tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39192206655305361682024-03-14T00:10:08.478-05:00Home StewMalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-76186050842869732302015-08-30T22:39:00.000-05:002015-08-30T22:40:13.837-05:00Tortilla Breakfast Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last recipe I'm sharing with you from our Galveston vacay is this DE-LISH tortilla breakfast casserole. You may recall from past posts like <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2014/02/greeting-card-by-em-dash-paper-co-in.html">this one</a> that I have a deep love for Mexican food. It's real, ya'll. </div>
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So when I come across meals that are breakfast + Mexican....It's a no brainer. I doubled <a href="http://www.macheesmo.com/tortilla-breakfast-casserole/">this tortilla breakfast casserole</a> recipe from <a href="http://www.macheesmo.com/">Macheesmo</a>. The casserole turned out great and I even drizzled some leftover <a href="http://hostthetoast.com/blackened-fish-tacos-avocado-cilantro-sauce/">avocado cilantro sauce</a> from <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/08/fish-tacos-with-avocado-cilantro-sauce.html">our dinner the night before</a>. </div>
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When you get a chance, you should really check out Macheesmo's site. He offers some really fun recipes and some awesome meal plans. I will definitely be trying out other recipes and report back! </div>
Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-88373726549614559422015-08-20T14:40:00.000-05:002015-08-20T14:42:14.539-05:00Fish Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">While in Galveston, we all chose different nights to cook dinner. We usually make really fun recipes, like my SIL making </span><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/08/peach-whiskey-barbecue-chicken/" style="text-align: left;">this Peach-Whiskey BBQ Chicken</a><span style="text-align: left;">, which was amazing! </span></div>
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Of course Jake and I were no different. I have a terrible habit of trying new recipes on occasions like this. So we were crossing our fingers that everything turned out well, and it did! Here's what we made: </div>
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<a href="http://hostthetoast.com/blackened-fish-tacos-avocado-cilantro-sauce/">Fish Tacos with an Avocado Cilantro Sauce</a>. These tacos were amazing! Besides sno cones, fish tacos are my #1 favorite summer (or any season) food. We even used fish that Jake had caught during the trip. And the sauce. Let me tell you how much I LOVED the sauce! We used it to dip tortilla chips while snacking and for the meal and it was gone in no time. It's a good one to keep on hand when having guests over.</div>
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<a href="http://sweettreatsmore.com/grilled-cilantro-lime-sweet-potatoes/#comment-4402">Grilled Cilantro Lime Sweet Potatoes</a>. Sweet potatoes are my jam...but not Jake's. So it's pretty rare that I get them. I've never really had sweet potatoes as a savory side dish, so when I saw this version, I knew I had to try it. The natural sweet of the <i>sweet </i>potato paired with the cilantro, lime and salt was a great combination. It still didn't convert Jake, but I'm a fan!</div>
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/08/grilled-zucchini-with-yummy-lemon-salt/">Grilled Zucchini with Lemon Zest</a>. This Zucchini recipe is from Pioneer Woman. I knew that I could trust it (she has yet to steer my wrong) and it of course was delicious. We've grilled zucchini before, but the added lemon flavor was a nice addition. </div>
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As good as our trip and this food was, I am 100% ready for Fall! 16 days til OU Football! </div>
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<br />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-73541680129884671642015-08-02T18:10:00.000-05:002015-08-02T18:10:56.104-05:00Brown Butter & Vodka Rice Krispie TreatsRice Krispie treats have always been one of my favorite snacks. When I saw <a href="http://saltandsmokefood.com/brown-butter-bourbon-rice-krispies-treats/">Chris Castro's</a> fancy adult version, I couldn't wait to give it a go!<br />
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<b>INGREDIENTS: </b></div>
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<li><b>3 TBSP of butter</b></li>
<li><b>1 pkg/10 oz of marshmallows </b></li>
<li><b>6 cups rice krispies cereal</b></li>
<li><b>1 oz Iced Tea Vodka </b>(Castro's version used bourbon, but I used what I had, and what I had was Iced Tea vodka!) </li>
<li><b>1 TSP vanilla extract</b></li>
<li><b>Sea Salt </b></li>
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<b>DIRECTIONS: </b></div>
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<b>1. </b>In a large saucepan brown the butter over low heat, making sure not to let it burn. Mix in the marshmallows until well coated with butter.<br />
<b>2. </b>Place the marshmallows on a lined cookie sheet and broil until they are golden brown. Pour back into the saucepan and stir until marshmallows are melted. Pour in the vanilla and alcohol of your choice and stir until combined.<br />
<b>3. </b>Add in rice krispies and stir until well coated.<br />
<b>4. </b>Dump the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and press into form. Sprinkle with sea salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Cut into squares. </div>
Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-45234156402807389982015-07-28T10:08:00.001-05:002015-07-28T10:11:10.327-05:00The One About Zoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Warning: This is a pretty somber post. About death, and my feelings towards it. I know this isn't the norm for my blog, but I felt the need to put my thoughts out there.<br />
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A year ago today we lost my first true love and best friend. My niece-dog Zoe. For those who follow along, she has been very much apart of my life, including my little online corner. She was the namesake of my creative business. My "flower bully", and the tune to my families' song. Seriously, we have a "Zoe" song.<br />
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Quite honestly, I have never lost anyone I am close to. Never. I am ever apparent of how lucky I am. But because of this, some of my thoughts might be: welp, my time is coming. The next phone call I receive will bare bad news, I just KNOW it (because really, who calls anymore?). Or why has God spared me (and my family)? Does this mean that it will all hit at once in a few years?<br />
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I know that as a believer, these are common, but answered questions. I shouldn't live in the shadow of a dog's death, nor in the shadow of the promise of death and heartache to come. I just know that I will be comforted. That my darkness will become light. Glory will be revealed. He is my deliverer, my shield, my salvation and my stronghold.<br />
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A blogger I follow (<a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/">Jones Design Co</a>) posted this the other day, and it really hit home:<br />
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<img alt="We didn't make it to church this morning, so instead I spent time with Jesus in my room. And he spoke. There are stirrings in my heart, dissatisfactions being made known, selfishness coming to the forefront, dreams being formed that are less about building my kingdom and more about making a difference in His. It hurts - all of this. Because it feels personal and intimate and scary. And it's way easier to listen to the what ifs of fear rather than the promises of God. That's dumb. No more. #HEisforus #truth #speaktomelord @shereadstruth" height="640" src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/e15/11355950_819448878152900_120333202_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I seriously can't believe it's been a year without that chunk. She was so funny and had such a personality. Dogs are just the best. Here are some of my favorite pictures of my little Zoe-baby. How lucky am I that I have professional pictures of this beautiful dog on my wedding day? Seriously, these are some of my most treasured pictures.<br />
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<br />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-17914373593213242242015-07-26T02:10:00.000-05:002015-07-26T02:12:12.005-05:00Tea Party Baby ShowerGuys, this is hands down the cutest baby shower I have ever been a part of. Our friend Megan and her baby Abby were well celebrated in a tea party themed shower. Along with myself and our friend Ashley, Megan's mom and sister were the hostesses. This family knows how to throw a party. Megan's sister Katie was super organized which is always helpful when trying to plan these things. Katie and their mom pulled out all of the stops to make Megan's special day beautiful! The shower was at Megan's house, and man are we lucky that she has a fantastically decorated home! You'll see what I mean when you see her KILLER plate wall in her dining room! It was a beautiful day and I'll let the pictures tell you the rest.<br />
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All of the wonderful people who came to celebrate!</div>
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The momma-to-be and the hostesses!</div>
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<br />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-15388564377275803062015-06-30T10:11:00.000-05:002015-06-30T10:11:44.510-05:00Green Light: Skillshare!So, some of you may have noticed that I am a huge fan of creative education. Seriously, it's one of my all time favorite things to do on my days off. It's what recharges my batteries. Whether it is just a tutorial on a blog, taking an online class or attending an amazingly crafted workshop on an afternoon in a local shop. I LOVE IT ALL!<br />
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A few classes I've blogged about are:<br />
<a href="http://calligraphy/">Calligraphy</a>, <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/01/pursue-holiday-workshop.html">Floral Arranging & Watercolors</a>, and <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/03/28-while-28-23-create-invitation.html">Illustrator</a>.<br />
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Well, I've stumbled across a website that is just dreamy. <a href="http://www.skillshare.com/classes?via=header">Skillshare</a> is a site that brings a whole bunch of teachers straight to you. You get one free month, then it's $8/month for a year. Even if you watched one video a month, it would be well worth your time and money. A few classes that are on my radar are: <a href="http://www.skillshare.com/classes/design/Chalkboard-Lettering-Adding-Charm-To-Your-Home/1930585582?via=browse-popular-design-layout-grid">Chalkboard Lettering</a>, <a href="http://www.skillshare.com/classes/crafts/Introduction-to-Sketching-Illustrate-A-Beautiful-Garden/57113220?via=browse-students-crafts-layout-grid">Illustrating Flowers</a> and <a href="http://www.skillshare.com/classes/photography/DSLR-Photography-For-Bloggers/1797083255?via=browse-popular-photography-layout-grid">Photography for Bloggers</a>.<br />
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I also like that anyone can submit projects to teach. If you're pretty passionate about a skill, you can share it and make some extra cash. There are a lot more design classes offered than anything else, but hopefully there will be some more in the other genres soon, like sugar cookie decorating or screen printing t-shirts or letterpress.<br />
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If any of you are withholding some awesome sites similar to this, I'm not mad. BUT I will need you to tell me about them, STAT. STAT means now! (Gah, I miss Dwight!)Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-90761887421678992772015-06-16T22:22:00.001-05:002015-06-17T12:50:00.795-05:00Do you Podcast?New obsession. Podcasts. I can't get enough of them. I slowly crept on while listening to Serial in January and have quickly spiraled to binging. It helps that I have added an hour commute two times a week since I've started school. Here are my top faves....you're welcome.<br />
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<a href="http://knoxandjamie.com/">The Popcast. </a> Knox & Jamie are HI-Larious. They'll keep you apprised of any pop culture that you need to know without you having to hide your US Weekly behind some other pretentious magazine like People. Knox's silent laugh gets me every time and Jamie knows how to judge an actor...whether they are hot or not, duh. Also, they love Jesus.</div>
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<a href="http://sortaawesomemegan.tumblr.com/">Sorta Awesome</a>. I listen to sorta awesome for two reasons. 1 - My blog crush <a href="http://www.hollywoodhousewife.com/">The Hollywood Housewife</a>, is a co host. 2 - Megan is from OKC and I LOVE all local things. Like, I get SUPER excited. I don't catch all of the episodes with the other co hosts, so I can't vouch for them, but Laura's Hollywood life (she is an Oklahoma native, and OU Alum) is obsessive. She is my go to for book suggestions. I could seriously go on and on, but I'll save you and just suggest you follow her blog. </div>
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<a href="http://www.jesslively.com/livelyshow/">The Lively Show</a>. Jess interviews a new person each episode and each one is so different. Budgeting, cancer, Girl Bossing, business, beauty, and blogging are among some of the topics. </div>
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TV Shows. Just like I love listening to <a href="http://www.talkingdeadpodcast.com/">The Talking Dead</a>, The Walking Dead's Podcast, you can listen to a podcast on L-I-T-E-R-A-L-L-Y any television show ever. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-think-you-can-dance/id447964135?mt=2">So You Think You Can Dance</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/so-you-think-you-can-dance/id447964135?mt=2">Big Brother, Amazing Race, Survivor</a>, <a href="http://podbay.fm/show/981745969">Game of Thrones</a>, <a href="http://podbay.fm/show/987144344">Orphan Black</a>, and you get the point. Obviously this would be a bit of a time suck to listen to a podcast about every TV show you watch; but it is fun to pick a favorite for each season just to get a bit more thought out of it. </div>
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Speaking of The Talking Dead, Chris Hardwick's <a href="http://nerdist.com/podcasts/">The Nerdist</a> is also great. He is a fun celeb interviewer. </div>
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I would love some suggestions if you have them! And I can't wait until season 2 of Serial comes out! </div>
Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-45575166373508487812015-05-20T11:02:00.000-05:002015-05-20T11:02:47.482-05:00Strawberry Peach DanishOver the weekend I made my first summery dessert this year. Peaches. Strawberries. Check and check! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I meshed <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/08/14/rustic-strawberry-peach-tart/">this Rustic Strawberry Peach Tart</a> and <a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/apple-cinnamon-cream-cheese-danish/">this Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish</a> to make one EASY and summery dessert. </div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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2 peaches, peeled and pitted</div>
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2 cups of sliced strawberries</div>
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2 tbsp sugar</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 tube crescent rolls</div>
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1 pkg cream cheese (room temp)</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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3 tbsp flour</div>
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for the glaze-</div>
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1 cup powdered sugar</div>
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4+ tbsp heavy cream</div>
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splash of vanilla</div>
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<b>Directions:</b></div>
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Preheat oven the 375 degrees.</div>
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Take your thinly sliced strawberries and peaches and combine with 2 tbsp of sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla until coated. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside. </div>
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In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, flour and 1 tsp of vanilla and set aside. </div>
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Open the crescents and unroll, leaving them attached as a big rectangle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there are no holes in the dough. Cut 1/2 inch diagonal strips up each side of the dough with a pizza cutter. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, avoiding your strips. Top with the fruit mixture. </div>
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Fold the 1/2 inch dough pieces up over the filling, alternating sides to form a braided pattern. </div>
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Bake for 20 minutes or until the filling is set and the crescents are golden. Let cool for about 20 minutes. </div>
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While the danish is cooling, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream and a splash of vanilla. Add more cream if needed to get your desired consistency. Pipe over the cooled danish a serve!</div>
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I honestly intended on taking my own pictures but seriously...this dessert went so fast, and I doubled it! This is 100% a crowd pleaser! </div>
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-16708561552681145242015-04-20T09:40:00.000-05:002015-04-20T09:40:33.069-05:00Wedding: Chalkboards GaloreChalkboard signs were a pretty big part of our wedding day. They are such an easy (and cheap) way to add a lot of character to your event. I got mine signs from my wholesaler (because I'm super fancy like that) but I know a lot of stores on Etsy or Hobby Lobby sell wooden signs. Then we painted them with chalkboard paint from Lowes (two coats) and I commissioned my sister and MOH, Hillary to do all of the writing for me. <br />
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I wasn't super prepared for this....I think I maybe gave them to her a week before our wedding. So looking back I wish I would have gotten a few quotes that meant more to us vs popular ones (such as F. Scott Fitzgerald one).<br />
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One quote that I have always LOVED is from Jim Halpert (The Office) about Pam. We couldn't fit it on one, so Hillary split it up between two signs.<br />
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Here are the rest of our signs. I had Hillary do smaller ones that said "Reserved" for our Family tables and sprinkled throughout the venue were signs with our hashtag "StewPartyof2" (I wrote a post <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/01/stewpartyof2.html">here</a> sharing why I think an event hashtag is a must) so people would remember to use it.</div>
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<br />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-73288436915073572742015-04-16T11:16:00.002-05:002015-04-16T16:26:57.083-05:00Wedding Vendor: The Venue<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://okcfarmersmarket.com/">OKC Farmer's Market</a> </div>
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My venue. It was one of the very first decisions I made. It is a really cool venue...not in the <i>greatest</i> part of town, but I love how big it is and it has an amazing view of downtown OKC. I wouldn't say that I <i>regret</i> having my wedding there....BUT I kind of wish that I would have shopped around a bit.<br />
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I'm not writing this post to put the Farmer's Market on blast...at all!
But, I want to share with you my wedding planning process, and venue was
a major one.<br />
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We chose the Farmer's Market for many reasons. One, it was a huge
space, and I wanted to get married and have the reception in one place
(less decorating, right?). Two, they provided a lot! DJ, alcohol, soda,
water, tea, 2 bartenders, security, tables and chairs (that they would set up for
us). Three, it was such a cool and unique venue.<br />
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All
of those provided were great (if you were there and saw any one of my
family members, you KNOW the alcohol was working :) )... except that the
chairs were super dirty and we had to wipe them off. <br />
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Our venue is not specifically just for weddings. It is a farmer's market, antique store, concert hall, roller derby rink and <i>apparently </i>and MMA fighting ring. Through the entire 10 months we were told we could set up the Friday before. That way on Saturday we could <i>somewhat relax. </i>Well...the week before the venue told us there would be an MMA fight held the Friday night before our wedding, til 2am (it was supposed to be the weekend before, but was rescheduled due to weather). (Cue my one, major freak out of the wedding process...sorry, Jake!) So, we gathered my family and friends and worked our asses off Saturday morning getting everything prepped. It was a lot of hard work, but in the end, it came together because we had some ALL STARS helping us out. It sucked, but stuff like that happens, and again....if that was the worst thing to happen during the wedding planning process, no big deal in the grand scheme of things.<br />
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Another thing that bothered me was one of the staff called my mom a few days after the wedding and "scolded" her because our guests wiped Vaseline on the bottom of some of the chairs. Now....lets take a second and think about this one. Who at a wedding uses Vaseline? No one. Who at an MMA fight uses Vaseline? Everyone. Mystery solved. Maybe if they had cleaned the chairs in the first place, they would have figured that out. <br />
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Like I said before: our venue was so cool looking and unique. Here are some of the reasons I chose to get married there:<br />
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Giant windows with great light....<br />
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Great architecture...<br />
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and string lights everywhere that made our night magical...<br />
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All photography by the fab <a href="http://www.carolinerentzelblog.com/">Caroline Rentzel Photography</a></div>
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-9749923360402525262015-04-07T14:32:00.000-05:002015-04-07T15:28:17.774-05:00Book Review: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (no spoilers)<div style="text-align: center;">
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Of all of my <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/03/mals-28-while-28-compiled-list.html">28 While 28</a>, my <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/02/28-while-28-5-read-5-books.html">reading 5 books this year</a> was the one that people most commented on. Whether it was books as birthday presents (thank you Keith & Bethany) or <i>ONLY</i> 5 books (Erin), or tons of book suggestions...I felt the challenge to read more. So, I am officially "upping" my game. Not to a set number, just because once school starts who knows how much I get done. But <b>I will</b> read more than 5 books this year. </div>
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So...before I start with my review of Dark Places, let me give a little preface: I struggle with finding the balance of overly critiquing books vs blanket liking everything I read. Which is easy because you invest your time in something, you're bound to like something about it (or at least I do). So my goal in reviewing these books is for those who know me and know what I like to read the reviews and base their opinion off of that. For instance, if we don't have the same sense of humor, I'm not going to take your review of a book, TV show or movie to heart. It will be more of a review/discussion...full of incomplete thoughts. So, here is my first book review of my 28 While 28.... take it as you will.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Places-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0307341577/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8">Dark Places by Gillian Flynn</a>. If you liked <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Girl-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0307588378/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428428558&sr=1-1&keywords=gone+girl">Gone Girl</a>, good chance you'll like Dark Places. Dark Places was a little gory in some parts, and just like I close my eyes watching an open wound on TV, I skipped a paragraph or two here. </div>
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It is definitely not as "pulled together" as Gone Girl, but there were a lot more characters Flynn was trying to balance in this book. What I really like about Flynn's writing is how she bounces between point of views in her books. (That may be why I like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Borrowed-Emily-Giffin/dp/0312321198/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428428857&sr=1-1&keywords=something+borrowed">Something Borrowed</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Blue-Emily-Giffin/dp/0312323867/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428428882&sr=1-2&keywords=something+borrowed">Something Blue</a> so much, because each book is the same(ish) story but from different point of views). Although how she pulled it off in Gone Girl was more more interesting than in Dark Places. </div>
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The way Flynn wrote Dark Places is throughout the entire book you know that the Day family murders didn't happen the way it started in the beginning of the book. So you are constantly playing out different scenarios in your head while reading. I did predict the ending, but I wouldn't say that I had every detail correct in the end. The ending was a little too coincidental, in my opinion. </div>
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What I didn't like about Dark Places is that Flynn builds you up <i>FOREVER</i> about who the murderer was, and in the end it felt so rushed. I also don't like (in both Gone Girl and Dark Places) how there are no likable characters. None. And they are only truly relatable if you are crazy yourself. Well, I take that back...I liked Diane, although she seemed really pushy (or Patty was that much of a pushover). The latter, definitely.<br />
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Ben's relationships with Diondra and Krissy were, for lack of a better word, interesting. You could tell he was trying to make up for his mom's (Patty) lazy and depressing influence with demanding and high strung girlfriends. Again, all unlikable characters. I did however, like Libby (she is the main character, survivor of the book). I didn't relate to her, or agree with really anything she did, but I liked her.<br />
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Without knowing any of Gillian Flynn's life story, I would venture to guess that she does not have a great father figure in her life. Both Ben's dad (Gone Girl) and Runner (Dark Places) were absurd male figures. Runner was more frustrating, because he was in the story line more often...but man, if I could punch someone in the face! </div>
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-60786369935776241272015-03-25T10:56:00.000-05:002015-04-16T16:27:11.531-05:00Wedding Decor: Geronimo BalloonsWho knew helium would be such a big struggle during my wedding planning process. I don't think I ever cried because of it...(actually....I think I only cried like twice during the whole process....I have limited emotions....what can I say?) but they were a very stressful aspect of the wedding.<br />
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My little <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=giant+wedding+balloons&term_meta%5B%5D=giant%7Cautocomplete%7C0&term_meta%5B%5D=wedding%7Cautocomplete%7C0&term_meta%5B%5D=balloons%7Cautocomplete%7C0">2013 - Pinterest - wedding</a> loving heart just could not <i>NOT</i> have giant balloons in her wedding!<br />
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I never thought that I would write a blog post about a chemical element....but here it goes.<br />
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<b>The Helium:</b> Helium is REALLY hard to find for decent prices. I called countless places trying to rent a tank but it was either way too expensive, or the company didn't have access to helium anymore. <br />
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In a perfect scenario, we would have blown up the balloons on site. Since we had 20 36 in. balloons (if you couldn't tell from pictures...my venue was HUGE!); it was going to be impossible to transport all of them to our venue without some geronimo fatalities. After many phone calls, we realized that our only option was to have them blown up off site and transport them ourselves (while holding our breath, of course). A lot of the decor and furniture was transported from Odessa to OKC, so we had an empty U-haul that we ended up using. Shockingly, that part was a success!<br />
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Since renting a tank was no longer an option, <a href="http://www.homelandstores.com/">Homeland</a> or <a href="http://www.partygalaxy.com/">Party Galaxy</a> were what I had to choose between. I tried places like <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/home.jsp">Dollar Tree</a> but they would only blow up their own balloons, and wouldn't order what I wanted.<br />
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<b>The Helium Source: </b>Both Homeland and Party Galaxy would blow them up, but PG wasn't giving me straight answers on pricing or helium availability. Since I had such a large quantity of balloons, they were going to charge me more. So, Homeland it was. Plus they were willing to order the balloons for me! Score! (<i>So I thought</i>).<br />
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<b>Issue #1: </b>A few days before the wedding they called to let me know that instead of gold, they were sent silver balloons. In the grand scheme, not that big of a deal...but still, disappointing when you have a certain look in mind. Looking back at pictures, the silver balloons were fine. No one but me, my mom, or Tiffany and Taylor (our awesome planners) would have even known if I wasn't telling you now.<br />
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<b>Issue #2: </b>The other issue was that Homeland didn't fill the balloons up all of the way. Meaning that when we went to attach the tassels, they weighed the balloons down. That was frustrating, to say the least. Again, big scheme....no big deal. But it's one of the many reasons I wanted to blow up the balloons ourselves. So, we ended up having to pair the balloons in groups of 3 to be able to hold the weight of the tassels. (Tissue paper tassels, they were not very heavy in the first place!)<br />
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So, after saying all of that....here is what <b>I WISH I had of done</b> (or had the guts to have even tried!)...<br />
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<a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2014/04/7-tips-to-pull-off-a-budget-wedding-and-pictures.html">Vintage Revivals</a> bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Balloon-Time-Disposable-Helium-Tank/dp/B0079V49AA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427296285&sr=8-1&keywords=helium+tank">these disposable</a> tanks. They sell them at <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/home.cfm">Hobby Lobby</a> and Party Galaxy, and you might be able to use a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby. Anyways, according to the box and everyone I asked said that the tank would only fill up about 3 balloons, making it way too expensive to even attempt! Vintage Revivals said she got about 7 1/2 balloons filled with each tank. Too bad she wrote this post a few months after my wedding! Geez!<br />
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<b>Balloons: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=36%22%20balloon">Amazon</a> has always been the best price I could find for the 36" balloons.<br />
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So, there you have it. What we did....where it went all wrong....and what I still wish I did today!<br />
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<i><b>*I kind of feel like I should add to each Wedding related post that I realize all "complaints" are on the surface. None of these wrecked my wedding. I am still married and will remain married to my husband regardless of the outcome of some balloons, or the venue or any of the "pretty" things. I'm just sharing my experience with you, so that you don't make the same mistakes I did. Or you're reading because you have a general interest in my wedding planning process!* </b></i><br />
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All photography by <a href="http://www.carolinerentzelblog.com/">Caroline Rentzel</a>.<br />
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<br />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-77220501910895033212015-03-22T16:54:00.000-05:002015-04-17T10:25:37.682-05:00Pursue: A Holiday Workshop (Part II)A few months ago I shared with you about how much fun I had at <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/01/pursue-holiday-workshop.html">Pursue's Holiday Workshop</a>. Well, earlier this week all of those fun memories came flooding right back when I received the professional pictures Holli B had taken during the event. YEAH! My favorite, <i>favorite</i> picture is one Holli took of me and Brandi, my sweet - 'bout to be married - creative - great cookin' - friend!<br />
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Before I share with you some of the honorable mention photos (I'll try not to share all 100+)....let me roll call all of the amazing people that made Pursue: A Holiday Workshop happen!</div>
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Photography: <a href="http://hollibphotography.com/">Holli B Photography</a></div>
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Hosts: Owners of <a href="http://www.pursuetour.com/">Pursue</a>, <a href="http://www.mollymarissadesigns.com/">Molly</a> & <a href="http://www.kylieswanson.com/">Kylie</a></div>
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Venue: <a href="http://plentymercantile.com/">Plenty Mercantile</a></div>
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Florals: <a href="http://www.poppylanedesign.com/">Poppy Lane Design</a></div>
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Food & Drink: <a href="http://saltandsmokefood.com/">Salt & Smoke</a></div>
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Such a great afternoon! Which reminds me....I need to get to work on my <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/02/28-while-28-11-practice-calligraphy-for.html">1 hour of calligraphy</a> this week! Happy Sunday! </div>
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-49319533940095598172015-03-18T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-18T08:00:09.360-05:00Mal's 28 While 28 Compiled List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a look at the list in one place. I have made copies and have them in each room of the house, my car and at work; so that I don't "forget" a few months down the line. Find one you want to help me with, or have ideas for...let me know! I'm really excited to get started! </div>
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<br />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-65356444612284144972015-03-17T09:18:00.000-05:002015-03-17T09:18:31.646-05:0028 While 28 #28 - Back to School!<b>28. Back to School! </b>It's my birthday, y'all!<br />
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So, I hope that you guys have enjoyed my little blogging spree as much as I have...and I hope it wasn't too much of a social media beat down for you either! :) </div>
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When I entered into 2015, school was not on my mind in the slightest, but God's timing is His own....and why would I complain about that? In Mid-January, the thought started flickering in the back of my mind after chatting with two friends who were thinking about going back to school themselves. Then I did some minor research of my own...that turned into a lot of research and then all of the sudden I had an appointment with an academic councilor. </div>
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I'm planning on getting a degree in Digital Media Design. Let me tell you all of the feelings I have: excitement, fear, nerves, fear, happy, fear, doubt, fear....you name it....I'm feeling it. Plus fear, lots of fear! </div>
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So, I feel pretty crazy for setting myself up to do this long list of things AND go back to school (which once upon a time did not go so well for Mallory)<b>, </b>on top of what I already thought was a busy life. </div>
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Starting this summer, I'll begin a new chapter in my life! Thanks in advance for your encouragement in my journey, and I'll keep you updated on my 28 while 28 challenge! </div>
Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-23116136853603239602015-03-16T11:33:00.000-05:002015-03-16T11:33:37.049-05:0028 Whie 28 #27 - Create our Christmas Card<b>27. Create our Christmas Card. </b>Last year I spent entirely too much time finding the "perfect" Christmas card. It's small stuff like this that I spend hours and hours obsessing over, that quite frankly, don't matter. Well, that's not true...I care, a few of you might care, but in the big realm of things...OK, OK, you get it.<br />
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I think it would be fun to create our Christmas card for this upcoming year. I mean, I would probably spend the same amount of time creating (practicing my Adobe skills) than I would searching through pages and pages of of Christmas card options. </div>
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Here is our card from 2014. It's from <a href="http://www.maydesigns.com/">May Designs</a>, whom I LOVE! (If you want a colorful <a href="https://instagram.com/maydesigns/">Insta</a> to follow, they're your guy!)<br />
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-18117758191463501662015-03-15T17:34:00.000-05:002015-03-16T08:18:48.144-05:0028 While 28 #26 - Move My Blog to a .COM<b>26. Move My Blog to a .COM. </b>Guys...It is 2 days til my birthday, and we are coming to a close on my 28 while 28 list!<br />
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<a href="http://charmandgumption.com/collections/printables-office/products/instant-download-bloggers-gonna-blog-print">Charm & Gumption</a></div>
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I have wanted to move my blog to a .COM for a few months now. But of course, my indecision has left me crippled in the same place I started (5 years ago). I get stuck on whether I should go with <a href="https://wordpress.com/">Wordpress</a> or <a href="http://squarespace.com/">Squarespace</a>. I can't decide if Home Stew is the name I want to go forward with, and so much more. I've read many other blogger's opinions on what they feel is the best site to go with. Truth of the matter is, I need to just make a decision! I'm not going to get much done in life (or on here) if I go around second guessing everything I do.<br />
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I feel like this would be a good time to share with you the reasons I blog:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I take joy in any and all things creative. </span></div>
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Whether it is something that I have created and want to share with you, or if it's sharing other's creativity; I need an outlet to share it. I suck at writing/grammar. My photography is a strugg (<a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/02/2828-2.html">hopefully not forever</a>) and I have a tendency to second guess myself...as mentioned multiple times before! Despite these things, I like to make people laugh, and share a small chunk of my world with those of you who take the time to read. I am constantly thinking about about my blog - how I can better myself for it, how it can better others and the purpose it serves. Quite frankly, I think I would be bored without it!<br />
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I think over the next year I will try not to take myself too seriously and just enjoy the community that I've been surrounded with the past 5 years. <br />
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With all that being said, does anyone have a preference for the two host sites mentioned above; or any advice on making the big move?Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-74971481687018049962015-03-14T17:32:00.000-05:002015-03-14T17:32:11.089-05:0028 While 28 #25. - Limit TV Time<b>25. Limit TV Time. </b>Jake and I are TV addicts. I thought about listing all the shows we watch on here, but it would be easier to just give you a TV guide. WE WATCH A LOT OF TV! This one is going to be a challenge for us (yes, us....any of these that are hard, I'm making Jake do it with me!). We've needed to do this for awhile...it will give us more time to do stuff around the house, work out, play with Dixie, hang with friends, etc.<br />
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I've already started cutting back a bit....mainly on my talk shows. It used to be Fallon, Meyers, DeGeneres and Kimmel. Now, it's just Fallon. </div>
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We are going to make special exceptions for OU football games, occasional Thunder or NFL games, and occasional awards show. </div>
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So, our magical # is 15 hours a week. Don't laugh if that is a lot for you....this will be a struggle for us! </div>
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-50211512751443520602015-03-13T14:39:00.000-05:002015-03-13T14:40:50.948-05:0028 While 28 #24 - Send 3 Care Packages<b>24. Send 3 Care Packages. </b>I think it would be fun to gather a few of my favorite things and send them to people. Not for a birthday gift or anything, but a friendly just because! I haven't decided yet who will be the recipients, maybe a friend who has had a bad week, or a complete stranger. We'll see!<br />
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Maybe something along the lines of <a href="http://www.youaremyfave.com/2014/04/02/an-easter-basket-for-grown-ups-most-likely-of-the-lady-variety-is-my-fave/">this one, by You Are My Fave</a>.<br />
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-15371220821828720282015-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-12T08:00:03.172-05:0028 While 28 #23 - Create an Invitation<b>23. Create an Invitation using Illustrator. </b>Earlier this year I took <a href="http://shop.jonesdesigncompany.com/product/simplified-graphic-design-class/">Jones Design Co's Simplified Graphic Design Course</a> and I fell in love. She made it look so doable! If you're looking for a good intro course, this is a good one! Maybe I can create an invitation for <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/03/28-while-28-18-host-oscar-party.html">my Oscar party</a> or <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/02/28-while-28-1.html">for Friends-Giving!</a><br />
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-47578880148247526382015-03-11T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-11T08:00:00.889-05:0028 While 28 #22 - Organize Our Master Closet<b>22. Organize Our Master Closet. </b>Another struggle in my life. You know it's an issue when your co-workers ask if an outfit is new...and it's just from the "bottom of the disastrous closet" pile. That is our current situation. Fortunately, we have a pretty decent sized closet...so room isn't really an issue. It will just be a matter of keeping up the organization once I get it to that point. I'm kind of embarrassed to put our issues on front street like this....but hey....this is the only way I can be held accountable! <br />
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UGH! Cringe. Obviously we have too much sh*t...so it will be nice to cleanse ourselves of junk in the process. WELP, there ya have it....probably one of the most embarrassing posts yet (except for some of the earlier ones....those are struggs as well)! :) Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-16325891239576018012015-03-10T09:00:00.000-05:002015-03-10T19:26:18.629-05:0028 While 28 #21 - 28 Keep It Local Spots<b>21. Dine/Shop at 28 Keep It Local Spots. </b><a href="http://www.keepitlocalok.com/">Keep It Local</a> is a pretty cool organization that highlights any and all things local to Oklahoma. When you buy from these stores, most offer discounts when you present your card (that pays for itself after a few stops). These shops are usually the best places to eat and shop.... and I'm all about supporting local businesses!<br>
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<img alt="Local is for Lovers tee" height="640" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0520/7189/products/tee-local-rolled_large.jpg?v=1404872154" width="454"></div>
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<b><a href="http://collectedthread.com/collections/clothing">Collected Thread</a></b></div>
Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-32010094893871920862015-03-09T09:00:00.000-05:002015-03-09T09:00:05.571-05:0028 While 28 #20 - Complete Our Dave Ramsey Budget<b>20. Complete Our Dave Ramsey Budget</b><br />
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A year ago Jake and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course. It was a great class and it got us really talking about our finances and getting us on the same page. BUT we haven't really been putting it to practice. For some reason money is a really sensitive subject for me. It makes me freeze up anytime it is brought up. I even get flustered when it comes to tipping a waiter. It's ridiculous, I'm an adult...but every single time we have tried to sit down and work on our budget, I bust in to tears. Not because I'm being told that my decorating budget is out of control or that I shop online too often (although, it is, and I do...). It just starts giving me a headache anytime we start crunching numbers. Well, that needs to change. So this year we have to master our budget! Please send me good vibes on this....even typing this I'm dreading our inevitable sit down. <br />
<b> </b><br /><img alt="This made me laugh" class="pinImage" height="448" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6b/a1/b9/6ba1b9fa02d22b4045124fa8b6d66661.jpg" width="640" />Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-15470571064245532092015-03-08T00:45:00.000-06:002015-03-08T00:45:23.334-06:0028 While 28 #19 - Organize My Office<b>19. Organize My Office</b><br />
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For the past year our office has been many things. First, a place to store wedding gifts > my clothes when I first moved in > room of random furniture > boxes and boxes of Zoe Lane stuff when I quit selling > to my junky craft room<b> </b>and so on.<br />
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I've already started the process of getting this room ready to go. First, I did a MAJOR deep clean. I threw away A LOT and got it fairly organized. Then I ruined that by pushing everything in to the middle of the room so I could go from the <i>lovely</i> shade of pink to a crisp white.<br />
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Here is what I would like to get accomplished in my office over the next year*:<br />
1. Shelving <br />
2. Paint the two doors (I'm thinking <a href="http://wonderfullymadebyleslie.blogspot.com/2015/01/chalkboard-door.html">this</a>, thanks for the idea Leslie!)<br />
3. Organize, organize, organize!<br />
4. Stenciled accent wall<br />
5. Rug<br />
6. Curtains<br />
7. Chair<br />
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*Like I mentioned in my <a href="http://homestew.blogspot.com/2015/03/28-while-28-16-finish-our-master-bedroom.html">Master Bedroom Update</a>, I see that shockingly hideous maroon carpet. Realistically, our budget doesn't allow us to get new flooring quite yet. So for now we go for really big rugs! <br />
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Here are a few of my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/MalPalStew/office-space/">office inspirations</a>:<br />
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<img alt="Camille Styles' tidy, chic office. #modernfurniture #modernoffice #pinkoffice" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/98/40/20/984020a02382bf1169d52d8cdcf6c2cf.jpg" width="425" /> </div>
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Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3919220665530536168.post-7770146227609015662015-03-07T22:53:00.002-06:002015-03-07T22:53:52.100-06:0028 While 28 #18 - Host an Oscar Party<b>18. Host an Oscar Party</b><br />
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I<b> love</b> awards shows. My first memory of watching the Oscar's was in the 6th grade when Titanic was up for best picture and my mom let me stay up to watch it...and I've been hooked ever since! I've always wanted to throw a watch party with some girlfriends, play Oscar bingo, drink champ and turn in our ballots. So this is the year! Along with throwing an Oscar party, I will be watching all of the films that are up for best picture. I'm so pumped! Is it too soon to begin planning for 2016?<br />
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<img alt="Oscar Party DIY + Free Printable Ballot" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/49/a6/e149a6a4ccd031c8e79b1a365f2b78c6.jpg" width="426" /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.studiodiy.com/2012/02/22/oscar-party-diy-free-printable-ballot/">Studio DIY</a> </div>
Malhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802643685762308398noreply@blogger.com0