tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73044550797458698402024-03-05T07:44:31.707-05:00norelle & co.norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-76185119085623111232011-08-22T20:59:00.000-04:002011-08-22T20:59:00.478-04:00being away from home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has hands down been the hardest day of my life. I left for school this morning, had Norelle and Daryl on my mind throughout the day; yet I stayed busy with school work. But as soon as I left class, the tears came-a-streamin'! I think it was the thought of going back to my empty hotel room. Classes are insanely intense, and keeping me busy, but thank goodness for Skype. Seriously. I would either have insanely expensive long distance phone bills, would drive back and forth and exhaust myself, or die; literally die. Kudos to parents who have to travel for work. I don't know how you do it. This is only 2 weeks for me (with them coming for a visit on Wednesday, and me going home after class on Friday). But seriously, Skype, I love you more than you'll ever know.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you so much baby girl (even though I have been acting more like the baby today!). Let's just hope my eyes will return to their usual shade of white, and my Rudolph nose will go down in time tomorrow!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-38218818092938819402011-08-19T06:43:00.002-04:002011-08-20T18:21:04.590-04:00the things we must do<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been a very interesting and busy week for my family and I. We were lucky enough to be able to head up North again, and Norelle had a great time swimming in the lake and pool. This trip wasn't about wanting to get away, but needing it. This upcoming Monday, I will be starting the first of two "mini sessions" for my Masters of Education. I am going to be gone Monday-Friday, which means no family (and little blogging)! I know that it will be a huge adjustment being away from Norelle, but I suppose I will survive. After all, this is something that I really want to do, and cannot wait for.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish me luck, as I'm sure I'll need it being away from my baby girl. Sunday night's bedtime routine with Norelle sure going to be a weepy one!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-55519613038211561152011-08-15T09:35:00.003-04:002011-08-15T09:35:02.113-04:00how to survive being away from your child<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always been a (sort of) stay at home mom. After Norelle was born, I took a year off school to stay home with her, and the September following her first birthday, I started to go back to school part time two evenings a week. It was definitely a huge adjustment; a lot harder than I anticipated. My mind was always on her, and as she got older and actually <i>asked</i> for my time herself, it was even more difficult!! But, I made it, and graduated this past Spring. I have always felt <i>so</i> extremely lucky to have been able to stay home with her, and it is something that I would never have changed. I toyed with the idea of putting off furthering my education even more, by putting off teachers college; but I thought, what the heck, I'll apply and see what happens. What happened is, I got in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am <i>so</i> excited to become an (official) educator {I say official since aren't all us mom's and dad's educators!?}. Teaching is something I've known I wanted to be since I was little (which sounds cliched), but I remember sitting in my first actual history class in grade 6 and knowing <i>this is it; this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.</i> I am even luckier to be going to a school that the majority of the "in-class" in only two days a week! But for 2 week at the end of the summer, I will have to attend 8:30-5pm Monday-Friday. Since I will have to travel to the US, it involved a bit of a drive (not too bad though), but I've heard it includes a lot of group projects, etc. I had originally planned to just drive home every night, and <i>maybe</i> stay over the Wednesday night if I was starting to feel burnt out. A friend, who has gone to the same school, informed me that I would be crazy to commute, since I'll have so much stuff to do. So I made the decision that it's best for me to stay the week. The only thing that is getting me by.... is that my husband, who is also a teacher, is still off on summer holidays then, so he will be able to come visit me with our daughter!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have any of you moms (or dads) out there ever have to spend a lengthy amount of time away from your child? How did you cope and get by? I'll be thanking my lucky stars for my long distance minutes and Skype, that's for sure ;)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-10881112602630470912011-08-12T10:34:00.000-04:002011-08-12T10:34:33.752-04:00the oxygen mask principle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all love <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>; it's no secret. Not only is Etsy great for finding homemade, vintage, and fun pieces, they offer a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/?ref=so_blog">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/?s=how-tuesday">How-To Tuesdays</a>, and a online <a href="http://www.etsy.com/community?ref=so_com">community</a>. While looking through Etsy's blog, I stumbled across this article in their parenting section.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/the-oxygen-mask-principle/">The Oxygen Mask Principle</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/files/2011/07/oxygenheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/files/2011/07/oxygenheader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/the-oxygen-mask-principle/">via</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This article talks about life from a parenting perspective and how we all try to be super mom's and dad's, but we are in serious risk of burning out. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/authors/calebgardner/">Caleb</a> (the author of the article), says how date night's are not a luxury, but a necessity in his household. As much as we want to do everything for everyone else first, it all comes down to the oxygen mask principle; just like when you're in an airplane, put your mask on first, THEN others around you. Because without you getting your 'oxygen', you'll be no use to anyone else around you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <i>love </i>being there for my daughter, family and friends; but sometimes I need a little Allison time, or just Allison and Daryl time. Also, please check out my blog again next week, as I will be in desperate need of advice; how to survive a Monday-Friday away from your child. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-10201668274447123422011-08-10T15:39:00.001-04:002011-08-11T22:33:29.527-04:00supercrawl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here in Hamilton, there are many of us who love the old beauty of the downtown core. For years it lacked funding and interest, but thankfully, attention is finally being paid to an area that well deserves it. James Street North in Hamilton is full of vintage shops, media stores, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. Every second Friday evening, they hold "Art Crawls" where the local businesses stay open until 11pm or later, and galleries feature different artists. My sister-in-law and her best friend own the sweetest little shop, <a href="http://www.whiteelephantshop.ca/">White Elephant</a>, which features the most amazing and creative window displays at each art crawl. Also, don't forget to check out and follow their blog, <a href="http://www.loveitalot.com/">Love It A Lot</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whiteelephantshop.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/37436_131148876913322_131118216916388_258192_3035631_n.jpg%20" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://www.whiteelephantshop.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/37436_131148876913322_131118216916388_258192_3035631_n.jpg%20" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.whiteelephantshop.ca/">via</a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year Art Crawl is expanding and holding their 3rd annual <a href="http://www.supercrawl.ca/news/">Super Crawl</a>, which will be taking place on Saturday September 10th from 1pm-12am. A huge section of James Street North will be closed off for a free evening of art and music. Two stages will be set up with bands such as: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/brokensocialscene">Broken Social Scene</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/juniorboys">Junior Boys</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/saidthewhale">Said the Whale</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dinosaurbonesband">Dinosaur Bones</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/youngrival">Young Rival</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/monstertruckfuck">Monster Truck</a>. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/7320_141009056592_138295686592_2638305_7852144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/7320_141009056592_138295686592_2638305_7852144_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">via supercrawl's facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Supercrawl">page</a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is also exciting, one of my best friend's is going to be debuting his new company, <a href="http://foodtroubadour.com/">Food Troubadour</a>. He will be making up smoked pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw, and even if pulled pork isn't your thing; don't forget to stop by his tent to fill out a ballot to win gift bags, or a gift basket.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267235_159188480816306_146929098708911_340653_5482298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267235_159188480816306_146929098708911_340653_5482298_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">via food troubadour's facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FoodTroubadour">page</a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only will Super Crawl be taking place on September, but also the <a href="http://www.ccma.org/cmw2011/schedule.cfm">Canadian Country Music Awards Fan Fest</a> just up the street at Jackson Square, and the <a href="http://www.lockestreetfestival.com/">Locke Street Festival</a> just a short transit ride away. So Come out on September 10th and for some free fun, and support local artists, shops and musicians!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A </span><br />
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norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-32482664923945522282011-08-05T09:00:00.002-04:002011-08-05T12:10:41.465-04:00ten things<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's no secret; I <b>LOVE</b> Fall. It is hands down my favorite season. One of my most favorite things about Fall; sweater </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weather. I love warm Fall day, when you can still get away with shorts, and the cooler pants and a t-shirt days. Here are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some <i>cheap</i> fashion inspirations for this upcoming Fall season.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=LOVE21&Category=top&ProductID=2000020888&VariantID=">Cowl Neck Panel Top</a> $21.80 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=btms&ProductID=2081259115&VariantID=">Basic Woven Shorts</a> $12.50</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=footwr_highheels&ProductID=2000007986&VariantID=">Knotted Suedette Cone heels</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$29.80</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=acc_sunglasses&ProductID=1000020285&VariantID=">Wayfarer Style Sunglasses</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$6.80 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=acc_handbags_shoulder&ProductID=1000009245&VariantID=">Sophisticated Briefcase Bag</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$41.80</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2000018750&VariantID=">Woven Flounce Top</a> $21.80 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=btms&ProductID=2062098597&VariantID=">Cuffed Twill Skinnies w/ Belt</a> $27.80</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Aldo Shoes <a href="http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/boots/ankle-boots/85749589-masloski/28">Masloski Bootie</a> $80.00</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=beauty_nails&ProductID=1000014658&VariantID=">Olive Green Nail Polish</a> $3.80</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. Forever 21 <a href="http://canada.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=F21&Category=acc_hairgoods&ProductID=1076807544&Varia%20%20ntID=">Metallic Braid Headband</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$1.50</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really think that 5 & 9 are two items that will carry you throughout Fall. I'm sure that I will have even more inspirational Fall </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">inspired pieces again soon!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ps. Sorry if you though that I disappeared. First to blame was a debilitating back spasm, then was a much needed last </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">minute vacation North.</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-16353949890194778482011-07-27T10:07:00.002-04:002011-08-04T23:40:19.260-04:00mabel's labels<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you believe summer is almost half way over?! Now, my Miss. Norelle isn't quite school aged yet (she'll start junior kindergarten next September), but I can't help but think of all the supplies she'll need. I always remember my mom labeling everything of mine; we even had a special fabric marker handy in one of our kitchen cupboards in case she needed to label something of mine quickly.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Labeling is a smart way to keeps kids stuff organized, and to insure they come home with the right stuff! As much as my mom's marker trick worked for me as a kid, many kids clothes now a days have ironed on labels, and the marker would bleed right through ruining the clothes; boo!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If thinking of labeling is stressing you out... have I found the site for you!? <a href="http://www.mabel.ca/">Mabel's Labels</a> is a increditible online store FULL of iron-on labels, waterproof labels, shoe labels, clothing labels, baby labels, ALLERGY labels, household labels, stationary products... you name it, they have it! Their designs are so cute, and colourful; trust me, your kids won't be embarassed of these labels!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/classic-sticky2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/classic-sticky2.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/classic-skinny3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/classic-skinny3.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/allergyalerts/083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/allergyalerts/083.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/colourful-shoe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mabel.ca/images/sidebar/colourful-shoe1.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They even have combo packs starting at $30. Also, Mabel's Labels is such a charitable company, they often do fundraisers. If you plan on browsing, or purchasing anything, please visit <a href="http://www.kisses.mabel.ca/">www.kisses.mabel.ca</a>. The procedes from this fundraiser will go my my cousins, cousin's daughter who has Lukemia. Kaitlyn was 2 1/2 years old when she was recently diagnosed with Lukemia, but with the strength, love and support from her family, she has proven to be an extremely strong and brave little girl, and this is a battle she can surely win. <a href="http://naturallyfocused.ca/2010/12/17/naturally-focused-on-fundraising-kisses-for-kaitlyn/">Here</a> is more information on Kaitlyn's story. My cousin <a href="http://moemoments.wordpress.com/">Stacey</a> has done such an amazing job rallying for Kaitlyn, holding benefit parties, fundraisers, and working with Mabel's Labels for Kaitlyn.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why not help your life be a little less stressful and get more organized, all while helping out a great cause. As for Summer slowly disappearing, soak it up while it's here!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-81513765063237715112011-07-25T10:39:00.000-04:002011-07-25T10:39:06.113-04:00bread dip recipes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who doesn't love a late night snack? We all have those nights when we are craving something munchy while relaxing. I g</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enerally don't like turning to chips, pretzels, etc. (but I do have a weekend for popcorn from my Whirley Pop). Maybe </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's the Italian in me, but I love dips for bread. These simple dip recipes are a staple in our house, and make for great late </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">night snacks with some fresh bread (and maybe even a glass of wine!).</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Easy Marinara (in 15 minutes)</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 small yellow onion, chopped</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 cloves garlic, chopped</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kosher salt & pepper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">28 oz can crushed tomatoes (or about 3 cups chopped and peels fresh roma/plum tomatoes)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp dried oregano</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp dried basil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup water (I sometimes use less, all depends on how thick of sauce you'd like)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinch of sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup of fresh basil, cut into strips (optional)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Heat olive oil in pan on med-low heat. Add onion, cook until translucent. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes or until garlic starts to smell good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Add tomatoes, oregano and basil, stir together. Cook over low-medium heat for 10 minutes. 3. After sauce thickens, add water, stir. Cook 5 minutes longer, remove from heat, and stir in sugar to taste.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Add any spices, salt & pepper if you feel necessary. Finish by stirring in fresh basil.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Italian Bread Dip Mix</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp crushed red pepper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp black pepper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp dried oregano</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp dried basil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp dried rosemary</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp dried parsley</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp garlic powder</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tbsp minced garlic</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olive oil</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. In a small container that has a lid, grind and mix together all spices and salt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Use 1 tbsp of mixture (or more if you'd like) in a small bowl and pour in olive oil until you get desired amount. Mix together and serve.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The marinara is also great with pasta, sprinkled with fresh parmes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an cheese. Enjoy these easy recipes next time you're </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">looking to munch! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-84334092400349764472011-07-22T14:28:00.000-04:002011-07-22T14:28:53.535-04:00butterbeer cupcakes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weekend was one of my best friend's birthdays, but she pushed back her celebrations since we were away last weekend (talk about feeling special!). I've been trying to think of the perfect cupcake to make for her birthday. I considered doing some fondant, but figured I would run out of time. She loves Harry Potter, Twilight and anything to do with anatomy! Since I figured human organs would make for some weird cupcakes, and our male counterparts would never let us live down making them eat Twilight cupcakes, I figured Harry Potter cupcakes were the best bet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never read the Harry Potter books, nor have I seen any of the movie's past the first, so I had to do a little bit of research. Apparently the drink, "Butterbeer" is quite popular in the books, and has even been created to sell at the Harry Potter theme park. I found a neat and easy recipe on <a href="http://amybites.com/">amybites</a> for her <a href="http://amybites.com/?p=623">Butterbeer cupcakes</a>. Here's how they turned out!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w-r4mYi87xXXJU5cAa0cPell3sMhU5tGePMhVt-2L0uX0amACEGZ_2asGC1npSs0SBB90QsPWarZ793Ig1zM-N2wupx6FbUXlDiUgmaoovtC8ucPbr6BzjZbd8cNr4FznVIJ29Zyg6I/s1600/DSC_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w-r4mYi87xXXJU5cAa0cPell3sMhU5tGePMhVt-2L0uX0amACEGZ_2asGC1npSs0SBB90QsPWarZ793Ig1zM-N2wupx6FbUXlDiUgmaoovtC8ucPbr6BzjZbd8cNr4FznVIJ29Zyg6I/s400/DSC_1063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XhLH_YnM-zE_fC6iwWbdQry7BJZyZw4NJDkzRq9BKaDy62iqW_yXJ4axujHNIwKYMOdMubvi7xaHwNL_ALHJLYM2sOVptTIjpRmFeZx3NgyjOXXrYWVb2-g1RIxuFaDID2iOWRHNyck/s1600/DSC_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XhLH_YnM-zE_fC6iwWbdQry7BJZyZw4NJDkzRq9BKaDy62iqW_yXJ4axujHNIwKYMOdMubvi7xaHwNL_ALHJLYM2sOVptTIjpRmFeZx3NgyjOXXrYWVb2-g1RIxuFaDID2iOWRHNyck/s400/DSC_1064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I even added little Gryffindor flags are toppers (which look more brown and yellow, than the intended maroon and yellow... but you get the idea!), out of the colours printed on computer paper, taped to toothpicks!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_s1h2cEzdbwwdAkgmYV24FOiUq9WdbSKFkRK8JfL4OhBl-bMZqtGRUPeKYM4tr10D-uIqHCJbp_sEHBZ1ou6fTSmHS-K5zCeVdSTXQYWZuVj_uykb-vupyONLPdXSnjLOp9aAG6aGRY/s1600/DSC_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_s1h2cEzdbwwdAkgmYV24FOiUq9WdbSKFkRK8JfL4OhBl-bMZqtGRUPeKYM4tr10D-uIqHCJbp_sEHBZ1ou6fTSmHS-K5zCeVdSTXQYWZuVj_uykb-vupyONLPdXSnjLOp9aAG6aGRY/s400/DSC_1068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx2ULKyXJT1H2lXUGSjv_q_4PYzbiuAs6RUI3Xze9P8Z3BEn8kLwW4MsQ2uBiWi2vT-HcPAhGP0mBysZYp1JkCJ8q9A2CLj2EjJWP0-M912gVBUFfNGF34fTBdnhOSTv9UlW7BoTPSpE/s1600/DSC_1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx2ULKyXJT1H2lXUGSjv_q_4PYzbiuAs6RUI3Xze9P8Z3BEn8kLwW4MsQ2uBiWi2vT-HcPAhGP0mBysZYp1JkCJ8q9A2CLj2EjJWP0-M912gVBUFfNGF34fTBdnhOSTv9UlW7BoTPSpE/s400/DSC_1069.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made two extras of these puppies for Mr. Norelle&Co and my daughter to try. Two thumbs up from them; I just hope that everyone enjoys them tonight, especially the birthday girl!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ps. I'm excited to use my <a href="http://norelleandco.blogspot.com/2011/07/butterfly-cupcakes.html">Cupcake Carousel</a> for the first time!</span></div>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-11024817818883794122011-07-20T11:47:00.001-04:002011-07-20T11:58:10.921-04:00pinterest<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm recently new to </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pinterest</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I've heard of it a while ago, but recently, it has become an addiction. Pinterest is a place to post pictures of DIY's, clothes, food, drinks, inspirational images, things you love, etc. which you can place in a titled grouping of your own images relating to one another. Others can 'repin' your images on their page, and the best part; not only are the images usually amazing and inspiring, there is a link to the how-to or original image. You can find the pinterest's etiquette </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/about/" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are just some of the stuff you can find:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/71432312_70kVzmQq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/71432312_70kVzmQq_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How fun are <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71432312/">these</a> little art tables make out of cabinets?! Also, if you are looking for children's bedroom/nursery inspiration, please visit her original site <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/home-tours">here</a>.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/71428129_08T728tQ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/71428129_08T728tQ_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How cool is <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71428129/">this</a>?! I am seriously going to be trying this once it hit 'publish post' on this entry!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/19858422_hI3WOKU9_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/19858422_hI3WOKU9_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How about <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/19858422/">this</a> fun fabric covered baking sheet turned tray!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/26037647_4SKAX9Zq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/26037647_4SKAX9Zq_c.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simple jar <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/26037647/">vases</a> made to look extra special.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/71427630_jjQzH62f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/71427630_jjQzH62f_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't even drink alcohol, but I cannot wait to make these <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71427630/">Sangria Jello Shots</a> for my friends.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find everything you've ever imagined and more on pinterest. Have fun exploring and creating your own! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But seriously, can't you see how a girl can get addicted?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ps. Please take care of yourselves in this heat. Thursday is supposed to be 47C here; a total scorcher. Make sure you keep cool, especially your little ones, and don't be afraid to call for help for others if you think they could be in distress.</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-82780563139589858142011-07-18T12:03:00.000-04:002011-07-18T12:03:49.765-04:00what a weekend<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had an </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">incredibly busy and amazing weekend. Our friends wedding went so perfect; the bride looked so beautiful, and groom handsome, and Norelle did absolutely amazing for her first time being a flower girl! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxLKQy13rjbolM7GI-8vnfj2zO7_kV2BigPcQKHrjRR8gqWLy3Dmmj55MD9tBG4e8zV4d219lvm3NZ6kINPmxjN_pDdoUoJfvcPJe9bHoHa9Ee8EoIgiQPJvBhy0l3eL-T1qo3FuPzFk/s1600/norelle+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxLKQy13rjbolM7GI-8vnfj2zO7_kV2BigPcQKHrjRR8gqWLy3Dmmj55MD9tBG4e8zV4d219lvm3NZ6kINPmxjN_pDdoUoJfvcPJe9bHoHa9Ee8EoIgiQPJvBhy0l3eL-T1qo3FuPzFk/s640/norelle+wedding.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nikpix.ca/">via</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgQDYVT6ZpNISll0QRrxSSzsMwJl-oA-bY97MSbGQr7btazbcFpIKHoGvlOt9B1xcU3RliAzyjajRuGtNJ2CV0k2g-nuYnhqbjs2qM7rlVJWBr_M4JWCuE-K2i1AGbuh-nKDsXTrK_mM/s1600/norelle+wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgQDYVT6ZpNISll0QRrxSSzsMwJl-oA-bY97MSbGQr7btazbcFpIKHoGvlOt9B1xcU3RliAzyjajRuGtNJ2CV0k2g-nuYnhqbjs2qM7rlVJWBr_M4JWCuE-K2i1AGbuh-nKDsXTrK_mM/s400/norelle+wedding+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nikpix.ca/">via</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ceremony; perfect, the reception; perfect, the dancing; norelle was a dance machine!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH9n2bLPjZ2qHL16y4xQ9GuVc3kGzH6KSZCnFwOILQvGiFV9jl91i75oNmjbPppu9K5xAbEA_QEbsdJuomLBoZekimWcuyeFohdtn44C2pBj4Hm9TuIE0bbGdRuEKujFEROGU-PtacTM/s1600/DSC_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijH9n2bLPjZ2qHL16y4xQ9GuVc3kGzH6KSZCnFwOILQvGiFV9jl91i75oNmjbPppu9K5xAbEA_QEbsdJuomLBoZekimWcuyeFohdtn44C2pBj4Hm9TuIE0bbGdRuEKujFEROGU-PtacTM/s400/DSC_1040.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/">Taboo Golf Resort</a> was the perfect venue for a wedding. Also We were lucky enough to be only a 20 minute drive from family in Bracebridge, and we drove up to their cottage on Sunday, which we got to take a boat ride to, since it's on a island on Wood Lake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85qYqBxKGhrAi6YJJRzgSFAW9TW_DV4i_hdrfyjuYLgyXdOYQ136stGpmEdexaax1O471zjUUsParCzYot8QTxahxK3grRwXO9mKkiumw6o-LuiQQgdZQB_vVewXnG6VYfayvO7zSBbw/s1600/DSC_1048_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85qYqBxKGhrAi6YJJRzgSFAW9TW_DV4i_hdrfyjuYLgyXdOYQ136stGpmEdexaax1O471zjUUsParCzYot8QTxahxK3grRwXO9mKkiumw6o-LuiQQgdZQB_vVewXnG6VYfayvO7zSBbw/s400/DSC_1048_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was such a beautiful cottage, and Norelle really enjoyed her first boat ride. I think she's addicted! We were so lucky to be able to get away this weekend, and we really enjoyed ourselves. We felt so honored to be able to be a part of Wendi & Rich's special day, and we are so thankful to have friends like them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span></div>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-53285695664792644832011-07-15T09:20:00.000-04:002011-07-15T09:20:07.169-04:00wedding relaxation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we are leaving for 2 of our very good friends wedding. My husband is a groomsmen, and my daughter is taking her stab at being a flower girl! I'm secretly really nervous that she'll chicken out and not want to walk down the isle. I've been trying to amp her up about it by showing her YouTube videos of little flowers girls, but her first response was, "I'm too little to do that"! Uh oh, we'll see how it goes! I have faith in her and I'm sure she'll do great!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wedding is going to be held at the magical <a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/">Taboo Golf Resort</a> in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_home_bright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_home_bright.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_leisure_lg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_leisure_lg2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_conferences_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_conferences_lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_accommodation_lg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_accommodation_lg2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_getaways_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.tabooresort.com/images/taboo_getaways_lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't it breathtaking?! It is such a <i>beautiful </i>venue for a magical day. With amazing food, a golf course, spa, children's activities, and it being right on the lake, it's going to be a special and relaxing weekend for us. An early congratulations to Wendi & Rich, we are so thankful to be able to take part in your special day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to love and happiness,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-36454626642047477192011-07-13T09:49:00.000-04:002011-07-13T09:49:42.525-04:00pick your plum<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many crafters know, as much as there may be the desire to craft, it's sometimes hard to think of inspiration. We often turn to blogs and magazines for inspiration, and sometimes you can find that ideal DIY, but then you think to yourself, 'WHERE the heck to I get the supplies for this?!". Since my daughter was born, I've been a big fan of <a href="http://babysteals.com/">Baby Steals</a>, <a href="http://www.kidsteals.com/">Kid Steals</a>, and <a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/">Baby Half Off</a>. Luckily, I found the crafters solution to these sites, <a href="http://www.pickyourplum.com/">Pick Your Plum</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pickyourplum.com/system/files/imagecache/product/BVA_DLO_4x6BasicCollage_3a-Photocopy-1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://pickyourplum.com/system/files/imagecache/product/BVA_DLO_4x6BasicCollage_3a-Photocopy-1_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/picture_this_4_0023copy_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/picture_this_4_0023copy_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BVA_DLO_4x6BasicCollage_4a-Photocopy21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BVA_DLO_4x6BasicCollage_4a-Photocopy21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/keycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/keycollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/BVA_DLO_4x6BasicCollage_3a-Photocopy32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.isharecrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/BVA_DLO_4x6BasicCollage_3a-Photocopy32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can go onto their <a href="http://www.pickyourplum.com/">website</a>, sign up, and receive daily emails giving you a heads up on the <i>amazing deals </i>for crafting supplies. They give great inspiration, and for the prices, and it wouldn't hurt to order lots of stuff from them, just to have on hand for all your crafting needs! There has even been products that were FREE... YES FREE!! Also, if for <i>any reason</i> you aren't happy with your purchase, they will accepts returns within 30 days of you receiving the item, no questions asked. Talk about great customer service!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My advice, since they post at 7am, check out the site early so you won't be disappointed! Why not go in on an order with a friend to save shipping costs (even though they're super low too!).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Plummin'!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-13704145211212555592011-07-11T10:06:00.001-04:002011-07-11T10:06:36.217-04:00keeping organized with a moleskin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never expected that my life would be as busy as it is (all welcomed of course). But for only 3 of us in our family, and my daughter only being 3, it's surprising how quickly our days fill up! My husband and I are both organized, but he lacks one thing that I have; a great memory. He's pretty good at remembering most things, but just in case, we have a monthly calendar that we write <i>everything </i>down on, just to keep track.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have the Blackberry Bold 9780, and he has the new google phone the Nexus S, so they come with great calendars built within them, but I am still a sucker for writing my stuff down. I love little daily planners that I can carry around in my purse, I can have handy to get out with everything in it.</span><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have fallen in love with the Moleskin Daily Planner. It's so well put together, with the weekly calendar on the left, and a lined side for you to write little notes and memos. For $20 at <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/gifts/Weekly-Soft-cover-Planner-month/9788862937177-item.html?ikwid=moleskin+planner&ikwsec=Home">Indigo</a>, and only $10.95 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-2011-Month-Weekly-Notebook/dp/8862933886/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1310392955&sr=8-8">Amazon</a>, I think I seriously need to purchase one of these!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life can be busy, complicated, and amazing. Try to make it a little easier by keeping organized, and don't forget to schedule time in to *italics* relax.</span><br />
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</div>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-993715971723755882011-07-08T10:45:00.001-04:002011-07-08T10:47:45.716-04:00Butterfly Cupcakes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Tuesday, I went out shopping with my mom and N. We ended up in Home Outfitters, browsing around, where my mom found something that she had been telling me that she saw in The Shopping Channel, and almost bought for me. It was the <a href="http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/Baking-Decorating/Cupcake-Carousel-with-Cupcake-to-Go/pages/productdetails?nav=R:508566&icid=~NQAwADgANQA2ADYALQBDAHUAcABjAGEAawBlACAAQwBhAHIAbwB1AHMAZQBsACAAdwBpAHQAaAAgAEMAdQBwAGMAYQBrAGUALQB0AG8ALQBHAG8A">Cupcake Carousel</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone knows that I <i>heart </i>making cupcakes. Finding a good, sturdy, travel container for them is hard to find, especially one that won't wreck the icing and decorations. So as an early anniversary gift, she bought me the Cupcake Carousel.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foxrunbrands.com/images/products/6971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.foxrunbrands.com/images/products/6971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foxrunbrands.com/images/products/secondary/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.foxrunbrands.com/images/products/secondary/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ain't she cute?!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This makes me think of the Butterfly Cupcakes I made for N's Butterfly themed birthday party. I decorated our backyard by hanging big butterflies on fishing wire, made centerpieces of artificial grass, flower pots with flowers and lanterns.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNnN9UQWr5yo0Jfg-X52-arw7J-gBm6i0xuC-xtCmZ1jUy9dRUR4mT33DOgyZuzk2_jCM34ytE51idywzv7cxwPCqyrk1EEPaAwOmooplWBHcjAj-w7ez04p-mCO_yolLZ2GWdfo2gJY/s1600/DSC_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNnN9UQWr5yo0Jfg-X52-arw7J-gBm6i0xuC-xtCmZ1jUy9dRUR4mT33DOgyZuzk2_jCM34ytE51idywzv7cxwPCqyrk1EEPaAwOmooplWBHcjAj-w7ez04p-mCO_yolLZ2GWdfo2gJY/s400/DSC_0720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIEQrVpWE1BgJM3k_Ffa1USz1xa2VMTwb4GdNoTVlzTMNKUDFlztzN6wHXUKpRGQB1JrtnbpAwHbd1u4q-yJds381ro9D9R9PYLPxESm4Uv0U4h_VnsI_n-gF0rF-qCNyxBd7PiVIMvc/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIEQrVpWE1BgJM3k_Ffa1USz1xa2VMTwb4GdNoTVlzTMNKUDFlztzN6wHXUKpRGQB1JrtnbpAwHbd1u4q-yJds381ro9D9R9PYLPxESm4Uv0U4h_VnsI_n-gF0rF-qCNyxBd7PiVIMvc/s400/DSC_0719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the instructions for making these butterflies at Ann</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ie's <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2009/05/26/butterfly-cupcakes/">Eats</a>. They were super easy and fun to make (I even made them a couple days in advance and kept them in the fridge to save me some time).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to whip up a batch of cupcakes and make a special delivery to someone! Anyone want some cupcakes ;)?!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. How cool is <a href="http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/Chicago-Metallic/Baking-Decorating/Chicago-Metallic-Batter-Dispenser-Cupcake-Plunger/pages/productdetails?nav=R:635014">this</a>?!</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-68764879618593808002011-07-06T11:06:00.000-04:002011-07-06T11:06:07.568-04:00diy dresser make-over<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After months of sitting in our garage, calling my name, she's finally done. This was my first ever make-over, and I am pretty happy with how this $50 dresser turned out. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2By5D6F1zC-KDAxCEY6dd0wuZgji8wm5bA9Gc9QWWp27TYed8d0ZE_biDAvLSgx3S1byZqghAU26oUO-4j-iBUPDMHZTafh4hR_vqpmAcm64A1XLxAV2nZNJTQ37M2sY-j76Bd5zv00/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2By5D6F1zC-KDAxCEY6dd0wuZgji8wm5bA9Gc9QWWp27TYed8d0ZE_biDAvLSgx3S1byZqghAU26oUO-4j-iBUPDMHZTafh4hR_vqpmAcm64A1XLxAV2nZNJTQ37M2sY-j76Bd5zv00/s400/DSC_0882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is how I found her, raspberry pink.</span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>DIY Dressser Make-Over</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what I did to get her looking in tip-top shape for her great reveal (further below in this post!).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Step 1</i>: Remove hardware. (Fill in any holes or knicks with woodfiller if need be).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Step 2</i>: Sand, Sand, Sand. I used a sand brick, since it was easier for me to grasp than sandpaper. Don't forget to wipe your surface down after, since you'll have little dusty pieces all over the place!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Step 3</i>: Prime. Since I wasn't sure what type of paint was originally used on the dresser, I went with Zinsser's Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Interior Primer-Sealer-Stain Killer, since I was advised that it will work on both latex and oil paint. I did 2 coats of primer, just to be sure it covered all of the pink, since I would be painting it white.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Step 4</i>: Paint. I used CIL Dulux that I had at home in Wedding White. Then applied two coats with a Foam Roller brush (which I HIGHLY recommend since it will make your life easier).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Step 5</i>: Protect. I used Varathane Diamond Wood Finish, Water Based Crystal Clear protectant. I used water-based protectant since I used latex paint. I followed the directions of the 3 coats, each within a few hours of one another, that I again applied with a foam roller.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Step 6</i>: Spray paint your hardware. I used Rust-oleum Painter's Touch Winter Gray Gloss. Check out my post on <a href="http://norelleandco.blogspot.com/2011/06/tips.html">tips</a>, where I explained a trick for painting knobs evenly. Also, when painting the pulls, stick toothpicks on each side hole to prop up the handle, so when you paint it, it would leave a mark on the base.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth once protectant is completely set, line with drawer liners if you'd like and.....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drum roll please.......!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so happy with how it turned out, and how well it fits at the foot of our bed. I plan on putting some vases (maybe milkglass), a tray, and a picture frame or two on it. And soon we will have my homemade headboard up. Pictures to come!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moral of this story is; do not let the look of a piece scare you. Hot pink would have turned many people off, but I saw past that and could see the potential it had, and am so happy that I made it over.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-56720986712819525572011-07-04T18:07:00.000-04:002011-07-04T18:07:50.008-04:00diy felt flower pillow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Norelle has been in her "big girl" bed and room for almost a year now I think. I was so excited to transform her room into a room that was somewhat little girlish, but had potential to grow with her as her style changes. I knew that I wanted to paint her room a light green, and was so pleased to find Behr's "Key Lime".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a super fresh green, without being too 'baby' pale or too bright. I found a bedding set at Target that is hot pink damask, a pink lamp from Homesense, and pink curtains from Wal-Mart, and it really brought the room together. We have Norelle's glider in her room from when she was a baby (which she gets more use out of now reading books with us, as she never needed to be rocked to sleep), and her room has been lacking some fun pillows. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ah-W1kwpGeJjMorhErcCb9Bl8s5ERzxoW60RiOZ0D9KZwZUY2ExGi-g-NBRLZ-3EGXKLRHZr4Q2dY7R3O3z35Ez-pCAnOTLmCj44qnAj_XRD8MzOSPxUcMR3vvg_Grm5QXGDp24f-qw/s1600/DSC_0985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ah-W1kwpGeJjMorhErcCb9Bl8s5ERzxoW60RiOZ0D9KZwZUY2ExGi-g-NBRLZ-3EGXKLRHZr4Q2dY7R3O3z35Ez-pCAnOTLmCj44qnAj_XRD8MzOSPxUcMR3vvg_Grm5QXGDp24f-qw/s400/DSC_0985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjpxV4FV0skzHB-4uOOBf3o25nfomLgf0EuDGKOemoma5XU35JC54UcWSVcZqIRQMuIzf5TSk0oLPxmyQ7W7nKsFsO_TntTBXvEgg9BH0EwZ0nhYU-R8JdP5j9i-YXc-kRjxJulsYfAE/s1600/DSC_0983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjpxV4FV0skzHB-4uOOBf3o25nfomLgf0EuDGKOemoma5XU35JC54UcWSVcZqIRQMuIzf5TSk0oLPxmyQ7W7nKsFsO_TntTBXvEgg9BH0EwZ0nhYU-R8JdP5j9i-YXc-kRjxJulsYfAE/s400/DSC_0983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcBaXq7nKxwe_fGDCca7CWOcqxq24hLZ2g589IR4Lcdo9dTTf0QoKLep6dfJ40ZLi0HbcaefRaOOxDCm8sY7lyhEaMd6BDg82oNFJctuaGRWXmK5JwM_RcsUjVU0Lp2SCRPQdAUImEKc/s1600/DSC_0984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcBaXq7nKxwe_fGDCca7CWOcqxq24hLZ2g589IR4Lcdo9dTTf0QoKLep6dfJ40ZLi0HbcaefRaOOxDCm8sY7lyhEaMd6BDg82oNFJctuaGRWXmK5JwM_RcsUjVU0Lp2SCRPQdAUImEKc/s400/DSC_0984.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a tutorial on Vanessa Christenson's site for a <a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/05/guest-blogger-tutorial-allison-of-cluck.html">Felt Flower Pillow</a> and I knew I had to make one for N's room. I found a fun fabric pattern that matched the colours in her room (I almost went with a baby blue gingham pattern, how could with that look!!), and used white felt. I used a slightly smaller pillow that shown in the tutorial, so I used less petals. It was SUPER easy to make, and I plan on creating more for gifts for friends.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yMYzWzXRfVlRgYixDS8s-_VAmiWw2eAQLUgIv-ze0ZR0YeltjPkoUq165K3TCoKdUVM0tQuBYkUhow9jbmZ2LXhs99DCAgVZRL8eTiJX4Wbz9hdlK_n-Ad9LVcWAmKblqCE2GnQn08s/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yMYzWzXRfVlRgYixDS8s-_VAmiWw2eAQLUgIv-ze0ZR0YeltjPkoUq165K3TCoKdUVM0tQuBYkUhow9jbmZ2LXhs99DCAgVZRL8eTiJX4Wbz9hdlK_n-Ad9LVcWAmKblqCE2GnQn08s/s400/DSC_0980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9tLdiAWY5tQI_tvn-s4tXvDSJ1rdYjJb3zxkpm8gB6c32zLpp1xGxgmmIdfngafiW7CN19Wky3-llKvSo3kYe0eH7lO4TTPmq9mqBDGu5sVcIpgwWiM7F8uxg7975A1IE43Cs-Nag60/s1600/DSC_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9tLdiAWY5tQI_tvn-s4tXvDSJ1rdYjJb3zxkpm8gB6c32zLpp1xGxgmmIdfngafiW7CN19Wky3-llKvSo3kYe0eH7lO4TTPmq9mqBDGu5sVcIpgwWiM7F8uxg7975A1IE43Cs-Nag60/s400/DSC_0981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-57437206426978176302011-07-01T11:25:00.000-04:002011-07-01T11:25:53.138-04:00citizen kid<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love shopping for children's gifts and toys for my daughter and her little friends, but not at big box stores. Thankfully <a href="http://www.store.citizenkid.ca/index.php">Citizen Kid</a> opened up in my city. They offer natural and unique toys, that are well designed, ethically made, safe, and engaging. When I first stepped into this store, my heart literally melted. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.store.citizenkid.ca/assets/images/store-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.store.citizenkid.ca/assets/images/store-image.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lockestreetshops.com/images/citizenkidflash.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.lockestreetshops.com/images/citizenkidflash.gif" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located on the amazing Locke Stree South in Hamilton (we actually used to live just up the street from this store), among vintage tea rooms, bakeries, floral shoppes, bookstores, organic food stores, and restaurants filled with only local ingredients. Citizen Kid is a breath of fresh air when it comes to children's shops. Every single piece is chosen by the owners, and all pieces that will not only last for years, but generations.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friends over at <a href="http://www.beaux-mondes.com/">Beaux Mondes</a> wrote <a href="http://www.beaux-mondes.com/blog/2010/08/citizen-kid.html">this</a> amazing article featuring Citizen Kid. Norelle is invited to her first outside of prenatal class friends' birthday party this weekend, and we were excited to shop for Avery's 2nd birthday gift at Citizen Kid. We ended up getting Avery (and Norelle) a boy and girl body puzzle. My husband especially loves these, since he teaches biology at all!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HFckfxAmL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HFckfxAmL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41b8ieZD9mL._AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41b8ieZD9mL._AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/711noa0q-CL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/711noa0q-CL._AA1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/717WYR1Ub0L._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/717WYR1Ub0L._AA1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71cybh-m2cL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71cybh-m2cL._AA1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81mKjOohrAL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81mKjOohrAL._AA1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're ever in doubt when searching for a gift for a child, go with a classic, education toy, that will last forever. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy gifting!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-75733382664109612282011-06-29T09:36:00.001-04:002011-07-07T11:50:51.945-04:00summer recipes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely <i>LOVE </i>trying out new recipes. It gets too boring eating the same ol' things day after day; that's why in this house, we like to switch things up. There are a few (well, more than a few) recipes that I am dying to try out this summer, especially since my husband will be home, and he'll be able to eat everything after we've freshly made it. He decided to put a vegetable and herb garden in our backyard, and we cannot wait until everything is ready to enjoy. Here are some recipes that I know I'll be making in the upcoming weeks and months.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4420552280_bb57542004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4420552280_bb57542004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/breakfast-pizza/">Breakfast Pizza</a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/articles/2011/03/12545-gc_savorysweet_header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/articles/2011/03/12545-gc_savorysweet_header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/tomato-feta-scones-with-savory-sweet-life/">Tomato Feta Scones</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bringingithome.tv/sites/default/files/styles/main-photo/public/photos/recipe/Grilled%20Fall%20Vegetable%20Quinoa%20Salad%20(Resized).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://www.bringingithome.tv/sites/default/files/styles/main-photo/public/photos/recipe/Grilled%20Fall%20Vegetable%20Quinoa%20Salad%20(Resized).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/quick_and_easy/grilled_vegetable_quinoa_salad.php">Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/assets_c/2011/05/SweetPotatoFrieswithCurryMayonnaiseAlternateCrop(72dpi)_MG_9595-thumb-540x303-98546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/assets_c/2011/05/SweetPotatoFrieswithCurryMayonnaiseAlternateCrop(72dpi)_MG_9595-thumb-540x303-98546.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/2010/01/sweet-potato-fries-with-curry-mayonnaise.html">Sweet Potato Fries with Curry Mayonnaise</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/assets/recipe_images/Zucchini-Fries-Lemon-aioli-59245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/assets/recipe_images/Zucchini-Fries-Lemon-aioli-59245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini-fries-lemon-aioli-121348.aspx">Zucchini Fries with Lemon Aioli</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/assets_c/2010/10/CrunchyFishStripsWithTartarSauce496x252-thumb-496x252-57118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/assets_c/2010/10/CrunchyFishStripsWithTartarSauce496x252-thumb-496x252-57118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/crunchy_fish_strips.php">Crunchy Fish Strips</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.taste.com.au/images/recipes/agt/2008/05/19616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://cdn.taste.com.au/images/recipes/agt/2008/05/19616.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/19616/roasted+pears+with+prosciutto">Roasted Pears with Prosciutto</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband has had these with peaches, and he said they were to die for.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://foodformyfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/homemade-potato-chips-2011-04-26-054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://foodformyfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/homemade-potato-chips-2011-04-26-054.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://foodformyfamily.com/recipes/homemade-potato-chips-and-avocado-ranch-dip-for-an-earth-day-virtual-picnic">Homemade Potato Chips with Avocado Ranch Dip </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/assets/recipe_images/Key_Lime_Margarita_Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.kraftcanada.com/assets/recipe_images/Key_Lime_Margarita_Pie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/key-lime-margarita-pie-88429.aspx">Key Lime Margarita Pie</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/assets/recipe_images/Raspberry-Dream-Cups-56945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.kraftcanada.com/assets/recipe_images/Raspberry-Dream-Cups-56945.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/raspberry-dream-cups-113217.aspx">Raspberry Dream Cups</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/image/F6D7OT7FXA3D4Z7/Drumsticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://www.instructables.com/image/F6D7OT7FXA3D4Z7/Drumsticks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Drumsticks/">Homemade Drumsticks</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/assets/recipe_images/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Mallow-Bars-519CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.kraftcanada.com/assets/recipe_images/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Mallow-Bars-519CA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/chocolate-peanut-butter-mallow-bars-112099.aspx?cm_mmc=eml-_-rbecaen-_-20110112-_-1133">Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mallow Bars</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mouth waters just looking at the pictures! I love summer barbeques and get togethers, and cannot wait to test some of these recipes out on my family and friends! <i>Do you have any recipes that you're dying to make this summer?!</i></span><br />
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</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-65171066656040580392011-06-27T12:06:00.000-04:002011-06-27T12:06:27.351-04:00tips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Monday! I promise you that I haven't given up on my two projects I have on the go; the <a href="http://norelleandco.blogspot.com/2011/06/in-works.html">dresser make-over</a> and the chair make-over. It has been nice to be outside in this beautiful weather working on these projects. Now that they are both in the final stages, I have been thinking about the finishing touches. I've also been thinking about ways to make my life easier, as well as make the furniture look more professional.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my dresser, I chose to repaint the original hardware. I tried to figure out the best way to spray paint the knobs so that they wouldn't roll around, or get stuck to the paper/sheets underneath. Then it came to me.... egg cartons!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcqOV-pWBm-v9yYqKLrJYgLjnKhI3fWLHJe8azFsd9NjrXhNHzrF0oN_Jp6ZaC7_ywu9YEFqWjWGBXYYOBbFSuW41_IEw_E7xGgQcnXq50CwDLl6MJhoXVpOKazo8jYa-6mP7tfgnbKw/s1600/DSC_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcqOV-pWBm-v9yYqKLrJYgLjnKhI3fWLHJe8azFsd9NjrXhNHzrF0oN_Jp6ZaC7_ywu9YEFqWjWGBXYYOBbFSuW41_IEw_E7xGgQcnXq50CwDLl6MJhoXVpOKazo8jYa-6mP7tfgnbKw/s400/DSC_0973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used an old egg carton, poked holes with a screw driver, and screwed the knobs in place on the egg carton. This made them insanely easy to spray paint, as I could get complete coverage, and wouldn't have to worry about needing to flip them over to do multiple coats. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the chair, once I staple to fabric to the bottom of the chair, I'll need to do something to hide any little imperfections and corners that were harder to attatch. The two known methods to me are; nailtrim head vs. double welt cord. Both are easy ways to get your chair looking like it was done by a professional!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68-GqMKZ1hPkNfmHudf0Hiw25BY9EmHTb8-D5hmuoF1sUbnQv6qnAXAgvorQxqbD6cyHKoMWA7M3NlPfXF6ZLwXjdyCcGPxcY5biK2o4gucWLNvVCXs-hRgVMaj2Zp9LX-FSa0jEybls/s400/hanna_chair%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68-GqMKZ1hPkNfmHudf0Hiw25BY9EmHTb8-D5hmuoF1sUbnQv6qnAXAgvorQxqbD6cyHKoMWA7M3NlPfXF6ZLwXjdyCcGPxcY5biK2o4gucWLNvVCXs-hRgVMaj2Zp9LX-FSa0jEybls/s400/hanna_chair%5B1%5D.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I haven't tried nailhead trim before, I assume it's fairly straight forward. Line up your nails, use a rubber hammer, and use plyers to trim the access nailhead (if you're using the rows of nailhead).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that being said, I am really leaning towards double welt cord for this chair, as it was done with the original upholstery. It looks professional, but not too fancy, like the nailhead might look, for our bedroom.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0006/6550/shelly022709weltcord9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0006/6550/shelly022709weltcord9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a great tutorial on <a href="http://www.curbly.com/modhomeecteacher/posts/6185-how-to-make-double-welt-cord">Curbly</a> that shows an easy 'how-to' for creating your very old double welt cord. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, my last tip and new favorite product... foam rollers! They soak up paint like a sponge, don't leave little fluff marks, and take less strokes. My foam roller is about 4-inches, which can be found at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or on the <a href="http://www.shurline.com/">Shur Line</a> website. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.inkjetart.com/misc/glamour2/rfdemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://www.inkjetart.com/misc/glamour2/rfdemo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just look at the difference from a regular roller (on the left) and a foam roller (on the right)!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the dresser and chair are moved into our master suite, I'll be making the big reveal!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-61014454740805999722011-06-24T11:41:00.000-04:002011-06-24T11:41:02.778-04:00sisterhood<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you've watched the show or not, we all know if we consider ourselves a Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha or Miranda. Though Sex and the City has taught us many lessons about being single and fabulous, and married life, and we cannot forget one of the most <i>important </i>lessons the girls have taught us; no matter how busy your life gets, <b>ALWAYS </b>make time for your girlfriends.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so extremely lucky to have close girlfriends, whom I consider sisters. We each live very different lives, and have lived in different cities, but we've always managed to make sure we make time for one another. For us, the last Sunday of every month we have a girls breakfast, SATC style.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/Sex-And-The-City-tv-h04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/Sex-And-The-City-tv-h04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We gossip, reminise, tell stories, laughter, tears, share good food and each others company. I seriously don't know what I would do without my girls. We have a very special relationship and I can rely on them for anything. Life can always seem to get in the way of seeing friends, but it's important to take time out of your life to ensure that you have a little "me" time! Even if you have to schedule it in, it's worth it! If we end up seeing each other more than that once a month breakfast date, that it's an added bonus!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are lucky enough to live near a <a href="http://www.milestonesrestaurants.com/">Milestones Grill + Bar</a>, try and partake in their <a href="http://www.milestonesrestaurants.com/girls_night_out.php">Monday Girl's Night Out</a>! 4 Bellini's. 4 Appetizer's. $40. You <i>cannot </i>beat that price, especially since the cheapest appetizer is $7.49 and the Bellini's go for $6.49. I usually do not like alcohol; not beer, coolers, wine, mixed drinks...yuck!... but I love me a Bellini! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a "frozen blend of premium white rum, peach liqueur and sparkling white wine, topped with Boone's sangria". Doesn't that make your mouth water?! And if you're not full of Bellini's and app's and have room to share a desert, Milestones offers a "Break-up Tub" of cookie dough ice cream, double chocolate cookie and caramel... just please don't get me started on the stereotype of a name is has... :/</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8gRLy6RldoublkFElY4wF-vbEElxoP-zamNxeacc2szJPSZ_lWZ4bnBWnnwNvfqmQ8LgTzU4V4aMJlB1N9QF5Hxd-LnH6sMC5EYLy3mN2R8HUbzG1bP4X1eC3j1fwlJeudVfSpB8o4zN/s1600/gnot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8gRLy6RldoublkFElY4wF-vbEElxoP-zamNxeacc2szJPSZ_lWZ4bnBWnnwNvfqmQ8LgTzU4V4aMJlB1N9QF5Hxd-LnH6sMC5EYLy3mN2R8HUbzG1bP4X1eC3j1fwlJeudVfSpB8o4zN/s400/gnot.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are lucky enough to have amazing girlfriends like I do, please celebrate them. Call them and ask how their week has been, or even send them an email saying that you're thinking about them. A close friendship, or sisterhood as I call it, is hard to come by, so don't let it slip through the cracks of your, up early, busy day at work, soccer game, dance practice, dinner cooking, kids to bed, filled day; your friends are <b>ALWAYS </b>worth the time to slow down and appreciate.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-69650013566819042992011-06-22T12:27:00.000-04:002011-06-22T13:34:46.617-04:00down by the bay<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer is finally here. I am so lucky that my husband is a teacher and has the summers off with my daughter and I. Now that the weather is finally heated up and staying this way, I am longing to do for a picnic down by the bay. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can picture my daughter ready to spend this day in this adorable dress by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57575403/shiftmod-tunic-nautical-navy-red-anchor?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=nautical+clothing&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">perryfinalia</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yjD8v2LT2WWGr48vv6j91szwMdxPijGFimKUNhIE8QImCpt9TCUzUfdTvWKNaUjkBkf0SJe7rpuG1rs8HkUtx1BlG8CAdecpRjnePQy6eaMQNBcSS1I_rLpq_uIqTH8P2dPx84KYeWA/s1600/tod+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yjD8v2LT2WWGr48vv6j91szwMdxPijGFimKUNhIE8QImCpt9TCUzUfdTvWKNaUjkBkf0SJe7rpuG1rs8HkUtx1BlG8CAdecpRjnePQy6eaMQNBcSS1I_rLpq_uIqTH8P2dPx84KYeWA/s320/tod+dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can see by husband sporting this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64584977/medium-upcycled-brooks-bros-sweatshirt?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=nautical&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_category=clothing&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_page=5&ga_facet=handmade%2Fclothing%2Fmen">upcycled sweater</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74395873/white-and-red-nautical-seersucker?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=nautical&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_category=clothing&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_page=5&ga_facet=handmade%2Fclothing%2Fmen">bowtie</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.202952012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.202952012.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.245285878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.245285878.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And myself wearing this beautiful cut out dress by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76375878/nautical-sweet-heart-cut-out-dress?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_query=nautical&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_category=clothing&ga_facet=">vivatveritas7</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.252347079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.252347079.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We could share lunch from a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73515153/vintage-green-lined-pinic-basket-set?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=picnic+basket+set&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">vintage picnic set</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.241616488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.241616488.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And relax in a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71780403/traditional-slingbeach-chair-perfect-for">sling beach chair</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.234419983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.234419983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And maybe I could even go for a dip in this amazing vintage inspired <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61016258/red-skipper-bikini-sailor-swim-bottom-xs?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=nautical&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_category=clothing&ga_page=3&ga_facet=">swim wear</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.190181990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.190181990.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span><br />
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</div>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-72736599169495350412011-06-20T10:16:00.000-04:002011-06-22T11:51:29.558-04:00happy (belated) father's day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a pretty exciting weekend around this parts. On Friday, we attended a graduation party for myself, and my two friends, Trevor and Nina, (Norelle even managed to scam two pieces of cake out of us somehow)! Saturday Norelle had her soccer pictures taken, we played at the park, ran through the sprinkler, I worked on my chair makeover while she napped, and then we had a girls night together, since my husband was out at a concert. Sunday, of course, we celebrated Father's Day! We invited my parents and my grandparent's over (my in-laws would have been invited too, but they were away on vacation), for breakfast. I figured I should do something beside's the usual scrambled eggs and bacon, so I prepared a different, but easy special Father's Day breakfast.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started with a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/watermelon-and-strawberry-lemonade/detail.aspx">Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then moved onto the meal; <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baked_egg_toasty_cups.php">Baked Egg Toasty Cups</a>, which I added a little shredded cheese in the bottom of the cup, before I put the egg in the cups; served them with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/2010/03/herbed-home-fries.html">Herbed Home Fries</a>, W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">atermelon Feta Salad with mixed greens and easy dressing (3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 6 tbsp olive oil, 3 tsp honey), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and as a special treat, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/maple-french-toast-and-bacon-cupcakes-recipe/index.html">Maple Fresh Toast Bacon Cupcakes</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw a recipe online for cupcakes like these, and really wanted to try them out on my husband! I figured that Father's Day would be the perfect time. You can follow the recipe I posted above, but if you feel a little pressed for time, you can do what I did! I bought a box of white cake mix, followed the ingredients on the box, but instead of the oil, I added maple syrup. I also added 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg and a 1 tsp of vanilla extract. I followed the directions for the frosting, and viola, maple french toast bacon cupcakes! <i>Although these have bacon in the title, and the whole point is the sweet and salty, I left one cupcake bacon free since I am a vegetarian, but hey, I thought I should be able to try these too!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also used the cute printable's seen above found on <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/06/great-ideas-12-fathers-day-printable.html">Tatertots & Jello</a>. I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend celebrating their dad's, stepdad's, grandfather's, greatgrandfather's, uncle's, and any special man in their life!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Father's Day, thank you for all that you do.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-9031332457665818522011-06-17T11:00:00.000-04:002011-06-22T11:50:44.750-04:00in the works<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've been lucky to have had some nice weather around here lately. May seemed to be fairly cold and super rainy, with a few of those hot teaser days in between. June has been wonderful so far, which excites me, since we've had a dresser waiting to be redone in our garage since the end of winter. We are lucky to have a fairly big master suite, with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. I've envisioned having a dresser at the foot of our bed (opposed to the opposite wall where our dressers are on now), but is has proven to be a challenge.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fell in love with Ikea's <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00067830">Hemnes 8-drawer dresser</a> early on (when the price was higher), and loved its clean line and simplicity.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/hemnes--drawer-dresser__30435_PE118674_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/hemnes--drawer-dresser__30435_PE118674_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But at last, when I compared the measurements to our bed, it would have stuck out too far at the sides, and would have been a little too tall against our bed. So the re-scouring of Kijiji and Craigslist began. Boyyyy did this prove to be hard. Every long dresser I found was TOO long, and I started to give up a little. Then, one day, I found a dresser that was the <i>perfect </i>measurements! I emailed right away, and within hours, she was ours!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be honest, the pink scared me a little, but I knew that I could prime and paint her to make her the perfect white. The price was a little more than I expected to spend, $50, but I had to have her, especially since she was the <i>perfect</i> dimensions! (<i>Please do not mind the messiness of our garage. My husband is in the process of fixing up two bikes; one 1973 honda 750 motorcycle as seen <a href="http://mechanicallyignorant.blogspot.com/">here</a>, and a regular CCM mountain bike</i>). But back to the dresser; I really like the original hardware, but I have a real soft spot for glass knobs and pulls.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://site.lookintheattic.com/Hardware/GK114CL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://site.lookintheattic.com/Hardware/GK114CL.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/42059-01-200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/42059-01-200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I love them<i> OH SO MUCH</i>, they are a little pricey; so I figure it can be something that maybe I'll change down the road. So for now, I plan on spraying the original hardware in a nice lighter gray tone. I am so excited to see how the dresser turns out (I'll post photos after it's all done). I have also been looking for a chair to fix up for our room to have it sit where our dressers currently are. A place to sit, read, and relax (because if we "sit" in bed, the chances of that relaxation turning into sleep is much greater!). I'll post some pictures of the chair I found soon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ps. Congratulations to my friend's <a href="http://trevorjanisse.com/">Trevor</a> and Nina on graduating today, and Happy Birthday to <a href="http://www.beaux-mondes.com/">Stephanie</a>.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304455079745869840.post-71624237398939921902011-06-15T11:04:00.000-04:002011-06-22T11:50:23.790-04:00congratulations to the class of 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Monday was my graduation from McMaster University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in History. I really did not know what to expect at the ceremony. The only thing I knew is that it would be long, and Steve Smith was our honorary degree recipient. There were a lot of graduands to receive their degree, and the theatre was absolutely packed!! Luckily my husband got into the theatre as soon as the doors opened, and found seats for himself and my parents only 3 rows back from me (since I was in the last row).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Smith_(comedian)">Steve Smith</a> is an acclaimed Canadian comedian, who was made especially famous for his character <a href="http://www.redgreen.com/">Red Green</a>. His speech was honest and real, which was great to hear; no sugar coating but still funny. There were other speeches, including the Valedictorian and President of the University's. The ceremony started at 2:30 (I had been waiting in a room lined up since 1:00pm... in heels no less), and the ceremony did not end until just after 5:00pm. Wayyyy longer than they expected. The one thing that got me through the ceremony, was sitting only a few feet infront of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0331516/">Ryan Gosling</a> the whole time ;). His mom was graduating with us; he even yelled out, "love you mom! you're the best mom ever!" when she was receiving her degree. He was quite nice "eye candy" if you will, during the long ceremony! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn't able to record Steve Smith's speech to our class, nor could I find it online; so I will leave you with one of my favorite and most inspirational of graduation speeches by Baz Luhrmann.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, congratulations to the class of 2011!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-A</span>norelle & co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02405282764969802277noreply@blogger.com0