tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68028301220170759072024-03-18T22:54:30.242-04:00Stunning.Designer. Fashionista. Blogger. Lover of her Mister, Mocha Bean, & Life.Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-50618810717320452462014-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T08:00:00.676-05:00Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, January 2014 Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Happy New Year All!</span></div>
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This past weekend we went back to the Mitten to visit Hunky's sister who is a novice in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsmme" target="_blank">Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist</a>. It was great to see Sister Mary Andre and get a sneak peak into her life at the convent. She spends her days in prayer and study with a dash of free time and group activities. They are such a devout group of joy filled women - it is inspiring to see the sisters in their element. It is always lovely, yet rare, to have the group of usual family members together.</div>
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There were so many beautiful crush scenes all over the convent. They had kings traveling all over the place - we found them propped in window panes, under tables, and traveling through hallways.</div>
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The beautiful alter in the chapel - just breathtaking!</div>
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I married into a family of very intense board game players. Here is a new one we are addicted to, called <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1855/hedbanz-identity-crisis-game" target="_blank">Hedbanz</a>. It is meant for a much younger crowd - but we have such a great time trying to ask rapid fire questions to determine whether we are bacon, a horse, or some other random object!</div>
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The weekend seemed to end as quickly as it started - it was so much fun to all be together for a brief moment. Rachel, Nick, and Baby Joseph headed home after dinner to beat the coming snow. It was nice to get in so many baby snuggles!</div>
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Hunky's sister, Bethany, and her fiancé, Mike came from Pittsburgh for the visit as well as to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. It was great to see them, hear about wedding plans, and catch up as we do not get to see each other as often as we would like. We all had to leave pretty quickly on Sunday to beat the Polar Freeze. Our normal 3.5 hour drive took nearly 5 hours --- which is such a looonnggg time to be in the car. Mocha Bean and I were going stir crazy, enough to get out and bound around in the snow at the gas station. </div>
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Visit weekends are always a whirlwind - leaving us feeling like we need a long nap to recover. It's fabulous to get our Laura fix... I mean Sister Mary Andre fix. We are still getting used to her new name. :) </div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-88566643916501118132014-01-06T22:11:00.000-05:002014-01-06T22:12:05.732-05:00Happy Polar Vortex!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My friend Chan and I prior to the Polar Vortex</div>
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Yes, we bundle up like this usually, today it just came in handy.</div>
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Happy Polar Vortex Day!<br />
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We have been experiencing temperatures that feel like -40 degrees and snow, oh the snow.</div>
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There is just so much - but that had stopped yesterday before the official start of the Polar Vortex.</div>
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While dressing to leave my house this morning at one point I was wearing 4 scarves. A little panic ensued after I listened to all of the facts about frostbite on the news... </div>
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The floor was covered in pee pee pads when we left today as poor little Mocha Bean was not going to be subjected to the elements. She was such a good girl and didn't go in the apartment until I took her out when it was a bit more manageable out in the afternoon. Last night before the cold really set in I put her in her coat and boots - the city salt irritates her little paws so much. We truly think she get embarrassed when we have her wear these things - but much to Hunky's delight - this did make her evening walk go quickly.</div>
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Here's to staying warm - where ever you may be! Throw an extra blanket on the bed for the next few days and layer up!</div>
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Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-17194256816597379962013-10-27T23:07:00.000-04:002013-10-27T23:07:38.581-04:00Stunning Fall Baby Jackets<div>
It's jacket season!!</div>
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I've been having fun making some sweet little baby car coats --- although my girlfriends keep asking me to make adult size... </div>
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More to be posted soon!</div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-4275182847893859922013-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-29T08:00:08.485-04:00April Critical Mass Bike Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since we moved to Chicago in the late summer of 2011 every now and again we would see a group of hundreds riding bikes around town yelling at the top of their lungs "HAPPY FRIDAY!" The young, old, hipster, business man, and homeless alike joined forces to completely block the roads and celebrate gorgeous weather and the art of traveling by bicycle.<br />
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Upon further research Hunky discovered <a href="http://chicagocriticalmass.org/about" target="_blank">Chicago Critical Mass</a>. A group who gathers together on the last Friday of every month to ride a different path - and this past Friday we joined them!<br />
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Here I am in Daley Plaza - the gathering space for the event. It is suggested that you show up at 5:30 - but I believe that we didn't get going until 6:30. Getting such a large number of people on bikes to cooperate and get on the road was interesting. We started circling Daley Plaza like a swarm of bees. After about 6 laps whomever was in charge decided that enough people were ready and we took off.<br />
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So many bikes! I never knew there were so many creative ways to attach children to bikes... I wish we would have gotten photos of all of the creative vehicles - but - Hunky and I are pretty clumsy and I value my life more than a few photos :D<br />
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Several people had fabulous sound systems attached to their bikes playing everything from pulsing house music to Seal...<br />
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Although it looks like all fun and games - the ride from our apartment to Daley Plaza during afternoon rush hour on a Friday was terrifying. Hunky had to talk me down several times on the way when I was threatening to turn around and go home. I honestly don't know how anyone rides their bikes as a form of transport around here - it is quite scary - seriously - no matter how cautious we are if a car is not paying attention we don't stand a chance. <a href="http://chicagocriticalmass.org/about" target="_blank">Critical Mass</a> tries to bring awareness to this issue and reclaim the streets for cyclists one Friday a month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-15786989922309704102013-04-26T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-26T08:00:05.279-04:00Jim Gaffigan, Rearranging the Apartment, and a Mustache Dinner Party <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not to knock how we spent two weekends ago...<br />
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This past weekend was awesome!! <br />
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On Friday night we went to see Comedian, Jim Gaffigan. I'm not going to lie - before Hunky asked if I wanted to go see the show I had never head of Mr. Gaffigan. He is HILARIOUS! The great thing is that the humor isn't profane - this is NOT one of those shows where you are just wiggling around in your seat waiting for it to be over! This is a show that could have gone on all night and I wouldn't have noticed! The stories about his family are fantastic, how he talks about his wife is totally adorable, and his take on seafood cracks me up! You may enjoy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5LcBdbH8bo" target="_blank">Jim's take on Cinnabon</a>.<br />
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Saturday was spent rearranging the apartment. We had been kicking the idea around for a good three months and finally had a day and a half, as well as a deadline, a dinner party the next day, so that the project couldn't carry on for months. Lucky for us to only big piece of furniture we have in the couch - a sectional - which conveniently is able to break a part into smaller, easier to move, sections! My new favorite space is the designated and contained area for Anna's crafting! Hooray for not being a slob and taking over 50% of the space with my sewing! If you are considering rearranging your place I would strongly recommend taking an evening or couple of weeks to discuss and plan - we would still be living in a huge mess if we hadn't had a well thought out plan.<br />
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Sunday - we went to mass and then spent the morning preparing for a dinner party we were hosting. I usually hate to walk down Michigan Ave. it is usually quite crowded with people who aren't paying attention to anything. A lot of unsuspecting tourists get mugged walking down the Avenue. Needless to say, that's a major reason why I avoid it. Although on a Sunday morning at 10:30 it seemed safe. I'm certainly glad we walked that way - we were able to enjoy Tiffany's Great Gatsby themed windows! I am sooo excited to see the movie and plan on attending it in my fringed flapper dress!<br />
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Now, doesn't every good, Catholic couple go to stock up on wine and beer before 11 am... That's what we were thinking with our cart full of dinner party essentials at Trader Joes 8 minutes before 11 am... the legal time to sell alcohol on Sundays. On a side note - my mom is all about owls these days often saying "Owls are hot." Well, it's true, they are hot enough to be on Japanese beer!<br />
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Part of our rearranging included moving the dining room table to a room lacking a ceiling light fixture, but on the plus side it has a whole wall of windows. After we argued for half an hour, walked to Home Goods, thought about poverty inflicted by purchasing a Crate & Barrel lamp, and considered throwing one another in front of a bus, Hunky made a quick trip to Ikea to avoid a dinner party of darkness, and came back with this gem. Yes - sometimes that's how decisions are made - and we like to think it's perfectly normal. :)<br />
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My lovely spring colors table-scape - enhanced by the fabulous flowers Hunky gave me earlier in the week - and of course - our under kitchen cut-out bike. We have a lot of bikes in our place lately. Hunky has a new hobby and is really running - errr- riding with it...<br />
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We had fun playing around with the mustache drink markers Hunky's sister gave him - thanks Beth! The mustache selection process was quite intense...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Should I go with my dream mustache or the one that I would probably have if I were to grow one?"</i></span></div>
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... and then we figured out they would stick to our faces... </div>
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Sometimes when we cram 100 million things into a weekend it's a blast!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><br /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-63435383136151618692013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T08:00:04.464-04:00What I've Been Making Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Honestly I have been making a lot lately. I recently left my high intensity job on Michigan Avenue in search of a better work/life balance and to take time to help out with my newborn nephew, Joseph. (I have boatloads of pictures for a more in depth Joseph post in the future.) For the first time since I was 14 years old I am unemployed in the traditional sense. I am sewing and designing like crazy - hence to launch of my children's collection <a href="http://stunningbaby.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Stunning Baby</a>. For the first time since we were married I am able to see Hunky on the weekends - we are no longer like two people sharing an apartment who overlap for 4 hours - on a good day - we are actually a pretty happy and cute little married couple. My state of living has improved dramatically and for the first time in a while I can say that I am truly happy... </div>
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Miss Mocha has been excelling with her new job - Quality Control Manager and Design Assistant!</div>
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Actually she is quite good at barking at me if/when I get off task - this girl hates when I take breaks to catch up on my favorite TV shows...</div>
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Here's a sneak peak of what I've been working on lately...<br />
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A certain pretty Momma and her darling daughters will be sporting these in the future... <br />
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Hunky and I spent all day Saturday rearranging the apartment. This is my new cutting station - moved away from our kitchen table!<br />
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Our lease is coming due in the fall and we are trying to decide whether we would like to relocate... after a whole day of rearranging - which was pretty much as labor intensive as a move - we may be staying put!<br />
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My dear friend Hannah will be having a baby girl any day now! This is the little outfit that I made to welcome Miss Emma Joy to the world! I just love this fabric - yellow and gray is such a happy combination.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129882594/floral-stripe-reversible-polka-dot-baby?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTii6i5HJIFpEsKaIXTl2vxhMKFKbd0qmdbwFtEg6cNn0iLCV4UUg7fRFJ54RoHI-O_WblZ1JaFWK8RMQTfa5LJe8nIlaybKJ6qr_9hHy2yGhWS5ANhJF5uOIMSn5H5U9qjHK8qPXMEJn/s320/IMG_1883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I am somewhat of a fabric hoarder - I buy it and then hang on to it until the proper project presents itself. I have a bit of this floral stripe left over and am half tempted to make myself a little spring skirt or dress. This week I started to expand sizes over at <a href="http://stunningbaby.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Stunning Baby </a>and this is my first Trouser and Bloomer set available in 9-12 months and 12-18 months.<br />
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Here's to a creative week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-53925921458717206852013-04-23T13:26:00.000-04:002013-04-23T13:26:24.559-04:00Visiting Sister Laura Dominican Sisters of MaryA couple of weekends ago we had the opportunity to visit Hunky's little sister - who is becoming a Sister - at her convent in Indiana. What an adventure we had! We set out from the city at 6 am and drove for hours to the middle of a field... Where - low and behold - there is a beautiful piece of land and old brick building that house Sister Laura and her fellow first years.<br />
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Hello Sr. Laura!!</div>
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Sister Laura is in an order called <a href="http://www.sistersofmary.org/index.php" target="_blank">The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. </a></div>
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In the past we had visited her at the Mother House in Ann, Arbor MI - where the nuns gather for holiday celebrations. It was really neat to see Sister Laura in her "natural habitat." The convent is very well organized and everyone has jobs that keep the place running like a well oiled machine.</div>
<a href="http://www.sistersofmary.org/index.php" target="_blank"> </a><br />
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During the afternoon we got to catch up on all things family and life. We also got to show her our new favorite You Tube Video - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnydFmqHuVo" target="_blank">How Animals Eat Their Food</a> - and give her many many hugs and smiles. While in the convent we can only communicate with her through letters - which is fun reason to feed my addiction to stationary and stickers. We try to send her one letter a week and she is able to send and receive her letters most every Sunday.<br />
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Here Sister Laura poses with her parents - my in-laws. </div>
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Whenever we visit I am always so curious about what a normal day looks like for the Sisters - with a day beginning at 5 am these ladies sure to complete a lot each day!<a href="http://www.sistersofmary.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=80&Itemid=89" target="_blank"> See what a typical day looks like.</a><br />
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We were surprised by the arrival of Hunky's sister, Bethany, and her boyfriend, Mike, from Pittsburgh. The visiting days for the sisters are only a few times a year - we all try our best to make it to each time! In the event that siblings are unable to attend we do a group phone call - I wish I had photos of us all sitting around a picnic table outside talking to Rachel and her husband, Nick, as well as Father Mark (Hunky's oldest brother.) Even though we aren't able to physically able to be together it's great to communicate by phone! <br />
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Now if you haven't picked up on this before Hunky does have a sister who is a Sister - and - a brother who is a Father. We are blessed to be part of such a devout family. You can learn more about Hunky's brother, Father Mark, on his blog: <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/" target="_blank">Campion Project</a><br />
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They always serve us a delicious meal before kicking us out at 4 sharp. After a fun filled day of visiting we prepped to get back in the car and drive home before the rental car place closed at 7. Sometimes this time limit on Sundays causes our return trips to be a bit frantic. Thank goodness we gain an hour heading back!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-7854423462234902182013-04-03T18:16:00.002-04:002013-04-03T18:27:32.582-04:00Easter 2013<space>
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<space>** After this post you're going to think that all that Mr. Hunky and I do is run around on the beach with dogs. Well after being crammed in a one bedroom apartment together all winter, we'd only be so lucky to get to do that all the time! **</space><br />
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<space>Happy Easter 2013! </space><br />
<space>We'll call it Easter at the last moment... </space><br />
<space>Which is what happens sometimes when you work in retail.</space><br />
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<space>We started out the day by attending mass at 9:30 - aka - the most crowded mass ever! We were standing 4 people deep - in the cathedral - it's a HUGE church - wouldn't it be great if the church was filled like that EVERY Sunday!? Anyway after a mass decorated with the most beautiful tulip displays (still kicking myself that I didn't snap a picture) we headed home and made some brunch. I guess it was probably breakfast - although I do feel the first meal of the day on Sunday should always be referred to as brunch. After that we picked up Mocha's friend Webster and headed on a long walk.</space><br />
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We walked and walked and walked - until we arrived at North Avenue Beach.<br />
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As you can see the weather was interesting... I don't usually dress like this in real life. In fact those of you who acutally know me must be gasping at my footware. Yes, I do own tennis shoes and no, they don't sparkle.<br />
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So, in good fun, let's take this outfit down What I Wore Style:<br />
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<li>Old Beach Ready Running Shoes - <a href="http://dsw.com/" target="_blank">DSW</a></li>
<li>Sweatshirt Jacket -<a href="http://hm.com/" target="_blank"> H & M</a></li>
<li>Infinity Scarf - <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">White House Black Market</a></li>
<li>Capris - <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">White House Black Market</a></li>
<li>Mittens - Yes, Mittens - Gift from Sister Laura </li>
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We then proceded to run around with our four-legged friends in an attempt to exhaust them and trick them into swimming. <br />
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I'd like to think Mocha and I have the same silhouette. <br />
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<space> </space>They were so good - avoiding a dead seagull like pros. Due to exhaustion the walk back was a bit rough - but was rewarded with a good long Easter nap, (for the dogs.)<br />
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By the time we made up our minds about what we wanted to eat the grocery stores were closed... We ate a lovely dinner at a local tapas/pizza place and had delicious gelato for dessert. <br />
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How did you spend your Easter holiday?<br />
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<a href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-60419515759552881302013-04-01T17:34:00.000-04:002013-04-01T17:35:05.798-04:00Spring is for flower covered pants!<div style="text-align: left;">
I was very excited to get a message from a fellow Etsian, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/0ilpaintingsChrista?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">oilpaintingchrista</a>, who selected my favorite bloomer and lounge pant set to be in a treasury.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127129419/floral-baby-lounge-pants-and-bloomers-0?ref=tre-2721658231-13" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAx6AQun2UjZ32Xdw5s-OPmfnljsBQxkjhMLmN1H4Ejcniri4Mw24c9aP8QhRD_SgQun5pXUfVBSKXyjB071z4VTM4B-7UvtYsaxBMwoPYY4VR_X2C26rJQAwAymMeg9ilDahBgIhHInT/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjkyOTE1MDl8MjcyMTY1ODIzMQ/a-happy-floral-day" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEiug-B98e2sh0OFNwiNmYa0ZwPR3sc4hJDOuuJtkYMhxibPzDPxLvZBRD317ovAvXYAa0R1Wk8qak7yNZuuKrVNn1COjFctKZGYHyBh3PhUTtYHz0moqlx8gNdF7R03PBXF2bvYGJAzs/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-01+at+4.12.09+PM.png" width="306" /></a></div>
Click above see all of her other fabulous picks in the treasury entitled "A Happy Floral Day." Thanks Christa!<br />
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Take a few moments to check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/0ilpaintingsChrista?ref=pr_shop_more" target="_blank">Christa's shop</a> too - her oil paintings are great!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><br /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-40845674150808443862013-03-30T11:00:00.001-04:002013-04-03T17:41:00.577-04:00First Beach Day of 2013The sun is finally out in Chicago!!! Although it may be a bit early to shed the winter parkas, due to the nasty wind, we are getting that springtime feeling!<br />
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Blue sky over the Hancock Building on my way to work!</div>
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Last night we broke out the bikes and rode on the Lake Shore Trail. It was fantastic!! Hunky, Mocha, and I bundled up and got on the bikes for the first time since the fall. Mocha was a little hesitant to get back in her basket on my bike, but after we made it to the dog beach she was okay. We were having so much fun until the sun went down - then we rode as fast as we could back home to avoid freezing. (There are no photos from this fun adventure as I was not going to be taking my mittens off for fear of loosing fingers to cold)<br />
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This morning we revived another one of our warm weather rituals - a walk to the local beach. Dogs are happily welcome there before 9 am when the beach is open. I guess this time of year, since it is not officially open, you might be able to stay all day. If Mocha had her way we would probably stay there forever.<br />
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<br />Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-74487092899411461462013-03-29T09:04:00.002-04:002013-03-30T10:50:25.932-04:00Something about Spring... Keds.When I was a little girl, we're talking elementary school here, spring time officially began when mom said it was time to break out your little white Keds. Those were shortly followed by the sundresses, the ultimately uniform appropriate shorts. :D<br />
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Apparently Keds really branched out from white - have you checked out their shoes lately? I do recommend - and am seriously considering going back to the days of my Keds - which I will eventually wear with sundresses and shorts. What's old is new again... right?<br />
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<a href="http://www.keds.com/store/SiteController/keds/productdetails?subCatId=cat5490007&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=WF46402&skuId=***5********WF46402*M095&productId=5-176320&&frminv=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg029CKe37zF7iODMf7MYQMWPvBAxfChdNXqCxkfvBu8JCf-fAhFmZMzZb3Do7H7eTlqzWiPW4VETw5-MFEu7NnZ3SYX6xtCO-HluWFYjtyYobhmaXKOoU02QmpIjZ2-_YStgaCv-Uagibh/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-03-29+at+7.57.43+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" />Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-4429914196066427382013-03-21T11:44:00.001-04:002013-04-03T17:44:00.485-04:00Hello Baby.I believe this time of year should officially be referred to as Baby Season! The extreme cuteness of the fabric of the world inspired me to make this outfit for our nephew Joseph, who will be born next week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stunningbaby?ref=seller_info" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bNmilehUUAukD2WhAB6N2yVbdD3EsuJg2JYFfO0dI20_RWX_XlWC0pUt7wi0M5SQQ2GxuTgjSDcTy1BgCheS6ZNc1iBga0UVF_00tKYfZb6vw2nSB7PYYsV82-Nxvq6zR5fJMBJpao4V/s320/josephoutfit.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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A handful of friends and family are also expecting - and making little Joseph's outfit was so much fun to make - so - I opened another Etsy Shop! <a href="http://www.stunningbaby.etsy.com/" target="_blank">hello baby</a> is where you can find some fabulously fashionable, functional, and comfortable baby clothing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127035202/chevron-stripe-red-blue-gray-green-twill" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORf5NO21h-M5GHGAT1DFQ5DaY7AKDAgDnO1VQrdcXUPCRMueD3-cUCXj5BTfuSYoiHejWCPQUeRzkAN0P5OJMmFBmCCVyTXls6cCtvLqz4z8ZzaglgwaIs5JRC1aYo3XF_WB1_F_KRmIB/s320/IMG_1402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127039211/colorful-floral-bloomers-pick-your-own-0?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWMcGUT-2TuySj5wSkDQtBoEw00IfGzSR3sLZ27dU9P3quVvsDTkwtICefF4e__Gw1PD6dYsiP2MM-1DhtEbMUV3IaXNE6U2MZHFTd1nc5qM0oL2g35ROIP6U8L16gymvXBHFw7u80aSZ/s320/IMG_1447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127037367/floral-lounge-pants-and-bloomers-0-3?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3xWpxZGC479wY5ciKdbCeyjIxzxt2UdBUllbA-MKsXSj2vLGU_BMvq2STkSBqAVj8kpnHwpYN5MmIW4ikydr1fZZkngFN-3wstwy6u4FEi3W0G4V96-GKoV6lIU656ayfULHWVoeFE1L/s320/IMG_1406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a> Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-22854326721436734032013-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T08:00:10.658-05:00Spice Up Your Winter Stunning Skirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121140246/anthropologie-inspired-floral-full-aline" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn44qrE9znF1OsOD1sGfw7ZWyc6D7L2UQz9TMoozwf2B6pGjzvE9-NE7-xriwwWh6dVjQKhSkLWK5-f6wFsdlZGVAoB2GcGa-FYH86QEoZoraa5-YA30528TwnRuEH4b4e3vSORZ_ivnu/s320/IMG_0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121114885/twill-chevron-stripe-full-aline-pleated?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQfFGKJKIqCBONn6YMqOIOrPPZQkQusFBczJwlUuLa9eYlfkvS6KKwxVKsON1C0QnZfnZ7_DkGPDS7KLhrQEQR6ZygL8teDLRxgtCn-Cx3t86Ks62IRBA4DTM8lNwfWsWSbYdJVt-Ulqd/s320/IMG_1076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121300746/fruit-drink-cocktails-x-large-aline-full?ref=v1_other_1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UHs-IgIlMraFDf59ytvJSonWSQ7IkN4DtuIVGWkGYsVfN9vFFD1NL2CRBqIs4oHIIHoOodVloJhdH0aqE5nQUbsNDtEnctGdqpzrjBQpv_RmON7FBkytQ_vlRIEKX8NoVVyLbxUSrAhn/s320/IMG_0012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happily working with bright colored fabrics this week! We've had more days that not with single digit temps - ick!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-85570227085521433922013-01-23T20:28:00.001-05:002013-01-23T20:34:17.382-05:00Guest Post: Going to the Dogs<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Hey there!</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">A little intro- I am Kayleigh, one of Anna's oldest friends. As in, we used to wear realllly awesome bathing suits and scope out boys on the lake where our families both still have cottages. Over 10 years later (omg!!!) we are still in touch, however don't see or talk to eachother nearly as much as we should. It's weird how conversation with someone you grew up with but don't see for months or years can fall right back in to place- witty comments and biting sarcasm included ;) Anna is my inspiration for starting my own </span></span></span><a href="http://thezupisdoitbetter.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">blog</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">, but I don't write nearly as many posts as I want to! In the new year, I am trying to pick back up and explore more topics! My favorite one, you will see, is dogs!!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdhgD8gOfDjG8jGE6I7op2AaXgwwZoSFD3Bqiu6vkwUJwOoL8PYmKKPhshCb8ZeT7K63FGz8HfgPRRKyWLgU1GTGZ7zS5f4UXu6SBfmiTATORbQ1lSaAdJdVutvDbfY6Ts_0wQ-HGren1/s1600/263152_1425681603060_5135033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdhgD8gOfDjG8jGE6I7op2AaXgwwZoSFD3Bqiu6vkwUJwOoL8PYmKKPhshCb8ZeT7K63FGz8HfgPRRKyWLgU1GTGZ7zS5f4UXu6SBfmiTATORbQ1lSaAdJdVutvDbfY6Ts_0wQ-HGren1/s320/263152_1425681603060_5135033_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Us, our hubbies, and Mr. Eric Church! :)</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> I
am a little bit of what you would call a dog fanatic. Probably the kind of person you might avoid in social
situations, thinking, “Oh God, if she comes over here all she’s going to do is
talk about her dog like it’s her child.”
That may be a bit of an exaggeration- but I definitely know those types
of people, so I try my hardest not to be one myself! Having a great love for dogs lead to me getting my own dog
as soon as I could :)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">I
lived in an apartment with my husband and had been patiently waiting until our
life, finances, and housing prospects aligned, like stars in the sky. Our dog was born 2 days before our
wedding reception, and we waited like kids on Christmas Eve for the 8 weeks to
pass. In the back of my mind I kept feeling a pang of guilt, that I wasn’t
rescuing a dog, but I kept telling myself
“a lot of people have breeder dogs, so what if there’s one more?” I figured I more or less “deserved” a
puppy, as much as I hate to admit it, and would take great care of it and there
would be no way it would impact others.
I sure did change my mind in the next year that passed!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">I
purchased Remington from a breeder in Michigan, and I will not be doing that
again. I did NOT do my homework. I didn't even think about getting
a health clearance or anything like that from the breeder. Nor did I
FULLY know about all the animals that die in shelters every day, many of them
just as gorgeous and fun and loving as my Remi! This is not to say I
think all breeding is morally wrong... responsible breeders and responsible
owners that buy bred pups is one thing. They work very hard at confirming
their dogs, keeping standards high and furthering the breed they are very committed to!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gQVguq2rZnJ3d1sJ8R7vh5-W2QpvhW8VlKZgjRglvYX26YW9h4IqumYEMeORLrvG8KlSwvXknh6aH9EUy98r0soj1Zg2GM429Sr53kcZTi9oa10i51mGNUca2_NyK3uMJ1clLTkMPuLH/s1600/419976_1785008626011_1692820122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gQVguq2rZnJ3d1sJ8R7vh5-W2QpvhW8VlKZgjRglvYX26YW9h4IqumYEMeORLrvG8KlSwvXknh6aH9EUy98r0soj1Zg2GM429Sr53kcZTi9oa10i51mGNUca2_NyK3uMJ1clLTkMPuLH/s320/419976_1785008626011_1692820122_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Angie from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.ilshorthairrescue.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Illinois Shorthair Rescue</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> - Before<br />she had shelter, but no constant supply of food <br />unless naighbor came over, and the straw she was in gave her welts :(</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">However,
what </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">I</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> did was wrong, and I definitely know it in my heart. Since moving
into our new house, I have strived to do all that I can do in order to make it
up to the dogs that died the day that I purchased Remington. I've helped
in transports, doing home visits, fostered, donated, etc. The money I
spent on Remington could've pulled another gorgeous pointer puppy out of a
pound or foster home and given the rescue much-needed funds. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aJNTIHIjffZyU-ds0kbuAFnwdhVAFQls2h_hWqaKH3FBRUHg2PqSFeAgszFU3pkYalhyphenhyphenIP6PUeO7xCnrpZBTMULYCWqT8Hd6Fn4Ty5ybzJd6CU6T8lWRtlBRBWTMT_yi-ZRz-hiTBbWS/s1600/GEDC1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aJNTIHIjffZyU-ds0kbuAFnwdhVAFQls2h_hWqaKH3FBRUHg2PqSFeAgszFU3pkYalhyphenhyphenIP6PUeO7xCnrpZBTMULYCWqT8Hd6Fn4Ty5ybzJd6CU6T8lWRtlBRBWTMT_yi-ZRz-hiTBbWS/s320/GEDC1386.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Angie - After!<br />So happy in her new home, you could tell her <br />new human 'brother' really adored her!</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Let’s
go through the application and adoption process. First, someone submits an application; if they are approved
they have a home visit done. I
have done only 3 home visits so far, but they are fun! You get to meet new people that are as
crazy as you are about dogs and get to make sure their home is safe and secure
enough for a rescued dog. This is
important, because we don’t usually know much about rescue dogs’
backgrounds. They could be fence
jumpers, chewers, need to be house trained, or they could be super obedient,
trained hunting dogs, and let little kids jump all over them- that’s why they go
to foster homes first. Foster
homes help rehabilitate, medicate, resocialize, and do so much more for dogs that
were pulled from dangerous situations in shelters or worse. Once the home visit goes through, transport is worked out to
bring the dog to their new furever home!
I have been involved in many transports- one from all the way in New
Orleans to Canada! It's super fun and distracting to have 7 puppies in your backseat, but wonderful at the same time!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Helping
dogs on their path to being rescued is super fulfilling. Rescues always need more volunteers,
especially fosters. You get the
perks of having a dog, pulling it from a dangerous situation, and nursing it
back to health- most rescues pay for all the vet expenses, and fosters
typically pay for food. If
adopting or fostering is too much for your household, rescues always need
qualified drivers for transporting animals and people to help pull from
shelters! Find your nearest animal
rescue via Google or Facebook and contact them to see how you can help! I foster for pointer rescues because I
am used to their exuberant energy and characteristics, which often make them a
little too much to handle for some people, and in turn makes them too often
shelter pups. I hope that if
anyone sees this they will think twice bout buying a puppy off the street and
more about contacting their local rescue!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKE1ng6Y7w5Qm_kFAyAQUOO1VNXaVC84FUOx-mOYnjmIE0Hc5lfLT7Jd8dPSskIf3fMjYbYmQdlmEp4tRGYR_efWsrUaHJvbS_EvRRjCmCg5jmcHZL6bjk8fm3JTHbs8aNgz58FQqtMcp/s320/252795_1766083552896_663773213_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Robin from </span></span></span><a href="http://gspcareohio.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">GSP Care of OH</span></span></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post! I hope you come visit me at </span></span></span><a href="http://thezupisdoitbetter.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">The Zupi's Do It Better</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">for more dog </span></span></span><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">and</span></span></span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> everyday life action!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">xoxo kmz <3</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-22763337310219058532013-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-21T08:00:12.595-05:00New Years 2013We rang in 2013 with Hunky's cousins Judy, Jen, and Josh. I think they had fun running around the city with us because at some point there was a call home to their mom begging to stay another night :)<br />
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For the big night itself - we tried to do things a bit fancy... like an all you can eat all you can drink Chicago style extravaganza. Minus the booze, plus sparkling cider, a lot more candy, and card games!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAuJGK6QKFruUsWXqNm4KFFJ8GGjsmirWZO12mr4td_qrRpdmjAg0iHOrkXX6J-c8LIdrOVyp1MqMt23ibuIGS1sgHlsCrdEZfYGyOJat_kad6z6fBaCBvz28jVFq4H5uMXOpxydhjZUf/s1600/IMG_1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAuJGK6QKFruUsWXqNm4KFFJ8GGjsmirWZO12mr4td_qrRpdmjAg0iHOrkXX6J-c8LIdrOVyp1MqMt23ibuIGS1sgHlsCrdEZfYGyOJat_kad6z6fBaCBvz28jVFq4H5uMXOpxydhjZUf/s320/IMG_1044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our fabulous spread - most of the complicated recipes were thanks to <a href="http://pinterest/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Shrimp, veggie tray, chips and dip, Parmesan egg plant pizzas, brie puff, steak, potatoes, candy, creme puffs, ice cream... seriously you name it we snacked on it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn-ORC_a51Vx616XuRL8n8Bl5SLfyr7JtPoVV6jWmUEtjiZ3sYPgR9cy_KTps8Qj-nY6go5pdq6u321XwDxq0VLwXvBT_1dJr4PhQN8ZK5qOTSWUwMy5r2_Kx8z6u0eVoAO3Q5snDpMba/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn-ORC_a51Vx616XuRL8n8Bl5SLfyr7JtPoVV6jWmUEtjiZ3sYPgR9cy_KTps8Qj-nY6go5pdq6u321XwDxq0VLwXvBT_1dJr4PhQN8ZK5qOTSWUwMy5r2_Kx8z6u0eVoAO3Q5snDpMba/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
Full , but not too full! At midnight we ran down to the beach to watch the fireworks over Navy Pier. It was incredibly cold, but what a fun way to kick off 2013!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeLe0MLhYeInGoe32EaWGm1rJ5_lPkIUwNXL9KKBU6yBebLzWvmRtBegtQxxqfj3bWyxOsAf9ZUrPCGaEYhKURgoOhOYhmC2Td1OKfs6MFe8qvi0cFQc0rfiQS7GzMJc9Buzc5H7__XbF/s1600/IMG_1054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeLe0MLhYeInGoe32EaWGm1rJ5_lPkIUwNXL9KKBU6yBebLzWvmRtBegtQxxqfj3bWyxOsAf9ZUrPCGaEYhKURgoOhOYhmC2Td1OKfs6MFe8qvi0cFQc0rfiQS7GzMJc9Buzc5H7__XbF/s320/IMG_1054.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
The next day we explored Michigan Ave. The boys convinced poor Jen to try a super hot chili sauce from one of the stores in the mall. Poor girl became sick to her stomach! :(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn-ORC_a51Vx616XuRL8n8Bl5SLfyr7JtPoVV6jWmUEtjiZ3sYPgR9cy_KTps8Qj-nY6go5pdq6u321XwDxq0VLwXvBT_1dJr4PhQN8ZK5qOTSWUwMy5r2_Kx8z6u0eVoAO3Q5snDpMba/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-byau6nPJL6MkDMiubfQlNkEzcEMdXTLGu4O_tmWHBqNGd7n0yzQuzEwhZczOMDEYiPN9oWs4BynjY0Fs4lZrCGqk7JQVnYPopblqFNIZck4UwgAWWz2LYEXQMB68UqPyXLPbQ6WA9wZ/s1600/IMG_1055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-byau6nPJL6MkDMiubfQlNkEzcEMdXTLGu4O_tmWHBqNGd7n0yzQuzEwhZczOMDEYiPN9oWs4BynjY0Fs4lZrCGqk7JQVnYPopblqFNIZck4UwgAWWz2LYEXQMB68UqPyXLPbQ6WA9wZ/s320/IMG_1055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jakemelnicks.com/" target="_blank">Jake Melnick's</a> is one of our favorite resturants in the city - chances are if you've visited us - or if you will in the future - we'll take you here! Seriously fantastic barbeque.</div>
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After a few days of shopping, fantastic food, and great company we packed them into their car and told them to go back to school :D</div>
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Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-83669282570867459822013-01-20T11:44:00.002-05:002013-01-20T11:46:02.029-05:00Revamped Crafting SpaceLiving in a small space has caused some creativity with where my sewing and crafting supplies are stored. Hunky gently suggested that maybe I might do something to no longer have a monopoly on our office space and dining room. Let's face it - I'm not the neat creative type and I really don't know many people who are. Projects just tend to, for lack of a better term, blow up.<br />
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With a little help from a card table this is what we came up with yesterday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksxL8Sjz3IjzVGhE_ioPtfutyv4Qavrfb-YPZ1HXvaMloLHzcPZ7xVXyt7ydG_2DRyStL7RUAZqL4TzsaI-6UyQgqUdU__6l74PXuX0LVbtbqzXDHKcUlf02dx1q8Bwvbd7UHZ3izTJGD/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksxL8Sjz3IjzVGhE_ioPtfutyv4Qavrfb-YPZ1HXvaMloLHzcPZ7xVXyt7ydG_2DRyStL7RUAZqL4TzsaI-6UyQgqUdU__6l74PXuX0LVbtbqzXDHKcUlf02dx1q8Bwvbd7UHZ3izTJGD/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A new sewing station!! Nicely tucked in the corner of our office space behind the couch, great natural light, and a view of the TV for background movies/Sex in the City marathons. How can you not be creative watching those fabulously dressed women?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ClKVKd4qpzt5ae8meOKYNpzEBn8bEcekXokQRmSR1wvbD-98umjdJ-xA-pmUmjxiMOx3TThBLBylOkw2cmGJgL-TGIpgtPISJcSjNn9hdYp8g3JgjiKM3LRSwC1yjaxwsAZ6jLGsvw6/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ClKVKd4qpzt5ae8meOKYNpzEBn8bEcekXokQRmSR1wvbD-98umjdJ-xA-pmUmjxiMOx3TThBLBylOkw2cmGJgL-TGIpgtPISJcSjNn9hdYp8g3JgjiKM3LRSwC1yjaxwsAZ6jLGsvw6/s320/photo.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
This is on the opposite wall, next to my half of the desk, which for today was far too messy to be photographed! Fabric, beading supplies, stationary, stickers and markers all stacked nicely on a rummage sale shelf. The <a href="http://stunningannak.blogspot.com/2010/08/to-do-thursday-vintage-frame-cork-board.html" target="_blank">vintage frame cork board</a> that I keep inspiration pinned on - I try to update this whenever I am in a creative rut - it helps to get me going again. My bust is dressed in a skirt I am trying to salvage --- a reminder to myself to always measure twice before you cut once! The tiny shelf houses my button collection that I have sorted by color and style... yeah - I'm one of those people!<br />
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How do you keep your supplies organized? How often do you reorganize?<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-25862069487051649922012-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-30T16:10:08.624-05:00New In Stunning Etsy ShopSome lovely new items added to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stunningannak" target="_blank">Stunning Shop</a>... <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103514428/love-water-bouquet-amy-butler-floral?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaTb1cSGn5AjjOQH_AhWyrRa7vJj3WHEwjXfrdf6BtME5UC2Voo5Izk3a_AqLRot-OiEfvQCFNfw5yEXcbysgAN2PA7MUmWlITF2oyy6Bltp-sKPpujN7L3IMkyqr7QmLVlXKjS_Aa11m/s320/il_570xN.353226160_6dz7.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115258608/birch-forest-michael-miller-full-aline?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd3ZXcLGk5cvH1ZWx7FxacEl8gYPnCiJxORS4opVHdp4NrNWee-zS5MjvNHJihJG3OB0kIdQByHj9u5KfNYaNR_QBy3g4sJsP46RgNm878y8gVmi_MoUiXf9ufklZelgKyaPglN5ecNcR/s320/il_570xN.396249573_21qp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115261618/night-and-day-black-and-white-ripples?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTLiiRvup6OKGhlLchpTo2smtn674n6jg4Vm1ESnpAOrjo3pp_zS4GApvuBZv156YK45vs9Q-V8HWw5tXSxlJUUPzBMGvNDra3KwwbCZG2j9igZAzYtKPOe1d2zRW8amjD3b5kA7AJyyx/s320/il_570xN.396267748_6czm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115269219/art-class-michael-miller-rainbow-full?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvrCRISMiTy8yLqjxjNZRjOg8-pQnSksby_fIniqMWmXs4q43KfCz2zkF2Znxli0WFYTWWE7IseafPfvqlGKX3JqNc5-KYj5k-lnfM7EaAQwAxJao68_AJjGikmrUxMfMGZEqC-A_1FIs/s320/il_570xN.396293844_3jjy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115270529/chartreuse-and-white-chevron-stripe?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_j1XV0amXSdUWFifdF2aXAcuaHKOCuYNkI90LyNs5LJcTH6vuPb48AckB8kOJG5o7z857ZDcAJUdBAZvI_qv_5kExpv6JOpzoLuLFIRPlaPnuKio-YQaStmUafuBD5o19gtzCFjbLWnX/s320/il_570xN.396298057_almu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-70275738816255624582012-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-13T10:29:05.853-05:00DIY Monogrammed Flour Sack Towels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8qjR134-RkkzJo_DXfVIPgLkXOeUPK9Y8stUXx94Qmkd19zLJ5Yp3YmqppM2OZBFfBsP2DSjfTwJd0wq4ZXjrISX8FAXoHL2ZLC9A54wkd2izd1OgS9E-vtM4OGpyTGRLNxqE5bl9oPZ/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8qjR134-RkkzJo_DXfVIPgLkXOeUPK9Y8stUXx94Qmkd19zLJ5Yp3YmqppM2OZBFfBsP2DSjfTwJd0wq4ZXjrISX8FAXoHL2ZLC9A54wkd2izd1OgS9E-vtM4OGpyTGRLNxqE5bl9oPZ/s400/IMG_0800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This tutorial came about while I was trying to brainstorm unique Bridal Shower gifts for Hunky's oldest sister. This is such a fun way to use fabric pieces that you may have been unable to part with in the past, as well as create something that is truly unique and custom for your own kitchen or that of your friends or family.<br />
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<b>Supplies: - (most of which you probably have!)</b><br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiyR76phSr_-MihzIIdQoVzYK1plRx92o7Aem1CQ6ZMPQxD-Xtq_L7W_GCHRB5a1HH31PqwUU8Hy0uHSydDudHmYmLCy1V9S69z8veOyuWwUdCSb-1MWd2ukM0oPiy_VcrdgW9gzYf33X/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiyR76phSr_-MihzIIdQoVzYK1plRx92o7Aem1CQ6ZMPQxD-Xtq_L7W_GCHRB5a1HH31PqwUU8Hy0uHSydDudHmYmLCy1V9S69z8veOyuWwUdCSb-1MWd2ukM0oPiy_VcrdgW9gzYf33X/s400/IMG_0787.JPG" width="400" /></a> </b><br />
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<li>Flour Sack Towels<br />I found the best deal/quality at Bed, Bath and Beyond</li>
<li>Paper Scissors</li>
<li>Fabric Scissors</li>
<li>Pins</li>
<li>Fabric Marker/Chalk</li>
<li>Contrasting Thread<br />For basting around your template - will not be seen</li>
<li>Complementary Thread<br />For attaching letter to towel - will be seen</li>
<li>Printed out letters on computer paper in fonts you love in your desired size<br /> (Mine are all created to fill as much of a 5x5 space a possible)<br />Here are the fonts I used:<br /> Corduroy P -The Truth of a Thousand Lies<br /> Blue P - Beautiful Every Time<br /> Bright Yellow P- Eccentric Std.<br /> Light Yellow P - American Typewriter</li>
<li>Fabric pieces, leftovers, scraps large enough to fit with your template <br />I used 5x5 squares of fabric that I loved too much to get rid of</li>
<li>Buckram or interfacing to make the letters sturdy<br />I used four 5x5 squares</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sbnB145bPeKztslw_P0ib5Eb0izF3upHJGXyVFelfryTb0E6_IiBb_oIOga2QExiZEA3bJbAYuA1udvGmL-kl6BzdKq2WQARMQDpkOlAFzDlPztTtrH5sJzvRFWMMCevK8mjxFyj-C58/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sbnB145bPeKztslw_P0ib5Eb0izF3upHJGXyVFelfryTb0E6_IiBb_oIOga2QExiZEA3bJbAYuA1udvGmL-kl6BzdKq2WQARMQDpkOlAFzDlPztTtrH5sJzvRFWMMCevK8mjxFyj-C58/s320/IMG_0788.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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You are now going to build your monogram.<br />
Layer the letter template over your fabric, then your buckram (or interfacing).<br />
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Pin the pieces together then sew around the letter.<br />
Sew slowly and carefully around your template.<br />
I used a basic straight stitch which will help hold the layers together in future steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHmIXvyFqLMtqKRriQ22g7SWHYKcqC41deE1xMN8CztfK2qkVu0nBw7MwHNCrd4GX00J5Y583TyOckEYUwDNYyYvtakLHcoVktvR1QDwiMl4T8Y9GJ-KdpQh0URISJGQxW3GqVRclex9h/s1600/IMG_0791.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/AVvXsEjtHmIXvyFqLMtqKRriQ22g7SWHYKcqC41deE1xMN8CztfK2qkVu0nBw7MwHNCrd4GX00J5Y583TyOckEYUwDNYyYvtakLHcoVktvR1QDwiMl4T8Y9GJ-KdpQh0URISJGQxW3GqVRclex9h/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Your stitching does not need to be perfect... :D<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2z3Gg57W0Ot2JP9zqYjTgttPSuKsHBIiR6aClHtMJxJlkPhqXcDnMywPZR4kbi-afSwSVglJAKCGObOVnhElICzGI0Hhbw-zwAxistUkuIcIBIDdwl0cQdFEEi04AVhWrUvJW5e-q5TyW/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2z3Gg57W0Ot2JP9zqYjTgttPSuKsHBIiR6aClHtMJxJlkPhqXcDnMywPZR4kbi-afSwSVglJAKCGObOVnhElICzGI0Hhbw-zwAxistUkuIcIBIDdwl0cQdFEEi04AVhWrUvJW5e-q5TyW/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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With scissors cut close to your template.<br />
To cut out the middle of the template you can either fold and cut with scissors or use a seam ripper.<br />
Once you have cut the letter completely carefully tear away the paper template.<br />
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Here are two finished and two in progress letters.</div>
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Pin the letter to the portion of the flour sack cloth that you would like to attach it to.</div>
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Keep in mind how the towel may be folded during future use. </div>
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Carefully, using a zig-zag stitch, sew around the letter 1 or 2 times with the pins in place.<br />
Later, remove the pins and go around the letter several more times, in total I went around 5 times.<br />
Don't forget to sew around any interior spaces an equal amount of times as the exterior - in order to maintain consistency in the monogram.<br />
Once you are pleased with the look then your towel is complete.<br />
Go on to the next, then the next, and then the next! <br />
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Your completed towels will be beautiful, custom, and have a wonderful personal feel!<br />
I hope some of your favorite pieces of fabric that you just can't seem to part with will love their new life as Monogrammed Flour Sack Towels!<br />
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<a href="http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-32376273030609160872012-11-07T08:00:00.001-05:002012-11-12T21:56:27.312-05:00What I Wore Chilly Fall Chicago WeatherIt's coming into that time of year when I wish tights were just permanently a part of my body. A really great pair of solid black opaque and a pair of cute sweater tights. There would be a button somewhere that I could press to automatically change between those two options as well as a good, solid, non see thru pair of leggings. Then I don't think this cold, blustery Chicago weather would bother me - also - if it's not too much to ask I'd like a magical hot latte that refills with whatever drink I'm craving on my walks to work!<br />
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This outfit contains many of my most favorite pieces.</div>
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Skirt (with pockets!!) - Vintage <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Sweater (with diamond embellishment!!) - Vintage <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Scarf - <a href="http://www.younkers.com/" target="_blank">Younkers</a></div>
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Tights - <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Belt - Vintage <a href="http://www.anneklein.com/" target="_blank">Anne Klein</a> from my Mom</div>
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I'm running into this problem with lighting on the days I work - it's dark when I leave and dark when I come home... </div>
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Hat - Vintage <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Dress (under $20!) - Forever 21 </div>
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Sweater - <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=17&pageId=1&productId=570061950&viewAll=&prd=Embroidered+Floral+Applique+Cardigan&subCatId=&color=001&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=7&catId=&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=2&size=" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Belt - <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=62&pageId=1&productId=570027096&viewAll=true&prd=OUR+LUCKY+STRETCH+BELT&subCatId=&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=35&catId=cat210019&cat=Shoes+Accessories&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Necklace - <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Tights - <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=9&pageId=1&productId=570054830&viewAll=&prd=Opaque+Tights&subCatId=&color=001&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=2&catId=&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYEa0Xbk0izdSZ0IJDpiCOr6d_wjyJjq9Gei05rn5xobS-SG8NakS5JkTdW2U-sc1Yruo52PqP1-R0SbJKQUzp1eWmYjN5RJdvQBZktwncpiYlQ4MOLqcKhtQJgVf_Nc-OmPYNMH7PjD3/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYEa0Xbk0izdSZ0IJDpiCOr6d_wjyJjq9Gei05rn5xobS-SG8NakS5JkTdW2U-sc1Yruo52PqP1-R0SbJKQUzp1eWmYjN5RJdvQBZktwncpiYlQ4MOLqcKhtQJgVf_Nc-OmPYNMH7PjD3/s320/photo.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
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Pants - Vintage <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Turtle Neck - Vintage <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Headband - <a href="http://jcrew.com/" target="_blank">J. Crew</a></div>
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Scarf - <a href="http://www.younkers.com/" target="_blank">Younkers</a></div>
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Here's to a week with pictures of 3 out of 7 outfits - including 1 on a day off!!</div>
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Trying for 4 next week!</div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-13295859682725591222012-11-05T22:35:00.002-05:002012-11-05T23:03:02.004-05:00Amy Butler Skirt Treasury Feature - Sponsor Info Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I still always get super excited when I discover that one of my pieces has been selected to be in a Treasury on <a href="http://etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>! Do you see that skirt down there in the corner..? It's one of mine!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzcwMDM2OXwyNzIwOTY0Nzk3/red-and-white-makes-pink?index=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tu0adR0898kclJVr2lrspKfeicuI99LJVH7hCk4kpm8Ov3AvzApZvrlAkH-GlBCdZNR6SZmFuEk5KQ1J-NSy0yKDDh6zq8s8D-_0cFhFKe_WnhbycM2BzffAzwXPyrqcQo6bDRVmyKbc/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-11-05+at+9.30.56+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Hope your Monday left you with enough energy to take on the rest of the week! <br />
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<a href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a><br />
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p.s. The <a href="http://stunningannak.blogspot.com/p/sponsor.html" target="_blank">Stunning Sponsor Page</a> is up and running! We are now accepting sponsors for December!Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-12083627885002832672012-11-05T08:00:00.001-05:002012-11-05T08:00:13.867-05:00Paper Source Fall Holiday<br />
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<a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/index.html" target="_blank">The Paper Source</a> is absolutely fabulous. <br />
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Seriously - although the website is fantastic - there is nothing like walking into one of their locations and experiencing all things crafty and wonderful. Each time I visit a new location I pretty much have a mini panic attack of excitement. Though I could probably walk you thru everything they have in the store even before going in - I just get geeked by seeing how each location has the items arranged.<br />
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Everything is very reasonably priced. The associates are fabulous and quite knowledgeable. In my favorite location there is a whole room with 4 walls of card stock, envelopes, and labels arranged by color from floor to ceiling. *swoon*<br />
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Those who know me outside of this blog and those who've made it this in this post know that I am 100% obsessed. Those who are married to me know I can never leave said store without a new goody or two... and they don't even have fabric.<br />
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Here are a few of my Fall Seasonal <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/index.html" target="_blank">Paper Source</a> favorites - Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Give-Thanks-Garland-Kit/2950.402/4071295632.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD2NKfJ7GaKCHXSRGPLXNF0VRnm01oEf5mYfuLts8mo7tcsLY07brRHome04zT5n8R8CCc44kNV383i9YFcWbuGVIr-CvQv3Du8JKG41twqGK6PXwuthrB1ZPMQJKypc_Yh1wQ0reagY7/s320/4071295632.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Copper-Color-Box-Inkpad/2902_012/434344.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJduSEn8sCeotWgiM3jCnz-WMsd9_POYLwmNp7QuTgxsKF0_Fskd0hg6fxu7UcrRHqTwSy45aRpX2NOPfkMTWpWWhyphenhyphen6Kl2yUYxQbIvtK4gh60UrYXL5-81kTio7iD_sUaCmzDFwMCGwJEY/s1600/434344.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Autumn-Daisy-Flower-Pack-Kit/2950.402/4071295574.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lu8Fb5Tpn5Fg2hsP7Du1kDKZSy4CHeXnsG2_5s1yDQi1xwElFMjqseuZTac4FbwgmYOi0xTf-Q7uhzM1v-TMpFjrv8wamjk17VcQDpf94C0M3ArCbiFnGwl_a6gaPGgTIfojOKJRZ7sW/s320/4071295574.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieSQA4aFMDOj-UPYX-lhtBbdE6BK4HLuvifz0-eMX_zPAzxS8Sr_yhh6Lg8LpftgdnrD0nAe_qT6VudiKfUXv82damALscSKx-kZl2fVa2wstdr7XNGwSxzJzyX13t76hJXwk7Sg2jSmY/s1600/4071295528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieSQA4aFMDOj-UPYX-lhtBbdE6BK4HLuvifz0-eMX_zPAzxS8Sr_yhh6Lg8LpftgdnrD0nAe_qT6VudiKfUXv82damALscSKx-kZl2fVa2wstdr7XNGwSxzJzyX13t76hJXwk7Sg2jSmY/s320/4071295528.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Owl-Place-Card-Kit/2950.402/4071295483.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkm-XrPvRQcU-qwxi3xLsIAAFY6y2xB6aczp46Ng_LCjI506XL1vQxgIEjgCNAR5g0C2FlLWMWrBEhDUaDuEihNgzfMUaWvkud4UvHKTKB9Ok_uEmC81VCBA-VEI0L80Chv_3BjQePMT_/s320/4071295483.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
... just is case you aren't convinced - <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/index.html" target="_blank">The Paper Source </a>offers classes in store for those of us who may need a bit of crafting assistance. <br />
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<br />Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-15454480095328800212012-11-04T18:35:00.001-05:002012-11-04T18:35:24.136-05:00Holiday Card Craft Night Friday night my friend Haley met me at the Paper Source to pick up supplies for a fabulous night of making holiday cards and solving all of the world's problems. Haley is usually not much of a crafter - but once we got going she was making the cutest cards! Props for trying something new girl!<br />
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Our snacks for the evening were fabulous - wine, cheese, yummy bread, mini pitas, and baba ghannouj. Delish, light, and providing enough energy to fuel our creativity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93PP2AyUVOSXlTRD-7ZFtvx1V7saqqWVwPOv1RL4f1dU8ludLlvfudF5KMfx80ObrpnHBJdDapgxRnJBhcEJnaEOWicBgv7pgGU_WZ3MYriQhvcV7rd3dNVjX9d1dJfFyvySnbIFyLP7D/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93PP2AyUVOSXlTRD-7ZFtvx1V7saqqWVwPOv1RL4f1dU8ludLlvfudF5KMfx80ObrpnHBJdDapgxRnJBhcEJnaEOWicBgv7pgGU_WZ3MYriQhvcV7rd3dNVjX9d1dJfFyvySnbIFyLP7D/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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The aftermath - we used a lot of supplies! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpNtwD_-8Ji-5CTchJpbarrZlAhRoQI3NcxmXMuApYCP7_3IWCOANkycSEkPLdQcwoI9zAJTJnglUhbB7fXWsXGPhD7Grct4HJCg2DStAYYIfrmvPTEUtJMXuymW4cEsxBR0Lhd9mN0rv/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpNtwD_-8Ji-5CTchJpbarrZlAhRoQI3NcxmXMuApYCP7_3IWCOANkycSEkPLdQcwoI9zAJTJnglUhbB7fXWsXGPhD7Grct4HJCg2DStAYYIfrmvPTEUtJMXuymW4cEsxBR0Lhd9mN0rv/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few of my cards in progress. Finding colors and ink that worked well on the dark iridescent paper was a challenge - a combination of silver ink and glitter embossing powder was the combination I liked best.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93PP2AyUVOSXlTRD-7ZFtvx1V7saqqWVwPOv1RL4f1dU8ludLlvfudF5KMfx80ObrpnHBJdDapgxRnJBhcEJnaEOWicBgv7pgGU_WZ3MYriQhvcV7rd3dNVjX9d1dJfFyvySnbIFyLP7D/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjsbJH19e0Pi1G6GsUADxK4LwU6SbcrwMvVjrVqTljRi-gBEhShGX6mHmy_2ABZwtE305xGrZQ9RVFkBG9fGJ4uaIx9FgT42FBRrf5lepKYVsihZzui-kh8hDFC-deA2PYKNnSVsOEwDY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-04+at+5.19.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjsbJH19e0Pi1G6GsUADxK4LwU6SbcrwMvVjrVqTljRi-gBEhShGX6mHmy_2ABZwtE305xGrZQ9RVFkBG9fGJ4uaIx9FgT42FBRrf5lepKYVsihZzui-kh8hDFC-deA2PYKNnSVsOEwDY/s200/Screen+Shot+2012-11-04+at+5.19.14+PM.png" width="190" /></a></div>
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The winner of the Stunning Skirt giveaway is entry 366, Maegan M! Congrats Maegan - please contact me in the next 24 hours to claim your prize! Thank you to all who entered and stay tuned for more fabulous giveaways in the future.</div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-45698094811012553872012-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:002012-11-01T08:00:04.467-04:00BlogTip: Link to a New WindowI spent quite a long time trying to figure out how to have a new window
open when a link on my blog is clicked on. Hopefully this will save
you some time!<br />
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Here is the HTML code for the "be kind" button from Shabby Blogs in my right sidebar:<br />
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<a href="http://shabbyblogs.com/new" border="0" <span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>target="_blank"</b></span>><br />
<img src="http://shabbyblogs.com/new/storage/old/ShabbyBlogsBeKindButton.jpg"/><br />
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</center><br />
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Adding target= "blank" inside of the carrot signs causes a new window to be opened when the button is clicked upon. <br />
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Happy Blogging!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLYMw8zq_paYHYHu0R9l8IDvQzICvJQaIirD0tyvOoZc61Z3oCvI4cHCELMsKOtACgSQII44Heb3RaWekSshaeDc0vb-OwUCULcFhMjdvO9NR_zgKdFTsYKmIH9dxyRumcoEllJJjqT1h/s1600/850ce3a0051a11e2806d22000a1cd142_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLYMw8zq_paYHYHu0R9l8IDvQzICvJQaIirD0tyvOoZc61Z3oCvI4cHCELMsKOtACgSQII44Heb3RaWekSshaeDc0vb-OwUCULcFhMjdvO9NR_zgKdFTsYKmIH9dxyRumcoEllJJjqT1h/s320/850ce3a0051a11e2806d22000a1cd142_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<br />Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-10324624602193886652012-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-31T11:10:05.958-04:00What I Wore Wednesday Chicago Fall Style<div style="text-align: left;">
I was trying to take photos everyday of my outfits... but some mornings are just too early for photo shoots! Here are a couple of shots from last week - I feel like I should have also taken photos after I bundled up to walk to work... It's getting to be that time of year when the whole Michelin Man look is in! :D</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NAZwy6HnMlU_68tYrx3KGfAmszZnfcCu6nJIcdQw-2P-j9kCoB87Pb5zRpkfsQ-8sYCPVp41zQ-S9u9Gn_jspBpeNfGRFxIut9f61Bs1OrVQGeh_p0Uauu48RcvRPIlBy8baBRxE76rW/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NAZwy6HnMlU_68tYrx3KGfAmszZnfcCu6nJIcdQw-2P-j9kCoB87Pb5zRpkfsQ-8sYCPVp41zQ-S9u9Gn_jspBpeNfGRFxIut9f61Bs1OrVQGeh_p0Uauu48RcvRPIlBy8baBRxE76rW/s320/IMG_0029.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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Necklace, camisole , cardigan, dress pants, bow belt</div>
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<a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiaOxUOBvGKvKBjsoBfT3r9ccPV6js8G-LceL6HY3rFe5uX2mfkkbWYgTksu2XF8AqHPtL8MVYLlRO2UjP09gBLIA8tMo2h9oYD3Nvdkh6TmzTCTId_SAqRNiDn-aB4utU_LRJr-JCHvz/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiaOxUOBvGKvKBjsoBfT3r9ccPV6js8G-LceL6HY3rFe5uX2mfkkbWYgTksu2XF8AqHPtL8MVYLlRO2UjP09gBLIA8tMo2h9oYD3Nvdkh6TmzTCTId_SAqRNiDn-aB4utU_LRJr-JCHvz/s320/photo.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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Some days are tunic and leggings kind of days.</div>
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Tunic - <a href="http://whbm.com/" target="_blank">WHBM</a></div>
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Leggings - <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/" target="_blank">Victoria's Secret</a></div>
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Jewelry - Vintage</div>
<a href="http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/?action=view&current=signature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802830122017075907.post-15855117278317944002012-10-29T20:03:00.000-04:002012-11-03T10:13:20.872-04:00Stunning Skirt Giveaway Now thru 11/4!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1384v3HPu0Aw63ucl-_zhZ_h5jLhTdM-ROuEmNrwotv4theC8DSDHPs5SWT_gx2H97Xu3QeI9YX7WT90uQOeHXDHeiyZqMglhXxaDg8kEyUxSUUd8WKokjliFcGzcr68LhpSUppr217L3/s1600/StunningSkirtGiveawayAd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1384v3HPu0Aw63ucl-_zhZ_h5jLhTdM-ROuEmNrwotv4theC8DSDHPs5SWT_gx2H97Xu3QeI9YX7WT90uQOeHXDHeiyZqMglhXxaDg8kEyUxSUUd8WKokjliFcGzcr68LhpSUppr217L3/s400/StunningSkirtGiveawayAd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Enter now thru November 4, 2012 to win a skirt of your choice from the Stunning Etsy Shop! (a $50 value!)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">One winner will be selected and notified v<span style="font-size: x-small;">ia e-ma<span style="font-size: x-small;">il</span></span> wit<span style="font-size: x-small;">hin 48<span style="font-size: x-small;">hours</span></span>. If winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be selected<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and <span style="font-size: x-small;">notified</span> unt<span style="font-size: x-small;">il<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a w<span style="font-size: x-small;">inner respond<span style="font-size: x-small;">s within t<span style="font-size: x-small;">h<span style="font-size: x-small;">e <span style="font-size: x-small;">allotted</span> time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-UX2EVISjo2N3jQDco67AwhQUgyrQlvb36mDiy7jMD6W_d1YL_U27hq4Muodlt2h6DOd9u-wDAHp1l8ngTyfuiplqmePPzXMbbqBiD-5s7fWmr3tUjz1WZc8joOyckw8DV3JtjKoeuBS/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-UX2EVISjo2N3jQDco67AwhQUgyrQlvb36mDiy7jMD6W_d1YL_U27hq4Muodlt2h6DOd9u-wDAHp1l8ngTyfuiplqmePPzXMbbqBiD-5s7fWmr3tUjz1WZc8joOyckw8DV3JtjKoeuBS/s640/collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d452b10/" id="rc-d452b10" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/stunningannak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/a_motz14/ETSY/signature.jpg" /></a>Anna K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11245513143317967712noreply@blogger.com15