg2i15qQdQS-h93lfw77leDVOS/s400/999eea453e25695a37398c45a50b5c91.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/lauren-geremia-san-francisco-house-makeover#8" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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I am daydreaming incessantly about fixing the property up as a family and living there through the summer while the kids play in the creek.<br />
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Wish us luck for the auction this week. Maybe soon, it will be more than just a dream!</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-84038004037046186582017-02-09T00:42:00.000-05:002017-02-09T00:42:00.236-05:00SYSTEMS FOR THE FAMILY SYSTEM: Toy Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Olive, </div>
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I cleaned up our toy room in the basement. It will never again be cleaned or organized, so I photographed it for posterity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJfcvno5M8X_KtL9QZFDzjz8I96jTY3Y95Xw1gYnbF4Lc6pZTMcFgu3tglPN4ixvHfBjvpZlyv3Oc8uVjAFAWtY3GHIC2beNJ5D9aiydWeeWlEMshmjHAaR3cWdpihV4YiXTYLhDPHvM7/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJfcvno5M8X_KtL9QZFDzjz8I96jTY3Y95Xw1gYnbF4Lc6pZTMcFgu3tglPN4ixvHfBjvpZlyv3Oc8uVjAFAWtY3GHIC2beNJ5D9aiydWeeWlEMshmjHAaR3cWdpihV4YiXTYLhDPHvM7/s640/IMG_0470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See how each busy bag is so carefully hung with consistent contents?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ592bY4bMfW_LydoGOFyAlPczfe2XLznLeRRZVlRHr0JbGtnJHha7IRG2Cy6vd5r6fSk3__52uRcDqZoWoR1q5wJd6BaNOnjCqJ2UrpPKpPZK5qf1OTDNpsg6oodM9Vo6VwNuuoi4GfuW/s1600/IMG_0472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ592bY4bMfW_LydoGOFyAlPczfe2XLznLeRRZVlRHr0JbGtnJHha7IRG2Cy6vd5r6fSk3__52uRcDqZoWoR1q5wJd6BaNOnjCqJ2UrpPKpPZK5qf1OTDNpsg6oodM9Vo6VwNuuoi4GfuW/s320/IMG_0472.jpg" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1TwGgJMSUFgXhM4EUNJWJV7mUb4VBYVk-bzR0rifoa0cM0BcLASjp18eqk5bUhRGXMB9rQdm5-b1ZwHMYCn1H1stDSaLwCeyHR9sCSp7Mqoxq3y5LAdYHORneeJiW3ntjiNIY0RmrYeF/s1600/IMG_0482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1TwGgJMSUFgXhM4EUNJWJV7mUb4VBYVk-bzR0rifoa0cM0BcLASjp18eqk5bUhRGXMB9rQdm5-b1ZwHMYCn1H1stDSaLwCeyHR9sCSp7Mqoxq3y5LAdYHORneeJiW3ntjiNIY0RmrYeF/s320/IMG_0482.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Yeah, it's going to be in a pile of toy soup in 2 days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5KzP_8C7My5GosUJsxGtLZYr1eBYdtJWncuNq2XKPRFQmXeR8gvsXQJk5OX5W2O-MVbs0rgWmAMvP-vkJ0Sk_u9K75_aXpFNenwYhDoUEMT7C68raCwPJOEl9owfuSOKKDG5I2x6Ezfi/s1600/IMG_0469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5KzP_8C7My5GosUJsxGtLZYr1eBYdtJWncuNq2XKPRFQmXeR8gvsXQJk5OX5W2O-MVbs0rgWmAMvP-vkJ0Sk_u9K75_aXpFNenwYhDoUEMT7C68raCwPJOEl9owfuSOKKDG5I2x6Ezfi/s640/IMG_0469.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Enjoying the stacked bins and vacuumed floor?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80pX9wetHeTqF5jEbrdeUU8etH7kWIqrdNm2j0sMn-G9WaDFhejn1v6OgAV92jGkdwCg_Q2XmBzU-VLumz1Oz0GHpS02ytJUI4_efA0YkwSyPhxkDUaYvTR_v1vEAj0I2iga-_5fCF2s-/s1600/IMG_0467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80pX9wetHeTqF5jEbrdeUU8etH7kWIqrdNm2j0sMn-G9WaDFhejn1v6OgAV92jGkdwCg_Q2XmBzU-VLumz1Oz0GHpS02ytJUI4_efA0YkwSyPhxkDUaYvTR_v1vEAj0I2iga-_5fCF2s-/s320/IMG_0467.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tj64HsQ5v5rr8gmU-y3R6CD7S6ewycBBJWmJoWm_qxeVFbG_m2w35vP1edhkGJIpMilIDhQXN0m1s3pVxRpZjW2fWeWWyX72AZ6up88zyCrjDxp40C0eJtWoCvtgz6joUmGGJ0Te1xG1/s1600/IMG_0474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tj64HsQ5v5rr8gmU-y3R6CD7S6ewycBBJWmJoWm_qxeVFbG_m2w35vP1edhkGJIpMilIDhQXN0m1s3pVxRpZjW2fWeWWyX72AZ6up88zyCrjDxp40C0eJtWoCvtgz6joUmGGJ0Te1xG1/s320/IMG_0474.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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There will be a plastic jungle of junk in there shortly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HWMjxDYpWxynIsFFQvcDNEZFbzub247Y_bcRwX8H3NLvt6szd7paWcaLvkXrml3q2EcjROFlNv54EPyEwh6vT9d4quoyRVpsXd6EulrX9krvE2YpD-jMjB0vQP__G-OGYXQg2ll73lPN/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HWMjxDYpWxynIsFFQvcDNEZFbzub247Y_bcRwX8H3NLvt6szd7paWcaLvkXrml3q2EcjROFlNv54EPyEwh6vT9d4quoyRVpsXd6EulrX9krvE2YpD-jMjB0vQP__G-OGYXQg2ll73lPN/s640/IMG_0476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See the painstakingly photographed and labeled contents?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0Ni4geIxIfsnvIoPt7PYQGh0WpGOxNCz9FqeyoqDwTXnHB0OLkPQoV2ul5cH8yOy7LCciuwd8fry1sN_B0tZxaVBOa0UqAiPxOjcII8I7Ap-7rSjGOxv6CGcp9o_EEhSJZoBMbevbMsJ/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0Ni4geIxIfsnvIoPt7PYQGh0WpGOxNCz9FqeyoqDwTXnHB0OLkPQoV2ul5cH8yOy7LCciuwd8fry1sN_B0tZxaVBOa0UqAiPxOjcII8I7Ap-7rSjGOxv6CGcp9o_EEhSJZoBMbevbMsJ/s320/IMG_0468.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58xETlVR_A2e3B6aruHP89PolfyXfmhpm9qebJxe58xgqU6hryAunxaZVOTVcy3jI0DbCTTVPBxbi0uVwuLcSSg9UkgAlsG5pnFCd6xWl8BbehcdNXnNO9qtahKXJn3xTAIQ6kwDauKnS/s1600/IMG_0484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58xETlVR_A2e3B6aruHP89PolfyXfmhpm9qebJxe58xgqU6hryAunxaZVOTVcy3jI0DbCTTVPBxbi0uVwuLcSSg9UkgAlsG5pnFCd6xWl8BbehcdNXnNO9qtahKXJn3xTAIQ6kwDauKnS/s320/IMG_0484.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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These kids eat Montessori for breakfast. The days of those laminated labels are numbered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmscA6uHl1bSkxxmv3MY561FxpmGUaXN9cWP1siTXqcwMrZsdfc7LhqMUKW-Ly-n6-mFLs3FiQBiaIBKqK6d_kVHrpnPk-7qj42EEEjv9jlcslkNcbP5UAWf6hy5XzuQM2Bkx7raYwmJ9b/s1600/IMG_0480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmscA6uHl1bSkxxmv3MY561FxpmGUaXN9cWP1siTXqcwMrZsdfc7LhqMUKW-Ly-n6-mFLs3FiQBiaIBKqK6d_kVHrpnPk-7qj42EEEjv9jlcslkNcbP5UAWf6hy5XzuQM2Bkx7raYwmJ9b/s320/IMG_0480.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh3nFf4Ca1eOcxq1DtCBWxkoD2IWZ4M_MUvYZdxc0jlMuXQyd3OoTW3f2iZNphspKvrARlk8PjV9bJOrAma9Th5HjzAC7qukl5WVv1Qqqfp_G-cKzSO8oRRpRXGc3qKJ7iUbe9Ds3yNGQ/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWh3nFf4Ca1eOcxq1DtCBWxkoD2IWZ4M_MUvYZdxc0jlMuXQyd3OoTW3f2iZNphspKvrARlk8PjV9bJOrAma9Th5HjzAC7qukl5WVv1Qqqfp_G-cKzSO8oRRpRXGc3qKJ7iUbe9Ds3yNGQ/s320/IMG_0483.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Shortly after this footage was taken, a sword fight ensued and the carnage was great.</div>
<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-17108432681024881682017-02-04T00:29:00.000-05:002017-02-04T00:29:05.463-05:00THE COTTAGE IN THE WOODS: Part IIDear Olive,<br />
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Remember the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-cottage-in-woods-part-i.html#.WIL2VhTLQxc" target="_blank">Snow White Cottage</a>? Throughout my workday, I could not shake my perseveration on this house. I kept walking through it in my mind and rehashing Jason's optimistic reaction towards it. "It wouldn't hurt to investigate further," I thought.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpuxZe4Rh8AnM7NuFLPCYJucrwZJwRThxzOQ5MRHLErJaqEtj6qqZvey1B3RBjuStvXAz2eLSOlWxZ-5qnEKXovilEMSCjIxdpaMZ13luXbhthX7FCEpE-2mmSJ4eWBWOaGdrr3KchO_x/s1600/IMG_3026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpuxZe4Rh8AnM7NuFLPCYJucrwZJwRThxzOQ5MRHLErJaqEtj6qqZvey1B3RBjuStvXAz2eLSOlWxZ-5qnEKXovilEMSCjIxdpaMZ13luXbhthX7FCEpE-2mmSJ4eWBWOaGdrr3KchO_x/s320/IMG_3026.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiJw8M70Aa4QsGtqYdKN_c9SBMFypgRkUPkJ7EmOb50ta1Jhj_5ffrX2Tckhvr2fDc3ls1o8GpeQvgBhAumL4iSiOJI5nIYawMUw3JGFs6DKnm13hifH4gYsHu3QypQDw7Jb-C9bxX1_J/s1600/IMG_3021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiJw8M70Aa4QsGtqYdKN_c9SBMFypgRkUPkJ7EmOb50ta1Jhj_5ffrX2Tckhvr2fDc3ls1o8GpeQvgBhAumL4iSiOJI5nIYawMUw3JGFs6DKnm13hifH4gYsHu3QypQDw7Jb-C9bxX1_J/s320/IMG_3021.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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At the end of the day, my last appointment had cancelled and I found myself out of work at an unusually reasonable time. "It's a sign," I thought. I think I'll just wander over to the bank and see if there is someone there who would chat with me.</div>
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When I arrived, the bank traffic was low and I made eye contact with an executive who waived me over. "I didn't make an appointment," I started. "I'm not even sure if I know the correct questions to ask."<br />
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"Just tell me how I can help," She responded kindly. In two minutes I blubbered out the details of my<br />
scandalous scheme to pursue second home-ownership. As I gave her my last name to enter into the computer, she stopped and gave me a big smile. "Your husband was here at ten," she related. "He already started the application. He has all the details."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW6qmXKavzEa2SZiBJWWr2P4Xo1hm4UxlHNNjUdiucc9IYQp94_VCtMdp5D-opOsikpHb9hDqTP_LZxWo0ZiLVkKiIp2yt4LQCjKgYBZ1VbS3L9waRoUtUQEBk26Fp_Wmt_35jrjZdy7D/s1600/IMG_3030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW6qmXKavzEa2SZiBJWWr2P4Xo1hm4UxlHNNjUdiucc9IYQp94_VCtMdp5D-opOsikpHb9hDqTP_LZxWo0ZiLVkKiIp2yt4LQCjKgYBZ1VbS3L9waRoUtUQEBk26Fp_Wmt_35jrjZdy7D/s320/IMG_3030.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKxpL8oTmH0NamDc4PqX58S2Rht3XM4cpAl4RciRgyN_FHW-pCwjaOrAPY0QEkqOML-iiIFKhlquACGQOd4C1nnoMvKkFNOtg06ccRJ8pfIF268Eio_3KPiuzWSAueWZ9T59jAVhZopEN/s1600/IMG_3029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKxpL8oTmH0NamDc4PqX58S2Rht3XM4cpAl4RciRgyN_FHW-pCwjaOrAPY0QEkqOML-iiIFKhlquACGQOd4C1nnoMvKkFNOtg06ccRJ8pfIF268Eio_3KPiuzWSAueWZ9T59jAVhZopEN/s320/IMG_3029.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I stared at her, dumbfounded. </div>
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"I hope I haven't spoiled the surprise," she cautioned. </div>
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I thanked her profusely and returned to my car. </div>
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Even if we don't decide to do this. Even if try and are outbid, what a luxury it is to know that another human being understands your heart's desire and endeavors to make it his own as well. </div>
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Stay tuned. I can't wait to see what transpires!</div>
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Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-32304662363262240862017-01-28T23:57:00.001-05:002017-01-28T23:57:04.939-05:00MAGIC WORDS: How to Be HappyDear Olive,<br />
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I had mentioned the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-war-on-trauma.html#.WIL3YxTLQxc" target="_blank">Monday Recalibration Experiences</a> we had been organizing at work... Well, my first session transpired last week and it was invigorating. My topic was, "The Science of Happy."<br />
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I had been mulling through all of these positive psychology books that I'm reading and felt so satisfied to organize all of the take-aways into a cohesive list. Here's what I learned:<br />
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<br />1. The Boring Stuff is the Most Impactful</h3>
I know that sleep, eating healthfully, meditation, and exercise dramatically impact mood and propensity towards pleasure. Yet somehow, I often feel that I am above these things. I'm not some baby weak-knees who needs things like rest or meals. I'm busy, people. But then, I get irritable and ashamed of my irritability. And my energy is depleted so that simple things feel impossible. Maybe if I used that energy for intentional rest instead of rally, I'd improve my outcome.<br />
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2. Happiness is NOT Feeling Good All the Time</h3>
If happiness was just pleasure, then cocaine addicts would have the market on happiness. Which of course, is not the case. Happiness is a braided experience of satisfaction with dabs of pleasure. In my pursuit of happiness, I never accounted that sustained pleasure just isn't possible. Throughout my day, I find myself analyzing each experience to put into categories of positive or negative and then trying to modify the experience to the former. By chasing happiness in such a controlling way, it eluded me. Instead, I realize that the goal is not to reach a sustained plateau of pleasure, but rather to use my strengths in a satisfying way and to catch the fleeting moments of happiness by recognizing them as they occur.<br />
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<br />3. Happiness Habituates</h3>
So, if sustained pleasure is impossible, this is likely because it habituates quickly. <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_seligman_on_the_state_of_psychology" target="_blank">Martin Seilgman</a>, the "Father of Positive Psychology" describes happiness to be the first bite of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The first bite is the best and by the second, your experience is already lesser. Studies find that the happiness of lottery winners re-calibrates back to former levels six months to a year following their win. Therefore; our goal should not be to hustle for achievement, but rather to savor splinters of happiness<br />
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4. You Can Use Practice to Improve Your Happiness</h3>
Although half of happiness is predisposed, one can use habits to improve outcome. So... journal, practice gratitude, and if you want to promote it...act joyfully even when you don't feel it (synthesized happiness has the same impact on your brain and eventually you actually become happier). It is possible that surrounding yourself with positive energy may even change your molecular structure. I remember watching <a href="https://youtu.be/YUuzIJWK1YY" target="_blank">this</a> documentary more than a decade ago. I still think about it's implications.<br />
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5. Seek Flow</h3>
When we do things that we genuinely love, we lose time. So, if you are making that cake, or writing, or painting, and you look up to find the windows dark and hours gone, this is your flow. Flow begets our greatest happiness. If, instead of pretending to love things we do not, we center on spending our energies in our strengths, the outcome is improved emotional satisfaction.<br />
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6. Philanthropy Wins</h3>
If lottery winners and celebrities can't find happiness at dazzling heights, then who will? Research says that it is those who share their wealth (be it physical or experiential) with others. So, those who volunteer, give generously, and seek to impact others with their gifts are the happiest of us all. <br />
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So, basically, happiness is a combination of how happy you are in your life (satisfied in work, relationships, etc.) and how good you feel on a day to day basis. The goal is not constant happiness, because this is not possible. And flow, philanthropy, gratitude, and practice impact these things.<br />
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What do you think? What are you doing to cultivate happiness these days? Are you trying to lean into it like <a href="https://youtu.be/RKV0BWSPfOw" target="_blank">Brene</a> says? Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-54221099640437727342017-01-23T21:30:00.000-05:002017-01-23T21:30:19.300-05:00PARTY TIME: Ponies and Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Olive, </div>
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This week Ella went to a birthday party in which she was invited to ride ponies in a snowy woods and eat homemade tacos. I am now dreaming of this as a theme of my own adult birthday party. Cause pretty much nothing is better than ponies and tacos.</div>
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<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-26806486396114113582017-01-21T00:30:00.000-05:002017-01-21T00:41:40.608-05:00THE COTTAGE IN THE WOODS: Part IDear Olive,<br />
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Our street is one of the last brick roads in our town. At the end of our road is a culdesac of two houses that look straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. These homes, deemed "the cottages" by our family, are accessible down a narrow cobble stone drive and are nestled in a ravine flanked by trees. There is a narrow brook circling the left-hand cottage, which my kids call, "the Snow White Cottage." I've always coveted these homes. I amble down the path often when walking alone after the kid's bedtime. <br />
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My fancy for these structures is so widely known that last week I received a call from a friend who is a relator alerting me that one of the cottages was going up for auction.<br />
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I swiftly did an acquaintanceship scan and plotted who I could solicit to be my neighbor with the secret agenda of designing the home's interior. A mere day later, my lovely friend Amanda and I set out for a showing of the home.</div>
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"You'll be Miss Honey in Matilda," I cooed! "You'll live in a fairy tale!" </div>
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We entered the house through crumbling stone stairs and a cracked hobbit door to an estate full of structural and aesthetic problems. But all I could see was the potential. Cupboards and nooks, and crannies, and character, I was falling hard.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nuTkyoevem9mJ2zL9nRR3bfZqbLix-XbA6XJQZ2MHgSkkpadWjz4okYOWchglyt2cmao2nl-4aSEGZITxAhOcBX1HePsQxmcEF7c70rf6FE0_604Kk3R02Ury2d4hCZ-q2hI_iyx8ynI/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nuTkyoevem9mJ2zL9nRR3bfZqbLix-XbA6XJQZ2MHgSkkpadWjz4okYOWchglyt2cmao2nl-4aSEGZITxAhOcBX1HePsQxmcEF7c70rf6FE0_604Kk3R02Ury2d4hCZ-q2hI_iyx8ynI/s320/IMG_3050.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mIT4j3T4qRPi-HbKe48i5lENNADzT7MxyZYljnZQaZT1wr-GwsYSeH-lZhPTtJlUZIkya0gvVGabAnz4sT4r7Pgu8SKJIYglqmkxszlmhJuyZpdRU82-Yw8MwMsVL7dL2RcPniG9Gmww/s1600/IMG_3027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mIT4j3T4qRPi-HbKe48i5lENNADzT7MxyZYljnZQaZT1wr-GwsYSeH-lZhPTtJlUZIkya0gvVGabAnz4sT4r7Pgu8SKJIYglqmkxszlmhJuyZpdRU82-Yw8MwMsVL7dL2RcPniG9Gmww/s320/IMG_3027.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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A few days later, Amanda brought her mom to see the property. Jason, the kids and I met her there. The kids created chaos by hiding in all of the cupboards and trying to eat all of the lead paint. Jason held my hand and listened to me gush.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MGonqdIjoKpsKckO_CFmKsllesCvQFwWYkzS0Rh4LjGd39t6g7hG10j2X8hZ3mgUklSANuF4naymMt99R-Np6Z977lZ_sLPjW61XElOMF2ZN7QNlgI5pDiJS2FtsIDc6qSHSXtRdr0kO/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MGonqdIjoKpsKckO_CFmKsllesCvQFwWYkzS0Rh4LjGd39t6g7hG10j2X8hZ3mgUklSANuF4naymMt99R-Np6Z977lZ_sLPjW61XElOMF2ZN7QNlgI5pDiJS2FtsIDc6qSHSXtRdr0kO/s640/IMG_3035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lying in bed that night, Jason listened to me wax poetic about the potential of the cottage. By that time, Amanda's mother had wisely talked her out of buying it, which any good mother would do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvnfaH2-ek36eiAtqERsbWQ2phkPvhKcZRltaIYljIcxPLUbaTumW91fjlLN1spccMYfu22j6-Z0-u0GcEDXbEYWDuBV3DgesOUQl5i2_KM-0zHKagm5M3i1Uz_EItrY6eRbAUdCwn8Tl/s1600/IMG_3047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvnfaH2-ek36eiAtqERsbWQ2phkPvhKcZRltaIYljIcxPLUbaTumW91fjlLN1spccMYfu22j6-Z0-u0GcEDXbEYWDuBV3DgesOUQl5i2_KM-0zHKagm5M3i1Uz_EItrY6eRbAUdCwn8Tl/s320/IMG_3047.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCy6cQ8oOD9_ufUDPIKN9Z2Ag9JYL7YHoWA3Nl2AyHLaBWKtSt-3h4zT-t31Dk18njJKxguZlRhsuHTftXuFeF0t92Ls6L_Owh-xllTCu0t2nsShceMFiH7juREM72AdBjflS7ixrykZ0/s1600/IMG_3025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCy6cQ8oOD9_ufUDPIKN9Z2Ag9JYL7YHoWA3Nl2AyHLaBWKtSt-3h4zT-t31Dk18njJKxguZlRhsuHTftXuFeF0t92Ls6L_Owh-xllTCu0t2nsShceMFiH7juREM72AdBjflS7ixrykZ0/s320/IMG_3025.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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"You want to buy it, don't you?" He asked.</div>
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"Well, no"... I stammered. "That wouldn't be very wise. I mean, it would be amazing," I continued. "We could rent it out while we fixed up the upstairs. When my parents get older, they could move in so I could take care of them. That would make me so happy."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvBAQ-CRXR7PR4NTiKJ5oqDgbo0K8I4Qzep36LbRAz65FCTztabH6FgQ5wb95tmXEkvJYAg9dgVJCfUYCmbL5zLF1sW09huv6y-K_B1DTNFHk2NjwIOVNOml7fjbkQjJAS8NL7I2m-LC7/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvBAQ-CRXR7PR4NTiKJ5oqDgbo0K8I4Qzep36LbRAz65FCTztabH6FgQ5wb95tmXEkvJYAg9dgVJCfUYCmbL5zLF1sW09huv6y-K_B1DTNFHk2NjwIOVNOml7fjbkQjJAS8NL7I2m-LC7/s640/IMG_3049.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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"You know, we could probably swing it," He reasoned.</div>
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"Hmmm," I mumbled to sleep. "Wouldn't that be lovely."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NUBWNcB4s1hfb7P94I_dkZ2fZJaQ4cE23KTM093gbsCnBUWjWqQBulAorbZeGTCOA5ch09cuXAl_IghowJMO0EaeICXBcjLYwQxVLkmtAE3ZspG1bc7_ERwPovS-MU-Tqj3wvelDyqYo/s1600/IMG_3032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NUBWNcB4s1hfb7P94I_dkZ2fZJaQ4cE23KTM093gbsCnBUWjWqQBulAorbZeGTCOA5ch09cuXAl_IghowJMO0EaeICXBcjLYwQxVLkmtAE3ZspG1bc7_ERwPovS-MU-Tqj3wvelDyqYo/s320/IMG_3032.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDgMGGWmoqeJAuJnWev89pjxN04J3D3jmKuLhnLSjKd_anlxbPOVJcZPEZMgPw4ZNuI3sHc3JYxVgvG4M31tYSDUZVi0EeCE1hIRkWBl1gDv3umCRdLbfBTaFuosHIaj08Cao3TRB3KOT/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDgMGGWmoqeJAuJnWev89pjxN04J3D3jmKuLhnLSjKd_anlxbPOVJcZPEZMgPw4ZNuI3sHc3JYxVgvG4M31tYSDUZVi0EeCE1hIRkWBl1gDv3umCRdLbfBTaFuosHIaj08Cao3TRB3KOT/s320/IMG_3044.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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That night I had a dream that I found a fortune of war bonds in a purse that had been passed down to me by my grandmother.<br />
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Before I awoke, we promptly bought the house.</div>
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<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-35505210133597905812017-01-17T23:25:00.000-05:002017-01-17T23:25:12.853-05:00A WAR ON TRAUMADear Olive,<br />
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At work this year I've been planning a series of talks and experiences for staff members to keep them thriving in the wake of supporting kids in trauma. The rigor of dealing with aggressive and depressed kids can get the best of us all. Empathizing and trying to problem-solve for situations that sometimes seem impossible can feel so depleting. And at the conclusion of last year, I felt pretty much spent.<br />
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I had remembered reading an article about the women who entered the workplace to substitute for men fighting during World War II. With mothers and home economists out of the home, society had to restructure itself to accommodate for daily tasks that would not get accomplished in the usual way. So, when women would check into work, they would bring their babies with them. Not only would they have daycare on site, but they would also bring their laundry and grocery lists. At the conclusion of their work day, women would collect their babies, clean clothing, dinner, and laundry. Their errands had been accomplished for them by community volunteers because they were supporting the community with their work. In this narrative I was struck; not only by the team- mindedness, but also by the awareness that no one person can do it all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp4LLAA9MCLODR3zpbov7bpvXLngj4KMBk-GFMbgrAUA1j5J20iTSWMM98SjyX-mEVWIqFDQ_jwrqEHKe6jttbak51fEPfuzl2LfQ_3wU-nLjEw15ZRzu9-VYE_DOPhNfJiP4Qe889Dwk/s1600/efa8a1d56908cf2992f0a1fdaf75121d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp4LLAA9MCLODR3zpbov7bpvXLngj4KMBk-GFMbgrAUA1j5J20iTSWMM98SjyX-mEVWIqFDQ_jwrqEHKe6jttbak51fEPfuzl2LfQ_3wU-nLjEw15ZRzu9-VYE_DOPhNfJiP4Qe889Dwk/s640/efa8a1d56908cf2992f0a1fdaf75121d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia_during_World_War_II" target="_blank"> via</a></div>
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Wrapped in the dichotomy of isolationism and social media, we live in a fast-paced age promoting independence and hustle. Working and getting everything done to the height of perfection has become a badge and an expectation. What if, instead of secretly competing against each other's Facebook feed of dinner and decor, we banded together to divide and conquer? <br />
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So, this year every Monday, we are giving our staff an opportunity to do or receive something that reduces the rigor and promotes community. We're teaching skills like life lists, the power of play, how to deal with difficult people, and how painting increases cognitive efficiency. We're giving away meditation routines, bento boxes, infused water bottles, family dinners, capsule wardrobes, and chair massages.<br />
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In such a small way, I hope that this resurrects the mentality that we are better together. And that we can win the war. Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-8219526783818620082017-01-01T01:05:00.000-05:002017-01-03T01:06:31.085-05:00PARTY TIME: Happy New Year!Dear Olive,<br />
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In a momentous victory, no one was sick for New Years! Much like a swaddled child post-labor, the lack of pain made the event very sweet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bafCIx9vBRO-b9ej7gbGjZvO3nRwy9yMJ5973AzUr5wPwRXSEgy4-mYxXri79QYE15YS9fMU2ZdwQ-8GhBhNhjf9OLjSUr9_-gNafwLi6JKeYW9e4EDVevhX_9AzMtZDimuPmemvKArB/s1600/15826561_10206156608032962_7868630053411810416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bafCIx9vBRO-b9ej7gbGjZvO3nRwy9yMJ5973AzUr5wPwRXSEgy4-mYxXri79QYE15YS9fMU2ZdwQ-8GhBhNhjf9OLjSUr9_-gNafwLi6JKeYW9e4EDVevhX_9AzMtZDimuPmemvKArB/s320/15826561_10206156608032962_7868630053411810416_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEBnEAwx_vK-aHkia36broOrrnXzfRBMR-PzJPV_pZroEe2iS5EnWjInRUZsIg8R8cA-gZmQNR9yhxyQaNFajxoRv9Pg8ee87h8fMADUTYMiY5H7cs_Jhd9H2vqbpBg4rirFiJDPnSXlU/s1600/15826451_10206156608792981_7423668234782305481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEBnEAwx_vK-aHkia36broOrrnXzfRBMR-PzJPV_pZroEe2iS5EnWjInRUZsIg8R8cA-gZmQNR9yhxyQaNFajxoRv9Pg8ee87h8fMADUTYMiY5H7cs_Jhd9H2vqbpBg4rirFiJDPnSXlU/s320/15826451_10206156608792981_7423668234782305481_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We started by inventorying each family member about what they would like to eat for dinner. They could pick anything. We landed on wings, shrimp, perogies, and sundaes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvOVdkhvok6waqpox-UNtWeMMf3n6aBbTV-lNKNI23snFVMASqOrm1n6sdumupJVGIDYlOWcy0Dje_UGeGUMTsR-KDdaBTrrS8uZrQmOMPmM8Tz_5ScIAIabVLj1ZopC4ug1B7rJ1TKRs/s1600/15826686_10206156609312994_7325116550231528321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvOVdkhvok6waqpox-UNtWeMMf3n6aBbTV-lNKNI23snFVMASqOrm1n6sdumupJVGIDYlOWcy0Dje_UGeGUMTsR-KDdaBTrrS8uZrQmOMPmM8Tz_5ScIAIabVLj1ZopC4ug1B7rJ1TKRs/s640/15826686_10206156609312994_7325116550231528321_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, we wrote out the nights activities and put one in each balloon labeled with an hour. We moved up the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Turn-Wooden-Clock/dp/B00EM4QB3A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1483422862&sr=8-5&keywords=learning+clock" target="_blank">clock</a> after each activity was done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlGYKSKPolyvgCL4hUYMP5wgMlqaqWE1g3C9W2DVzxKFX4OxGUhrhCfgTV-tGvYsGbE7NNvUi0O7SEoLfkPmRuUXbQ12nZCdAUkFknl9HhAloRzf3P0PrWPMrTahyphenhyphenH3TrINNeERAgYJ6R/s1600/15894233_10206156608112964_8031085749331982466_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlGYKSKPolyvgCL4hUYMP5wgMlqaqWE1g3C9W2DVzxKFX4OxGUhrhCfgTV-tGvYsGbE7NNvUi0O7SEoLfkPmRuUXbQ12nZCdAUkFknl9HhAloRzf3P0PrWPMrTahyphenhyphenH3TrINNeERAgYJ6R/s320/15894233_10206156608112964_8031085749331982466_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6E7MLXBW_Ii3Q1vKAsDeelGfnodqnbxRVhdID6Cf9BHSgOe7SY_iCBgVPl9tqXG1_L-L3AICfjOiQ6UGI-VqhJPIlpXx1ztn-1dyknFQsmPlqkjwn4kK8bdpZQtdRS5jHlesuTLbEmcD/s1600/15825781_10206156608632977_8784399592198261391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6E7MLXBW_Ii3Q1vKAsDeelGfnodqnbxRVhdID6Cf9BHSgOe7SY_iCBgVPl9tqXG1_L-L3AICfjOiQ6UGI-VqhJPIlpXx1ztn-1dyknFQsmPlqkjwn4kK8bdpZQtdRS5jHlesuTLbEmcD/s320/15825781_10206156608632977_8784399592198261391_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We made party hats, opened the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2014/10/family-time-capsule.html#.WGs-vhTLT-Y" target="_blank">time capsule</a>, filled out our <a href="http://simpleasthatblog.com/2016/12/2016-year-in-review-printable-for-kids.html" target="_blank">New Years resolutions</a>, and ate our picnic dinner by the fire. At the end of the night, as the clock neared "12" we read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-New-Years/dp/044845212X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483423496&sr=8-1&keywords=the+night+before+new+years" target="_blank">this</a> book and watched last year's ball drop on YouTube.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsSUPjblX-FmWesUDrqs2f_v2TQx7hNF7ERKWvLhBzbKYXmvZEny-eq4Mc521lSbH821VY5pF9_rQweyjGr9jDTZTkzWKdJrsB-7571sKV8W3pIEESbJeD2Wkj_ysaj93jNZjvFB4ICbD/s1600/15894761_10206156609152990_1103680040740422112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsSUPjblX-FmWesUDrqs2f_v2TQx7hNF7ERKWvLhBzbKYXmvZEny-eq4Mc521lSbH821VY5pF9_rQweyjGr9jDTZTkzWKdJrsB-7571sKV8W3pIEESbJeD2Wkj_ysaj93jNZjvFB4ICbD/s640/15894761_10206156609152990_1103680040740422112_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Everyone was in bed by nine, including my husband, but I wouldn't have changed anything for the world! Hoping next year is just the same!Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-37214667877614305862016-12-11T22:51:00.000-05:002017-01-02T22:52:43.755-05:00HOLIDAY MAGIC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Olive, </div>
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I find that in these, the most magical of holiday seasons, it takes intentionality to decompress and restore oneself in the midst all of the hubbub. <br />
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This season, I am looking forward to quiet nights with the glow of Christmas lights and wood burning fires</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhY1Y4w3xgizLXntYZFYkYGOwsZzep5d6rQh7Lx8Ejsmr7Y8oisVDRCShfFKIjnj4HXeD6SKku5vHDLYqPYcWSz4lQbi1OJrVjl4ZAikKHQrL6gyl3LxLkhf1JbmTm7htj70oWgFAipgZ/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhY1Y4w3xgizLXntYZFYkYGOwsZzep5d6rQh7Lx8Ejsmr7Y8oisVDRCShfFKIjnj4HXeD6SKku5vHDLYqPYcWSz4lQbi1OJrVjl4ZAikKHQrL6gyl3LxLkhf1JbmTm7htj70oWgFAipgZ/s640/IMG_0284.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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To walks outside with families and the fun of finding the most worthy of discount trees to murder,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-itKg5AToFdXi_pdQTxy11fx0VaGNKcN9xaI990RWSqF3FvILc-A6JTprSd4tGq4eBoeZv7qSpiFU3QbqbwSWKpyenrOyDGW-P2DT3wQC5sQoeG6SBS-djTbweBgAs8NHqI6YnCWsE_N/s1600/Christmas+tree+hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-itKg5AToFdXi_pdQTxy11fx0VaGNKcN9xaI990RWSqF3FvILc-A6JTprSd4tGq4eBoeZv7qSpiFU3QbqbwSWKpyenrOyDGW-P2DT3wQC5sQoeG6SBS-djTbweBgAs8NHqI6YnCWsE_N/s640/Christmas+tree+hunt.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Looking forward to some solo dates with each child</div>
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And to the joy of the season. </div>
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Sometimes, in the anticipation of all of these things, I trick myself out of being present and focus instead on the minutia of aesthetic perfection or on the work of gifts and "shoulds."</div>
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What a shame it is to look back upon perfect photos of all of the memories only to recall the stress and angst I felt over not aptly reaching the finish line. </div>
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This year, I intend to get some things wrong. To forget to send the Christmas cards and to drop the ball on a few other things.</div>
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Instead, I want to take the time to be curious about who is waiting in line next to me, instead of running down my "to do" list ad nauseam. </div>
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I want to savor the sticky hands and mismatched socks. </div>
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Recently, I re-read <a href="http://cupofjo.com/2016/08/wise-words-zen-shorts/" target="_blank">this</a> post about the narrative in our heads. I lack the muscle memory to practice self care and effortlessness. This year, I intend to exercise.</div>
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Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-52115114474531896192016-11-20T23:15:00.000-05:002016-11-20T23:15:19.053-05:00UNCLE JOSH: ANIMAL WHISPERERDear Olive,<br />
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Reason #23423 why my brother is cooler than me:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS1bD7d1v5ITTlkX24Ene3dacsxeYk-8CaqK38aBIV1RBdfadfZl2uw9d4aM0ntqnkFmxWDCM4YIOLCX84D4VxAy7dsgi_FW5d-IjsT9yaMVyNCXwoNljzmW7fnmJ6FOEwgPGph3A6cse/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+11.10.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS1bD7d1v5ITTlkX24Ene3dacsxeYk-8CaqK38aBIV1RBdfadfZl2uw9d4aM0ntqnkFmxWDCM4YIOLCX84D4VxAy7dsgi_FW5d-IjsT9yaMVyNCXwoNljzmW7fnmJ6FOEwgPGph3A6cse/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-20+at+11.10.12+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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He is a scientist, writer, and traveler who is a big wig at the zoo and sends my kids <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx3U1uttdsSVCP9tgjVpykXCgx9gHv2fL" target="_blank">these</a> gems weekly.Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-1448821961726128472016-11-01T22:27:00.000-04:002016-11-01T22:27:10.628-04:00MAGIC WORDS: How to Be PrettyDear Olive,<br />
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Lately, Ella has been asking if we think that she is beautiful. This image-consciousness rose up unexpectedly for me, but shouldn't be such a surprise. I vividly remember playing a game with my childhood friend called, "I'm her." <br />
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At what must have only been six years old, we would spend afternoons in a sun-drenched Victorian pouring through catalogs with images of women in suits and evening gowns. The object of the game was to locate the most beautiful women among the photos and put your finger on her photo as a placeholder of ownership to her loveliness. By quickly reserving the photograph of the most striking model, you somehow absorbed the status of that image. And even at such a young age, it was evident that beauty was power. These shiny magazines were visually priming us for the secret society to which we would someday gain membership. But they were also programming us to the dangerous competition of image ranking.<br />
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Like most, I mentally outlined a matrix of the narrow box into which the criteria of beauty fit. From this seed, the fruits of perfectionism, scarcity, and materialism flow. Finding my way to discover beauty in imperfection and joy in the common was not an easy road. I fear that the avatars of social media and visual stimulation of society's, "shoulds" will make this resolution nearly impossible for Ella. When she looks in the mirror I want her to see her value and strength instead of inventorying her imperfections.<br />
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Her query as to my impression of her beauty took the wind out of me. I looked into her deep brown eyes and knew that a disclaimer of beauty being unimportant would be contrary to what she had deduced of the world...just as a blanket decree of her being the fairest would eventually leave her mistrustful of my judgement. Instead, I responded that I knew kind girls to be the most beautiful.<br />
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"Think about it Ella", I said. "Isn't Grandma beautiful?" "Isn't your teacher?" They are beautiful because we love them. Because we are joyful around them, all of the light that fills those happy moments casts a softness of beauty.<br />
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Ella has been practicing kindness as the secret to loveliness. She thinks of it with 1:1 correspondence and asks me if her hair is glowing after helping someone with a task or errand. When I catch her feeling confident or proud after being especially helpful, I tell her, "Ella, you look absolutely beautiful. Were you especially kind today?" She smiles and spins for us.<br />
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I can't dissuade her from buying into the allure of striving to feel pretty, but I hope to outline the dimensionality of true beauty and to look to herself, rather than to culture for that definition. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcarBzpXLcvMvnHRDnIUSmOklyif2Ws3444RagYURokiwkxPVA5RK8wpHthH0P8lCivBChf5f5o5iavA6rXlTBkPhRn-TWnmjMU1IvoUXsUMV1UDdSXv7thDHUx0pmx9pXgJ7Mt8i_n8I/s1600/kindness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcarBzpXLcvMvnHRDnIUSmOklyif2Ws3444RagYURokiwkxPVA5RK8wpHthH0P8lCivBChf5f5o5iavA6rXlTBkPhRn-TWnmjMU1IvoUXsUMV1UDdSXv7thDHUx0pmx9pXgJ7Mt8i_n8I/s640/kindness.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/472908515/kind-girls-are-the-prettiest-wood-slice?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=kind%20girls%20are%20the%20prettiest&ref=sr_gallery_2" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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"If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that's all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind: Your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are the things I cherish so in you."</div>
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-- Marmee, Little Women</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-23795117211581605862016-09-25T22:28:00.000-04:002016-09-25T22:28:06.680-04:00DESIGN MOM FEATUREDear Olive,<br />
<br />About a month ago, Gabrielle Blair graciously invited us to share a little about our home and the motherhood journey on her award-winning site <a href="http://www.designmom.com/about/" target="_blank">Design Mom</a>. Gabrielle is a designer and mother who rotates between the States and the French countryside. Her work was praised as a "Website of the Year" by <i>Time Magazine</i> and a "Top Parenting Blog" by the <i>Wall Street Journal,</i> <i>Parents Magazine</i>, and <i>Better Homes & Gardens</i>. <br />
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So honored to have worked with Gabrielle. Check our our feature <a href="http://www.designmom.com/2016/08/living-with-kids-sara-laurel/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXCelv58bmOl96vjNHJYNJXAMMDO2hyb375u73Veo_7tu3E-h81hH02kuy0R1kltR2fueUGm43Se5Krwil-qJCKfGMYsTp7wljJOPQB6REoUP-3GMBbGxi1wXWiYtOH08FG1s0X3Nm1-y/s1600/Design+Mom+Parcel+and+Frock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXCelv58bmOl96vjNHJYNJXAMMDO2hyb375u73Veo_7tu3E-h81hH02kuy0R1kltR2fueUGm43Se5Krwil-qJCKfGMYsTp7wljJOPQB6REoUP-3GMBbGxi1wXWiYtOH08FG1s0X3Nm1-y/s640/Design+Mom+Parcel+and+Frock.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-4021915258928322982016-09-08T00:27:00.000-04:002016-09-08T00:27:06.101-04:00SEW COOL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Olive, </div>
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I read an article several years ago about a famous architect whose parents refused to buy him toys as a child. Instead they bought him any materials he requested and insisted that he make his own toys. The kids were clammering about buying a new stuffed animal and; using the above practice, we made our own instead.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAjn5AS8NrSMbSR-7qAnwgICBO9NcAg0SxOCBV1vSqFmqf9J7L8X1Jth7SYqMTO99j0EenjmCLref-307q0zPcNfOBQ7MwgUZvFgMJ1kDKieAkqZ90-Tqy4PSkPi82naqtkqIz3ah84LF/s1600/sewing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAjn5AS8NrSMbSR-7qAnwgICBO9NcAg0SxOCBV1vSqFmqf9J7L8X1Jth7SYqMTO99j0EenjmCLref-307q0zPcNfOBQ7MwgUZvFgMJ1kDKieAkqZ90-Tqy4PSkPi82naqtkqIz3ah84LF/s640/sewing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They really got into choosing their colors and stitching the creatures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgHVgpL3-zjyz_d-akNJqN4JquOfLmSzbXzYMBXOmd0KR9O_xJmI4OMnl-1frSEEwrwIN-S5yoI0KRsLD3UVMguk1MfZJ8kTUG9qdF26UFYDBm2raDjN2Zd-95f7CUfz8jjXcEvillNoL/s1600/sewing+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgHVgpL3-zjyz_d-akNJqN4JquOfLmSzbXzYMBXOmd0KR9O_xJmI4OMnl-1frSEEwrwIN-S5yoI0KRsLD3UVMguk1MfZJ8kTUG9qdF26UFYDBm2raDjN2Zd-95f7CUfz8jjXcEvillNoL/s640/sewing+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We drew and cut the dogs. This was a first sewing experience for all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iTi__BZRGvB4pYeSqomg24E6r_po2Eg_H1kcNUJnMQZQQeeeKSJw9b6KlKwQqc6V8qn_zttBuPBXDvRC2QJfU9JBFJ9zhEokX5VMxd6M66YQwcpmM6M90C-LP2qEX-c0jOXaURx8aMWj/s1600/sewing+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iTi__BZRGvB4pYeSqomg24E6r_po2Eg_H1kcNUJnMQZQQeeeKSJw9b6KlKwQqc6V8qn_zttBuPBXDvRC2QJfU9JBFJ9zhEokX5VMxd6M66YQwcpmM6M90C-LP2qEX-c0jOXaURx8aMWj/s640/sewing+4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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They've been carrying their pets around all day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1hssvnwZA_PxBUizjP1ZG4Vvx83160PQIEjfmDUaUUfnfiPzyJCW2sRhy7n5a68YhXu-MrkPYnDeBsBgIMYvuCpTfYlu28EqxhQElOrS28ijM80xO0q2QWmydgsUGk2cq9LAMV-SrHP2/s1600/sewing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1hssvnwZA_PxBUizjP1ZG4Vvx83160PQIEjfmDUaUUfnfiPzyJCW2sRhy7n5a68YhXu-MrkPYnDeBsBgIMYvuCpTfYlu28EqxhQElOrS28ijM80xO0q2QWmydgsUGk2cq9LAMV-SrHP2/s640/sewing+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is my first step to my dream of increased child labor in our household.</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-35382883681402472532016-08-31T00:11:00.000-04:002016-08-31T00:11:12.409-04:00BACKYARD LIVINGDear Olive,<br />
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Have you seen Brooklyn Limestone's <a href="http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/search/label/take%20it%20outside" target="_blank">Beautiful Backyard series</a>? It reminded me that we won't have summer forever. This weekend, we are going to try to slow things down and lounge about outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dpBd4nmQ47CxJAowA4t8TBoHyBSV1cPCpE6dH8rqGyOav82dfpt-ohzCyUQy6MGGYIihMmomXfWs9lJks3Z0kI9MSaGOBXEf8CSWJZ_Ho6lV4sXZJvewbE-QM41fz6qYFpta7FZFLgij/s1600/backyard+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dpBd4nmQ47CxJAowA4t8TBoHyBSV1cPCpE6dH8rqGyOav82dfpt-ohzCyUQy6MGGYIihMmomXfWs9lJks3Z0kI9MSaGOBXEf8CSWJZ_Ho6lV4sXZJvewbE-QM41fz6qYFpta7FZFLgij/s320/backyard+3.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAPfrxTCIJfSVM4Y565cLImPiMumNP1hDNz8mgQaVG1YozXAncNavknITLTDPGk9O35R302U47-y6qfZfTrJYrC51W11SsjhEsZr5owXJI3pH0EyxsJv8Gm7NKo7y-e5usWf2zDgdE2Tq/s1600/backyard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAPfrxTCIJfSVM4Y565cLImPiMumNP1hDNz8mgQaVG1YozXAncNavknITLTDPGk9O35R302U47-y6qfZfTrJYrC51W11SsjhEsZr5owXJI3pH0EyxsJv8Gm7NKo7y-e5usWf2zDgdE2Tq/s320/backyard+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm looking forward to Bing Crosby and some cocktails under the bistro lights.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4Lbg8yw2I-NDMjBO73-_xzHoou5P1tlf7vjJiNeHsauUp5XeLA5kESzhjBtqA4YpZLn0l2OJxWk1gVCqGLUugrgC0kMBI70AT7pVMs3sTPeIyHUMWQtUjD_bT9JkWXhj4XaIOBXaYN3q/s1600/backyard+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4Lbg8yw2I-NDMjBO73-_xzHoou5P1tlf7vjJiNeHsauUp5XeLA5kESzhjBtqA4YpZLn0l2OJxWk1gVCqGLUugrgC0kMBI70AT7pVMs3sTPeIyHUMWQtUjD_bT9JkWXhj4XaIOBXaYN3q/s640/backyard+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mentioned here that we added a fireplace mantel in the screened porch, which will be a great backup plan if the mosquitoes don't get the memo about my citronella candles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTafnoCxiSiWqY3XBGiwuXECxkK4ZTVm-sD1H65FIfW3r8xnVl9r8SSfTHvKGG2ISjR79Fr-UMi5h5DGnVa0OG4usmW46l9snGumsqh_Rb_bEtwRhkdMU63iiBAeQLjDeNhwgDy09RpyF2/s1600/backyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTafnoCxiSiWqY3XBGiwuXECxkK4ZTVm-sD1H65FIfW3r8xnVl9r8SSfTHvKGG2ISjR79Fr-UMi5h5DGnVa0OG4usmW46l9snGumsqh_Rb_bEtwRhkdMU63iiBAeQLjDeNhwgDy09RpyF2/s640/backyard.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago we updated the balcony off of the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/03/dreaming-of-leisure-suite.html#.V7kpLjfLTL8" target="_blank">Leisure Suite</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI6JfcesRBxOQ4yADUzBGJs0JAlmZ_SCPOIUxKKqWnUeBMFg-qG_BLzhF4J8_Vtqjo8Jz6E4Mb64ZRgU4QynUHwP-Ni8ZmXgb5Ofba09lLK2iTulYmXwJdpFPsbo6ILEWOyDNsWdw0qWq/s1600/balcony+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI6JfcesRBxOQ4yADUzBGJs0JAlmZ_SCPOIUxKKqWnUeBMFg-qG_BLzhF4J8_Vtqjo8Jz6E4Mb64ZRgU4QynUHwP-Ni8ZmXgb5Ofba09lLK2iTulYmXwJdpFPsbo6ILEWOyDNsWdw0qWq/s640/balcony+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOZiVhu2AQYxtHeT311B7RpsTP4RvR5fsXO3bIhexBK-EFAmv83wLFLjE7AY-Z5mWBB6xMvqGDmAZVh2S57_fHjEVX3AxrKSKISB_KzeHPnTevdxYLHGBqU3XVgiTK5AqdR-nL4JStqIN/s1600/balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOZiVhu2AQYxtHeT311B7RpsTP4RvR5fsXO3bIhexBK-EFAmv83wLFLjE7AY-Z5mWBB6xMvqGDmAZVh2S57_fHjEVX3AxrKSKISB_KzeHPnTevdxYLHGBqU3XVgiTK5AqdR-nL4JStqIN/s640/balcony.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I intend to lay under the stars in that hammock for as long as possible.</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-26855564883941894122016-08-25T01:32:00.004-04:002016-08-25T01:46:56.592-04:00MAGIC WORDS: How to Reduce Sibling ConflictDear Olive,<br />
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I have unearthed the secret to reducing sibling conflict and rivalry. I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/0393342212" target="_blank">this</a> book. And <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F8Z0SZW81FEY1BYMHN8N" target="_blank">this</a> one. And <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Toddler-Block-Cooperative-Four-Year-Old/dp/0553384422/ref=pd_sim_14_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9M10ZQGM3AAPY0P5EFB5" target="_blank">this</a> other one. Nope, no magic there. The real magic came on a grisly winter day when, stuck in the house with preschooler angst, I literally locked myself in the bathroom and let "Baby Fight Club;" as we like to call it, ensue. Since the first rule of Baby Fight Club is that you don't talk about Baby Fight Club, I won't bore you with the bloody details. You know the drill anyway. Luckily, that dirty toilet respite was what I needed to cut through the gore. Here's what happened:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB9_rdQXTWTczbW__s2F9KUyWdQrn1oTwBaYPKQU06MsEalDJLh4gQcJinX9FMt4I_Iv4QLzabqXrS2vjT69-Szi_3_vB-F6d3GlJjHfdbMvtxA-3uuxH8cIoq65WFWNS4KDT8liyZVxx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-25+at+12.54.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB9_rdQXTWTczbW__s2F9KUyWdQrn1oTwBaYPKQU06MsEalDJLh4gQcJinX9FMt4I_Iv4QLzabqXrS2vjT69-Szi_3_vB-F6d3GlJjHfdbMvtxA-3uuxH8cIoq65WFWNS4KDT8liyZVxx/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-08-25+at+12.54.27+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Prizes, prizes," I shouted bursting into the room. "I have prizes for best friends who can solve a challenge." God almighty, they actually stopped. Gabriel looked at me with snot and tears plastering his face and Ella raised her puffy eyes. Was that a trickle of blood in her scalp? It didn't matter. I had their attention. "What challenge?" They responded, suspiciously. <br />
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"Oh, a treacherous best friend challenge," I sang enthusiastically. "What we have to do?," quipped the little one. Oh, well the floor is going to turn to lava pretty soon and best friends will have to help each other build pillow stepping stones to get to the prize. Apparently, they were not overly saturated on the old pillow / lava game and so I shined like a freaking genius. Never mind the fate of my millions of <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/p/home-tour-2_1.html#.V75-KpMrLVo" target="_blank">throw pillow babies</a>. Sacrifices must be made.<br />
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<h2>
Here are the rules for "Best Friend Challenge."</h2>
<h3>
1. You must work together. If you do all of the work on your own because you can't convince / compromise with your partner, you get no credit.</h3>
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</h3>
<h3>
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2. Don't come bellyaching to me: If you tattle or if I have to solve your problem, you automatically lose.</h3>
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<h3>
</h3>
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3. You don't get to know what the prize is ahead of time. And if you complain about what you get, I get to enjoy the old fruit bits with which I am baiting you. I'll eat them right in front of you too.</h3>
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<h3>
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4. Basic family rules apply. Hands and feet to self, kind words. Infractions can get you disqualified. </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I am telling you what Olive, this thing was no joke. It bought me a solid 15 minutes. I've used it tens of times since (with different challenges and prizes) and it is truly a charm. Magic even. </span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Here are some of the Challenges I recommend:</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Scavenger hunts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cleaning up rooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Doing a shared craft</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Picking apples off the backyard tree</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Putting together a difficult puzzle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Finding certain books at the library</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Finding the earring that mommy keeps losing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pulling weeds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Packing school lunches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wrapping Christmas gifts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Spraying the sidewalk down with water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Any of <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2015/03/kongs-for-kids.html#.V76BEZMrLVo" target="_blank">these</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Or <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/search/label/Busy%20Bags#.V76B3pMrLVo" target="_blank">these</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">And also <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/search/label/Eat%20Play%20Plan#.V76B95MrLVo" target="_blank">these</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Magic words mike drop.</span></div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-29099189024451181142016-08-22T21:30:00.000-04:002016-09-25T22:42:22.740-04:00PINK BATH REVEALDear Olive,<br />
<br />
Our pink bathroom construction days are at their end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsONVv8oKMda8HwPxZJw2ysaH-RSkbMoFwF6nIEPGKjBVgOfLfp7bdxpsULnytWhW8qFDX4TXpdmvyTQYddgNIArXh5TKwVRFUkE0iCTDZLV38ZQRA2Pp84tDFVRT2Mur_ufuPzzlkYzs_/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsONVv8oKMda8HwPxZJw2ysaH-RSkbMoFwF6nIEPGKjBVgOfLfp7bdxpsULnytWhW8qFDX4TXpdmvyTQYddgNIArXh5TKwVRFUkE0iCTDZLV38ZQRA2Pp84tDFVRT2Mur_ufuPzzlkYzs_/s640/IMG_0518.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Just in time for the salvation of my sanity, I can finally use a facility absent of prying preschooler eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOK1q6Ku8ii5dNbjbo4IUHcuFRCcIzDHEBMiZ_WGDYTm7X9xYOLhvh772_ymjZb5RsZRRSlxtUkLS8mzVE0Eon260c0WPwp_Fh-YgUg9GYovpk4uPtg3WnLX4Zb-fWyhJh6fJO5hTb_v9/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOK1q6Ku8ii5dNbjbo4IUHcuFRCcIzDHEBMiZ_WGDYTm7X9xYOLhvh772_ymjZb5RsZRRSlxtUkLS8mzVE0Eon260c0WPwp_Fh-YgUg9GYovpk4uPtg3WnLX4Zb-fWyhJh6fJO5hTb_v9/s640/IMG_0525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I couldn't be happier with the finished product. I'm so glad that we didn't compromise on the vision and even more pleased that Julie convinced me not to try to squeeze a <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/05/bathroom-remodel-specs.html#.V7oHijfLQb0" target="_blank">claw foot tub</a> in the space.</div>
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The recessed cabinet turned out to be a perfect fit and the contractor even built up the top of the cupboard so that it met the ceiling. Everything above the glass doors is new build stained to match. I used <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2015/07/bathroom-facelift-cabinets.html#.V7oHPTfLQb0" target="_blank">this</a> product again to achieve the finish and was reminded of how easy it was to use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEBfkd0AzZW8t97cQO4Ywcrukq7RCiDCgx8ZAaVWe-Hrfym1a2ROtI0VMFWMErthqfTmNAa1qg7AZx9HnB2CTaRgC4SlxyELrcHaupb-ssR7Kyc91AG_qZjs1by043ywDO9Oi9g_Wb_qm/s1600/IMG_0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEBfkd0AzZW8t97cQO4Ywcrukq7RCiDCgx8ZAaVWe-Hrfym1a2ROtI0VMFWMErthqfTmNAa1qg7AZx9HnB2CTaRgC4SlxyELrcHaupb-ssR7Kyc91AG_qZjs1by043ywDO9Oi9g_Wb_qm/s640/IMG_0530.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I found a few original pink tiles and we added them as trim to the corner bench to create a cohesive look between the two spaces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoMAy5wh1D4XDjIbc_C-CNfbiHdSOS7zXrCD6IJtWnjR5zPiikf0Vcwmqt3BTzWSNfzQx1vWTSpnJ_48SbltO5myGqNw0OvHGJYFaStdlYt0qkiDw3oUsUoqRgGJue-ty1C9sSQ_s8Ifw/s1600/IMG_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoMAy5wh1D4XDjIbc_C-CNfbiHdSOS7zXrCD6IJtWnjR5zPiikf0Vcwmqt3BTzWSNfzQx1vWTSpnJ_48SbltO5myGqNw0OvHGJYFaStdlYt0qkiDw3oUsUoqRgGJue-ty1C9sSQ_s8Ifw/s320/IMG_0532.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSlQL9bnNuFNGoFO5uFbYEEPZ7qkAoTy1XKLtkMPhmU8GnuYWfyvCqa_F8NlVTJpgZDKPz1xQZUmrzZWaXEhH-I7dsVdsQ2b59MV-VLInzIuqfjEUPZQSzajkM5ZZcyV46azMzF9Kq-MV/s1600/IMG_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSlQL9bnNuFNGoFO5uFbYEEPZ7qkAoTy1XKLtkMPhmU8GnuYWfyvCqa_F8NlVTJpgZDKPz1xQZUmrzZWaXEhH-I7dsVdsQ2b59MV-VLInzIuqfjEUPZQSzajkM5ZZcyV46azMzF9Kq-MV/s320/IMG_0533.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Our contractor created a recessed alcove for our shampoos and convinced me to upgrade to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LBUSGOK/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_31?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A07003723P1RTXB1D1YWK" target="_blank">this</a> shower fixture, which was a great recommendation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1EGbZmexPFcI0JUe96qZ_8CuhMaMtQ2AoQ1Fx4JvZmwt6KBGXq20h19qAtfesNYTkfHPtrN9tr0wTi3thvlmLkNh2iHe_HAd-SyC03ZOjysmi_hDiDDZIs4IPMFg83tk4l-I0aDvulWw/s1600/IMG_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1EGbZmexPFcI0JUe96qZ_8CuhMaMtQ2AoQ1Fx4JvZmwt6KBGXq20h19qAtfesNYTkfHPtrN9tr0wTi3thvlmLkNh2iHe_HAd-SyC03ZOjysmi_hDiDDZIs4IPMFg83tk4l-I0aDvulWw/s640/IMG_0534.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We went with penny hex for the black stripes and on the floors. We used glossy tile outside of the shower and matte tile inside, apparently so the floor would not be a slippery death trap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWeY13qMU6PtjFQurq7NzsnLnGN3a8R3ELRy1Ju1mKIukawh2nclbIrgCDxe0rfxDlzLCBcS9lHThw0yvipKz7eKTwO5RHOItTlWF82tUIitBy6KEA_oQ8FDc8Bk3UXF1gYdGNnPD68je/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWeY13qMU6PtjFQurq7NzsnLnGN3a8R3ELRy1Ju1mKIukawh2nclbIrgCDxe0rfxDlzLCBcS9lHThw0yvipKz7eKTwO5RHOItTlWF82tUIitBy6KEA_oQ8FDc8Bk3UXF1gYdGNnPD68je/s640/IMG_0538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cupboard opens to reveal a desk, which I painted with Sherwin William's <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7076-cyberspace/#/7076/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0" target="_blank">Cyber Space</a> to match the walls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVULvq8XkS7VO6xCzrBO1tSexaIkiLO1IXKiJZtRI6Cg7Ws47_32V2mnTruYsRxFyWq0_u3NdsU4NsDIs8x300hV4bonRwFpadIcUDkc6G3Dnj0DxYgG23GIT5O8wB-MK2XyJ4LCbevveT/s1600/IMG_0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVULvq8XkS7VO6xCzrBO1tSexaIkiLO1IXKiJZtRI6Cg7Ws47_32V2mnTruYsRxFyWq0_u3NdsU4NsDIs8x300hV4bonRwFpadIcUDkc6G3Dnj0DxYgG23GIT5O8wB-MK2XyJ4LCbevveT/s640/IMG_0544.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I organized our towels and toiletries in the desk so that I can use it as a vanity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE55fMRssB7ljNrxnR9HhC9IFnnjybQudDjPqylvf4R6Sy1S_DKQF_CsQfJLhxN3Q0awxc9Umyi0bluFm7mMXiuvZ_yfX4u2rvdNQz7rjcUKMaCd7HweipifnOP2n5Wthae6dVSaVEG8l/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE55fMRssB7ljNrxnR9HhC9IFnnjybQudDjPqylvf4R6Sy1S_DKQF_CsQfJLhxN3Q0awxc9Umyi0bluFm7mMXiuvZ_yfX4u2rvdNQz7rjcUKMaCd7HweipifnOP2n5Wthae6dVSaVEG8l/s640/IMG_0549.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here are some things I've learned in our remodel: </div>
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1. The right contractor makes all the difference. Ours had a great attention to detail and was very gracious about problem solving and small changes.</div>
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2. Hire someone else to take measurements. I suck at tape measuring. Hiring a designer to map out the elevations was key to preventing the whole thing from becoming a giant sinkhole.</div>
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3. Painting a small bathroom seems easy. It is not. It will not take you the 30 minutes you estimate. Because it is small (much like children), it will be difficult and uncooperative. It will take you two weeks of evenings to complete. Afterwards, you will have more paint in your hair than on your brush and people will judge you at the grocery store for having black fingernails. Your character will not be better for this. Next time: Hire. It. Out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBgKwftA2caxfeoh1-lpKJsfsKRg7616o5O_EZVRj5XQ4orPVq89awmx8Zn5DnRPHjRJzFtLept47WpY-ygS_vef3S13J-f5GBU_qkvI82jGnwXnWDy0zaZxcyCoQU7uUz2S-KKr-yYrJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-21+at+3.51.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBgKwftA2caxfeoh1-lpKJsfsKRg7616o5O_EZVRj5XQ4orPVq89awmx8Zn5DnRPHjRJzFtLept47WpY-ygS_vef3S13J-f5GBU_qkvI82jGnwXnWDy0zaZxcyCoQU7uUz2S-KKr-yYrJ/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-08-21+at+3.51.30+PM.png" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewsYExG_wOkIIwN0FutxNdVTxhMm_4P9mhoA8OMSRXwO2KegKVwKHZ_iAqEGcnjjHc3oCxjte4SssRv32GN2jxPkkKHQJVW1jiuvFRSgqUuYrB4Vr-_mwnKSSNGq0GZlssVPI8nWcRd_o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-21+at+3.51.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewsYExG_wOkIIwN0FutxNdVTxhMm_4P9mhoA8OMSRXwO2KegKVwKHZ_iAqEGcnjjHc3oCxjte4SssRv32GN2jxPkkKHQJVW1jiuvFRSgqUuYrB4Vr-_mwnKSSNGq0GZlssVPI8nWcRd_o/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-08-21+at+3.51.51+PM.png" width="263" /></a></div>
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From the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/07/pink-bathroom-remodel-plans.html#.V-iK48edDzI" target="_blank">before</a> to the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/04/dreaming-of-pink-tiled-bathrooms.html#.V7oJGDfLQb0" target="_blank">dream</a> to the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/05/bathroom-remodel-specs.html#.V7oHijfLQb0" target="_blank">plan</a> to the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/08/pink-bath-remodel-progress.html#.V7oJMDfLQb0" target="_blank">construction</a> to the after, consider yourself schooled in pink bathrooming.</div>
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Sources: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3465745/Perpetual-Blooms-Towels-Pink-traditional-towels" target="_blank">Towels</a>, <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/390418/Pullman-Bath-Light-3-Light-transitional-bathroom-vanity-lighting" target="_blank">Light</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015BQ39U/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_41?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3SQ9YFE6CSCS0" target="_blank">Sink</a>, <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/faceted-mirror-emerald-cut-w2110/" target="_blank">Mirror</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Brass-KS7066ZX-Widespread-Lavatory/dp/B00OD0I16I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1471810145&sr=8-10&keywords=kingston+brass+faucet" target="_blank">Faucet</a>, <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Metro-Hex-Matte-White-with-Black-Dot-10-1-4-in-x-11-3-4-in-x-5-mm-Porcelain-Mosaic-Tile-8-54-sq-ft-case-FDXMHMWD/202648700" target="_blank">Tile</a></div>
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Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-55363811371177339682016-08-21T06:30:00.000-04:002016-08-21T06:30:10.152-04:00BACK TO SCHOOL: LAST HURRAH DAYDear Olive,<br />
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This week we got this sweet surprise in the mail from lovely Mabel:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvRVA_0KBj_uE331iF3AGzz3muWAT50NKYUlnpgoV5wRK4Y4o7cF0UJ7wWAdfalaiUJpWQaPurzjBhSU9yHCUpA4wn0Fu9TDdvFu67oSfBS1rMkBtngJw5ZNof4TjF4WCB1-uXoJNUhaK/s1600/back+to+school.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvRVA_0KBj_uE331iF3AGzz3muWAT50NKYUlnpgoV5wRK4Y4o7cF0UJ7wWAdfalaiUJpWQaPurzjBhSU9yHCUpA4wn0Fu9TDdvFu67oSfBS1rMkBtngJw5ZNof4TjF4WCB1-uXoJNUhaK/s640/back+to+school.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which launched us into a "last hurrah day" <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2015/09/back-to-school.html#.V7kj6TfLTL8" target="_blank">before school started</a>. The kids got to pick what we did. This of course involved... Puppies:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsQwNU3pAzlYZ9BERELu-GFVpuRDTRQoZG8bBKmxOQqPI38Hyqtdp9HjZFfrrBVXdjiuKKZfmSzIYXs7ur5Qeduydi-ltDUou-eraMy5LV1MZAL1HgoELhsQshL_aoLhBlOFX29iCrRB5/s1600/summer+puppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsQwNU3pAzlYZ9BERELu-GFVpuRDTRQoZG8bBKmxOQqPI38Hyqtdp9HjZFfrrBVXdjiuKKZfmSzIYXs7ur5Qeduydi-ltDUou-eraMy5LV1MZAL1HgoELhsQshL_aoLhBlOFX29iCrRB5/s640/summer+puppies.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A ball pit</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ52kvhrs1PxukTygUbjOYAtXKogCHMHz8mhUzWA3XwU_pq0H4Uj0WMbg2erGG2b7l7NOJaPXiReProSg9QXWkwhPp_WYMHCYeCSLDlwX3ZWBTGXJYAXPMP3r1QObfzUh47GcBK_g0iUT/s1600/summer+ball+pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ52kvhrs1PxukTygUbjOYAtXKogCHMHz8mhUzWA3XwU_pq0H4Uj0WMbg2erGG2b7l7NOJaPXiReProSg9QXWkwhPp_WYMHCYeCSLDlwX3ZWBTGXJYAXPMP3r1QObfzUh47GcBK_g0iUT/s640/summer+ball+pit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Go Karts</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ivgEkHMT-ae_C-lhuCKWywpfHLGt99FJmPZ4NakZHrWekbz-OCbbn_j6zoHVUrHBZhgu3GgXLGxWSeSbz9jGv4NUX4tPZ81kc_aQRBtAtXbuDTC_J0eISgYiMhzdhYRLoXAmhUHsQmi1/s1600/summer+go+kart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ivgEkHMT-ae_C-lhuCKWywpfHLGt99FJmPZ4NakZHrWekbz-OCbbn_j6zoHVUrHBZhgu3GgXLGxWSeSbz9jGv4NUX4tPZ81kc_aQRBtAtXbuDTC_J0eISgYiMhzdhYRLoXAmhUHsQmi1/s320/summer+go+kart.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR0JhhNVg-IP6e3i-jBwPdFxEr-a1VItu0PD646IOIqv6KeDo2aE4ED8RGMYQ2bIupEUzjZLoBPpSEHzyauIx-S4soT_HZL0jGh7lgdtyS1nwC1zc__UWa7a4Q4k0LoGLZVg-yl59NV0G/s1600/summer+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR0JhhNVg-IP6e3i-jBwPdFxEr-a1VItu0PD646IOIqv6KeDo2aE4ED8RGMYQ2bIupEUzjZLoBPpSEHzyauIx-S4soT_HZL0jGh7lgdtyS1nwC1zc__UWa7a4Q4k0LoGLZVg-yl59NV0G/s320/summer+ride.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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and a swimming pool.</div>
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The s'mores gift inspired us to roast dogs and mallows in our pjs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVITLl9I3ZKyCbABfLt4TWcCZQdMvZqQxIyVRNaz1ukTrNZrNoQ5EMTMLwzHxD-xBiOj6M5iL6eQMp-49Q5RIl8Pr148rk65NMDpyN_T9wROUS0QdK7Hw5sJ2kfdLeK-qSU6nbwjFqk8S/s1600/summer+hotdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVITLl9I3ZKyCbABfLt4TWcCZQdMvZqQxIyVRNaz1ukTrNZrNoQ5EMTMLwzHxD-xBiOj6M5iL6eQMp-49Q5RIl8Pr148rk65NMDpyN_T9wROUS0QdK7Hw5sJ2kfdLeK-qSU6nbwjFqk8S/s640/summer+hotdog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And we read our bedtime stories by the outdoor fireplace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB069gY28R91Yn28BFzWJavsFHWIWrQhbFAnIlguXJ84is8KrEfL5kLjY3vmi4jkbXUEx6EZFmBnRWpuTYWx9g86AQue55o7p6404f84s1FJCQZyECAx4cC0JFu_RO6MPv_26HYFH2iLAk/s1600/summer+fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB069gY28R91Yn28BFzWJavsFHWIWrQhbFAnIlguXJ84is8KrEfL5kLjY3vmi4jkbXUEx6EZFmBnRWpuTYWx9g86AQue55o7p6404f84s1FJCQZyECAx4cC0JFu_RO6MPv_26HYFH2iLAk/s640/summer+fireplace.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It may be back to the grind on Monday, but we sure sent summer out with a bang!</div>
<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-49559034881232708112016-08-20T22:58:00.000-04:002016-08-20T22:58:04.148-04:00HOW TO MAKE A DIY LEMONADE STAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Olive, </div>
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Last summer I <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2015/08/dreaming-of-lemonade-stands.html#.V7kTATfLTL8" target="_blank">schemed</a> to make a lemonade stand for the kids. A few weekends ago we made the dream a reality with a garage sale bookcase and some scraps from the bathroom construction site. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrWOVad0wL2WUsE0XuDEE6YemsvKaki4Ak-cSw5lwmMiHwoAzuQ0e9D210-tc848iGfyPMmAomS6yIlBiVwuAIL556bO3GFcHmiYRSwolni2Kk7BDbyeG8XaWCJu_dztUDgR67MwnEytO/s1600/lemonade+stand+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrWOVad0wL2WUsE0XuDEE6YemsvKaki4Ak-cSw5lwmMiHwoAzuQ0e9D210-tc848iGfyPMmAomS6yIlBiVwuAIL556bO3GFcHmiYRSwolni2Kk7BDbyeG8XaWCJu_dztUDgR67MwnEytO/s640/lemonade+stand+cover.png" width="490" /></a></div>
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My mom found the bookcase for us and we raided the dumpster for the remaining wood. The half circle was from our <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/08/pink-bath-remodel-progress.html#.V7kWfTfLTL8" target="_blank">new shower doorway</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8KtEEDK7vZCk8M-6CafdOtf8VcjzTjk2JZcWS9Lxbrrtu0yAsSFHX46UJX9FlhUB0-RJ6XoxxF33oJepd3AcBQXZlnyqs3iZz1fZoboweV7WRc8cNrAr6l5GWE2yC1-_W8-GjTs4Me-x/s1600/lemonade+stand+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8KtEEDK7vZCk8M-6CafdOtf8VcjzTjk2JZcWS9Lxbrrtu0yAsSFHX46UJX9FlhUB0-RJ6XoxxF33oJepd3AcBQXZlnyqs3iZz1fZoboweV7WRc8cNrAr6l5GWE2yC1-_W8-GjTs4Me-x/s320/lemonade+stand+before.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj2L9WCTtiiUyZ6nx8IOPN4QGDj8yo4M_ftEgFdLeO9f3wCvCmsWHEusV82Lfjo1UwS94FO9eLviCrFgHO9yqrr9Mmza_ox-F-7Y3xZY-7QtaLFY6ugr_IY_cR0NMI-_D0toLtOfTS4U_/s1600/lemonade+before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj2L9WCTtiiUyZ6nx8IOPN4QGDj8yo4M_ftEgFdLeO9f3wCvCmsWHEusV82Lfjo1UwS94FO9eLviCrFgHO9yqrr9Mmza_ox-F-7Y3xZY-7QtaLFY6ugr_IY_cR0NMI-_D0toLtOfTS4U_/s320/lemonade+before+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here Gabriel models the nifty fold-up feature of the bookcase. This is especially helpful as Jason has forbade me to cram more bulky crap into the garage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgxolAbdgVY1lERZCVQ1yxorbG-k4WPktyajdAu1yom7Soz3EsP-rTV156W0-h6ikMp0fwE3VFCevrTj18FaFQEHjivWBs-vruBDn-PwWWMTJNBl0eXrHB-LklFoWfzgH1MeYfAvuMPpp/s1600/lemonade+fold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgxolAbdgVY1lERZCVQ1yxorbG-k4WPktyajdAu1yom7Soz3EsP-rTV156W0-h6ikMp0fwE3VFCevrTj18FaFQEHjivWBs-vruBDn-PwWWMTJNBl0eXrHB-LklFoWfzgH1MeYfAvuMPpp/s640/lemonade+fold.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We painted it. </div>
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Do you think I need a 12 step program for my addiction to yellow spray paint?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgohfAkFXkgyx3TdZcRjgQ7e9B6e-WbZKwH372-zZOW3qNtwBrLiKRpmhgTH5mM8ZOy371YZTFd-UOZ4QlUSCgA6nEAkQxEC4QbEOB-RzM8AlVSa19D1bnhfujE6ALCRYXumu0xf3Ml5mo/s1600/lemonade+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgohfAkFXkgyx3TdZcRjgQ7e9B6e-WbZKwH372-zZOW3qNtwBrLiKRpmhgTH5mM8ZOy371YZTFd-UOZ4QlUSCgA6nEAkQxEC4QbEOB-RzM8AlVSa19D1bnhfujE6ALCRYXumu0xf3Ml5mo/s640/lemonade+paint.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We advertised with signage down the street and readied ourselves with lemonade and temporary tattoos. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsd2xHYCT8H8qAJzwgmnoU8-tdxaDajpNw4lFWyQXpunkMmPqLoVZk9Db1P1lmIPeMbjXZOS5HcUHdC8kZydCuHDWWIA8vfkcAdA_QuMTTeB5D6W0K-KpbtP1lVEoVOFOqpxtH2xT5kF7/s1600/lemonade+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsd2xHYCT8H8qAJzwgmnoU8-tdxaDajpNw4lFWyQXpunkMmPqLoVZk9Db1P1lmIPeMbjXZOS5HcUHdC8kZydCuHDWWIA8vfkcAdA_QuMTTeB5D6W0K-KpbtP1lVEoVOFOqpxtH2xT5kF7/s320/lemonade+sign.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy22W4a9gmuTBwud54yULvl3OsPIVvTpWGhF4s0pbmT5pqUXu6JzENlv-Nl9ZfIqXIdV9GghBvzOlooO7iKSlMxev4XxIPSZeJ2CHklh_IznVNP6j3cLiiA2O3QQ566hnp3Su98cWy2MaE/s1600/lemonade+sell+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy22W4a9gmuTBwud54yULvl3OsPIVvTpWGhF4s0pbmT5pqUXu6JzENlv-Nl9ZfIqXIdV9GghBvzOlooO7iKSlMxev4XxIPSZeJ2CHklh_IznVNP6j3cLiiA2O3QQ566hnp3Su98cWy2MaE/s320/lemonade+sell+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We called it "Drinks and Ink" and Ella manned the register.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XPxG7HKz1SloOyD1E7lD6o64MGPLQsNCkifJ923FOrJwrnye3w_eVOqwPBMHaNk39WPe1i_V-VBqfuq1XYSwrSiNgGRXm2kdPvdeSztWKtWy0RLWqH0Aq1tEPtDNL9QU0HPFrHqZfZDH/s1600/lemonade+sell+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XPxG7HKz1SloOyD1E7lD6o64MGPLQsNCkifJ923FOrJwrnye3w_eVOqwPBMHaNk39WPe1i_V-VBqfuq1XYSwrSiNgGRXm2kdPvdeSztWKtWy0RLWqH0Aq1tEPtDNL9QU0HPFrHqZfZDH/s640/lemonade+sell+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids consumed over half of our product, but overall it was a neighborhood success.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflOmuIBqtK6WmC08RG0edDhlJLfarKyBjwlUqTPsOyKluqkSId_yBE4kr-GMslhnz4JNwmRbRnF05eeYtoGtbDtYzaXw187cPiqZha70a84YEx66Jgj1KG8Ly8I5I1D0HIkzd8i8C7iUk/s1600/lemonade+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflOmuIBqtK6WmC08RG0edDhlJLfarKyBjwlUqTPsOyKluqkSId_yBE4kr-GMslhnz4JNwmRbRnF05eeYtoGtbDtYzaXw187cPiqZha70a84YEx66Jgj1KG8Ly8I5I1D0HIkzd8i8C7iUk/s640/lemonade+stand.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Afterwards we literally closed up shop!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1_wP32Fo_6v7IBOJpfPkB7WEZVGsA1w0fcD-jfx7X_QF3svd8LqCfM7D3FNcpt1Qzelc4Mn9SmWg3inAnheFNcO8NzMhcqh39Yu3vrk8sxMTqcey0SmoKpJ2ukn-CfVKX4hRTsj0AAg5/s1600/lemonade+stand+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1_wP32Fo_6v7IBOJpfPkB7WEZVGsA1w0fcD-jfx7X_QF3svd8LqCfM7D3FNcpt1Qzelc4Mn9SmWg3inAnheFNcO8NzMhcqh39Yu3vrk8sxMTqcey0SmoKpJ2ukn-CfVKX4hRTsj0AAg5/s640/lemonade+stand+done.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-91119184589438506412016-08-15T22:58:00.000-04:002016-08-15T22:58:00.975-04:00PINK BATH REMODEL: PROGRESS<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
Dear Olive,<br />
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We have made some serious progress on the <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/04/dreaming-of-pink-tiled-bathrooms.html#.V6vpujfLQxc" target="_blank">pink bathroom</a>. It all started Mother's Day weekend.<br />
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My Mother's Day gift was Jason demoing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyETEChLr9YZbj8c5uQlc8iUGlC7iQjgQ4TTyvizSoY-mnMm_LOXfzdu0qm5bGu_HGYI8U3tr6CxS_kEaYvtnyjQ2IA1YOeMoMablInLPas1_u90Yf2eFnoY_FFej3UexDlrTRjjWOcH9Y/s1600/IMG_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyETEChLr9YZbj8c5uQlc8iUGlC7iQjgQ4TTyvizSoY-mnMm_LOXfzdu0qm5bGu_HGYI8U3tr6CxS_kEaYvtnyjQ2IA1YOeMoMablInLPas1_u90Yf2eFnoY_FFej3UexDlrTRjjWOcH9Y/s320/IMG_0362.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9k7z4LGG634EZ9qOA0VbiSU9Ozibrnx2r7zFEP4CDSQAjf-THlOwBEAWl6iW5LNNxCwWJhsnrWAEQ5EZGRf5R6CC3fA5F7605BCY-R9Kqfif8Aur4uIVDCz868gzfNJ2u-7ksRwHkKXO/s1600/IMG_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9k7z4LGG634EZ9qOA0VbiSU9Ozibrnx2r7zFEP4CDSQAjf-THlOwBEAWl6iW5LNNxCwWJhsnrWAEQ5EZGRf5R6CC3fA5F7605BCY-R9Kqfif8Aur4uIVDCz868gzfNJ2u-7ksRwHkKXO/s320/IMG_0373.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Everyone pitched in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLs1SITVqbV1SIuA8uaD_uYEqKtDxQolKSE_4_FLYThAs6tqGcIp1Wh5Nr7befyodeBm3COIc2Sa-W3FyHcQFg9Pw0uOo7X9vP2qlSwE63yiiU54aZ959UVgm4KNYnR8aRBnktmoT1a4V/s1600/IMG_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLs1SITVqbV1SIuA8uaD_uYEqKtDxQolKSE_4_FLYThAs6tqGcIp1Wh5Nr7befyodeBm3COIc2Sa-W3FyHcQFg9Pw0uOo7X9vP2qlSwE63yiiU54aZ959UVgm4KNYnR8aRBnktmoT1a4V/s640/IMG_0376.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We got down to the wooden lath.</div>
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And then the contractor came in and took care of business with the floor. He also cut through the wall next to the sink into the closet.</div>
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You know how you see these people who have little children running around their demo projects and it seems so team-minded? Well, mine made it four minutes each before we risked tetanus and shut. it. down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUpu8RRGAmprVU3CbjXWzJbyugYwGcp9qy2sen8TLONVJfoG7tu75KCxPf8aatX3np9ytVZKbwdRW-hqXoYgAvtJ_KejCyFMARGWBRa3I8BkgktZGvyn75-rMWGfjRIT2mBHc0JxoMmH8/s1600/IMG_0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUpu8RRGAmprVU3CbjXWzJbyugYwGcp9qy2sen8TLONVJfoG7tu75KCxPf8aatX3np9ytVZKbwdRW-hqXoYgAvtJ_KejCyFMARGWBRa3I8BkgktZGvyn75-rMWGfjRIT2mBHc0JxoMmH8/s640/IMG_0377.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The progress that involved the professionals was much more exciting. Here is the closet before and after. </div>
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I know that they likely thought I was crazy when I said I wanted to leave the pink tile. They were sweet about it, but come on, it does look bad here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44dsw1u2qVn8plktiDzDTgJVt4V-oBERvMy2F4nIMi2YOgINXTmUArTwavGq01mJz0WoSkQM994ubaexcEZw4No28_oCbcwfsA8Efy06kTtLFd1MM5xuGv-TgEPn6vzp1zyQxdND7IUL2/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44dsw1u2qVn8plktiDzDTgJVt4V-oBERvMy2F4nIMi2YOgINXTmUArTwavGq01mJz0WoSkQM994ubaexcEZw4No28_oCbcwfsA8Efy06kTtLFd1MM5xuGv-TgEPn6vzp1zyQxdND7IUL2/s640/IMG_0441.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I squealed when they installed the arch.</div>
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And the tile and shower bench makes me so happy!</div>
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They had to trim down the back of the antique cabinet to recess it into the wall. Here, you can also see the hex tile stripes in the shower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnAzlCau5jzGx_SGCp_-lBtoiQPMKYu5HxdX0eUP8FI9TLk52aoSZ6UvNGoyXw7LZMx5EAVuUAIIZxWEmR8iRUeeoAqV-qniitdhKIFXXWHgITH32v8XL8jJqk-6X5Se7RhtdQIrGdcRN/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnAzlCau5jzGx_SGCp_-lBtoiQPMKYu5HxdX0eUP8FI9TLk52aoSZ6UvNGoyXw7LZMx5EAVuUAIIZxWEmR8iRUeeoAqV-qniitdhKIFXXWHgITH32v8XL8jJqk-6X5Se7RhtdQIrGdcRN/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcssh3kGfO5gG0B0YViis7QpRoHrObWv1qY6gBNiMTzzq8j5f-UPH8Utmncwe0eDhz_AHLomU6sAzJNLpfOhHNm_xMucjgM-RDO_GgQQmfsFA_WEsXw-cZaZxqwqNasp5GQRqIGMvi33w/s1600/IMG_1210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcssh3kGfO5gG0B0YViis7QpRoHrObWv1qY6gBNiMTzzq8j5f-UPH8Utmncwe0eDhz_AHLomU6sAzJNLpfOhHNm_xMucjgM-RDO_GgQQmfsFA_WEsXw-cZaZxqwqNasp5GQRqIGMvi33w/s320/IMG_1210.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We started painting this weekend. Considering <a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/2016/07/pink-bathroom-remodel-plans.html#.V6vpEzfLQxc" target="_blank">where we started</a>, I'm optimistic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR24AV-16sKblj32RvRGXJEo-ebELZr5BofEesg1NGNaQXLpWbpB71NVXUO-EjF3NwURezEMjXl8DtsTpWCPQp5eM_El-aBO_Plr052wAqayDHUsH2CJIkcKUCidOSrdEJlV4yKu_HSLH/s1600/IMG_1492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR24AV-16sKblj32RvRGXJEo-ebELZr5BofEesg1NGNaQXLpWbpB71NVXUO-EjF3NwURezEMjXl8DtsTpWCPQp5eM_El-aBO_Plr052wAqayDHUsH2CJIkcKUCidOSrdEJlV4yKu_HSLH/s640/IMG_1492.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for the finish line!</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-65663781827677731762016-08-14T22:43:00.000-04:002017-01-01T14:56:29.367-05:00PARTY TIME: 13 going on 30Dear Olive,<br />
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I am contemplating whether to have a get-together for my upcoming milestone birthday. Do you remember the 30th birthdays we threw each other? Yours was a roaring 20s party (End of your 20s). I had a baby during it.<br />
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The following year, you threw me the loveliest 13 going on 30 Birthday party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYrpaD4OZai_x90q0NADCaBCpekarKLUAYAASuCLXOdxjmIp66TyD9qhg4kmEXzue9iWVSxeb06o50xrZ1I6hzQ21YM_Am5K-91FbQGVB30O1HSbJj5AZwIxJHFTr6zbxm43duH9vflOh/s1600/30+going+on+13+invites.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYrpaD4OZai_x90q0NADCaBCpekarKLUAYAASuCLXOdxjmIp66TyD9qhg4kmEXzue9iWVSxeb06o50xrZ1I6hzQ21YM_Am5K-91FbQGVB30O1HSbJj5AZwIxJHFTr6zbxm43duH9vflOh/s640/30+going+on+13+invites.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You sent out Razzles with a tape deck invite.</div>
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And hosted with pink punch and a candy bar.</div>
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Remember... this was before candy bars were cool.</div>
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(And also before we had good cameras).</div>
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Each guest wore pajamas and received a pair of flip flops upon entry.</div>
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They had the chance to make their own hand scrub</div>
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And you hired a cosmetologist to do nails and give hand massages.</div>
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People waiting in line enjoyed lavender foot soaks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkujRM84-Mnzg4RbcWNoTF3yya9HrhstyR9vnTxaL0v2xvUldSL5eSUnBRi4hmMV_-rpR7mL-tcxqTSQqKrr-82QtIHzdvsO_tbMP6FJH09RFhdd2zf4ehdUStLdeJShdeksJIoeNXUFUn/s1600/30+going+on+13+seating.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkujRM84-Mnzg4RbcWNoTF3yya9HrhstyR9vnTxaL0v2xvUldSL5eSUnBRi4hmMV_-rpR7mL-tcxqTSQqKrr-82QtIHzdvsO_tbMP6FJH09RFhdd2zf4ehdUStLdeJShdeksJIoeNXUFUn/s640/30+going+on+13+seating.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We capped off the night with an outdoor movie (13 Going on 30).... of course</div>
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And then played old school "Mall Madness" and "Girl Talk Dateline" board games. And drank.</div>
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Looking back, it seems so idyllic. I almost forget that Jason was upstairs passing a kidney stone while baby Gabriel refused to sleep.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTWcUNynGCEs9W3oQQveZTraCYb6AzO5vooWAmmENISaEj9og2gbjdp8l04Ge9Lv9yKKWF3I0wzqBUq-IqEpugjo7EJojP3H9tH_Pdvb4UUi5UAlI14r_fSELcLUtlMQPr9-63DRQbqoa/s1600/30+going+on+13+seating+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTWcUNynGCEs9W3oQQveZTraCYb6AzO5vooWAmmENISaEj9og2gbjdp8l04Ge9Lv9yKKWF3I0wzqBUq-IqEpugjo7EJojP3H9tH_Pdvb4UUi5UAlI14r_fSELcLUtlMQPr9-63DRQbqoa/s320/30+going+on+13+seating+2.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCqLVJ6Bf5O4evhctDQzhU6xudJlHvjCeTYd5RjGsqM6dePGqDAKO7NBZgFHm2fXixcpBbJKJjEtc0I427PSZNMqkmLkGOR5IFBSDSomFWTpffP2vIqqpo-hUO2je1DwQcdzjJD0lQ2g1/s1600/30+going+on+13+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCqLVJ6Bf5O4evhctDQzhU6xudJlHvjCeTYd5RjGsqM6dePGqDAKO7NBZgFHm2fXixcpBbJKJjEtc0I427PSZNMqkmLkGOR5IFBSDSomFWTpffP2vIqqpo-hUO2je1DwQcdzjJD0lQ2g1/s320/30+going+on+13+wall.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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See, with all of your effort, I only remember the games and booze. </div>
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What a friend I have in you, dear Olive.</div>
<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-15040691537069329582016-08-12T21:57:00.000-04:002016-08-12T21:57:03.341-04:00PARCEL POST: Small play and number fishing busy bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Olive,</div>
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<a href="http://parcelandfrock.blogspot.com/search/label/Busy%20Bags#.V6qGepMrLVo" target="_blank">Busy Bag</a> resurrection! I highly recommend making a couple of these before you return to work:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyvNfEaDV3-bdlbbC19NJ9NlaenWXsAd7-4L_nvT8S3U5V-6YzNq7ST3J6Nsv5UelUaqwHBDaj7YFUhE5bQqe-AOjWByz5fHHOoP5SXzaM8j3jF9CbrdGhoEjL6MPc_D0uaIAzmBTmR48/s1600/bb+number+fishing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyvNfEaDV3-bdlbbC19NJ9NlaenWXsAd7-4L_nvT8S3U5V-6YzNq7ST3J6Nsv5UelUaqwHBDaj7YFUhE5bQqe-AOjWByz5fHHOoP5SXzaM8j3jF9CbrdGhoEjL6MPc_D0uaIAzmBTmR48/s640/bb+number+fishing.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Collect all of those fridge magnets that keep falling off the freezer door every time you get ice cream.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj0_weEFinHTQhCx8EziqPlIoGVTdzZDE2G7DT4m8mGmOONikzUvr4oaay5OyvZexxTZCav76ZZQTkCNNHwbkd6vRpWSo-LwmwSjto3H1LqF173giwGgxggzvwFKz5ecBij-hgNfLVZsj/s1600/IMG_8461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj0_weEFinHTQhCx8EziqPlIoGVTdzZDE2G7DT4m8mGmOONikzUvr4oaay5OyvZexxTZCav76ZZQTkCNNHwbkd6vRpWSo-LwmwSjto3H1LqF173giwGgxggzvwFKz5ecBij-hgNfLVZsj/s640/IMG_8461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Get a magnet wand or magnet on a stick. Boom. Number fishing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EI8MoBuSEyGl3CXwBvKYSRWbI9yDxdxPmsyi_jFtFW6ESWgkosytKAWkb40OuctqDtlMkyGYHkiJe1WFbvXpakTbYg9paDv5GzCTvZcLbac8QgI-HivS-FCs7dxPtswhdSzFkaW-9Hkm/s1600/bb+small+play.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EI8MoBuSEyGl3CXwBvKYSRWbI9yDxdxPmsyi_jFtFW6ESWgkosytKAWkb40OuctqDtlMkyGYHkiJe1WFbvXpakTbYg9paDv5GzCTvZcLbac8QgI-HivS-FCs7dxPtswhdSzFkaW-9Hkm/s640/bb+small+play.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Collect all of the small figurines that are all over the house. Put them together in a bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBFfchQx9v_DqHT0jgEYttCxfQZ-1tsPUec96ad5VH4wbU7GYCrRpIJLeAiMc0qpXKc-Av1YJtbYXHukjYbD3PplOiyH0EhVd39dahOot2hwOPGmnrwR9ykDSwz81JWgN2O_E6iF5o0Uu/s1600/IMG_8434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBFfchQx9v_DqHT0jgEYttCxfQZ-1tsPUec96ad5VH4wbU7GYCrRpIJLeAiMc0qpXKc-Av1YJtbYXHukjYbD3PplOiyH0EhVd39dahOot2hwOPGmnrwR9ykDSwz81JWgN2O_E6iF5o0Uu/s320/IMG_8434.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2aUvWIf1FpGihQIDg88o-esjAZDTVXP7mQKL5Tmd1pitkMzb797phIb0wBmHB6T3bNNvnd2p9NlZ6ygKV40SF_V5qATWUKpOYKXtMdDDip6-cDG-HGa2O7_OBVIUmdi6NfYs4tr6f4ZC/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2aUvWIf1FpGihQIDg88o-esjAZDTVXP7mQKL5Tmd1pitkMzb797phIb0wBmHB6T3bNNvnd2p9NlZ6ygKV40SF_V5qATWUKpOYKXtMdDDip6-cDG-HGa2O7_OBVIUmdi6NfYs4tr6f4ZC/s320/IMG_8568.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Boom. That's a busy bag.</div>
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Lazy mom's guide to busy bags.</div>
Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5529422928834453578.post-38833601663681545392016-08-09T21:28:00.004-04:002016-08-09T21:28:37.571-04:00EXPLODING CHALK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Olive, </div>
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Over the summer, we've been trying to give the kids some autonomy in choosing what we do with some family free time. Adventures (nature walks), sensory (squishy things), and dance party are favorites. But the most recurrent choice they have been making lately is "Experiment." Yesterday we tried exploding chalk:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlSYweJMDNBrB_a0tajVC0Ex_jv5PEWSC9JHWkbJSH_ypnCmki7rsEFYbQ5p6FOYjEVCAJLd-f9XHv_y4JROU_aE0Tv6blvmLPH5BAILsqTyiClgAknmmhN3Hb8Jy7JlO4JRpTkZSzCgW/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlSYweJMDNBrB_a0tajVC0Ex_jv5PEWSC9JHWkbJSH_ypnCmki7rsEFYbQ5p6FOYjEVCAJLd-f9XHv_y4JROU_aE0Tv6blvmLPH5BAILsqTyiClgAknmmhN3Hb8Jy7JlO4JRpTkZSzCgW/s640/IMG_0263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can only handle four ingredient experiments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8R6IgP_Rb5IR7SA5kYVn-WWl93PbegsB8vcuXz7NFsPw9ixF0YrjH92k1Dz0t4IiHMdi-1wTd4HRKEkm1nJzPA_BdGFRG1inRnm8WmJxNw8TRI4wIDJkHqDr7eLIoyQUQZCsW3pw36Ik/s1600/exploding+chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8R6IgP_Rb5IR7SA5kYVn-WWl93PbegsB8vcuXz7NFsPw9ixF0YrjH92k1Dz0t4IiHMdi-1wTd4HRKEkm1nJzPA_BdGFRG1inRnm8WmJxNw8TRI4wIDJkHqDr7eLIoyQUQZCsW3pw36Ik/s320/exploding+chalk.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mXCmJHPhmJcMAxeBWa3Amte3MeG4fNnn76zQrFbaLmaXCcewy260k3orIqJKcW8dTKBtu4qbQJCOJBVfrrzLnrTeFKPxGOYjHjjODlzfRkkd6JP6LTmrs6X8V0qv6YPLeYh10M7nkuzk/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mXCmJHPhmJcMAxeBWa3Amte3MeG4fNnn76zQrFbaLmaXCcewy260k3orIqJKcW8dTKBtu4qbQJCOJBVfrrzLnrTeFKPxGOYjHjjODlzfRkkd6JP6LTmrs6X8V0qv6YPLeYh10M7nkuzk/s320/IMG_0250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Mix cornstarch and vinegar with some food coloring.</div>
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Shake it like a Polaroid picture.</div>
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Put baking soda into paper towel pouches.</div>
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Add the pouches to the bags. Polaroid that action some more and run away like you are in the bomb squad.</div>
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Wait a long time for them to burst. (You didn't have to run after all).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWLSFrwnEV_JBjHhHhkVuKDRCnIFEzNxJwAhL1WbhmXQ2pjuLHqDzCALZWc4ue2-pJF_O-hPHUV0csqEg5ev6RS9-DTzgBQkP2DGtwsma6LSv59ctYyxBqRS3qDtNuFfJ1zeLOMBnEr3U/s1600/IMG_0258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWLSFrwnEV_JBjHhHhkVuKDRCnIFEzNxJwAhL1WbhmXQ2pjuLHqDzCALZWc4ue2-pJF_O-hPHUV0csqEg5ev6RS9-DTzgBQkP2DGtwsma6LSv59ctYyxBqRS3qDtNuFfJ1zeLOMBnEr3U/s320/IMG_0258.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfo2rSt4z63Y3eJtK4W3OkR_Y0Z2aCJ8bRkZY4o7qHSAt8-KAIxh9qEbnztzwmsoUPu9sS9LX0_zwfx0aYpwRRjmRs-YQLcMKw29iR1PDo59BtvPivF0ONH190MmAMJZsGTZvPLy3w-ij/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfo2rSt4z63Y3eJtK4W3OkR_Y0Z2aCJ8bRkZY4o7qHSAt8-KAIxh9qEbnztzwmsoUPu9sS9LX0_zwfx0aYpwRRjmRs-YQLcMKw29iR1PDo59BtvPivF0ONH190MmAMJZsGTZvPLy3w-ij/s320/IMG_0264.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Watch the slow dribble explosion.</div>
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Poke at dribble with sticks</div>
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Perhaps the bathing suit preparation was overkill.</div>
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<br />Laurelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01128246901904992519noreply@blogger.com0