tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51911421030510084472024-03-13T20:56:10.630-07:00Spruce Your NestFinding unique and thrify ways to decorate your home.Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-27922156628236697392012-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:002012-08-27T06:00:15.842-07:00Re-make of an Old Favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you ever mistakenly created a work of art? I did just that when I painted this old <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/04/side-table-from-trash-to-treasure.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>table</strong></span></a>...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RoOFtXo5mwuu6vXnWqn3k-TSF_G9pSOtN-ZaBcapLumFBBrlrgc3XrNKaD93g-TkRB0xbuTFjKxYp_hksgnzTyYr1KVRKOkxvS7YY_QOq431DcigPIyPmqFJqCzJ7yxQ7ZbmffT1xYY/s1600/table+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RoOFtXo5mwuu6vXnWqn3k-TSF_G9pSOtN-ZaBcapLumFBBrlrgc3XrNKaD93g-TkRB0xbuTFjKxYp_hksgnzTyYr1KVRKOkxvS7YY_QOq431DcigPIyPmqFJqCzJ7yxQ7ZbmffT1xYY/s640/table+005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The stain that I used over the CeCe Calwell's paint soaked in so quickly and completely changed the color of the paint and I LOVED it! </div>
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However; since that was not the look that I was going for originally, and I created it just by happenstance, I have been wondering weather or not it was possible to create this look again.</div>
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Unfortunately, that beautiful table has had a rough life and no matter how hard we tried, it is still very crooked and wobbly so was I was unable to sell it.</div>
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My mom gave me this cute little table to makeover and I thought it would be the perfect test to see if I could recreate my precious table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMGTkZ5gytLvAOHwF2tMBAqmTQ3NswfI1ezTBRESJuQ9UcA12ag_Y-lmoXRf-MzWZYhyphenhyphennU8gAvqQn8Z4p4a1W9CvhjzMgMo4_IMVvyylD1-3uIfYl7E7pmT0SQCxQpn4hySmk14Ho7n0/s1600/table+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMGTkZ5gytLvAOHwF2tMBAqmTQ3NswfI1ezTBRESJuQ9UcA12ag_Y-lmoXRf-MzWZYhyphenhyphennU8gAvqQn8Z4p4a1W9CvhjzMgMo4_IMVvyylD1-3uIfYl7E7pmT0SQCxQpn4hySmk14Ho7n0/s640/table+before.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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I am very happy to say it worked! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRllAmUs3dXcnJO78N7UqeipcWX4VyPqO8v_b8Yy9Ef_WI9zX3ySbfgGiBj5UL42vyrocWcK28BTxzufZ5zDN8o5yDPZHkcANXueDmjORcZ9mSuF7ZixGRMhat55hN-zoqFPXE-n4vOE/s1600/table+after+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRllAmUs3dXcnJO78N7UqeipcWX4VyPqO8v_b8Yy9Ef_WI9zX3ySbfgGiBj5UL42vyrocWcK28BTxzufZ5zDN8o5yDPZHkcANXueDmjORcZ9mSuF7ZixGRMhat55hN-zoqFPXE-n4vOE/s640/table+after+2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I simply painted one coat of CeCe Calwell's Santa Fe Turquoise<em> <strong>the key to get this look is to not be exact with your brush strokes, make strokes in all different directions and don't try to go for too much coverage.</strong></em> After it dried I lightly sanded a couple areas that I wanted to be more effected by the stain, then I put my dark walnut stain on a cloth and wiped on and then wiped it again with a clean cloth. </div>
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Usually, I am very careful about using stain because it is quite hard to correct a mistake. That makes this project even more fun because you can put as much or as little stain on your rag and just go to town. Don't over think it or let the perfectionist side of you come out...just go with it and see how amazing your finish project looks!</div>
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Here's a view of her top...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonpHPaVkHqihjB8yJZ0d0jmT_ksR2qYV6jN5vSozk5MptA0TTrvzpq-cHBc8PjIuQ20NOCkCEEBOPicOC20eXqsid7mt4fSxxx0eCUf99ErvRoo0HGaU3RAcW_-Rci_52tLb0fgcKOmo/s1600/Table+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonpHPaVkHqihjB8yJZ0d0jmT_ksR2qYV6jN5vSozk5MptA0TTrvzpq-cHBc8PjIuQ20NOCkCEEBOPicOC20eXqsid7mt4fSxxx0eCUf99ErvRoo0HGaU3RAcW_-Rci_52tLb0fgcKOmo/s640/Table+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now her legs...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsDc4t2iyndn-XIZR7aqMaoblldM5E-30eauVnAvyIyQBHk423kZx80Cr37V0cYZ9bydUwnjuM6EEB3EjaSjuFcWEgEiB9GzHNAnWwoOa-wRWNkCukSTicVQR-XTFb8TsAyljHt95CiI/s1600/table+legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CeCe Caldwell's Paint, stain, Turquoise, DIY, Table " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsDc4t2iyndn-XIZR7aqMaoblldM5E-30eauVnAvyIyQBHk423kZx80Cr37V0cYZ9bydUwnjuM6EEB3EjaSjuFcWEgEiB9GzHNAnWwoOa-wRWNkCukSTicVQR-XTFb8TsAyljHt95CiI/s640/table+legs.jpg" title="stain, table legs" width="282" /></a></div>
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Aren't they beautiful?! </div>
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My goal for the finished look of this table was a messy, unique and striking piece of furniture. </div>
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What do you think? Does the imperfection make this piece noticeable or just make you nuts?</div>
Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-61168210469403119312012-08-23T22:47:00.000-07:002012-08-23T22:47:13.316-07:00Friday Funny #11<div align="center">
I'm back and so are my Friday Funny's!!</div>
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This is seriously so true, it's almost not funny!</div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" height="448" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/33354853460558553_CpD2O6LA_c.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Happy Friday all!!</div>
Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-17996291157175498482012-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:002012-08-23T05:00:00.269-07:00How to Make a Wine Barrel Umbrella Stand<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi everyone! I'm back from my <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/08/bloggy-vacation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Bloggy Vacation</strong></span></a> and I am so excited! I am sharing one of my favorite summer projects over at <a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>The Southern Institute </strong></span></a>today! </div>
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I am sharing a simple DIY outdoor project.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Here is a little sneak peak for you...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jMlbVnQYQwyoUp-wc3CSgGxswfmln0tNXrbhCQJKUMPn1Hf6UmIZUCw2Q0BI9VfWSS7fsqgoz-fG89zD2VF3TmE_XcQ3dQ2qW4Sa7Hx_kSI8rTYGQi65qtYUrsHH7yhz9GWIPSsAkD4/s1600/july+7,+2012+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="yard umbrella, wine barrel, petunias" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jMlbVnQYQwyoUp-wc3CSgGxswfmln0tNXrbhCQJKUMPn1Hf6UmIZUCw2Q0BI9VfWSS7fsqgoz-fG89zD2VF3TmE_XcQ3dQ2qW4Sa7Hx_kSI8rTYGQi65qtYUrsHH7yhz9GWIPSsAkD4/s640/july+7,+2012+043.jpg" title="wine barrel umbrella stand" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />If you want to learn how to make your own wine barrel umbrella stand, hop on over to <a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Jenny's amazing blog</strong></span></a> to see the step by step tutorial.</div>
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Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-41392281613447051992012-08-07T19:31:00.001-07:002012-08-07T19:31:52.041-07:00Bloggy Vacation<div align="center">
Happy Tuesday everyone!! </div>
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As I am sure you all have noticed<em> or maybe you haven't ha ha!!</em> I have been a little MIA lately.</div>
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Believe me it is not because I don't want to be blogging my heart out...<em>my new slogan should be "I'd rather be blogging!"</em></div>
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Unfortunately, my life is just a wee bit hectic at the moment and I cannot keep up with my blogging. </div>
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Rather than have you all wait around for a new post or post have hearted projects, I have decided to take a 2 week bloggy vacation.</div>
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I will be back on August 23rd and I am going to be doing a guest post somewhere very exciting, so please make sure you come back...<strong><em>please, please, please!!!</em></strong></div>
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I hope you are all having a fabulous summer! </div>
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</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-69612058722483610092012-07-24T21:57:00.002-07:002012-07-24T21:57:41.146-07:00The Beauty of Wood<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">You all know how much I love a good painted furniture makeover, but sometimes it's easy to overlook the original beauty in a piece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been dying to get my hands on a piece of furniture in which I can simply focus on bringing out the furniture's inner beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until then, here are some of my favorites out there from some talented ladies who scored some great pieces to work on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Julie </span><a href="http://551eastdesign.blogspot.com/p/portfolio_22.html#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>@ 551 East</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> never ceases to amaze me! One of my favorite makeovers she has done is this beautiful Ombre dresser!</span> </div>
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<img alt="551 East Furniture, stained dresser" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/130111876705221563_5o6fOkO2_c.jpg" title="Ombre Dresser" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then there's Mandi<span style="color: #660000;"><strong> </strong></span></span><a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2012/07/faux-butcher-block-desk.html#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>@ Vintage Revivals</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, who created this beautiful desk with just the simple use of stain!</span> </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="vintage revivals, wood stain" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hLUdIuLCVrk/UARZuiU06mI/AAAAAAAAHmU/fRgMwqKC88g/ScotchBlue%252520Striped%252520Desk%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="butcher block desk" width="470" /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last, but most certainly not least is this stunning Indian Inlay Stencil Table from </span><a href="http://www.domesticimperfection.com/2012/07/indian-inlay-stenciled-table/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>Domestic Imperfection</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. The work that Ashley put into this table really paid off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="domestic impefection, stencil, stained table, painted chairs" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2449" height="482" src="http://www.domesticimperfection.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2824W-650x506.jpg" title="Stenciled Table" width="620" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wood isn't so boring now, is it?</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-34753509583617173222012-07-17T21:28:00.000-07:002012-07-17T21:34:59.854-07:00Ombre Chair<div align="center">
<strong><em>Ombre </em></strong>- Comes from the French word meaning shaded or shading.</div>
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I'm sure you've noticed the explosive trend of Ombre hair and fashion filling the streets of Hollywood.<br />
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Even if you weren't aware of the term <em>Ombre </em>I'm sure you've spotted the ever popular hairstyle trend, seen by the likes of Drew Barrymore & Klohe Kardashian and all the multitudes in between.<br />
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<img alt="ombre hair trends, celebrity hair, drew" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kd6N24T_-bM/Td76P7b02FI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Zy3NZD_k7uk/s400/2ombre-hair-color-trend-2-1.jpg" title="Drew Barrymore Ombre hair" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ombre+hair&view=detail&id=8B853FAEFC144F9E062410B47C260D48BEE92FA4&first=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Drew Barrymore</strong></span></a></div>
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<img alt="celebrity hair trends, ombre hair" height="400" src="http://dailyvenusdiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ombre-hair-khloe-kardashian-533x800.jpg" title="klohe kardashian ombre hair" width="266" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ombre+hair+klohe+&view=detail&id=8E48829327FE5909E1FC96AAF66D008B0D6BD5BA" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Klohe Kardashian</span></strong></a></div>
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As any trend goes, it has spilled over into home decor & furniture and I LOVE it!<br />
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I have had this tired old chair sitting in our garage for weeks and I had lost all inspiration for it. I knew I wanted to do something different from the <a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/search/label/chairs" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>chairs</strong></span></a> I've done in the past. Then yesterday it hit me...<strong><em>Ombre!!</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAZjkxjdBd3pjE_msKTDQyFlwv8-o61ilZdjDLo2J4mEKlsd_F5Fm775h1mXhCk1IOQPZFw0gkNHvvrRNkzXAR3HWBD-3eiooNgsj5XAGV5Q68OohmTTKi9Kf9YlPGeazhULO2-1jUF8/s1600/ombre+chair+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAZjkxjdBd3pjE_msKTDQyFlwv8-o61ilZdjDLo2J4mEKlsd_F5Fm775h1mXhCk1IOQPZFw0gkNHvvrRNkzXAR3HWBD-3eiooNgsj5XAGV5Q68OohmTTKi9Kf9YlPGeazhULO2-1jUF8/s640/ombre+chair+002.jpg" title="old chair makeover" width="360" /></a></div>
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I picked up 3 cans of spray paint and if you've read my <a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/04/paint-reviews-latex-ascp-cece-caldwells.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">paint reviews post</span></strong></a> then you know spray paint is <strong><em>not</em></strong> my first choice, but for this type of project I knew it would be perfect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3UylXKd-c1c3-SnD1IhVS0-Ax_zZfw6k7CB_4d0cLGCR5a92-L5ERXphq_hneeDjR8lOYsSLus-0XPRu82uGnfDQRsOtDOPUFugfUtKIYtDwOscrVN_7ACckuLVb20qaBvpHriru_JY/s1600/ombre+chair+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3UylXKd-c1c3-SnD1IhVS0-Ax_zZfw6k7CB_4d0cLGCR5a92-L5ERXphq_hneeDjR8lOYsSLus-0XPRu82uGnfDQRsOtDOPUFugfUtKIYtDwOscrVN_7ACckuLVb20qaBvpHriru_JY/s400/ombre+chair+005.jpg" title="spray painting furniture" width="400" /></a></div>
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So here she is...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqoetsTxoaDxVxRTeHrwJVFkNwVLzOCk4PDb00HSyI956MWY33ZcKYWdzssaDEVppDiG1fnQqolPAJg8xHUf5khcsaf9vRmygGVjBgLcVNHTY-ysL2tZ5kNJKfbwV2U0qnL5dtI7RZoY/s1600/ombre+chair+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqoetsTxoaDxVxRTeHrwJVFkNwVLzOCk4PDb00HSyI956MWY33ZcKYWdzssaDEVppDiG1fnQqolPAJg8xHUf5khcsaf9vRmygGVjBgLcVNHTY-ysL2tZ5kNJKfbwV2U0qnL5dtI7RZoY/s640/ombre+chair+008.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwQ6NzCp6tq-MazmFiLTvTZeVr3cDRVaNWlcoKphhBndykrf2cXVJqlT1DSec8G6qFfAniF-kZ22tXAKblNHVJU2xpmIMZnAP0ls0CvF5J15qZk4tz2ncAegJbE7QUM1eI5pEDze3_r8/s1600/ombre+chair+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fabric seat cover, ombre chair, ombre furniture, painting furniture" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwQ6NzCp6tq-MazmFiLTvTZeVr3cDRVaNWlcoKphhBndykrf2cXVJqlT1DSec8G6qFfAniF-kZ22tXAKblNHVJU2xpmIMZnAP0ls0CvF5J15qZk4tz2ncAegJbE7QUM1eI5pEDze3_r8/s640/ombre+chair+028.jpg" title="ombre chair" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiShPC3ibN8s7hJlCoOPUXzBbpXxv1dumKVkMvZUCCH0ShAGfYTadtaHDaUHwDD_zKtdn88dQc6LHa6uMJ7RItfvmD7V4pFhFfDK6dPtWAlU9g8zFUxyWx-MBeMRKEsmMMMfFGS7X168/s1600/ombre+chair+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ombre, chair, spray painting furniture" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiShPC3ibN8s7hJlCoOPUXzBbpXxv1dumKVkMvZUCCH0ShAGfYTadtaHDaUHwDD_zKtdn88dQc6LHa6uMJ7RItfvmD7V4pFhFfDK6dPtWAlU9g8zFUxyWx-MBeMRKEsmMMMfFGS7X168/s640/ombre+chair+033.jpg" title="Ombre furniture" width="360" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Do you love the Ombre style as much as I do?</div>
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<br />Linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">here</span></strong></a> and I will be sharing this project over at <a href="http://www.momsfunmoney.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mom's Fun Money</strong></span></a>.</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-56697343399427919852012-07-12T21:25:00.002-07:002012-07-15T20:30:19.586-07:00My New Drug of Choice<div align="center">
Melt it down to liquid form over an open flame and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBNV8vKEN2snuad_7yQYrH165IHPjWWaFQ5lEshEVrA5rwdTPCJfSnftKo_mFiDZLtoVureEuAfzZw6vQSQrJZYJVTggwunGn7vz2xEZYbmek_kIXDKut1HI9KNZKPGcuqE8JBXUjDdM/s1600/coconut+oil+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBNV8vKEN2snuad_7yQYrH165IHPjWWaFQ5lEshEVrA5rwdTPCJfSnftKo_mFiDZLtoVureEuAfzZw6vQSQrJZYJVTggwunGn7vz2xEZYbmek_kIXDKut1HI9KNZKPGcuqE8JBXUjDdM/s640/coconut+oil+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The lists of things this miracle drug can do are never ending:</div>
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Inrease metabolism</h3>
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Reverse signs of Alzheimers</h3>
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Reduce Wrinkles</h3>
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Help infections internally and externally</h3>
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Heal burns and rashes</h3>
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and the list goes on...</h3>
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<em>So what is this miracle drug you ask?</em></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>Coconut Oil!!</strong></span></div>
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If you read my recent <a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/07/ive-got-goal.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>post</strong></span></a> about trying to get my health back, this is one thing I have added to my routine.</div>
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I have been one known to jump in and try something <em>and make my whole family try it as well</em> (apple cider vinegar shots for one example) only to find out it did absolutely nothing for me, except make my husband never trust my suggestions again ;)</div>
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So this time I haven't forced anyone into trying it, which I am sure they appreciate, and I have waited 2 months before reporting back my results.</div>
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I have been taking 1 Tb of Coconut Oil before breakfast and 1 Tb before dinner and have noticed that it definitely seems to curb my appetite and gives me a full sensation sooner than with my meal alone. I have had days where I have forgotten to take it and when I look back at my meals I can see I definitely eat more without it.<br />
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I also feel less tired throughout the day, which is a definite plus for me!<br />
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You can use it in your cooking as well...in place of butter or other oils. When it is cooked it doesn't taste like coconut hardly at all! I even used it when making scrambled eggs (don't tell my husband) and they tasted great! <br />
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It has almost no tasted when taking it by the spoonful once you heat it up. <strong>Please beware that your spoon will be extremely hot!</strong><br />
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One caution about taking it orally is that I <em><strong>never</strong> </em>take it without food. I take it about 5 minutes before I eat. If I took it without food, I know I would get an upset stomach. I also worked my way up to 2 tablespoons a day so that my body was used to it. You can take as many as 4 tablespoons a day.</div>
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I have also been using it on my face as lotion. It seemed crazy to me at first <em>I mean it is oil after all</em>!! I first started only using it at night and then I ran out of my regular face lotion so I used it one morning and I was so nervous, especially because I have oily skin to begin with. To my suprise, my face was only oily for a few minutes. I now use it every morning! After my shower I put a small amount in my hand and rub it in my skin. I follow with my bronzer and my normal makeup. It gives me a nice glow, without seeming greasy. </div>
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It has helped reduce those pesky wrinkles on my forehead and those crows feet on my eyes. I still definitely have my wrinkles, but they used to be way more pronounced!<br />
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I promise this is the only time that you will see me without makeup ;) I wanted to make sure you saw the real thing, this is about 2 minutes after applying the Coconut Oil.<br />
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I have been using Nature's Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDsIgXEBjSUley9wcK3nX1EgRDISbPFkw0k-409oRJkmb9fW-oiIiU9DKSZQQiIYBvpdhMK8XITjbZhJ6ZXM9dyeGiBkh_6Cf5O3jflA6wNe2V1GG5goWNlz48P8Ira4eFuG2kz7QSj8/s1600/Coconut+oil+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDsIgXEBjSUley9wcK3nX1EgRDISbPFkw0k-409oRJkmb9fW-oiIiU9DKSZQQiIYBvpdhMK8XITjbZhJ6ZXM9dyeGiBkh_6Cf5O3jflA6wNe2V1GG5goWNlz48P8Ira4eFuG2kz7QSj8/s640/Coconut+oil+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are a million different brands to choose from. The most important thing is to make sure that it is Virgin or Extra Virgin and that it is Cold Pressed. I also wanted to find organic since I knew I was going to be using it on my skin. The only reason I chose this brand is that it was at our local Fred Meyer for 50% off! It was normally around $28. It is about 1/2 full and I have been using it daily for 2 months. You definitely get your money's worth.</div>
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Anyone else use Coconut in their daily diet? </div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-71563487360555873952012-07-11T21:39:00.002-07:002012-07-11T21:39:38.435-07:00Summer Color Decor!<div align="center">
Since it's 100 degrees out and I have no motivation to go in out garage and start painting any of my projects, I thought I would share some inspiration photos...</div>
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I am in love with color! I definitely adore the all white rooms, but color just really makes me happy!</div>
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If you have followed my blog for any length of time you would probably realize this pretty quickly from my <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/01/impossible-is-no-longer-impossible.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>orange & blue table</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/04/side-table-from-trash-to-treasure.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">side table</span></strong></a>, <a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2011/11/habitat-heroes-link-party.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">hutch</span></strong></a>, and other paint color choices.</div>
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So here are some of my favorite <a href="http://pinterest.com/SpruceYourNest/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Pinterest</span></strong></a> inspirations...</div>
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<img alt="buffet, blue, yellow walls" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/191262315395268521_oSaHlQ0d_c.jpg" title="buffet" /></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/130111876705126363/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>via</strong></span></a></div>
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I am absolutely in love with everything about this! Mustard yellow has always been a favorite of mine, and when you mix it with the blue and dark stain, it is just Heaven!!</div>
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<img alt="green and blue living room, colorful curtains" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/240238961342772445_ZLOnTcsB_c.jpg" title="colorful living room" /></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/130111876705126352/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>via</strong></span></a></div>
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I have to admit, if I saw those curtains at the store I would run in the other direction! That just shows you how much a truly know about decorating ;-) </div>
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But the combination of fabrics and colors in this room just bring a smile to my face. This is a room that i would love to come home to everyday.</div>
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<img alt="blue house, yellow door, pop of color, white trim, shutters" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/53761789271437015_wxm71kcP_c.jpg" title="blue house" /></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/130111876704177763/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">via</span></strong></a></div>
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How could you ever be in a bad mood if this was your entrance! It is just stunning! I think I may be able to convince my husband that we <em>have</em> to paint our house in these colors..."a happy wife equals a happy life" right, and I would be forever happy to have that door!</div>
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Ta ta for now. Soon I will be showing you some colorful projects of my own...</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-27983712251103664482012-07-10T06:30:00.000-07:002012-07-10T06:30:01.154-07:00I've Got a Goal!<div align="center">
So today is my 8 year anniversary with my sweet and patient husband! It is hard to believe that it's been 8 years, especially because we started out as friends at 5 years old...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y440LWf3Gn75O0M4EG9EnzO5Q275s1cQ4RY0XxeZFXuNfFbnlh0BQR7C-Nq4OoXvXL-qjUxzwh6eviG4ZtcV15kF259R2lprSOvB16MWrH603HWLctWW7XVrnTimW4eX4pSxU519Zzo/s1600/brian+&+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y440LWf3Gn75O0M4EG9EnzO5Q275s1cQ4RY0XxeZFXuNfFbnlh0BQR7C-Nq4OoXvXL-qjUxzwh6eviG4ZtcV15kF259R2lprSOvB16MWrH603HWLctWW7XVrnTimW4eX4pSxU519Zzo/s320/brian+&+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the poor quality, but what do you expect from a McDonald's birthday party 25 years ago?</div>
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To celebrate our anniversary, his Birthday, my Birthday in January and the next four Christmas' we are going on a spontaneous trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!</div>
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I am so excited, I can't even begin to tell you! We are going with a few other couples and this will be our first trip with no kids!</div>
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So you are probably wondering what on earth this has to do with me having a goal...I only have 2 months to get in phenomenal shape! <strong><em>Okay, phenomenal shape may be out of the question...but a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle change would be a great start.</em></strong></div>
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I am so disappointed with myself because I worked out like crazy after having my second child and was in the best shape of my life and then the last two years I have slowly gotten back to where I started from. One of the main reasons could be that I have a major addition to CANDY! Anything sour or sweet will be gone at my house in about 5 seconds!</div>
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<img alt="candy, health, losing weight" height="314" src="http://drreeceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sour-candy-lg.jpg" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;" title="candy" width="400" /></div>
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It is no joke, I am seriously drooling over that picture right now!</div>
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So I am telling you all today in hopes that you will help hold me accountable to my new path to health.</div>
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Here is my current plan:</div>
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1. I am tracking my calories on <a href="http://www.slimkicker.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Slim Kicker</strong></span></a>. I am not a good dieter, I do so much better allowing myself to still eat what I want, but control my portions and calories throughout the day.</div>
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2. I got a gym membership to a gym that is about .2 seconds from my work and have started going on my lunch break <em><strong>I am so sorry to all my co-workers who have to be around me when I return.</strong></em></div>
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3. I started doing my Insanity workout again. I cannot commit to 6 days a week of insanity, but I am hoping to at least do 3.</div>
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My ultimate goal is that when September rolls around that I will be laying by this pool without a care in the world, <strong><em>even if I haven't lost the </em>weight</strong>, but I really hope by spilling my plans to you all that I will be laying there with a sense of accomplishment.</div>
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<img alt="Pools & gardens, puerta vallarta, swimming, vacation" height="424" src="http://www.riu.com/en/binaris/XPAC-07D-08-(A3)_tcm55-31659.jpg" title="pool" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g679578-d1097502-Reviews-Riu_Palace_Pacifico-Riviera_Nayarit_Pacific_Coast.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>via</strong></span></a></div>
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Anyone else on a journey to get healthy? </div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-73927639689432262202012-07-02T20:39:00.003-07:002012-07-08T21:48:26.506-07:003rd Times a Charm!<div align="center">
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My dear old gate <strong><em>a two time project fail </em></strong>finally found its place in our home, well actually outside our home...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxwGJoB4V4IUGGEJDEzd5KIoHOo_IlUt8WUOrNxlnCtwGfxEBIM82_-psqFty_4FWGCXLPcvls7H26ivJhlgXi2k8Wms4vs_DFWNRws8cXZd4BuyOY8fqUTG31ZTZR6AwOegbSLvFNuw/s1600/flower+gate+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="buckets, gate for flowers, porch" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxwGJoB4V4IUGGEJDEzd5KIoHOo_IlUt8WUOrNxlnCtwGfxEBIM82_-psqFty_4FWGCXLPcvls7H26ivJhlgXi2k8Wms4vs_DFWNRws8cXZd4BuyOY8fqUTG31ZTZR6AwOegbSLvFNuw/s640/flower+gate+2.jpg" title="petunias in buckets" width="360" /></a></div>
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I first thought that the perfect use for this gate was to plant some <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/02/dining-room-complete.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>herbs</strong></span></a> in our dining room...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGavxruEAh49XgYyfbL5rvlMYN2OAQxImd1smVkvd9E3l10oUpW5qXxQjJ9Z4VR0vH6kAz4-VpUqfe9Wg-hL07qMmnWqXItLkrPGBRJyrKUB_O4dYxYKTAuw2W7B2BnQj2vG88aoxh2MM/s1600/dining+room+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="herbs, pots, gate" border="0" closure_uid_qfg6wi="5" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGavxruEAh49XgYyfbL5rvlMYN2OAQxImd1smVkvd9E3l10oUpW5qXxQjJ9Z4VR0vH6kAz4-VpUqfe9Wg-hL07qMmnWqXItLkrPGBRJyrKUB_O4dYxYKTAuw2W7B2BnQj2vG88aoxh2MM/s640/dining+room+010.jpg" title="gate herb garden" width="360" /></a></div>
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Well, that didn't go so well...they didn't get enough sunlight and stayed too damp in their pots. They ended up looking pretty much like that lovely bottom bucket ;)</div>
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So then I tried to just plant some little shade flowers, but those too, became an ultimate failure!</div>
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The main problem to these adorable little pots is that they held way too much moisture in and I knew the only solution would be to drill some holes in the bottom to allow for some drainage <strong><em>which was not about to happen with them hanging in our dining room...</em></strong></div>
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So the perfect solution was to hang this old, tattered, beauty outside when we did our <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-have-new-backyard-phase-2.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">backyard makeover</span></strong></a>!</div>
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I was almost scared to show them at first, thinking that I would of course kill whatever I planted with my black thumb again, but I am happy to report that the little red petunias are loving their new home!</div>
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It only took <em>5 months</em>, but finally my third attempt really is a charm!!</div>
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Linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here.</strong></span></a></div>
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</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-19512701503836806082012-06-29T20:37:00.000-07:002012-06-29T20:37:36.881-07:00Dead Air<div align="center">
I am sorry for the dead air on my blog lately...there has been a lot of craziness surrounding my life at the moment.<br />
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First, my cousin-in-law was killed in a hit and run, my other cousin-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, then my best friend's dad died in a freak accident and then after getting home from his funeral I found out that an old friend from highschool died as well this week. <br />
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It all reminds me how short life really is and how life can change on a dime. <br />
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Sometimes I wonder why on earth I write a blog...I mean does it really matter? <br />
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Does it matter that I tried a new type of paint or that I found the perfect fabric for my new chair? It all seems so trivial and self-centered. <br />
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I have sat down several times in the last week to write a post and I am just blank...<br />
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I have furniture in my garage, ready for me to tackle, and I am just blank...<br />
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I have toyed with giving up my blog completely, not because I don't enjoy it, but because I feel it isn't where I should be spending my time.<br />
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One of my biggest fears in starting a blog was that people would think I was starting blogging to get attention and show off my crazy, amazing, talented design skills ;-)<br />
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<em>If you have been following for any period of time, you deifnitely know that isn't the truth!</em> <br />
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In thinking about all of this lately I realized how much I have missed blogging and creating.<br />
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Home decor or any other hobby isn't a waste of time, it's a stress reliever and good for the soul. DIY projects have become my thing, I never expected it and I definitely didn't possess a natural talent for it, but I am addicted! <br />
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While God, my family, my friends and my work are the most important, somehow without tackling a new project I don't feel quite whole...<br />
<br />I mean who doesn't feel good about a great ugly duckly to beautiful swan project?<br />
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<img height="262" src="http://www.thamesvalleybirds.co.uk/attachments/bird-photos-general/5282d1213014609-ugly-duckling-well-moorhen-actually-jse_dscf1711-1-.jpg" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;" width="357" /><br />
<a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ugly+duckling+photos&view=detail&id=78DE919F09FC7E311A58FFA2FF887FE549E551CF&first=91&FORM=IDFRIR" target="_blank">via</a><br />
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<img height="2592" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/Mute_swan_Vrhnika.jpg" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;" width="3888" /><br />
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So today I am happy to say that I am back and I feel refreshed and excited to start creating and sharing again! I even bought some paint and fabric today ;-) <br />
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</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-23558363422466419972012-06-22T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-22T06:00:02.582-07:00Friday Funny #10<div align="center">
Hi everyone!!</div>
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Happy Friday!!! </div>
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Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy a laugh...</div>
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I promise that I am not a mean and malicious person, but I just might wish this on you if we were in a fight ;-)</div>
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I mean seriously how many times have you done this...OUCH!!</div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/upload/267893877804584221_uOAxXPfE_c.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/130111876704996808/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>via</strong></span></a></div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-54481215977725101412012-06-15T21:40:00.000-07:002012-06-15T21:45:27.330-07:00How to Make an Outdoor Rug from a Tablecloth<div align="center">
So now that I showed you our new <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-have-new-backyard-phase-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>backyard</strong></span></a>, it's time to show you some of the details.</div>
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As you know from my <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinterest-inspired-bathroom.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Pinterest Inspired Bathroom</strong></span></a>, I absolutely love trying out new projects to see if they are all they are cracked up to be, and today's post is no different.</div>
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I talked about some outdoor flooring ideas that I loved in one of my very first blog posts <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2011/08/outside-decor-part-2-flooring.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>, and I have been dying to try the outdoor rug project.</div>
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I actually bought a clearance table cloth from Target that I loved last year in preparation for this project...<em>I certainly didn't realize at the time that it would take a year before we started on the back yard.</em></div>
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I used<span style="color: #660000;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://hayestone.blogspot.com/2011/04/happy-monday-all-things-have-been.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>her</strong></span></a> same method of simply rolling on some water based polyurethane...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCufoPIchgfRwOjUtrfiuCf-l4jqQhCBQ4okFKDeLuKEn5gg6_lc5wUg4E-INTnsotk67VPk3W0ArlQyDxN4zOzCfSP6-Xb90AqmT3TWNeCFKqLaSKW6X32DkV-MCRWZX8_pU3c5QEYk/s1600/outdoor+rug+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="outdoor rugs, tablecloths, target" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCufoPIchgfRwOjUtrfiuCf-l4jqQhCBQ4okFKDeLuKEn5gg6_lc5wUg4E-INTnsotk67VPk3W0ArlQyDxN4zOzCfSP6-Xb90AqmT3TWNeCFKqLaSKW6X32DkV-MCRWZX8_pU3c5QEYk/s640/outdoor+rug+1.jpg" title="polyurethane" width="640" /></a></div>
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I coated the underside of the tablecloth first and let it dry and then did 2 coats of poly on the top side. I had exactly the right amount of poly in this can.</div>
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It got a little bit more stiff and I can wash it right off when the dogs and kids get it dirty! </div>
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It is a perfect solution for an outdoor rug! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr7whDsaDcfkrNPcDz11GqdC8YTGVlmYA2bD3oAc60LGvH7ef2TJOwkOO0aKV-DHNIZwcwNS-gwrKQxsR6hIJoYyAzU9aAK8rWoIWrOR-YUU9fFJNB_40HwTNeI3IrUa_7t-5vOLyg-k/s1600/outdoor+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tablecloth turned outdoor rug" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr7whDsaDcfkrNPcDz11GqdC8YTGVlmYA2bD3oAc60LGvH7ef2TJOwkOO0aKV-DHNIZwcwNS-gwrKQxsR6hIJoYyAzU9aAK8rWoIWrOR-YUU9fFJNB_40HwTNeI3IrUa_7t-5vOLyg-k/s640/outdoor+rug.jpg" title="outdoor patio" width="640" /></a></div>
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This rug cost a total of $32 ($22 for the poly & $10 for the clearance tablecloth). Outdoor rugs are quite expensive, especially if you want one with a pattern and there are so many colors and options to choose from in tablecloths, it is a genius solution!</div>
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<br />I'll be sharing this post over at <a href="http://www.momsfunmoney.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mom's Fun Money</strong></span></a> and linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.</div>
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</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-87777226033801281622012-06-10T20:51:00.000-07:002012-06-13T17:59:06.843-07:00We Have a New Backyard - Phase 2!!<div align="center">
Our backyard is almost complete! I am so excited to share how far we've come in the last week!</div>
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In case you missed it, you can catch up on the before <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-backyard-phase-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq3iy3GYvIy46qeX7yyd8lQtN57BuqidOp1O9GUA2viRwbiwuyu6oA9COrV0Fz2S34oKRd_rjFaJvA-TG8a0DkKEW4ZmoPA5vwTJPRcg-tL4vNVaLDb9VoIltI61Bks1VAnOd2J5LgOg/s1600/jenkins+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq3iy3GYvIy46qeX7yyd8lQtN57BuqidOp1O9GUA2viRwbiwuyu6oA9COrV0Fz2S34oKRd_rjFaJvA-TG8a0DkKEW4ZmoPA5vwTJPRcg-tL4vNVaLDb9VoIltI61Bks1VAnOd2J5LgOg/s640/jenkins+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pretty amazing transformation if I do say so myself!</div>
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Okay...not quite...<strong><em>remember we are on a </em></strong><a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2011/09/31-day-towards-financial-freedom.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong><em>budget</em></strong></span></a><strong><em> guys! </em></strong>This is our friend's beautiful pool where my husband installed some amazing lights :)</div>
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Here is our real backyard...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0692sABQ4rgm27J_hZnsdesVX90pheOHzvFdi99DLBNAC8-k4Hpg0ZTc9W_WS2nIrnZMZnAFcz9aYhRNQwOQypR0jDGOwtE_i_DAcx6xZypwwp4-WGDSuFrkswV3eIhCHG9IkhN9ykx4/s1600/july+7,+2012+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0692sABQ4rgm27J_hZnsdesVX90pheOHzvFdi99DLBNAC8-k4Hpg0ZTc9W_WS2nIrnZMZnAFcz9aYhRNQwOQypR0jDGOwtE_i_DAcx6xZypwwp4-WGDSuFrkswV3eIhCHG9IkhN9ykx4/s640/july+7,+2012+019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnlUR5oJC71NuPbeyJZBbyFfhyLs4L64ni5LIO3rAGIsLHyTrtcd6Lewy6pDGlVBaJCrmMkRcEX0AGBwvsCPDrWU5iNyFyCAo8frLT4L4Cz_LVraMI6jzISB3ZaHaw9UYfqyvj9WKI9o/s1600/july+7,+2012+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnlUR5oJC71NuPbeyJZBbyFfhyLs4L64ni5LIO3rAGIsLHyTrtcd6Lewy6pDGlVBaJCrmMkRcEX0AGBwvsCPDrWU5iNyFyCAo8frLT4L4Cz_LVraMI6jzISB3ZaHaw9UYfqyvj9WKI9o/s640/july+7,+2012+038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We still have a little ways too go, but it is a far cry from where we were a week ago...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW-rqjhFUBx89jsESKMilvRM4YioEbjwVXTBoUwjXx-42UGexAPuG6U6qTMHqoaMrFP9Qf8DECz8xrgbkHNfPfryuLcQ9knILb7sOsGG27M5_hB26Hcm2bexi6c-Uls0A7FXk1p-1xpQ/s1600/yard+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW-rqjhFUBx89jsESKMilvRM4YioEbjwVXTBoUwjXx-42UGexAPuG6U6qTMHqoaMrFP9Qf8DECz8xrgbkHNfPfryuLcQ9knILb7sOsGG27M5_hB26Hcm2bexi6c-Uls0A7FXk1p-1xpQ/s640/yard+001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll be sharing some more details soon and the final pictures when we finally finish!</div>
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<br />Linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a></div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-45756243593263241772012-06-06T23:11:00.001-07:002012-06-06T23:11:20.058-07:00New Backyard - Phase 1<div align="center">
So I always tell you that when there is a lag in my posting it is for good reason...it is no lie!</div>
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We have been so busy on one of the biggest projects we have done.</div>
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After a year of renting this house we are finally getting a back yard!!</div>
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Just in case you couldn't tell from all the exclamation points, <strong>I am really EXCITED!!!!!</strong></div>
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This is why we haven't had you over for any grand parties or BBQ's this past year...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7Xn3rlouFXBewFyTF9PGT7c8xbLxd7CRL17MJAPGmGUOme644rlHOvLqdRCnwdMFB2w0yb875g_wgsYPaZOPQjMUn6YrxT5QjwLvOeIyn4scDb6YZTJL3A9ctwFTOIRzwieRlOiQ5Qg/s1600/yard+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7Xn3rlouFXBewFyTF9PGT7c8xbLxd7CRL17MJAPGmGUOme644rlHOvLqdRCnwdMFB2w0yb875g_wgsYPaZOPQjMUn6YrxT5QjwLvOeIyn4scDb6YZTJL3A9ctwFTOIRzwieRlOiQ5Qg/s640/yard+001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just gorgeous right?! </div>
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Thanks to good friends and family and of course my amazing husband <em>who might not be as fond of me at the moment ;-) </em>we are really getting somewhere...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x9sYbzo8HyeuE7-bAP4pq7WV4NdOwilgEcsYneMA5IjXAQfoQkuf_JSV4uBuppnubslbRNxWnU53lnCkfmh6W7t8lsWCWiqtsxvaCMd3QG09J-duRxLbxXRJANEhnUei1-D9pwRpHK8/s1600/yard+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x9sYbzo8HyeuE7-bAP4pq7WV4NdOwilgEcsYneMA5IjXAQfoQkuf_JSV4uBuppnubslbRNxWnU53lnCkfmh6W7t8lsWCWiqtsxvaCMd3QG09J-duRxLbxXRJANEhnUei1-D9pwRpHK8/s640/yard+025.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqctLigEseagfxlWqtaAhRJTequZiyBO-jbhm6IcjAyFTPPd4Qars7mkRwyCa8ZkSKvisz6NNoVkiT5hGKTbNGA0ZXJI_mJ3BeOxj1KGAaS3cf46AwLuuUovPuO2sQDQ9aeO2I6DaAiAo/s1600/backyard+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqctLigEseagfxlWqtaAhRJTequZiyBO-jbhm6IcjAyFTPPd4Qars7mkRwyCa8ZkSKvisz6NNoVkiT5hGKTbNGA0ZXJI_mJ3BeOxj1KGAaS3cf46AwLuuUovPuO2sQDQ9aeO2I6DaAiAo/s640/backyard+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't wait to show you more this weekend!! </div>
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<strong>On second thought...who really needs a lawn after all?</strong></div>
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</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-53647099593552709942012-06-02T18:41:00.000-07:002012-06-02T18:41:02.723-07:00Giveaway for a Cause Winner!<div align="center">
I am happy to announce out Giveaway Winner...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17071438000411381325" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Brooke</strong></span></a>! What a fabulous name she has too ;-)</div>
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Brooke you get an item of your choice (up to $30) from <a href="http://restoreinnocencestore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Restore Innocence shop!</span></strong></a></div>
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Not only that, but all of the proceeds will go to their amazing foundation to help the victims of child and sex trafficking...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighlTkMOVZRcwnwxS6rryPK9Fc08IvplWoGD5eEJJKRGjzbUgMNv_nbTZs2iOVpSsL0Nj-F5K16S0ds8hQSTWbyVnlHVXmeh-_BGZx9VOoJ8vSxeYNf_JpnF-Nszj0Lr_Rs8d4FbhO6WI/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_e39juf="5" closure_uid_kj9n4s="3" height="218" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighlTkMOVZRcwnwxS6rryPK9Fc08IvplWoGD5eEJJKRGjzbUgMNv_nbTZs2iOVpSsL0Nj-F5K16S0ds8hQSTWbyVnlHVXmeh-_BGZx9VOoJ8vSxeYNf_JpnF-Nszj0Lr_Rs8d4FbhO6WI/s640/banner.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I am going to have to get myself this ring as well...I just LOVE it!!</div>
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<img alt="Forget Me Not Ring" height="457" id="Image17_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51G82jfV4YGPmJKibc3WGmBWCwoiFjTnKWrSs7lNWtKwKuxDE9o2eY7YZqLljf0UDFiMauGIetXxuHZgRRrBciBE5Z6V2yo5QF6V43Z_Wzh9aoSpAw9rvkj0W2WymD-xxE9uFoyMYpb8/s640/black+bow+ring+2.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="640" /></div>
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Congratulations Brooke! I can't wait to hear what item you choose!</div>
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<br /></div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-38112882125203970432012-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:002012-05-30T22:11:20.210-07:00Identical or Fraternal Twins...<div align="center">
Today's post is a followup to last week's <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/05/every-ride-was-closed-at-dinseyland.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">chair</span></strong></a> post. </div>
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I finally got around to painting the second chair and decided to go a little different route with this one.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBhNZEDHAY3FKwsvI1ANpbCU66JYWqBVo9N6uTkhII2R6wgzEoW6teX8qGz63FiH6F_XtB5Hy5S8f-H62d6NE93Ik65xjZb1vxMpE6I0HYEhw0IXLOi12mDstm9D4Xg3_DBwPuncMK00/s640/other+chair.jpg" width="328" /></div>
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I originally planned to paint this chair exactly like the other one, but then decided against it. I picked a complimenting fabric and color so that they could be used together or separately.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvBPaJYyVNC8etplC61DXG8dvkeZgT3VqiTorF5oZ8VeNA3GIlTV9wSobtxGHdmozot3l65KPXRmHkX-VCtMS3N5QoW0hDyyjsBsqL3PG4KSXs4F43b3oBPA6gaYGHi6wc7hs0DQzIvk/s1600/may+27+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvBPaJYyVNC8etplC61DXG8dvkeZgT3VqiTorF5oZ8VeNA3GIlTV9wSobtxGHdmozot3l65KPXRmHkX-VCtMS3N5QoW0hDyyjsBsqL3PG4KSXs4F43b3oBPA6gaYGHi6wc7hs0DQzIvk/s640/may+27+007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYZb5I3-N1jd6Hu745URODUhA7U38DiNkX91O8Rdcfh3T6sxC9hUOnof6uCyegL18yh1BI_CoHsgRS5JDurtaSFjk9abVdeO-KIi-Nf6xY_q8FpetMslpUpSvvVDHoLLNovb4FtCaYy0/s1600/may+27+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYZb5I3-N1jd6Hu745URODUhA7U38DiNkX91O8Rdcfh3T6sxC9hUOnof6uCyegL18yh1BI_CoHsgRS5JDurtaSFjk9abVdeO-KIi-Nf6xY_q8FpetMslpUpSvvVDHoLLNovb4FtCaYy0/s640/may+27+010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In case you didn't catch the <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/05/every-ride-was-closed-at-dinseyland.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">before</span></strong></a> here is a refresher...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jJa0GdjxCiCgCVZ7VI_XcSjB1uelVWmpjE7mp6AoIz9M0melg1SBR7D9SBJWbIHBA-x5mpA0BYYqAbMKpVhLdJZ2_99Zr8EwwKysSyvUWZvIMoPWksvk0XsLUFU-uF8SD8YP6zeRzXY/s1600/Chair+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jJa0GdjxCiCgCVZ7VI_XcSjB1uelVWmpjE7mp6AoIz9M0melg1SBR7D9SBJWbIHBA-x5mpA0BYYqAbMKpVhLdJZ2_99Zr8EwwKysSyvUWZvIMoPWksvk0XsLUFU-uF8SD8YP6zeRzXY/s640/Chair+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So what do you think? Do you prefer identical or fraternal twins? </div>
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If you haven't already done so...don't forget to sign up for the <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/05/giveaway-for-cause.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">fabulous giveaway</span></strong></a> that ends on June 2nd!<br />
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You get to pick an item of your choice and help a great cause at the same time...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighlTkMOVZRcwnwxS6rryPK9Fc08IvplWoGD5eEJJKRGjzbUgMNv_nbTZs2iOVpSsL0Nj-F5K16S0ds8hQSTWbyVnlHVXmeh-_BGZx9VOoJ8vSxeYNf_JpnF-Nszj0Lr_Rs8d4FbhO6WI/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_e39juf="5" closure_uid_qwpiy4="3" height="218" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighlTkMOVZRcwnwxS6rryPK9Fc08IvplWoGD5eEJJKRGjzbUgMNv_nbTZs2iOVpSsL0Nj-F5K16S0ds8hQSTWbyVnlHVXmeh-_BGZx9VOoJ8vSxeYNf_JpnF-Nszj0Lr_Rs8d4FbhO6WI/s640/banner.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a> :-)<br />
</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-55420657595499961842012-05-22T22:34:00.000-07:002012-05-29T21:00:04.999-07:00GIVEAWAY FOR A CAUSE!!<div align="center">
So it has been<strong> FOREVER</strong> since I have hosted a giveaway...at least I know if your on my site it isn't for the free stuff ha ha!</div>
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Today I thought of the perfect giveaway!</div>
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You may remember from <a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2011/11/habitat-heroes-link-party.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">this</span></strong></a> post how my proceeds from my hutch were going to go to my friends amazing organization to help victims of trafficking...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighlTkMOVZRcwnwxS6rryPK9Fc08IvplWoGD5eEJJKRGjzbUgMNv_nbTZs2iOVpSsL0Nj-F5K16S0ds8hQSTWbyVnlHVXmeh-_BGZx9VOoJ8vSxeYNf_JpnF-Nszj0Lr_Rs8d4FbhO6WI/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_e39juf="5" height="218" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighlTkMOVZRcwnwxS6rryPK9Fc08IvplWoGD5eEJJKRGjzbUgMNv_nbTZs2iOVpSsL0Nj-F5K16S0ds8hQSTWbyVnlHVXmeh-_BGZx9VOoJ8vSxeYNf_JpnF-Nszj0Lr_Rs8d4FbhO6WI/s640/banner.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well my hutch still hasn't sold :-( and they are looking to send 350 restoration bags to help 350 girls all over the country. There is a way that I (<em>we</em>) can help...</div>
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By spoiling ourselves with cute stuff! </div>
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<a href="http://restoreinnocencestore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Restore Innocence</strong></span></a> not only is an amazing organization with an amazing cause; they also sell some pretty adorable items to help spread the word about this horrible crime happening all over our country...and the best part is that <strong><em>ALL</em></strong> proceeds go to help these innocent children and women.</div>
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So this giveaway is for any item in their<span style="color: #660000;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://restoreinnocencestore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>store</strong></span></a> (up to $30)!!</div>
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Here are some examples of the amazing items to choose from...</div>
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<img alt="Forget Me Not Ring" height="457" id="Image17_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51G82jfV4YGPmJKibc3WGmBWCwoiFjTnKWrSs7lNWtKwKuxDE9o2eY7YZqLljf0UDFiMauGIetXxuHZgRRrBciBE5Z6V2yo5QF6V43Z_Wzh9aoSpAw9rvkj0W2WymD-xxE9uFoyMYpb8/s640/black+bow+ring+2.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="640" /></div>
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<img alt="Zebra Canvas Tote, sex trafficking, donations, cause, giveaway" height="640" id="Image19_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlzUmKk014UWkVyqOTM7GB1EPT207s7YETfAm60IrZi4y2RRto3qbLwBWXg17ad2_xnLBaKzSq5keZhmyNdT7zXJBb49pLBKX5-8exls6WfZ5aphq9P_RwUNsJmQZhY5k0ffITiRyYtk/s640/Zebra+Canvas.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" title="Giveaway" width="360" /></div>
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<img alt="Black Bow Women's Hat" height="482" id="Image7_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tlxvlq2MjdEnz7YytGO6OaRShL5xsD7H0mgDTNlJmg-2qxK2OoXd86e_uG-Y8vkA97mX611FR6PwhPemImHbKWkkK8io8-1JGMEnvw0DSZ2LEGJ_H9MLr8yAcetMmoXWjQGle5XHcwI/s640/CinderellaHouse+025.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="640" /></div>
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The Rules:</h2>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><em>Leave a comment</em> for each entry below...you may have up to 7 entries per person.</span> </h3>
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1. Follow me on Facbook, Google, Linky Friends, or Twitter <em>or all of the above </em> (one entry for each).</h3>
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2. Follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/www.restoreinnocence.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">Restore Innocence</span></a> on Facebook.</h3>
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3. Tweet this giveaway.</h3>
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4. Share this giveaway on Facebook.</h3>
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<em><u>Giveaway will end on 6/2/2012!!</u></em> </h2>
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</h2>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-37866504559097811692012-05-20T10:00:00.003-07:002012-05-29T20:59:13.095-07:00Every Ride was Closed at Dinseyland!<div align="center">
Oh how I love a good makeover! Nothing pleases me more than finding a hideous piece of furniture that would soon be headed for the dump and to make it over into something that someone will treasure in their home.</div>
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My most recent makeover is just that (I hope)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytLD3KPI84cqUIyb0t8c6gKRZ1mNS9OMO2GKSnN5Uz-bgb96lUFRt80pe6ky6dk_VZ-RjuHh2xzhsYDreSGB7UAacR9whZw9vudMbNCO62cWJCSyNHUI9gVuLBssZOm_Hx5O7Vc2NVPY/s1600/chair+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painting chair, reupholster, diy, fabric" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytLD3KPI84cqUIyb0t8c6gKRZ1mNS9OMO2GKSnN5Uz-bgb96lUFRt80pe6ky6dk_VZ-RjuHh2xzhsYDreSGB7UAacR9whZw9vudMbNCO62cWJCSyNHUI9gVuLBssZOm_Hx5O7Vc2NVPY/s640/chair+029.jpg" title="chair makeover" width="360" /></a></div>
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I went to our citywide garage sale last month and had seriously been looking forward to this day like I was an 8 year old headed to Disneyland for the first time! Unfortunately it was not what I had anticipated :-( </div>
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<strong>It was like going to Disneyland with the thousands of people and every ride being closed for repair. The streets were packed and I couldn't find ANYTHING. It was beyond disappointing. </strong><br />
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Just as <strike>I threw a fit like a 2 years old and called it a day </strike> we were headed home we passed two houses where I found a couple items that were perfect for my needs. The first was this <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/05/old-vanity-turned-desk.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>desk</strong></span></a> that I scored for $15 and the second were these 2 horrible chairs sitting that were destined for the dumpster.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD5xL6ZGAUcPNhCnMFWX-nc7n4TZ3z8_kC7tX7dU2-c3OEhZRkilnXrffnmLUdiGsV7uAYoRXorLRkTR3b6iEa31uwEAruWeGOjM3ADsbooW4z9efhdt2XSJaVmVP0b3jNA9CDPI6bMU/s1600/chair+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD5xL6ZGAUcPNhCnMFWX-nc7n4TZ3z8_kC7tX7dU2-c3OEhZRkilnXrffnmLUdiGsV7uAYoRXorLRkTR3b6iEa31uwEAruWeGOjM3ADsbooW4z9efhdt2XSJaVmVP0b3jNA9CDPI6bMU/s640/chair+016.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I had been looking all over for a chair to redo ever since I remade these <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2011/08/chair-makeovers-are-complete.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>chairs</strong></span></a> and I couldn't resist the price tag of $5 for this ugly things. I knew they had beauty hidden underneath.</div>
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I had sample pieces of fabric lying around that matched perfectly with a little sample jar of CeCe Caldwell's paint.</div>
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I still have one more identical chair that I am hopefully making over today to show you soon. <br />
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Hope you all are having a fabulous and productive weekend as well!<br />
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Linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>...
and sharing this post over at <a href="http://www.momsfunmoney.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mom's Fun
Money</strong></span></a> </div>
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</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-49733300109424306012012-05-17T22:00:00.000-07:002012-05-17T22:00:48.324-07:00Friday Funny #9<div align="center">
So sorry I missed last Friday's <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/search/label/Friday%20Funny" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Friday Funny</strong></span></a>, but I was at the Oregon Coast for Mother's Day and was a little preoccupied with some major cuteness...</div>
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Now back to this week's regularly scheduled program :-)</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/130111876704805692/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Via</span></strong></a></div>
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I don't care who you are, that is some funny stuff right there!!</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-67086766125214827372012-05-15T21:36:00.000-07:002012-05-29T21:01:11.620-07:00Old Vanity turned Desk<div style="text-align: center;">
I spotted this old vanity at a garage sale with a price tag of a whopping $15 so I had to grab it!</div>
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It was pretty sad and cheap looking with a shiny top and a gold and yellow exterior.</div>
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It got a fresh, clean look with a simple coat of paint and a stencil...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijwxWEXh10q62inNSQ2PrEDiIvaXxAWb08E6l87dI-rT00_ayqolCzd5wkgC648lelskhqTjhKGtZF940yLg9b6v-WdkOqW28cIAeVLCR1Sb9vnTmaSHhlNdzPzateE-D3sYpoBJp_qA/s1600/desk+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijwxWEXh10q62inNSQ2PrEDiIvaXxAWb08E6l87dI-rT00_ayqolCzd5wkgC648lelskhqTjhKGtZF940yLg9b6v-WdkOqW28cIAeVLCR1Sb9vnTmaSHhlNdzPzateE-D3sYpoBJp_qA/s640/desk+014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here she is before...isn't she a beauty?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdpV_foR286OmrS2ri-IKdWoKzpUO2VFv5bTzUpTc3SQnk5ppzfToTI3dN4-__bzIFy4ToNYAef9VMpZ5jyXj6R3PTc45zIdGdxrVj0CKNomcXFH2DVmyvwrdbJaZQyNQXBTmFLinMdg/s1600/may+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdpV_foR286OmrS2ri-IKdWoKzpUO2VFv5bTzUpTc3SQnk5ppzfToTI3dN4-__bzIFy4ToNYAef9VMpZ5jyXj6R3PTc45zIdGdxrVj0CKNomcXFH2DVmyvwrdbJaZQyNQXBTmFLinMdg/s640/may+2012+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mirror was horrible and instead of spending hours trying to get the grime off, I decided to change it from a vanity to a desk with a little bit of chalkboard paint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6gm0TBKQ9LY9WutAHUtHhMAInyQwrzqtuy14kUZ8j2fPN-pcsdAqqL7dfoLhkMn4mTnHfoJ8v5SVP543-vZd4ew3pmd2Td1pBFoBbK47wIxZrmoRXHPJ5YjAmlZmwZgjB0VLefTGycQ/s1600/desk+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chalkboard mirror, cece caldwell's paint, desk makeover" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6gm0TBKQ9LY9WutAHUtHhMAInyQwrzqtuy14kUZ8j2fPN-pcsdAqqL7dfoLhkMn4mTnHfoJ8v5SVP543-vZd4ew3pmd2Td1pBFoBbK47wIxZrmoRXHPJ5YjAmlZmwZgjB0VLefTGycQ/s640/desk+008.jpg" title="Vanity makeover" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now it is a perfect little desk that would fit nicely in any room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZm4QWhUFgB5yYcHGdDZpXn-xNKaLGXL47uX4dZwn79z_gLpANGrpJ8gO53hIHylZeD_iZowmFjrtqIGvukB2j-29MxETukb6Mk5BkGjsceR8A3VhHtOJKbUbvHLXPG21prQwDU5j6xU/s1600/desk+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZm4QWhUFgB5yYcHGdDZpXn-xNKaLGXL47uX4dZwn79z_gLpANGrpJ8gO53hIHylZeD_iZowmFjrtqIGvukB2j-29MxETukb6Mk5BkGjsceR8A3VhHtOJKbUbvHLXPG21prQwDU5j6xU/s640/desk+012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Do you like it as a desk, or do you think I should have kept it as a vanity?</div>
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Linking up <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>... and sharing this post over at <a href="http://www.momsfunmoney.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mom's Fun Money</strong></span></a>.</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-87188172925803484192012-05-09T21:24:00.001-07:002012-05-09T21:24:22.907-07:00How to Find your Personal Style<div align="center">
Today I am going to share one of my biggest blogging and DIY struggles...</div>
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<strong><em>BEING UNIQUE.</em></strong></div>
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I don't necessarily mean me personally, <em>although that can often times come into play</em>, but my projects. </div>
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Before I was blogging I just went with my gut and painted things and decorated our home the way I liked and I didn't care what anyone else thought. The down side to this is that sometimes, <em>okay a lot of the time, </em>I created some down right hideous things. But you know what? I loved them and that was all that mattered. </div>
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I feel I have grown a lot in my tastes and talents from blogging and truly researching all the great ideas out there. </div>
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However, I have realized that I often question my gut when it comes to making a color or design choice because it may not be the trend or my readers may hate it.</div>
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The thing is...someone will most likely always hate something I create, but hopefully there will be someone out there that will like it. Either way, if I love it, that is all that matters.</div>
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I often find myself conflicted with what to create, especially now that I have started selling items. I really start to second guess things when I compare myself to others and especially when something that I love sits for a while. </div>
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For example, this hutch has sat for quite a while in my booth and makes me question my judgement...but it is a unique piece that will not work in every home. I wish it went with all my decor because I would switch it out with my other <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/search/label/Hutch" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Hutch</span></strong></a> in a second and that one would probably sell much more quickly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv1GULmFkVXZhSEQnk5qGb0_7JJduQgghgoFG5N82zrl05VgAepkiln89zdBqpR5Uzssy2UjLJqCH7WvaIk7nkdkwfgBj5LZ2CcqY_j0E_tM6clTggGfAIr_oYVsQIReJ9AtH29CXeV0/s1600/grey+hutch+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_rszal0="7" dda="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv1GULmFkVXZhSEQnk5qGb0_7JJduQgghgoFG5N82zrl05VgAepkiln89zdBqpR5Uzssy2UjLJqCH7WvaIk7nkdkwfgBj5LZ2CcqY_j0E_tM6clTggGfAIr_oYVsQIReJ9AtH29CXeV0/s640/grey+hutch+078.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/projects.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>via</strong></span></a></div>
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There are some things that I have transformed, like our dining room table that I am sure gets very mixed reviews...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl_alye2AYt_o1ZZzOr1fpHm1gvvhoAz1jKL88s2tCdpPd6YuwclsquzOCKity6L1Aea-mrAbMPPvxQcufvGCCfFurwPwiyjFyFClSzFSMZH67u4JWxMLEzjgAsFDk6GUOrhf1p-Zq6g/s1600/table+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_rszal0="8" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl_alye2AYt_o1ZZzOr1fpHm1gvvhoAz1jKL88s2tCdpPd6YuwclsquzOCKity6L1Aea-mrAbMPPvxQcufvGCCfFurwPwiyjFyFClSzFSMZH67u4JWxMLEzjgAsFDk6GUOrhf1p-Zq6g/s640/table+016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/01/impossible-is-no-longer-impossible.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">via</span></strong></a></div>
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But I have to tell you that this piece makes me so happy because I didn't listen to what logic was telling me, I just went with my gut. </div>
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I have been trying to pin down my style this past year and I honestly cannot. I love so many different things and I change my mind everyday from what my ideal home would look like.</div>
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<img alt="Entryway Makeover Ideas 1[3]" border="0" height="589" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DiOE8bWsttg/TuDbQs4JueI/AAAAAAAAFeI/sYzx0hTwl68/Entryway%252520Makeover%252520Ideas%2525201%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Entryway Makeover Ideas 1[3]" width="442" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2011/12/entryway-makeover-reveal.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">via</span></strong></a></div>
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I mean, really, who wouldn't want an entryway like <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mandi's</strong></span></a>?! The modern and cool vibe is just amazing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUkcj6GZfcVVsDFAfucOUIhYsoapJfT6kqmo1Aj_bI9iSIX3WSmrY8UHGD1qMy8CWtNj5Ql1su-y-B5pVltM65btUIekQ2fU-IXe5bbUJRXhY_sjbq3E6zL8bIPZFibKzJnIoSp4u41s/s640/IMG_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_9kecoo="10" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUkcj6GZfcVVsDFAfucOUIhYsoapJfT6kqmo1Aj_bI9iSIX3WSmrY8UHGD1qMy8CWtNj5Ql1su-y-B5pVltM65btUIekQ2fU-IXe5bbUJRXhY_sjbq3E6zL8bIPZFibKzJnIoSp4u41s/s640/IMG_0726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/04/welcome-to-parade-of-homes-stop-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>via</strong></span></a></div>
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Or what I would give to have <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Donna's</strong></span></a> stairs! Everything in her home is so unique and amazing it makes me green with jealousy...<em>yes I admit it 100%.</em></div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-26390" height="365" src="http://www.thenester.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_00061-550x365.jpg" title="DSC_0006" width="550" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/01/i-went-white.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">via</span></strong></a></div>
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But then again, I love the tranquility and little pops of color at <a href="http://www.thenester.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>The Nester's Place</strong></span></a>, it gets me every time!</div>
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See why it is so hard for me to make a decision about my decorating style? </div>
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I have always been one to love drastic changes. I might just pick a style and then sell all our furniture and start over...<em>well maybe in my dreams ;-)</em></div>
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For now, I will enjoy all the different styles in creating and let each piece of furniture speak to me and try to find my own creative vision for our home.</div>
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Styles and trends will come and go...I am choosing to decorate one day and piece of furniture or accessory at a time and <em>only </em>pick what I truly love, no matter what anyone else may think.</div>
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<br /></div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-79236838742066520422012-05-07T22:02:00.001-07:002012-05-07T22:31:52.923-07:00My Favorite Day of Spring!<div style="text-align: center;">
Spring has not officially arrived in Southern Oregon until I have made it to my favorite place...</div>
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Aren't they gorgeous! There are four, yes four, green houses that look like this! </div>
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I had a fabulous outing with my dad and my two girls to pick out our flowers...</div>
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And now our <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/04/spring-time-porch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>porch</strong></span></a> is complete :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDT6KLZCk5OMfeGaAgPsPb-5vB9uLNpzaIiWmouraaTAX4IK0jsMbjVvXZO1G3-6gOLugzt9a5c5iQjI4an7BHX_lUhV589-vz11Sg4xQ4Ay_Yt6LftqlGbbV6xqoAUIYFvDWna576zU/s1600/may+2012+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDT6KLZCk5OMfeGaAgPsPb-5vB9uLNpzaIiWmouraaTAX4IK0jsMbjVvXZO1G3-6gOLugzt9a5c5iQjI4an7BHX_lUhV589-vz11Sg4xQ4Ay_Yt6LftqlGbbV6xqoAUIYFvDWna576zU/s640/may+2012+029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Any springtime must haves for you all?<br />
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P.S. My friend, Katie, over at <a href="http://momsfunmoney.com/index/momumental-review-giveaway" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mom's Fun Money</strong></span></a> has a great giveaway for all you moms out there.</div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-87350341748698892322012-05-03T21:51:00.000-07:002012-05-03T21:51:35.241-07:00Friday Funny #8<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Friday everyone! </div>
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Today's <a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/search/label/Friday%20Funny" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Friday Funny</span></strong></a> is brought to you from one of my best friends, <a href="http://hugelove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Tiffany @ HugeLove</strong></span></a>...</div>
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She sent me this text the other day and I was seriously amost crying I was laughing so hard!</div>
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Excuse the quality of the photo, in case you have a hard time reading it it says, "Exactly four months pregnant and Louise had never felt sexier."</div>
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This is probably only funny if you have ever been pregnant...but if have you know how true this rings ;-))</div>
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Hope you all have a great weekend!!</div>
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<br /></div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5191142103051008447.post-39558399672649577872012-04-28T22:05:00.001-07:002012-05-17T21:30:03.195-07:00Paint Reviews (Latex, ASCP, CeCe Caldwell's)<div align="center">
I have been experimenting with different paint options for my furniture painting endeavors and have finally completed several paint trials, so I thought I would share my reviews...</div>
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<strong>Latex Paint~</strong></div>
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First there is the regular ol' latex paint that I have used on tons of projects and have always been pleased with the results.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5YdbIsBxpIy9fzSRP8Q2XbJ4cDJpEdayC17UwxRUAajNO-TpHJ6jFtGKVM4M4tRdj5Kup1B39DjmTAYBg7t2wx68CFYwMDzcwEDjDZBcqyDj_1U0WuYm4WwIGmDkRESZfK_ynFRQRIQ/s1600/dresser+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="dresser with ribbon handles" border="0" closure_uid_gsghzq="4" dda="true" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5YdbIsBxpIy9fzSRP8Q2XbJ4cDJpEdayC17UwxRUAajNO-TpHJ6jFtGKVM4M4tRdj5Kup1B39DjmTAYBg7t2wx68CFYwMDzcwEDjDZBcqyDj_1U0WuYm4WwIGmDkRESZfK_ynFRQRIQ/s640/dresser+009.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2011/08/transformation-complete.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Dresser with Ribbon Pulls</strong></span></a></div>
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To get the best results with standard paint you will definitely need to spend quality time with your piece of furniture. It requires patience...sanding, priming, painting and then painting again. I always recommend using a paint conditioner to mix in with the paint to prevent brush strokes. Latex paint is your cheapest option, but will also require the most amount of effort.</div>
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<strong>DIY Chalk Paint~</strong></div>
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I used <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/130111876704222341/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Liz Marie's recipe</strong></span></a> to make my own chalk paint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi-IIoE7elgvXxvErb8G6OT1l0aHxhaHJ_N6eA-n6q9FLq8fFv66hnD0wO3CHJg8gIC7Q7PiT_jVrHF-ilyov_Caqz73UNmZ6iX_Uf2ll3fqpPg8PvcgEibgb22xdsZd1LvscrtVUHaw/s1600/chalk+paint+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chair makeover, DIY chalk paint, white & stained chair" border="0" closure_uid_s1cge9="3" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi-IIoE7elgvXxvErb8G6OT1l0aHxhaHJ_N6eA-n6q9FLq8fFv66hnD0wO3CHJg8gIC7Q7PiT_jVrHF-ilyov_Caqz73UNmZ6iX_Uf2ll3fqpPg8PvcgEibgb22xdsZd1LvscrtVUHaw/s640/chalk+paint+014.jpg" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-chalk-paint-review.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>DIY Chalk Paint</strong></span></a></div>
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I was very happy with the results of these chairs, but I definitely did not enjoy the grittiness of this paint. It required quite a bit of sanding to smooth it out. It did distress beautifully and gave a very unique finish though. This was a perfect solution for these chairs, but I will not be going this route on a dresser or table - I wouldn't have the patience to get rid of the grittiness. However, the effort is worthwhile to save a bit of money to come out with a beautiful piece of furniture. </div>
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<strong>ASCP~</strong></div>
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Now for the real Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...I was actually surprised how difficult it was for me to get the hang of this paint. Being that I was so used to regular latex paint, it was a real learning curve for me to get used to the thick feel of the chalk paint. It is definitely great not having to sand and prime, but the actual painting itself took me a bit longer than it would have using regular paint. I am sure the ASCP experts out there are much quicker at getting their pieces finished. Overall, I definitely recommend ASCP for the beautiful finish it creates, but I certainly need some practice with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh645s_Lf_1LHSidg1FnSDpb-4v1_dQhbMMGTBZlKxI4I3G_JcgvcR22MCDyZaDpXHgHYkDbHcBQ23tfMFqjoOEcHri5eLcIggyEYOwUC-ZPPTMPqbdPArg91GIxwlpG8x7hSXecmQU-Zw/s1600/desk+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chalk paint, Annie Sloan, desk makeover" border="0" closure_uid_vckg9u="10" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh645s_Lf_1LHSidg1FnSDpb-4v1_dQhbMMGTBZlKxI4I3G_JcgvcR22MCDyZaDpXHgHYkDbHcBQ23tfMFqjoOEcHri5eLcIggyEYOwUC-ZPPTMPqbdPArg91GIxwlpG8x7hSXecmQU-Zw/s640/desk+021.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/02/desk-makeover-complete.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Grandfather Desk</span></strong></a></div>
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<strong>CeCe Caldwell's Paint~</strong></div>
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The most recent paint that I have tried is CeCe Caldwell's Paint and I have to say that I am in love!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgRFRMVy1PHDI47IEBs3xTwsTTpgUEVkxsBtrgFoGULNVwz0QM9p9eOA-QY5FyV_EY0-KqOFPVcHUkzz_kB-QDYlcR16S1DgktXfaPFGtkkgmenogg0MXMKCcEHhJnNrDpoL521uuN0c/s1600/table+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cece caldwell's paint, turquoise painted taable" border="0" closure_uid_gv4o3g="5" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgRFRMVy1PHDI47IEBs3xTwsTTpgUEVkxsBtrgFoGULNVwz0QM9p9eOA-QY5FyV_EY0-KqOFPVcHUkzz_kB-QDYlcR16S1DgktXfaPFGtkkgmenogg0MXMKCcEHhJnNrDpoL521uuN0c/s640/table+004.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.spruceyournest.blogspot.com/2012/04/side-table-from-trash-to-treasure.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Side Table Makeover</span></strong></a></div>
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This paint compares in cost to ASCP and I thought would be very similar, as the finished product has a similar chalky and unique finish. This paint requires no sanding or priming, but unlike chalk paint it goes on just like latex paint. I love that it is thinner and easy to work. Another great feature is that it has no VOC's and no odor. I was really shocked at how quickly it dried and it comes out looking completely different than when it was wet. </div>
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All in all, CeCe Caldwell's paint is my paint of choice for the moment. It makes re-doing a piece of furniture a cinch and I absolutely love the color choices. It does cost a bit more than standard latex, but I find that a can seems to go quite a bit further and there is no need for the additional expenses such as primer and paint conditioner. </div>
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Although I would choose CeCe's over ASCP, I definitely would not rule out the use of standard latex. There is something about pouring blood, sweat and tears into a piece that make the results seem that much sweeter :-)</div>
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Hope this was helpful to some of you wondering whether or not to invest your money in one of these other paint choices on the market today.</div>
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In the end, it is a completely personal choice and will depend a lot on the look that you are trying to achieve.</div>
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Feel free to add your thoughts and comments on your paint of choice. The more input the better :-)<br />
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<br />Linking up<span style="color: #660000;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://spruceyournest.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>here.</strong></span></a></div>
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<br /></div>Brooke @ Spruce Your Nesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214719604168475353noreply@blogger.com40