How Do I Love Thee

<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh Burlap Heart, Oh Burlap Heart, How do I love thee..... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let me<strike> count </strike> say just some of thy ways.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCJdWWQjNps/UPwEdyZBQ5I/AAAAAAAAZ2A/vB6-5Pb0fJY/s1600/IMG_6284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCJdWWQjNps/UPwEdyZBQ5I/AAAAAAAAZ2A/vB6-5Pb0fJY/s640/IMG_6284.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fhow-do-i-love-thee.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tCJdWWQjNps%2FUPwEdyZBQ5I%2FAAAAAAAAZ2A%2FvB6-5Pb0fJY%2Fs1600%2FIMG_6284.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tCJdWWQjNps%2FUPwEdyZBQ5I%2FAAAAAAAAZ2A%2FvB6-5Pb0fJY%2Fs640%2FIMG_6284.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22&description=Burlap%20Heart%20Wreath%20from%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></center></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Je taime</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wo ai ni</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ti amo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">         Maim tumase pyara karata hum</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzV7pedyNLE/UPdGZ7ZVzhI/AAAAAAAAZsk/9JAjuG--m4w/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzV7pedyNLE/UPdGZ7ZVzhI/AAAAAAAAZsk/9JAjuG--m4w/s640/IMG_6192.JPG" width="426" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ich liebe dich</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Te Amo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">  Ja tebya ljublju</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyC1I1PQevI/UQUmxlhgJmI/AAAAAAAAZ74/Bt8_maMLhNA/s1600/IMG_6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyC1I1PQevI/UQUmxlhgJmI/AAAAAAAAZ74/Bt8_maMLhNA/s640/IMG_6358.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But for me there's only one way to express my unending adoration and</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">devotion to you .....</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi3BL57Ru-A/UPdFz_X0lDI/AAAAAAAAZsY/NjrYCbdvSFI/s1600/IMG_6177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi3BL57Ru-A/UPdFz_X0lDI/AAAAAAAAZsY/NjrYCbdvSFI/s640/IMG_6177.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you!</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh My Burlap Heart, as much as I love thee, t</span><span style="font-size: large;">his may be the last time I get all fancy and take pictures on thy tree, that gave me thy Poison Ivy!! I do hope you understand.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can click <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-easiest-burlap-heart-tutorial.html"><i>here</i></a> for the Burlap Heart Wreath tutorial.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><i>PS- If I stop itching long enough I will be back this week to share the tutorial on how to make the wreath.</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">PPS- In case you are wondering </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Translations in order: German, Spanish, Russian,French, Chinese, Italian,Hindi,English</span></span></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grateful for~</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cortaid and Benydral to help stop the itching</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Sharing at:<br /><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style</a><br /><i><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Between Naps On The Porch</a></i><br /><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/category/all-crafts/handmade-projects/"><img alt="Tip Junkie" border="0" src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div></div><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">          Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">  It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div></center>

How Do I Love Thee

Oh Burlap Heart, Oh Burlap Heart, How do I love thee.....  Let me count  say just some of thy ways.       Je taime Wo ai ni Ti amo         ...

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The Latest Craze The 'Cough In Elbow' Dance

<br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just as the Gangnam Dance has gone viral, so has the 'Cough in Elbow' dance. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Have you heard of it?  It's the next You Tube Sensation.  Right now grown men, women, and children of all ages are experiencing this centuries old dance craze. The 'Cough in Elbow' can be seen across the country night or day when a cough or sneeze is present.</span><br /><div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's also the latest craze around here at my house, particularly during flu season. </span><span style="color: #0e2233; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">Getting our dance on, helps us to prevent the spreading of those unwanted germs during flu season, and with 3 little ones, we dance and disinfect a lot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbKjbi-YSEI/UPiibqjhDAI/AAAAAAAAZxM/VCvF5aVOivE/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbKjbi-YSEI/UPiibqjhDAI/AAAAAAAAZxM/VCvF5aVOivE/s640/IMG_6140.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #0e2233; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">Since technique is everything in fighting germs, I have asked my main  'cough in elbow' dancer (and her puppy) to demonstrate the proper moves for you so you can help prevent the spread of germs by touch by these simple dance steps.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbrxlc-Jurk/UPic_ad46bI/AAAAAAAAZxQ/sVQZw7VDH0c/s1600/IMG_6151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbrxlc-Jurk/UPic_ad46bI/AAAAAAAAZxQ/sVQZw7VDH0c/s640/IMG_6151.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0e2233;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">Step 1-</span></span> Pick an arm, any arm and fully extend it in front of you, while holding on to your favorite puppy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlQ9_owjlHk/UPidLwQpzUI/AAAAAAAAZwk/9EONRjIOaeg/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlQ9_owjlHk/UPidLwQpzUI/AAAAAAAAZwk/9EONRjIOaeg/s640/IMG_6149.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Step 2- Take that arm and bend it at the elbow in front of your body with your favorite puppy looking on.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfsNoKvn8B8/UPidVjbMwlI/AAAAAAAAZws/YKlAyP2vro4/s1600/IMG_6150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KfsNoKvn8B8/UPidVjbMwlI/AAAAAAAAZws/YKlAyP2vro4/s640/IMG_6150.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Step 3- When you feel a cough or sneeze being initiated take that elbow and raise it to you mouth, quickly.  That's important. This will help to eliminate the need to touch your mouth and possibly spreading the germs from the cough or sneeze on to your hands or on to the puppy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RCe1Ba3Vzo/UPietEYfzrI/AAAAAAAAZw8/iRdxpsRbe4I/s1600/IMG_6208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RCe1Ba3Vzo/UPietEYfzrI/AAAAAAAAZw8/iRdxpsRbe4I/s640/IMG_6208.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some other quick tips from puppy to help prevent cold and flu preventation in your household~</span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Wash Your Hands Frequently throughout the day</strong>: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. I also use Clorox Cleaner with bleach around the sink basins to get any of the unwanted germs that were left behind. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Disinfect Germ Hot Spots</strong>: Disinfect the surfaces you touch frequently – like the remote control, doorknobs, light switches, faucets and plastic toys with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to kill flu viruses. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> I also keep a few of the wipes in a plastic bag in the car and use on the handle of shopping carts at the stores.  </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Shoppers have germs too!                 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>Follow Good Health Guidelines</strong>: You have heard it before and will hear it again, but you need to eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds and flu.      </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">                    </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can v</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">isit <a href="http://goo.gl/fk3JA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clorox.com</a> to learn more about the <a href="http://goo.gl/JsWjg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">importance of disinfecting</a> and other tips for keeping you and your family happy and healthy. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px;">*Use as directed</span></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Good luck and keep on dancing and disinfecting!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No flu in my household this year thanks to my Clorox products!</span></div></div><!--[endif]--></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">   </span>

The Latest Craze The 'Cough In Elbow' Dance

Just as the Gangnam Dance has gone viral, so has the 'Cough in Elbow' dance.  Have you heard of it?  It's the next You Tube Sens...

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Cottage Kitchen Renovation on Dog House Lane

<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Part of the dream my husband and I had when we purchased our property in the country, was building a guest cottage for extended stays for our family and friends.  The Cottage sits on 'Dog House Lane'  and got it's name just in case hubby gets out of hand, I wanted him to have a comfortable place to sleep! <i>honey if you are reading this, just kidding</i>!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO-t_wCuaas/UPdNr-_Dl3I/AAAAAAAAZs8/NSGv7_CDGLI/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO-t_wCuaas/UPdNr-_Dl3I/AAAAAAAAZs8/NSGv7_CDGLI/s640/IMG_6245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While our house was being built we actually spent 10 glorious months in the cottage and when we moved into the house the cottage was used by parents, family and friends. Some visits ended up being a tad bit longer then the intended 'long weekend', so we needed to make adjustments to the weekend concept and turn it into a functional everyday kitchen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLTSADIVvfM/UPdR96N9xJI/AAAAAAAAZtY/Z6HJ7-dg124/s1600/IMG_5174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLTSADIVvfM/UPdR96N9xJI/AAAAAAAAZtY/Z6HJ7-dg124/s640/IMG_5174.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fcottage-kitchen-renovation-on-dog-house.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FLTSADIVvfM%2FUPdR96N9xJI%2FAAAAAAAAZtY%2FZ6HJ7-dg124%2Fs1600%2FIMG_5174.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FLTSADIVvfM%2FUPdR96N9xJI%2FAAAAAAAAZtY%2FZ6HJ7-dg124%2Fs640%2FIMG_5174.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22&description=Guest%20Cottage%20Renovation%20%20at%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKc-EqY_im4/UPdhJI27w6I/AAAAAAAAZvA/ohuWCV4SSKo/s1600/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKc-EqY_im4/UPdhJI27w6I/AAAAAAAAZvA/ohuWCV4SSKo/s640/IMG_5172.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is the renovated space. The space that I lived in for 10 months was red, had a small counter surface, a dorm sized refrigerator and playhouse sized stove. Which if you recall, I am not much of a</span><a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-have-secret.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> <i>cook</i> </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so it completely met my needs, but those "long weekenders" began to complain, so the renovations began.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIrVe8QAgRU/T7BVTaeoqtI/AAAAAAAAUwM/Wf2OmnOsxRU/s1600/moms+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIrVe8QAgRU/T7BVTaeoqtI/AAAAAAAAUwM/Wf2OmnOsxRU/s640/moms+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first thing we did after painting the entire cottage and painting the floor <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-paint-floor-and-love-it.html"><i>here</i></a>, was to gut the original kitchen space and redesign the space into an L- Shaped formation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kly1E0Lhr7g/UPdXD53h08I/AAAAAAAAZtw/bOw9DX3W1YY/s1600/guest+house+renovations+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kly1E0Lhr7g/UPdXD53h08I/AAAAAAAAZtw/bOw9DX3W1YY/s640/guest+house+renovations+042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDw-6HfAJz4/UF-ca2LE7AI/AAAAAAAAXA0/mclOrL0dBsQ/s1600/guest+house+renovations+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDw-6HfAJz4/UF-ca2LE7AI/AAAAAAAAXA0/mclOrL0dBsQ/s640/guest+house+renovations+053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Since this is an open concept cottage with knee walls, this allowed me to maximize my counter space and to fit a full size oven. For a pantry, we use an over sized armoire that we picked up several years ago at Garden Ridge Pottery. To blend with the colors in the kitchen, I color washed to lighten it up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIh8o_yk2Wo/UF-ckstr_NI/AAAAAAAAXA8/1_mCvFDuh4I/s1600/guest+house+renovations+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIh8o_yk2Wo/UF-ckstr_NI/AAAAAAAAXA8/1_mCvFDuh4I/s640/guest+house+renovations+055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The unpainted cabinets were stocked cabinets from Home Depot. They got primed and painted in a semi gloss color called Wasabi by Behr.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ6szI2w3Ak/UPdZLDhdBOI/AAAAAAAAZu4/aBn3TWi606o/s1600/IMG_5176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ6szI2w3Ak/UPdZLDhdBOI/AAAAAAAAZu4/aBn3TWi606o/s640/IMG_5176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We used bead board for a backsplash over the sink and for the  wall where the oven is. It was painted in a semi gloss color called White Wheat by Duron, which is the same color as the rest of the trim in the cottage. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The wall color is called Dried Plantain by Behr.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnB1WqLnYlI/UPdZ0WCfj0I/AAAAAAAAZuo/2JEv4_Ba0UI/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnB1WqLnYlI/UPdZ0WCfj0I/AAAAAAAAZuo/2JEv4_Ba0UI/s640/IMG_5184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Because we were limited on wall space, the full size refrigerator sits next to the "pantry", which makes putting the grocery's away real easy. Refrig or Pantry?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMEbczg_zWI/UPdZd9ecBjI/AAAAAAAAZus/D1fPBkyTeBY/s1600/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMEbczg_zWI/UPdZd9ecBjI/AAAAAAAAZus/D1fPBkyTeBY/s640/IMG_5177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It took a couple of months for us to complete the renovation, excluding the time it took to refinish the floors. We just love the new space and so do the "long weekenders".</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am also happy to report, that hubby has not had to sleep on Dog House Lane since I named it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To see more of our Guest Cottage click <a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/06/guest-cottage-tour-on-dog-house-lane.html">here</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Family and friends that come to visit and being able to provide them a kitchen that <b>THEY</b> can cook in.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">        Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div><i>Sharing at:</i></center><center><i><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party_17.html">Jennifer Rizzo</a></i></center><center><i><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2013/01/overflowing-with-creativity-119/">It's Overflowing</a></i></center><center><i><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a></i> </center><center><i><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Between naps on the Porch</a></i></center><center><i><a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2013/01/tweak-it-tuesday-24">Cozy Little House</a></i></center><center><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/01/cowgirl-up-50_21.html">Stonega</a>ble</center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/"><i>Savvy Southern Style</i></a></center><center><br /></center>

Cottage Kitchen Renovation on Dog House Lane

Part of the dream my husband and I had when we purchased our property in the country, was building a guest cottage for extended stays for ou...

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A Risk Worth Taking

<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The house was calm and quiet. Kids and husband were outside. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If I was going to make my move, this was the time. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">                                    This was the moment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My heart was racing, sweat was dripping from my brow and my hands were shaking....terribly</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaO7skUJTZA/UKwvPGCIQaI/AAAAAAAAYFs/Ifp1eX9DTY8/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaO7skUJTZA/UKwvPGCIQaI/AAAAAAAAYFs/Ifp1eX9DTY8/s640/IMG_3098.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With my favorite paint brush by my side and a class of crystal light fruit punch to calm my nerves, I stared directly at it.      </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What should I do?</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What will my husband say? </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What will my friends think?</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was about to make a decision to do something that I had never done before.</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-DWOLEfHDs/UPSYoIRIaII/AAAAAAAAZrY/5yhAOdX7i1U/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-DWOLEfHDs/UPSYoIRIaII/AAAAAAAAZrY/5yhAOdX7i1U/s640/IMG_3102.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I didn't have this problem with the thrift store find (<i><a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/03/will-dude-appreciate-it.html">here</a></i>), or my dumpster rescue (<i><a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/01/table-that-almost-wasnt-meant-to-be.html">here</a></i>), or even my painted floors (<a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-paint-floor-and-love-it.html"><i>here</i></a>). But this was different. This was committing myself to the success or failure of the outcome and living with it everyday and never hearing the end of it from your husband if it didn't turn out.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HNzJTTyln2c/UPSZHMg21gI/AAAAAAAAZro/7FQcM-IkyO8/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HNzJTTyln2c/UPSZHMg21gI/AAAAAAAAZro/7FQcM-IkyO8/s640/IMG_3115.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It only took one look to know that I had not made a mistake. That the risk was worth taken. That a piece of furniture that I paid a really good sum of money for, had been transformed. That hubby would be proud and that my friends would say good job, but still chuckle that I had painted that piece.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LvQUxtgKZx0/UPSr2I61udI/AAAAAAAAZr4/5hq6CrLquL0/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LvQUxtgKZx0/UPSr2I61udI/AAAAAAAAZr4/5hq6CrLquL0/s640/IMG_5314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I would only have to remind them though, of what the piece use to look like, before they realized that it was the right thing to do.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf1J6MfAiRo/UPSYxzKIlkI/AAAAAAAAZrg/hvzx2FmKGLE/s1600/IMG_3114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf1J6MfAiRo/UPSYxzKIlkI/AAAAAAAAZrg/hvzx2FmKGLE/s640/IMG_3114.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Ftaking-risk-and-painting-my-console.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Pf1J6MfAiRo%2FUPSYxzKIlkI%2FAAAAAAAAZrg%2Fhvzx2FmKGLE%2Fs1600%2FIMG_3114.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Pf1J6MfAiRo%2FUPSYxzKIlkI%2FAAAAAAAAZrg%2Fhvzx2FmKGLE%2Fs640%2FIMG_3114.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22%20&description=painted%20chest%20in%20Old%20White%20from%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then they may just stop laughing.</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;">What risks have you taken lately?</div></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Risking Taking</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sharing at:</i></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style</a></i></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/01/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party_17.html">Jennifer Rizzo</a></i> </span></center><center> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/"><i>Between Naps on The Porch</i></a></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-120/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tuesdays-treasures-120">Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></i></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2013/01/the-inspiration-gallery-linky-party-xx.html">Craftberry Bush</a></i></span><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2013/01/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-a-link-party-16/"><i>Miss Mustard Seed</i></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div><br /><br /></center>

A Risk Worth Taking

The house was calm and quiet. Kids and husband were outside.  If I was going to make my move, this was the time.                            ...

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Call Me Ambitious Just Don't Call Me Crazy!

<script language="JavaScript1.1" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/SocialBoom/OID4561_CES_Whirlpool_SocialBoom_031/@x13"></script><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So what's wrong with being just a tad 'bit' ambitious and having multiple projects going on at the same time?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Come on now, you can admit it... You do to, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean , what's so wrong with painting the master bathroom</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHRnZxDCSsw/UO1NnoLWriI/AAAAAAAAZig/nypTlZMpA4s/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHRnZxDCSsw/UO1NnoLWriI/AAAAAAAAZig/nypTlZMpA4s/s640/IMG_4630.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">at the same time you are painting the built-ins in the breakfast area</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxGjYY49o7A/UO1MSznpMeI/AAAAAAAAZiE/xKHZqhDk9f4/s1600/IMG_5916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxGjYY49o7A/UO1MSznpMeI/AAAAAAAAZiE/xKHZqhDk9f4/s640/IMG_5916.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and then deciding that the master bedroom should be the same color as the bathroom, so you start painting that too!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSZbnbY8duw/UO1M3gpER2I/AAAAAAAAZiQ/9V24pEM_YM8/s1600/IMG_4923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSZbnbY8duw/UO1M3gpER2I/AAAAAAAAZiQ/9V24pEM_YM8/s640/IMG_4923.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Crazy would be thinking that you may want to come over and help?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know...crazy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh well. At least I</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> did take a break long enough from my projects to tidy up the house and put all the paint supplies away so that I can show my home to a few of Suzy's friends over at </span><a href="http://worthingcourt.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Worthington Court</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I am giving a peek at my recently "finished" Family room and Office and would love for you to stop by.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">See you tomorrow for my Weekly Wow's.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The energy and ambition to get projects done!</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</i></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</i></b></span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Call Me Ambitious Just Don't Call Me Crazy!

So what's wrong with being just a tad 'bit' ambitious and having multiple projects going on at the same time? Come on now, you...

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My Latest Family Room Episode

<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My Family Room..... </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's the place where housewives from Beverly Hills, New York and  Miami are witnessed being venomous, catty and cruel all in full make-up, Phineas and Ferb doing the most amazing activities to keep my kids entertained and Hoda and Kathy Lee having a cocktail at 10:00 am in the morning, when I am still drinking my hot tea.</span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnS1TF3rW-U/UOxc0nnmZPI/AAAAAAAAZgU/kbh0cKPjX4I/s1600/IMG_6047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnS1TF3rW-U/UOxc0nnmZPI/AAAAAAAAZgU/kbh0cKPjX4I/s640/IMG_6047.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>The room today</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This post is really about the journey of this space and less about the reveal, since I am still putting artwork on the walls and lights back up. Seeing how the room came together, is almost as entertaining as watching last weeks Duck Dynasty.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzSkQMhjKcA/UO3deUz08nI/AAAAAAAAZlk/r4QIOPBastw/s1600/Image+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzSkQMhjKcA/UO3deUz08nI/AAAAAAAAZlk/r4QIOPBastw/s640/Image+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But probably more exciting then the latest Jerry Springer show, was that this room was not actually designed as a Family room but as a screened porch. Yup, another builder blooper. See, the builder put a subfloor down thinking it was another finished room. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So with the 'porch' openings, it rained one day and the water had no place to go. We decided to forgo the screen porch concept and create a "seasonal room" adding windows, wood burning stove and a few years ago air/heat pumps, since this room originally was not designed to have heat and air.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpOSPWCS_ZY/UO3pC0fJiJI/AAAAAAAAZmQ/s6wmlMC9eKo/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpOSPWCS_ZY/UO3pC0fJiJI/AAAAAAAAZmQ/s6wmlMC9eKo/s640/Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The room has seen a few 'makeover' episodes during the last 10 years. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Like my sea of cherry stained walls episode.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oXyZymsfxY/UO1TklLh6tI/AAAAAAAAZi8/q4cHkkAHuYk/s1600/brendas+visit+to+georgia+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oXyZymsfxY/UO1TklLh6tI/AAAAAAAAZi8/q4cHkkAHuYk/s640/brendas+visit+to+georgia+063.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>circa 2003</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I converted it to a Sun room and painted the walls green episode.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdzpzZTWVnE/UO3KW3285UI/AAAAAAAAZkc/eegXJFXZCHI/s1600/IMG_5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdzpzZTWVnE/UO3KW3285UI/AAAAAAAAZkc/eegXJFXZCHI/s640/IMG_5318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>circa 2006</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Back to a family room without a shag carpet episode.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T81PN4Secqk/UO3NNdLUvmI/AAAAAAAAZlE/JCyu-On4nz0/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T81PN4Secqk/UO3NNdLUvmI/AAAAAAAAZlE/JCyu-On4nz0/s640/IMG_6434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>circa 2009</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To our first New Years project of 2013 and painting the walls a creamy yellow/gold color episode.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzPugL7ehVE/UO1LYySFq7I/AAAAAAAAZh4/OM0qbNHtGCY/s1600/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzPugL7ehVE/UO1LYySFq7I/AAAAAAAAZh4/OM0qbNHtGCY/s640/IMG_5593.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And this time around, extension ladders were used instead of scaffolding. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Besides, isn't scaffolding for amateurs? </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ti4c1npUnS8/UO3imbRlBZI/AAAAAAAAZl8/vnwkQyYjDmw/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ti4c1npUnS8/UO3imbRlBZI/AAAAAAAAZl8/vnwkQyYjDmw/s640/IMG_5641.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Best episode yet, although Duck Dynasty comes in a close second!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What about you, any house bloopers that you care to share?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grateful for~ </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not breaking any bones and an incredible sense of balance as I climb ladders!</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sharing at : </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/feathered-nest-friday_10.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/QoLtm%20(FRENCH%20COUNTRY%20COTTAGE)">French Country Cottage</a></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/01/sns-170-link-up-to-crazy-for-crates.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/KCcu%20(Funky%20Junk%20Interiors)">Funky Junk Interiors</a></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/"><i>Between Naps on the Porch</i></a></span></div></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</b></i></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</b></i></span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div></div>

My Latest Family Room Episode

My Family Room.....  It's the place where housewives from Beverly Hills, New York and  Miami are witnessed being venomous, catty and cru...

Read more »

Baby it's Cold Outside and My Winter Mantle

<script language="JavaScript1.1" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/SocialBoom/OID4561_CES_Whirlpool_SocialBoom_031/@x13"></script><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This time of the year, would you rather been skiing on the slopes of Colorado or basking in the sun on a Caribbean Island?</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Although it's been cold outside in Northeast Georgia,  I was able to bring some winter-y vibes to the mantle inside, while staying warm in the process.  My mantle recently got a makeover and I love how things look against the new distressed white color. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can read about my lunch hour makeover<a href="http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-lunch-hour-makeover.html"> <i>here.</i></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elcd2MXdqPo/UOgSU9nCYGI/AAAAAAAAZf4/Y7JtE5Wt_WY/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elcd2MXdqPo/UOgSU9nCYGI/AAAAAAAAZf4/Y7JtE5Wt_WY/s640/IMG_5777.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><center><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftopthistopthat.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fbaby-its-cold-outside-and-my-winter.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-elcd2MXdqPo%2FUOgSU9nCYGI%2FAAAAAAAAZf4%2FY7JtE5Wt_WY%2Fs1600%2FIMG_5777.JPG%22%20imageanchor%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22margin-left%3A%201em%3B%20margin-right%3A%201em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20height%3D%22640%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-elcd2MXdqPo%2FUOgSU9nCYGI%2FAAAAAAAAZf4%2FY7JtE5Wt_WY%2Fs640%2FIMG_5777.JPG%22%20width%3D%22426%22&description=simple%20winterscape%20on%20the%20mantle%20from%20Top%20This%20Top%20That"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /></center><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Creating my winterscape was a lot easier then getting the kids all bundled up to go outside on a winter day, perhaps because they see dad wearing shorts in 27 degree weather. Yes, the crazy man in the shorts in the middle of winter is my husband.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWqQZelc5Ck/UOgRwCX3bwI/AAAAAAAAZfw/BhH2ml0KNJM/s1600/IMG_5743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWqQZelc5Ck/UOgRwCX3bwI/AAAAAAAAZfw/BhH2ml0KNJM/s640/IMG_5743.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I found these cute little balls at Pier One. One strongly resembles a snow ball, the other... well I kinda think it looks like a brillo pad or perfectly shaped steel wool. You think?</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XbUi-OOEhg/UOgQ8EbmOsI/AAAAAAAAZfQ/MApVE9HFNS8/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XbUi-OOEhg/UOgQ8EbmOsI/AAAAAAAAZfQ/MApVE9HFNS8/s640/IMG_5788.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I picked up some branches from the yard and sprayed them with 'snow in a can'. I have never used that stuff, but surprisingly it looked like the real deal after it was dry.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEYNdQG1fN4/UOgRf4B3kRI/AAAAAAAAZfg/g8nIEFe4Asg/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEYNdQG1fN4/UOgRf4B3kRI/AAAAAAAAZfg/g8nIEFe4Asg/s640/IMG_5714.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7l5M4M5DW8/UOgRo7gRnnI/AAAAAAAAZfo/wqH9ArcbehM/s1600/IMG_5716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7l5M4M5DW8/UOgRo7gRnnI/AAAAAAAAZfo/wqH9ArcbehM/s640/IMG_5716.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyday my kids will ask if it is going to snow today. Perhaps I will just get cases of snow in the can, go to the front yard and spray that stuff until I have mounds of fluffy white 'pretend' snow.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wonder if that would work?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6MZVrnWtYQ/UOgQYfFMMSI/AAAAAAAAZfI/ZzS7iTzNTDs/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6MZVrnWtYQ/UOgQYfFMMSI/AAAAAAAAZfI/ZzS7iTzNTDs/s640/IMG_5781.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And who knows, maybe if my husband saw snow in the front yard he might even put some pants on........</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I just won't tell him it's not real.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ysYKoHVfs/TwEIGl8ZIgI/AAAAAAAARN0/ZQxgRse_W6Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grateful for~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids going back to school today so I can clean the house with no interruptions.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><i>Sharing at:</i><br /><i><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/">Between Naps on the Porch</a></i><br /><a href="http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/2013/01/lets-party-welcome-to-week-48-of.html">Farmhouse Porch</a><br /><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-118/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tuesdays-treasures-118">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a><br /><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-91.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20thestoriesofa2z/Visw%20(Home%20Stories%20A%20to%20Z)">Homestories AtoZ</a><br /><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style</a><br /><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond the Picket Fence</a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><b><br /></b> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Want Top This Top That delivered directly to your inbox?</i></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #6a6969; line-height: 20px; padding: 13px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>It’s easy!  Just enter your e-mail address.</i></span></div><br /><div><form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TopThisTopThat', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br /><input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /><input name="uri" type="hidden" value="TopThisTopThat" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form></div><br /><div><br /></div>

Baby it's Cold Outside and My Winter Mantle

This time of the year, would you rather been skiing on the slopes of Colorado or basking in the sun on a Caribbean Island? Although it's...

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