tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46451305265386448722018-09-16T20:46:37.346-07:00Dream and DifferJessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-89211960206673504992015-07-13T08:23:00.000-07:002015-07-13T08:23:28.992-07:002015-2016 Homeschool Curriculum <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlBzGvA-Zy0/VaPEFuBdbFI/AAAAAAAAFkg/qsNKIYGIphA/s1600/IMG_2869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlBzGvA-Zy0/VaPEFuBdbFI/AAAAAAAAFkg/qsNKIYGIphA/s640/IMG_2869.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been quite a while since I've posted anything at all here on the blog, and even longer since I've shared anything about our homeschool journey. I've been deep in the teaching trenches with not one, but two of my kiddos homeschooling now. Last November (for a variety of reasons) we pulled Caitlin from public school and the Ruhl Academy enrollment instantly doubled. Since then, we've been trying to "just keep swimming" in the words of the wise Dori. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8sS1H1lKvY/VaPAqPDcU1I/AAAAAAAAFkM/LVMnBCr7UmM/s1600/IMG_2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8sS1H1lKvY/VaPAqPDcU1I/AAAAAAAAFkM/LVMnBCr7UmM/s640/IMG_2862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the better part of a year under our belts, we've all adjusted to the new school situation and are looking forward to the upcoming year. Last year was a bit like learning to swim by jumping in the deep end, but this year I have the luxury of time to plan and prepare. We are continuing to use a classical approach to education but with one big change. We are using Tapestry of Grace for the first time. I'm excited and a bit nervous to take on this ambitious curriculum. Here's a quick run-down of each kid's curriculum for 2015-2016:</div><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Caitlin, 8th grade</b></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvw26U5MGzE/VaPU8PgZm6I/AAAAAAAAFk4/gpuD2vI9dfY/s1600/IMG_3419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvw26U5MGzE/VaPU8PgZm6I/AAAAAAAAFk4/gpuD2vI9dfY/s400/IMG_3419.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;">We are using Tapestry of Grace, year 3, dialectic level for the following subjects:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>history</li><li>literature</li><li>writing</li><li>geography</li><li>church history</li><li>government</li><li>fine arts</li></ul>For math, we will be finishing up Saxon 8/7 and beginning Algebra 1. I will definitely be investing in the Dive CDs or something similar to supplement my teaching. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">For science, we are using "Biology for the Logic Stage" from Elemental Science.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">For grammar, we are continuing to use Rod and Staff. Caitlin had almost no grammar instruction in public school, so I had her jump in with Hunter in book 5 last year. It is such a rigorous and thorough program (if a bit boring), that I am keeping them at the same level. We will finish up book 5 and continue with book 6 this year. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Foreign language- Caitlin will continue to receive private tutoring in Mandarin Chinese and will be taking the HSK level 3 language proficiency test this fall. We will also be studying Latin, albeit at a very basic introductory level.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Hunter, 6th grade</b></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goSQ7BRjeHY/VaPU6CVkTHI/AAAAAAAAFkw/MOOHwe_TTN4/s1600/IMG_3420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goSQ7BRjeHY/VaPU6CVkTHI/AAAAAAAAFkw/MOOHwe_TTN4/s400/IMG_3420.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">We are using Tapestry of Grace, year 3, upper grammar level for the following subjects:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>history</li><li>literature</li><li>writing</li><li>geography</li><li>church history</li><li>government</li><li>fine arts</li></ul>For math, we will be using Saxon 7/6.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">For science, we are using "Biology for the Logic Stage" from Elemental Science.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">For grammar, we are continuing to use Rod and Staff book 5, moving into book 6. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Foreign language- We will be studying Latin, albeit at a very basic introductory level.</center></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlZLL6Mrr14/VaPAr1TLBwI/AAAAAAAAFkU/HlgODhxSnvE/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlZLL6Mrr14/VaPAr1TLBwI/AAAAAAAAFkU/HlgODhxSnvE/s640/IMG_2707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">As you can see, there is a lot of overlap in the kids' curriculum. I tweak their workloads and assignments to the appropriate level and it seems to work well for everyone. We will also continue a group study of Shakespeare's work using <a href="http://www.howtoteachyourchildrenshakespeare.com/" target="_blank">this book</a> as a guide. Last year we read, studied, and memorized from "Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night." This year, I hope to get through "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet", and "The Tempest." This has been a favorite activity for both kiddos and I've really enjoyed it too. We went to a beautiful production of Midsummer at the Guthrie Theater in the early spring and it was so fun to see how much both kids enjoyed it. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">We also attend a weekly co-op for a variety classes. Last year we did gym, art, drama, science, and business. I'm not sure what this year's co-op will entail but I know the kids look forward to it every week. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center>I'm linking up <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/project/curriculum-week-2015/" target="_blank">here</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/nbts-blog-hop-calendar-20151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/nbts-blog-hop-calendar-20151.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-15052589527600250692014-12-09T19:42:00.000-08:002014-12-17T07:07:10.268-08:00Christmas Tour 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDAqP9Ig4Kk/VIe8-FjRSrI/AAAAAAAAFec/8aUyNRXmvM4/s1600/Link-party-holiday-house-walk-tag-250x250.jpg" /><span id="goog_1690997329"></span><span id="goog_1690997330"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/12/holiday-house-walk-2014-link-party.html" target="_blank">Click here to check out the Holiday House Walk link party!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center><center>Well, despite the fact that I still have a Halloween post in my drafts, I thought I better get on the ball and share a few pictures of my Christmas decor. I like going back and looking at my previous years' photos while I'm decorating; otherwise, I can never remember where I put everything. </center><center></center><center>You'll see lots of plaid and pops of red throughout the house this year- I found the red tartan ribbon at Michael's before Thanksgiving and bought out their stock because it sold out last year at my local store. I waited and missed out before, but not this time!</center><center></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx2MjcDLAQ8/VIdo6F50tnI/AAAAAAAAFc8/XKqZoJm7R9k/s1600/holiday%2Bliving%2Broom%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx2MjcDLAQ8/VIdo6F50tnI/AAAAAAAAFc8/XKqZoJm7R9k/s1600/holiday%2Bliving%2Broom%2B1.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't change too much on my mantel- just a new message, the garland and stockings (hung with care, of course).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xd4lnI2--Q/VIdo79gBaHI/AAAAAAAAFdI/yXCJ3Kx1xdY/s1600/holiday%2Bmantel%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xd4lnI2--Q/VIdo79gBaHI/AAAAAAAAFdI/yXCJ3Kx1xdY/s1600/holiday%2Bmantel%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally found a tree skirt that I love. Mine was a TJ Maxx score, but it is identical to a much spendier one featured in this season's Ballard catalog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jby4yM6g7Uw/VIdo7TfHksI/AAAAAAAAFdE/DjAgPf7iuKY/s1600/holiday%2Bliving%2Broom%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jby4yM6g7Uw/VIdo7TfHksI/AAAAAAAAFdE/DjAgPf7iuKY/s1600/holiday%2Bliving%2Broom%2B2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "Happy Holidays" ribbon is also from Michael's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlHZaR_Q66A/VIdpAHzJIdI/AAAAAAAAFeE/hUxa7bpPBLg/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlHZaR_Q66A/VIdpAHzJIdI/AAAAAAAAFeE/hUxa7bpPBLg/s1600/tree.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLXqJyox3bg/VIdo8fO-MMI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/gMkoer45B1E/s1600/holiday%2Bmantel%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLXqJyox3bg/VIdo8fO-MMI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/gMkoer45B1E/s1600/holiday%2Bmantel%2B1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>Even though it doesn't quite "go" with the look I'm after, my son's musical Pooh Bear figurine is always displayed front and center at Christmas time. What are traditions for, after all?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWz_9pynqGc/VIdo9iuXRII/AAAAAAAAFdg/YpJAZ3rUvqI/s1600/holiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWz_9pynqGc/VIdo9iuXRII/AAAAAAAAFdg/YpJAZ3rUvqI/s1600/holiday.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On to the kitchen...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hyoslpSyiw/VIdo9ZT8-5I/AAAAAAAAFdc/lR7IrYJ8kz8/s1600/kitchen%2Bmantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hyoslpSyiw/VIdo9ZT8-5I/AAAAAAAAFdc/lR7IrYJ8kz8/s1600/kitchen%2Bmantel.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My burlap wreath is once again looking festive for a new season. This time I added red ribbon, a big antler, and a few natural elements to compliment the snowy woodland scene on the mantel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inht-GX5ywM/VIdpAv_v6xI/AAAAAAAAFeI/GcT2R5nKc_M/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inht-GX5ywM/VIdpAv_v6xI/AAAAAAAAFeI/GcT2R5nKc_M/s1600/wreath.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Caitlin painted a little snow-scene watercolor and it was the perfect backdrop to our Trader Joe gingerbread chalets. **check out my phony gingerbread man… I hadn't baked any yet, so I added him in PicMonkey!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L32j4otW8EQ/VIdo-WWlywI/AAAAAAAAFds/5nEtVNHHrDU/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L32j4otW8EQ/VIdo-WWlywI/AAAAAAAAFds/5nEtVNHHrDU/s1600/kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope your Christmas is ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgFyTBffxfI/VIdo-4my9_I/AAAAAAAAFd0/4POCLrTku6g/s1600/mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgFyTBffxfI/VIdo-4my9_I/AAAAAAAAFd0/4POCLrTku6g/s1600/mantel.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and the season is full of magic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWkKAtxwi2o/VIdo_SdODOI/AAAAAAAAFd8/Q0NmPXybnQw/s1600/night%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWkKAtxwi2o/VIdo_SdODOI/AAAAAAAAFd8/Q0NmPXybnQw/s1600/night%2Btree.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center>I'm sharing here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a></center><center><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"> Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center><center><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2014/12/christmas-tour-of-homes-2014.html">The Nester</a></center><center><a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2014/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-of-homes-link.html">Dixie Delights</a></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-34560782823540703032014-09-17T21:28:00.001-07:002014-09-18T07:57:51.883-07:00Simple Autumn Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19UFWH19yes/VBpPEtleA0I/AAAAAAAAFcE/-m1Pl1Y-6us/s1600/mantel%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19UFWH19yes/VBpPEtleA0I/AAAAAAAAFcE/-m1Pl1Y-6us/s1600/mantel%2B4.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div><br /> In the past, I've waxed poetic about the glorious <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-2013-mantel.html" target="_blank">abundance of fall</a> and <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2012/09/autumn-harvest-mantel.html" target="_blank">decorated my mantels</a> in a suitably festive fashion. They were swagged and festooned within an inch of their lives, and I loved them in all their harvest glory. But, as you can see, I went in a different direction for this mantel.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8GhhTxOUi6U/VBpNnu8JweI/AAAAAAAAFbw/j6EvZHCa-7c/s1600/mantel%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8GhhTxOUi6U/VBpNnu8JweI/AAAAAAAAFbw/j6EvZHCa-7c/s1600/mantel%2B3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's bit more simple, even {comparatively} understated. Without miles of garland to distract the eye, the chalkboard pumpkin takes center-stage and it's simple message will remind me to count my blessings, right through Thanksgiving.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ar3FcUlsQ8Q%2FVBpNn1feyTI%2FAAAAAAAAFb4%2FZAa3hIimpUk%2Fs1600%2Fmantel%252B2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ar3FcUlsQ8Q/VBpNn1feyTI/AAAAAAAAFb4/ZAa3hIimpUk/s1600/mantel%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tolkien and Lewis, my literary lions, had to have their autumnal crowns, of course. No amount of simplification would keep me from bedecking their noble brows. {I like to think they tolerate my seasonal </span>shenanigans with quiet dignity.}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdfFpnrm1eI/VBpNnL1E_rI/AAAAAAAAFbs/1Y0As0j-9WM/s1600/autumn%2Bmantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdfFpnrm1eI/VBpNnL1E_rI/AAAAAAAAFbs/1Y0As0j-9WM/s1600/autumn%2Bmantel.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, there are a lot of days between now and November. I don't know if I'll be able to resist bedecking the mantel with banners and bunting forever. For now though, I am satisfied with its simplicity.</div><center></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a></center><center><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a> <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center><div><br /></div></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-65893088130776287452014-08-26T19:56:00.002-07:002014-08-26T19:56:18.423-07:00Back to School Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know for many kids it is already back to school time, but in our neck of the woods school doesn't begin until after Labor Day. Even though we are savoring the last few days of summer, I thought a fun back to school mantel would help all of us get back in the mood for learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYj7uRTeJH0/U_04eQfC5QI/AAAAAAAAFLg/IsZytm-mU08/s1600/BTS%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYj7uRTeJH0/U_04eQfC5QI/AAAAAAAAFLg/IsZytm-mU08/s1600/BTS%2B7.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not quite ready to break out the pumpkins for fall yet, but my summer mantel needed to go. Since this is our kitchen mantel and we homeschool at the kitchen table, it seemed only right to decorate our "classroom" with an education theme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtBTpy_jcuk/U_04br2VDQI/AAAAAAAAFK4/duquqkfMnpg/s1600/BTS%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtBTpy_jcuk/U_04br2VDQI/AAAAAAAAFK4/duquqkfMnpg/s1600/BTS%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="574" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to include a copy of the homeschooling guide that has so influenced our curriculum-- "The Well-Trained Mind." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIWDck3dIG8/U_04bfd2F5I/AAAAAAAAFK0/jUsUfTXJReo/s1600/BTS%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIWDck3dIG8/U_04bfd2F5I/AAAAAAAAFK0/jUsUfTXJReo/s1600/BTS%2B1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Is anyone else a pencil snob like me? I love these Ticonderoga pencils… all other pencils are dead to me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpp0your-ok/U_04bzIVWQI/AAAAAAAAFK8/YYySVQAX7N0/s1600/BTS%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpp0your-ok/U_04bzIVWQI/AAAAAAAAFK8/YYySVQAX7N0/s1600/BTS%2B3.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div><br />The illustrations in "Dick and Jane" books are so sweet; I love the nostalgic depiction of childhood. Plus, Hunter learned to read with this book, so I get a bit misty-eyed too thinking of his lispy little voice sounding out the simple stories.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hs_s7xo9NBo/U_04cluH4PI/AAAAAAAAFLM/QkXaF6R6Y9g/s1600/BTS%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hs_s7xo9NBo/U_04cluH4PI/AAAAAAAAFLM/QkXaF6R6Y9g/s1600/BTS%2B4.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></div><br />I've wanted a vintage kitchen scale forever, and I finally found this fun jadeite green one on a Facebook group I belong to. It fits perfectly on the mantel, yay!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRhWP9J7whc/U_04djbqWXI/AAAAAAAAFLU/Hkx-znRXsMo/s1600/BTS%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRhWP9J7whc/U_04djbqWXI/AAAAAAAAFLU/Hkx-znRXsMo/s1600/BTS%2B5.jpg" height="640" width="402" /></a></div><br />The chalkboard displays our lighthearted motto for the upcoming school year: it's Latin for "Learn or Leave." I thought it set an appropriately encouraging tone for the upcoming year. If that doesn't work, I can always grab that ruler and whack some knuckles. ;) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYd_c8wmjAg/U_04eGtMu_I/AAAAAAAAFLY/njA0TmYhP4c/s1600/BTS%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYd_c8wmjAg/U_04eGtMu_I/AAAAAAAAFLY/njA0TmYhP4c/s1600/BTS%2B6.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></div><br /><center>Happy "Back to School" time!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a></center><center><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a> <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center><center><br /></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-46017127472708948112014-07-15T20:16:00.000-07:002014-07-15T20:16:11.762-07:00Summer So Far<center style="text-align: left;">It's hard to believe, but here we are, halfway through July already! The school supplies are back on the shelves and the countdown to September has begun. Before any more time flies by, here's a bit of what we've been up to this summer, so far… {as seen <a href="http://instagram.com/dreamanddiffer" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>}</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">My bid to inspire some creativity in the kids has been pretty successful. Having the art supplies out on display means they are much more likely to get used, which I love.</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1nqX3YEh8A/U8XoN9NXSuI/AAAAAAAAFHk/jjOgkJPLqM4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1nqX3YEh8A/U8XoN9NXSuI/AAAAAAAAFHk/jjOgkJPLqM4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've done castles, sunbursts, fruit, fish, and family crests. Now I just need to find a place to display all the works of art the kids are cranking out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFl-2jDNJS8/U8XodeF8C4I/AAAAAAAAFIM/7zUiDgmN1_0/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFl-2jDNJS8/U8XodeF8C4I/AAAAAAAAFIM/7zUiDgmN1_0/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div> June means strawberries and I put them to good use. Freezer jam, pies, cakes, and of course strawberries and cream… the tastes of summer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQgyMni4Yg4/U8XoJpgC9BI/AAAAAAAAFHU/-5iVGEPEiF0/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQgyMni4Yg4/U8XoJpgC9BI/AAAAAAAAFHU/-5iVGEPEiF0/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymwjuNkyrGE/U8XoJhM2nII/AAAAAAAAFHY/1Lzoj9qcPVk/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymwjuNkyrGE/U8XoJhM2nII/AAAAAAAAFHY/1Lzoj9qcPVk/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5xdSXqBIF8/U8XoR2EHp7I/AAAAAAAAFHs/R0o1gSkmOsA/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5xdSXqBIF8/U8XoR2EHp7I/AAAAAAAAFHs/R0o1gSkmOsA/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We even found one that looks like a heart~ double the sweetness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAl3-PCsCa0/U8XoS_tejWI/AAAAAAAAFH0/8oTVwH8GDFY/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAl3-PCsCa0/U8XoS_tejWI/AAAAAAAAFH0/8oTVwH8GDFY/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div> The local gardens are in full bloom and people and ducks, alike are enjoying them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRRHDtmaBnE/U8XoVmbDgGI/AAAAAAAAFH8/kHRxG8QMyFk/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRRHDtmaBnE/U8XoVmbDgGI/AAAAAAAAFH8/kHRxG8QMyFk/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />Unfortunately, my own little garden is not as impressive as the one above. My hydrangea had only one bloom this year, but it was a lovely one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05xlPqX5ess/U8XocnZnH9I/AAAAAAAAFIE/itg9piMZHDc/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05xlPqX5ess/U8XocnZnH9I/AAAAAAAAFIE/itg9piMZHDc/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> What's a post about summer without a little baseball? Hunter's new favorite position to play is catcher. It seems that between hockey and baseball, we are destined to be carrying a ton of protective gear year round. Such is the life of a sports mom!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88xbotVDK-w/U8Xot7A3FSI/AAAAAAAAFIk/a6uiMzNc28s/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88xbotVDK-w/U8Xot7A3FSI/AAAAAAAAFIk/a6uiMzNc28s/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><center style="text-align: left;">I'm going to enjoy the remaining days of summer, savoring each afternoon and relishing each lingering evening. See you at the beach!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-23622938425201136902014-07-01T22:19:00.000-07:002014-07-01T23:14:05.711-07:00Organized Camp Kitchen in a Plastic Tote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our family loves to camp, but it can be a lot of work. Between planning, packing, loading, unloading, and setting up camp, I am usually worn out by the first evening. Last year, after a particularly chaotic packing session, we found ourselves in the woods without cooking utensils, a hammer, or bug spray. Lesson learned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this year, I got organized and created a camp kitchen-in-a-box, known to hardcore campers as a "chuck box."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcc0IsVLn24/U7ODm6w8j3I/AAAAAAAAFGM/SmmIRAiVjHg/s1600/camp+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcc0IsVLn24/U7ODm6w8j3I/AAAAAAAAFGM/SmmIRAiVjHg/s1600/camp+kitchen.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually, I had never heard of a chuck box before, but <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/DreamandDiffer/camping/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> opened my eyes. We used to just throw everything into a tote, willy-nilly. But even when I remembered to pack everything, it was difficult to find and always smashed at the bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are lots of examples of fancy, ready-made chuck boxes out there, but I was looking for something cheap and simple. I used a 27-gallon heavy duty tote from Home Depot and just bought two 3-drawer organizers at Target. They work great for holding all the smaller items that sank to the bottom of the tote before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0x6_U9EjFiU/U7ODlBVHloI/AAAAAAAAFF0/Mvy2GSDmtYE/s1600/camp+kitchen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0x6_U9EjFiU/U7ODlBVHloI/AAAAAAAAFF0/Mvy2GSDmtYE/s1600/camp+kitchen+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The easiest way for me to show you everything is with a video, but I apologize for my wonky camera work and fast talking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KP3cJyMftf8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> We keep non-perishable food items in here as well as supplies and utensils. I still have to add in a few things before our next trip, but it's easy to see what we need.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INpeZwXwdvo/U7ODlt2diYI/AAAAAAAAFF8/q4SuHesn9bE/s1600/camp+kitchen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INpeZwXwdvo/U7ODlt2diYI/AAAAAAAAFF8/q4SuHesn9bE/s1600/camp+kitchen+3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />Everything is packed in snug and tight, so it doesn't rattle around while we're traveling. And when we get home, it goes straight back in the basement, clearly labeled and ready to hit the trails next time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O04n6HNRIiI/U7ODlj5beqI/AAAAAAAAFF4/0ZWGE2GKBPU/s1600/camp+kitchen+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O04n6HNRIiI/U7ODlj5beqI/AAAAAAAAFF4/0ZWGE2GKBPU/s1600/camp+kitchen+4.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></div> I hope this is helpful to other campers. Having everything organized and in one spot has made camping a lot more fun and a lot less work.<br /><center>Happy camping!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center>I'm sharing here:</center><center><a href="http://www.diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY By Design</a> <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a> <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a> <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-48329382262273115662014-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:002014-06-22T10:00:03.340-07:00Fuel Your Family: Chocolate Almond Protein Bites<center style="text-align: left;">Our family takes "active" to a whole new level in the summertime. Last week, our schedule included 3 play-dates, a soccer tournament, 2 soccer games, 2 baseball games, and 2 different hockey camps, plus various practices, library runs, and errands. All that running can leave us worn out and HUNGRY, which is why I love this healthy and yummy snack.</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nO6MiLznvs/U6Xr1cBEElI/AAAAAAAAFFY/6BgScd9-1eI/s1600/protein+bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nO6MiLznvs/U6Xr1cBEElI/AAAAAAAAFFY/6BgScd9-1eI/s1600/protein+bites.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On days when we have multiple events, I always pack a cooler with drinks and healthy snacks. I usually grab things like fruit, cheese sticks, and granola bars, but homemade energy bites are a perennial fave. I've made different versions of this recipe in the past- that's part of its beauty; it's very flexible and can be easily adapted to the ingredients you have on hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqFi7nOzFOU/U6Xr0u9iVGI/AAAAAAAAFFM/7zywbJbnReY/s1600/cheerios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqFi7nOzFOU/U6Xr0u9iVGI/AAAAAAAAFFM/7zywbJbnReY/s1600/cheerios.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>The good folks at General Mills were kind enough to send me a box full of protein-packed goodies as the inspiration for this recipe (and an awesome bicycle bag that my kids quickly nabbed). I wanted to make something healthy, tasty, and simple that would help fuel my family during our busy summer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dXLbEE5g8g/U6Xr0MD1vzI/AAAAAAAAFFI/KvwEwhgykhg/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dXLbEE5g8g/U6Xr0MD1vzI/AAAAAAAAFFI/KvwEwhgykhg/s1600/ingredients.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div><b>Chocolate Almond Protein Bites</b><br /><i>{yield: about 20 "bites"}</i><br />1 cup oats<br />1/2 cup chocolate almond butter<br />1/2 cup coarsely chopped Cheerios Protein (Cinnamon Almond flavor)<br />1/4 cup chopped goji berries (cranberries or raisins would also work well)<br />1/3 cup honey<br />1 T. ground flax seed<br />1/2 cup chocolate chips<br />1/2 cup chopped almonds<br /><br />Stir everything together in a medium bowl until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour (this helps everything hold together a bit better).<br /><br />Once chilled, roll into 1-inch balls. I used a cookie scoop; it worked like a charm, and I didn't get my hands all sticky. Store in an airtight container (I like to keep mine refrigerated).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L1Pj8QebN0/U6Xr1hhjjDI/AAAAAAAAFFg/DSDog1QEWQY/s1600/protein+bites+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L1Pj8QebN0/U6Xr1hhjjDI/AAAAAAAAFFg/DSDog1QEWQY/s1600/protein+bites+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div> My family LOVED these things. They are a great, energy- packed snack for summer!<br /><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-28156974531836918892014-06-21T11:59:00.000-07:002014-06-21T11:59:58.364-07:00Full Swing Into Summer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy first day of summer! We jumped into summer at full speed as soon as Caitlin finished school. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of baseball practice, soccer tournaments, and hockey camps. Throw in some mega cleaning and organizing projects and the days have been flying by. At this pace, I'm better at sharing <a href="http://instagram.com/dreamanddiffer" target="_blank">on Instagram</a> than here, so be sure to check there for more frequent updates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UtrD-8HS2GA/U6XPurT3CaI/AAAAAAAAFDs/HzC_4Pve38Q/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UtrD-8HS2GA/U6XPurT3CaI/AAAAAAAAFDs/HzC_4Pve38Q/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div> Caitlin and Hunter actually collaborated to sort and organize all their Legos. I'll take any cooperation I can get from these two, even if it is short-lived.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh1lYETTC2U/U6XPpWWkkxI/AAAAAAAAFDc/k2k5YVHkAHY/s1600/IMG_2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh1lYETTC2U/U6XPpWWkkxI/AAAAAAAAFDc/k2k5YVHkAHY/s1600/IMG_2887.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div> In the hopes of inspiring a bit of creativity this summer, I put all our art supplies out where they would be easily accessible, not to mention look pretty on display.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlLidZdBLyI/U6XP3uF6duI/AAAAAAAAFEE/o-GuNRIDic4/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlLidZdBLyI/U6XP3uF6duI/AAAAAAAAFEE/o-GuNRIDic4/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div> It worked too! We collaborated on some summer chalk art and made watercolor rainbow fish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AN1UqrsMTMQ/U6XPyYT3u8I/AAAAAAAAFD0/A3KuEMY2ihE/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AN1UqrsMTMQ/U6XPyYT3u8I/AAAAAAAAFD0/A3KuEMY2ihE/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hunter has been baseball crazy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qStLTo-NXjU/U6XPubP5BLI/AAAAAAAAFDk/kpyIxcTPfHU/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qStLTo-NXjU/U6XPubP5BLI/AAAAAAAAFDk/kpyIxcTPfHU/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /> And Caitlin has been consumed by soccer. She has to get in the zone on the way to games with her tunes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pa3XsDpiaQ/U6XP1nMsHTI/AAAAAAAAFD8/2fSWoUDpw7U/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pa3XsDpiaQ/U6XP1nMsHTI/AAAAAAAAFD8/2fSWoUDpw7U/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />She had a big tournament over Father's Day weekend, so we treated Chris to breakfast between games.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYo9pDb6KlA/U6XP66jrE9I/AAAAAAAAFEM/C_5cq8M4zHI/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYo9pDb6KlA/U6XP66jrE9I/AAAAAAAAFEM/C_5cq8M4zHI/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />The kids got Chris got a smoothie maker and we've been putting it to good use already.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85nn2pGsa-Y/U6XP9Z8xHuI/AAAAAAAAFEU/T-swY9MCtPs/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85nn2pGsa-Y/U6XP9Z8xHuI/AAAAAAAAFEU/T-swY9MCtPs/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> I put some of my pretty blue transfer ware on display. I love the pop of pink from the peonies. My favorite summer flower!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yz5Ed6qmYY/U6XP-m7KQGI/AAAAAAAAFEg/ZBlBrmdVREE/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yz5Ed6qmYY/U6XP-m7KQGI/AAAAAAAAFEg/ZBlBrmdVREE/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />And I finally tackled my disastrous upstairs linen closet. Now if I could just get motivated to paint the door and trim. Being on the second floor, it's easy to procrastinate and let the "out of sight, out of mind" things go. Someday!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHkUpRTywlI/U6XP_zOS63I/AAAAAAAAFEs/r5v5ye2uHZs/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHkUpRTywlI/U6XP_zOS63I/AAAAAAAAFEs/r5v5ye2uHZs/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />Even with all the busy-ness, we've managed to squeeze in some relaxing cuddle time. Sam is a spaz most of the time, but he does love to snuggle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHOFZtorSFg/U6XQCHcRRdI/AAAAAAAAFE0/KhSlOOKXChw/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHOFZtorSFg/U6XQCHcRRdI/AAAAAAAAFE0/KhSlOOKXChw/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><center>Happy Summer!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-69246208738444476342014-06-02T09:26:00.000-07:002014-06-02T09:26:52.131-07:00Books for the Armchair Traveler<center style="text-align: left;">With summer break fast approaching, many of us will be setting off on vacations, road trips, and adventures. If, however, like me, you will be putting the "stay" in stay-cation, you can still do a bit of arm-chair exploring with some great books set in exotic locals.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">I've read these three books over the last month or so, and enjoyed each one thoroughly. The are set in wildly different locals and time periods, but each transported me to a unique setting and introduced some unique characters.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dp_rwlo601E/U4yYB4YG63I/AAAAAAAAFA4/8K0kXwzO91A/s1600/no.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dp_rwlo601E/U4yYB4YG63I/AAAAAAAAFA4/8K0kXwzO91A/s1600/no.1.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">I know I'm a bit late to the party in discovering this series (published in 2001, it's since been made into a TV series on HBO), but I'm already hooked. Set in Botswana, this book chronicles the adventures of Precious Romatswe, proprietor of the detective agency from which the book takes its title. Mme Romatswe is all that is charming: clever, wise, and confident, she reminded me of bit of Agatha Christie's "Miss Marple." Mme Romatswe tackles everything from snakes to kidnappers, but her heroic actions are tempered with gentle humor and a pervading love of Africa.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuwjhEo-p7s/U4yfz3z9dxI/AAAAAAAAFBI/43uzAXubMWA/s1600/child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuwjhEo-p7s/U4yfz3z9dxI/AAAAAAAAFBI/43uzAXubMWA/s1600/child.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>My Life in France by Julia Child</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another book that has been around for ages but that I've just gotten to, this memoir is every bit as delicious as the recipes Julia Child perfected. Having seen "Julie and Julia," I was familiar with a bit of Julia's biography, but this book renewed my admiration for her bravery, persistence, and immense talent. Julia's lively spirit infuses this story of her struggle to master the art of French cooking, and how she shared that mastery with the rest of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRd-hmRICU0/U4yiW5XXeFI/AAAAAAAAFBU/_pLNraArM3k/s1600/fine+romance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRd-hmRICU0/U4yiW5XXeFI/AAAAAAAAFBU/_pLNraArM3k/s1600/fine+romance.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A Fine Romance: Falling in Love With the English Countryside by Susan Branch</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A must-read for any Anglophile, this book is part love story, part travel guide. It's filled with pretty photos, charming illustrations, clever quotes, and yummy recipes. Susan shares her journey over the Atlantic on the <i>Queen Mary 2</i>, and throughout England including stops at Beatrix Potter's farm and Jane Austen's home (be still my lit-loving heart!). Seriously, it is my dream vacation, all packaged up in a sweet little book. Until I can make it there, this book is a wonderful substitute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've got a long list of books I want to read this summer, but if you're looking for a book that will transport you to another time and/or place, I recommend any of the above. Happy Reading and <i>Bon Voyage!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-53352611871136572132014-05-09T13:05:00.002-07:002014-05-09T13:05:30.511-07:00Wrapping Up 4th Grade, Classical Homeschool Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can hardly believe that it is May already! With our required testing behind us, we are just about finished with our second year of homeschool (Hunter's 4th grade year). There have been so many fun, frustrating, fulfilling, and amazing things this year, I hardly know where to start. But here's a recap of some of our changes, highlights, and challenges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The biggest change from our rookie year was that we connected with a local homeschool group. We were able to add in more outings and social activities, which has been a great addition for both of us. We also joined a small co-op that meets bi-weekly for art, music, gym, and social studies. There are several boys Hunter's age in the group so naturally he loves going. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jupyT0qRHZM/U2G0OztKW3I/AAAAAAAAE-E/GDDgOq-AfMw/s1600/IMG_1636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jupyT0qRHZM/U2G0OztKW3I/AAAAAAAAE-E/GDDgOq-AfMw/s1600/IMG_1636.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Getting out of the house is always a welcome change for homeschoolers. It helps breaks up the monotony, keeps momma sane, and helps my antsy kiddo burn some of his extra energy. We made sure to take some fun field trips, visit local parks, and attend a weekly open gym.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcCLa9gsedg/U2G0Tv9HOLI/AAAAAAAAE-M/1NWEkvGYMu8/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcCLa9gsedg/U2G0Tv9HOLI/AAAAAAAAE-M/1NWEkvGYMu8/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br />Although we love getting out of the house, we are both more comfortable with the ins-and-outs of daily homeschool life too. History remains one of Hunter's favorite subjects. The Story of the World, Volume II is chock-full of ideas to make history come alive.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b4uxTNuXo8/U2G0EA8ANdI/AAAAAAAAE90/AiBVF0zRLHo/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b4uxTNuXo8/U2G0EA8ANdI/AAAAAAAAE90/AiBVF0zRLHo/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like Maori warrior face painting,</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1ol6skJvTA/U2G2tdzfqJI/AAAAAAAAE-o/mV-NyWLgylw/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1ol6skJvTA/U2G2tdzfqJI/AAAAAAAAE-o/mV-NyWLgylw/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and building a model Viking longboat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But one of the best SOTW resources I found this year was <a href="http://www.redoakroad.com/2013/08/story-of-world-vol-2-middle-ages.html" target="_blank">this blog, Red Oak Road</a>. There are chapter-by-chapter outlines for each of the three volumes, complete with a plethora of related video and website links. One of Hunter's favorite things to do after we had finished reading a chapter was to snuggle up with a good documentary (nerd alert!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QNtNTGKpGE/U2G2t8lkr_I/AAAAAAAAE-s/R5_cDaoizjU/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QNtNTGKpGE/U2G2t8lkr_I/AAAAAAAAE-s/R5_cDaoizjU/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_Xr-TVd0Xs/U2G0Kvax1iI/AAAAAAAAE98/tG55gb6Zz6s/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_Xr-TVd0Xs/U2G0Kvax1iI/AAAAAAAAE98/tG55gb6Zz6s/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hunter started guitar lessons this year, but we only continued through December. Since then, he has practiced daily with YouTube tutorials and has learned more on his own than he did in 4 months of crowded group lessons. We like </span><a href="http://kidsguitarzone.com/Lesson-1.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">this website</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="http://www.andyguitar.co.uk/genre/beginner/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">this one</a><span style="text-align: left;"> for clear, easy to follow beginner guitar instructions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-x1FvhkWK2I4%2FU2G29-DyN2I%2FAAAAAAAAE_g%2FZL_D9IqaWMc%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2660.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1FvhkWK2I4/U2G29-DyN2I/AAAAAAAAE_g/ZL_D9IqaWMc/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>The biggest struggle we had this year was in writing. We are using <a href="http://peacehillpress.com/writing-with-ease-elementary-page-2/" target="_blank">Writing With Ease: Level 4</a> and while I can see definite improvement in Hunter's writing, it is a daily fight to get through it… especially the dictation. We both experienced a lot of frustration while slogging through these exercises. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRsr2utYTGo/U2G2zQjtiII/AAAAAAAAE-4/DBBnxVnqzvg/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRsr2utYTGo/U2G2zQjtiII/AAAAAAAAE-4/DBBnxVnqzvg/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />Sometime in the dark days of January, we took a break from WWE and did some creative writing, a mini-unit on poetry, and a mini-unit on paragraph organization and outlining. During March, Hunter researched, outlined, drafted, and revised a 4-page report on Christopher Columbus. He was very proud of the result, as was I. We still have about a quarter of WWE left, so I think we will work on it for the remainder of the year. I am still up in the air about what to do for next year's writing, but I am considering several options, including finishing WWE 4 and writing more across the curriculum, moving on to Writing With Style, or switching to another program completely (like Institute for Excellence in Writing).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ei5AVVXRYEs/U2G23EPW65I/AAAAAAAAE_I/ViB_xgAKuf8/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ei5AVVXRYEs/U2G23EPW65I/AAAAAAAAE_I/ViB_xgAKuf8/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>For now, we are enjoying a slower pace for the rest of May. Hunter has worked so hard and I can barely take in how far he has come academically. When he left public school he hated math, his handwriting and spelling were terrible, and his attitude about learning and performance in school were less than stellar.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQPBe9813vU/U2G23TEIfyI/AAAAAAAAE_M/rXoX9s5a-ao/s1600/IMG_2502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQPBe9813vU/U2G23TEIfyI/AAAAAAAAE_M/rXoX9s5a-ao/s1600/IMG_2502.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>Today, he loves school. He can write in lovely, clear cursive. We have read wonderful books, learned about thousands of years of history, and memorized dozens of poems. He has mastered the multiplication tables, grappled with fractions, and learned the basics of Latin.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8XZCVt9mMQ/U2G29hll-vI/AAAAAAAAE_c/TOXsEhvCQIM/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8XZCVt9mMQ/U2G29hll-vI/AAAAAAAAE_c/TOXsEhvCQIM/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">Best of all, his enthusiasm for learning has continued to blossom. He is excited about new ideas and looks forward to exploring new things. The end of this year has come very quickly, but I hope it is only the beginning of our next homeschool chapter.</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-43942049521334839192014-04-21T16:14:00.000-07:002014-04-21T16:14:41.053-07:00Easter 2014 Happy Easter Monday, friends! I hope your Easter was restful and refreshing. We had a big gathering of family at our house, filled with laughter, fellowship, and yummy food. Before church on Easter morning, we always make a point of snapping a quick family photo. Here's the 2014 version:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4FYHrX0RWw/U1WgyjBuJMI/AAAAAAAAE8c/EhTxBh6vo8A/s1600/Easter+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4FYHrX0RWw/U1WgyjBuJMI/AAAAAAAAE8c/EhTxBh6vo8A/s1600/Easter+2014.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div> One good thing about hosting a big family gathering: it motivates me to clean! Spring cleaning was in high gear last week, and the results were worth it. The dining room sparkled, and the living room shone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sl4JIYICd7k/U1Wgxsw944I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/7xYDsXmVgF4/s1600/Dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sl4JIYICd7k/U1Wgxsw944I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/7xYDsXmVgF4/s1600/Dining+room.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We rearranged furniture several times in order to squeeze in seating for fourteen guests, but now the living room is back to looking like this… for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBDuTUZUHOk/U1WgzTSsGMI/AAAAAAAAE8g/Thyp5fvlHxI/s1600/living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBDuTUZUHOk/U1WgzTSsGMI/AAAAAAAAE8g/Thyp5fvlHxI/s1600/living+room.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div> One special guest at Easter was my niece Dani. Last week, we had the pleasure of watching her be crowned queen at our hometown scholarship pageant {the same pageant wherein I got 1st Princess, way back in the day!}. She did an amazing job, and it was so fun to watch her grace and poise shine on stage. We love you, Dani Sue!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUSo3l3851M/U1Wgx6ztjjI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/uHZgK1PxOck/s1600/Dani+and+Cait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUSo3l3851M/U1Wgx6ztjjI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/uHZgK1PxOck/s1600/Dani+and+Cait.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></div><center><br /></center><center>After a relaxing day off today, Hunter and I are back to school/work tomorrow. We've finished our grammar, and are nearly done with our math book. I can see the finish line for this school year!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-61721654402722370722014-03-30T12:10:00.003-07:002014-03-30T12:10:48.917-07:00Spring Vignette and a Pottery Barn Hack<center style="text-align: left;">I always love/hate getting the spring Pottery Barn catalog. It's full of so many fun, but expensive ideas. It never fails to ignite my inner creative-cheapskate though. This year I was inspired to re-create one of my very favorite Pottery Barn spring vignettes.</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73_OjqJvT1g/UzhkARo8FvI/AAAAAAAAE5s/DT0-cVJKPOU/s1600/Spring+Vignettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73_OjqJvT1g/UzhkARo8FvI/AAAAAAAAE5s/DT0-cVJKPOU/s1600/Spring+Vignettes.jpg" height="592" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LG65Af2UY70/UzhlcNECNKI/AAAAAAAAE54/AXHqcsZQ4jk/s1600/Pottery+Barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LG65Af2UY70/UzhlcNECNKI/AAAAAAAAE54/AXHqcsZQ4jk/s1600/Pottery+Barn.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This image is all over Pinterest this time of year, and with good reason… it's cute as a bunny. I am certainly not the first to recreate it either, but it was a fun jumping off point for my own little vignette.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdgUNM63D0Q/Uzhne611L_I/AAAAAAAAE68/NRs6RGtX72c/s1600/full+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdgUNM63D0Q/Uzhne611L_I/AAAAAAAAE68/NRs6RGtX72c/s1600/full+vignette.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6iW6ZXas6M/UzhmQMyJ5DI/AAAAAAAAE60/2X2xjL6n7ig/s1600/spring+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6iW6ZXas6M/UzhmQMyJ5DI/AAAAAAAAE60/2X2xjL6n7ig/s1600/spring+1.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I only had enough eggs to write "spring" but I figure I can get more mileage out of that than "Happy Easter." They may still be hanging there in June! I just wrote the letters on with a sharpie and hot glued on a loop of ribbon. Embarrassingly simple and far from perfect looking, but better than paying Pottery Barn prices!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7A_1YPmhis/UzhmLxryGrI/AAAAAAAAE6A/udrvmsFq2Fg/s1600/Bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7A_1YPmhis/UzhmLxryGrI/AAAAAAAAE6A/udrvmsFq2Fg/s1600/Bunnies.jpg" height="602" width="640" /></a></div>The other big difference between my vignette and the original is the number of bunnies. Now there is no shortage of bunny figurines in my house at this time of year, but rather than group them all in one place, I let them hippity-hop all over. Let's take a look at a few of them!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeVYo604XOk/UzhmOUqUyrI/AAAAAAAAE6o/hNYE27VQXk4/s1600/clock+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeVYo604XOk/UzhmOUqUyrI/AAAAAAAAE6o/hNYE27VQXk4/s1600/clock+vignette.jpg" height="640" width="348" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This guy is the biggest of the bunch, and although he is quite handsome, he's not quite my favorite.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNKNtStchm0/UzhmMHD8_iI/AAAAAAAAE6c/giBVZ-SWOiM/s1600/big+bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNKNtStchm0/UzhmMHD8_iI/AAAAAAAAE6c/giBVZ-SWOiM/s1600/big+bunny.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdiiRgWslCc/UzhmM7nDElI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/28AVWLvaWkw/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdiiRgWslCc/UzhmM7nDElI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/28AVWLvaWkw/s1600/candles.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> This little fella, all snuggled in his mossy nest, is my favorite. I found the pretty scalloped bowl at Pier 1, and painted the little blue eggs with some craft paint. The candles are from Target (they smell delicious!).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YV08CQmGwTM/UzhmL4lB80I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/dC1ok8ETknI/s1600/Bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YV08CQmGwTM/UzhmL4lB80I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/dC1ok8ETknI/s1600/Bunny.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UxUg0YzUeY/UzhmOMeTTwI/AAAAAAAAE6k/Btzn1Gs6S6I/s1600/coffee+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UxUg0YzUeY/UzhmOMeTTwI/AAAAAAAAE6k/Btzn1Gs6S6I/s1600/coffee+table.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know there is no bunny in my coffee table vignette, but that's only because he has since moved outside. I will share some of my outdoor decor later this week… that is if they're not covered in snow! It's 50* outside today, but we've got a winter storm watch on for tomorrow. I wish spring would be here to stay. This teasing is just cruel!</div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center style="text-align: left;">I'm linking up here: <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a> <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a> <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a> <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a> <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-29290953086164157792014-03-25T20:31:00.002-07:002014-03-25T20:31:26.154-07:00Natural Spring Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With snow on the ground and sub-zero temps still on the thermometer, it can be tough to get into the swing of spring. I can't do much about the appearance of the world outside my front door, but in order to brighten things up inside, I went with a fresh, natural spring mantle in my kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgmiR1WiNA0/UzI4KibClBI/AAAAAAAAE5I/FlXZ6cjSiMY/s1600/spring+mantel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgmiR1WiNA0/UzI4KibClBI/AAAAAAAAE5I/FlXZ6cjSiMY/s1600/spring+mantel+2.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the focal point of my kitchen mantel, the burlap wreath has to be a workhorse; she's been dressed for <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/09/burlap-and-pumpkin-mantel.html" target="_blank">fall</a>, <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-tour.html" target="_blank">Christmas</a>, <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2014/01/valentine-mantel.html" target="_blank">Valentine's</a>, and <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2014/03/st-patricks-day-mantel.html" target="_blank">St. Patty's Day</a> so far this year. She got yet another makeover to welcome spring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qg4jG-6Lnsk/UzI4KVptLoI/AAAAAAAAE5E/hC9RVzXjit8/s1600/spring+mantel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qg4jG-6Lnsk/UzI4KVptLoI/AAAAAAAAE5E/hC9RVzXjit8/s1600/spring+mantel+1.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took out the green ribbon and replaced it with some more natural-looking elements. A bird's nest, ferns, and pussy willows are perfect for spring and Easter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTw5D1PH59U/UzI4Nom4d4I/AAAAAAAAE5U/A-M7D7tw5lo/s1600/spring+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTw5D1PH59U/UzI4Nom4d4I/AAAAAAAAE5U/A-M7D7tw5lo/s1600/spring+wreath.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The burlap bunny made an appearance again this year, albeit in a new frame. You can see him in a <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/03/pottery-barn-inspired-easter-art-and.html" target="_blank">Pottery Barn inspired vignette here</a> {my most-viewed post ever, thanks to Pinterest!}. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZALWzOUl5w/UzI4Iw-nQrI/AAAAAAAAE40/a3mQnnJr0Gg/s1600/sping+mantel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZALWzOUl5w/UzI4Iw-nQrI/AAAAAAAAE40/a3mQnnJr0Gg/s1600/sping+mantel+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The chalk art in my firebox was inspired by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/124825021/spring-card-happy-spring-easter-card" target="_blank">this beautiful Easter card</a> I found on Pinterest. You can still see the shadows of my previous drawings, but from a distance it's not too noticeable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-wx3O7SAew/UzI4JMyPfCI/AAAAAAAAE44/-62y23DzHSA/s1600/spring+chalk+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-wx3O7SAew/UzI4JMyPfCI/AAAAAAAAE44/-62y23DzHSA/s1600/spring+chalk+art.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Decorating my mantel for each new season may seem like a bit of a chore, but I have found a formula that works for my space. By sticking with the same basic elements and just changing out the colors and small accessories, I can enjoy a fresh look every few months. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtyrEvtV5i4/UzI4QYdLs-I/AAAAAAAAE5c/pt7osE3wL-I/s1600/spring+mantel+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtyrEvtV5i4/UzI4QYdLs-I/AAAAAAAAE5c/pt7osE3wL-I/s1600/spring+mantel+4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Even though winter is still hanging on outside, I am ready to welcome spring indoors! </div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a></center><center><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a> <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center><center><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2014/03/its-a-spring-thing-linky-party-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">At the Picket Fence</a></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-5352554127736927802014-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:002014-03-17T08:24:00.627-07:00Happy St. Patty's Day!<center>Top o' the morning' to ya!</center><center>I'm wearing the green today in honor of my teeny-tiny bit o' Irish blood. Also? I don't like getting pinched. In fact, I might react rather badly if you were to pinch me.</center><center>Fair warning.</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUYoIGsAC2E/UycORZT-FSI/AAAAAAAAE3o/DEeBGpGaOSA/s1600/pinch_me_punch_you_sticker-rbb4eee0baf8641da8d5efb2be772e517_v9wf3_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUYoIGsAC2E/UycORZT-FSI/AAAAAAAAE3o/DEeBGpGaOSA/s1600/pinch_me_punch_you_sticker-rbb4eee0baf8641da8d5efb2be772e517_v9wf3_8byvr_512.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/pinch_me_punch_you_sticker-217338445652378464" target="_blank">source</a>}</div><center> </center><center>We are going all-out with the Irish fun, albeit in a family-friendly way.</center><center>I'm making <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/guinness-stew/" target="_blank">this Guinness beef stew</a> for dinner.</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Guinness-Stew-Final-LC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Guinness-Stew-Final-LC.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with traditional <a href="http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/2013/03/traditional-irish-soda-bread.html#sthash.GEO28DbX.qjtu" target="_blank">Irish soda bread</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_7569_filtered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_7569_filtered.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And these yummy St. Patty's Day treats for dessert.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_6125.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/mint-brownies/" target="_blank">recipe</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVoH2tnMqYo/UM5JF-KXTwI/AAAAAAAAFnY/ab-zjNi-dMo/s640/mint-chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVoH2tnMqYo/UM5JF-KXTwI/AAAAAAAAFnY/ab-zjNi-dMo/s640/mint-chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{<a href="http://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/mint-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">recipe</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made the cookies last night, and they are super easy and dangerously delicious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As opposed to magically delicious, like the collectors edition Lucky Charms my kids had for breakfast, courtesy of the good folks at General Mills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/lgPOpNJNhK/embed/" width="612"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#luckywashere</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank goodness for Pinterest… my source for all this lovely Irish inspiration. If you'd like to see more of what I'm pinning, you can<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/DreamandDiffer/" target="_blank"> follow along here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is also where I found this lovely Irish proverb. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qcUjO7HF2g/UycS3DY52JI/AAAAAAAAE30/WuGkFpAYrnA/s1600/a7e316eef7f73cf377c304e0b74296a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qcUjO7HF2g/UycS3DY52JI/AAAAAAAAE30/WuGkFpAYrnA/s1600/a7e316eef7f73cf377c304e0b74296a7.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So true, don't you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you have a blessed St. Patty's Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Erin Go Bragh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center><br /></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-22909512459240141842014-03-09T15:01:00.000-07:002014-03-09T15:01:51.285-07:00Spring Break Doings<center>I've been pretty spotty with blogging the little things lately, but I do try to share everyday doings on Instagram. I'd love it if you followed along… you can <a href="http://instagram.com/dreamanddiffer">find me here</a>. We just finished up a week long vacation from school… and I wish I could say we spent this spring break lounging on a beach somewhere, but unfortunately we stayed pretty close to home. That doesn't mean we didn't have a few adventures and lots of fun though! </center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgDlbKZkw8Q/Uxzg2R0cFgI/AAAAAAAAE04/w0DO4GTxNxY/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgDlbKZkw8Q/Uxzg2R0cFgI/AAAAAAAAE04/w0DO4GTxNxY/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We took advantage of our lazy days with lots of late night movies, followed by sleeping late the next day. And <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2012/10/what-i-wore-wednesday-and-waffles.html">WAFFLES</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu7SBHU-tQg/Uxzg4inO5VI/AAAAAAAAE1A/gbIzwLDDeqA/s1600/IMG_2180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu7SBHU-tQg/Uxzg4inO5VI/AAAAAAAAE1A/gbIzwLDDeqA/s1600/IMG_2180.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It finally warmed up into the 20s, so we wasted no time and headed out to the local sledding hill. It was great to finally enjoy all the snow we've gotten this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtxcIspFlZs/UxzildDN9OI/AAAAAAAAE18/nc_s3OUhWdM/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtxcIspFlZs/UxzildDN9OI/AAAAAAAAE18/nc_s3OUhWdM/s1600/Unknown.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did have one school-related adventure and went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art for a field trip on medieval art. However, the kids were much more entertained by the nudes. The museum was pretty quiet, so they had free reign to giggle and goof around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8sSPo1kuf4/Uxzg8n_NRCI/AAAAAAAAE1M/llkDfv0gyLU/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8sSPo1kuf4/Uxzg8n_NRCI/AAAAAAAAE1M/llkDfv0gyLU/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the museum we went to a local British pub for fish and chips. My two little anglophiles absolutely loved it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_eU7kUFSN0/UxzhBpRjKjI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/hrrWbCDOBJ0/s1600/IMG_2207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_eU7kUFSN0/UxzhBpRjKjI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/hrrWbCDOBJ0/s1600/IMG_2207.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I had the fish and chips, while Caitlin had bangers and mash. Hunter, however, had grilled cheese. Even British food is too exotic for his taste it seems.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qRAyJ1uRro/UxzhGIoSfWI/AAAAAAAAE1o/7Vg0I1lJMAE/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qRAyJ1uRro/UxzhGIoSfWI/AAAAAAAAE1o/7Vg0I1lJMAE/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are finally getting new neighbors in the house across the road, so I put together a little welcome gift for them. It was so sunny and cute, I had a hard time parting with it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdGhMFxB1Fo/UxzhHTGLyCI/AAAAAAAAE1w/nC7kgDtCiUY/s1600/IMG_2238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdGhMFxB1Fo/UxzhHTGLyCI/AAAAAAAAE1w/nC7kgDtCiUY/s1600/IMG_2238.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><center>What's spring break without some spring cleaning? I've never shared my upstairs bathroom here, but since I spent half the day Saturday scrubbing every inch of it, I thought I better snap a picture and share. </center><center><br /></center><center>Have you had spring break yet? Do you travel or stay home like we did?</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-48926522376880771232014-03-03T10:08:00.000-08:002014-03-14T12:21:29.644-07:00St. Patrick's Day Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFvuXT_yQCU/UxS6mBgIG3I/AAAAAAAAE0g/TWbzeDsELms/s1600/stpattysmantel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFvuXT_yQCU/UxS6mBgIG3I/AAAAAAAAE0g/TWbzeDsELms/s1600/stpattysmantel3.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've never done a mantel in honor of St. Patty's Day before, but with Easter and spring both still so far, far away it felt like a good time. I was ready to bring in some green, but going for a full-on spring theme just seemed like false advertising. Especially when we set a record cold temp this morning: -20… on March 3rd.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our pipes froze yesterday (that's never happened before in the 8 years we've lived here). Not just one faucet either- the entire house. The city service line that runs into the house actually froze because the frost is so deep. Now we have to keep a faucet running 24/7 till the frost goes out to prevent more freeze-ups. I guess I'm hoping a bit of the "luck o' the Irish" will help spring come sooner!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBny6OgiP84/UxS6kMlJwwI/AAAAAAAAE0E/9qysW4QLJTk/s1600/mantle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBny6OgiP84/UxS6kMlJwwI/AAAAAAAAE0E/9qysW4QLJTk/s1600/mantle5.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stuck to the same basic formula that I used on my <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/09/burlap-and-pumpkin-mantel.html">pumpkin </a>and <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2014/01/valentine-mantel.html">Valentine </a>mantels. The burlap wreath is very accommodating to seasonal changes; just change out the ribbon, and Bob's your uncle. Then I searched the house for anything in one of Irelands forty shades of green. I painted the little "slainte" sign, but had everything else lying around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nw8kBlK-OeY/UxS6lJGq92I/AAAAAAAAE0U/mEdYQZSbH4A/s1600/stpattysmantel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nw8kBlK-OeY/UxS6lJGq92I/AAAAAAAAE0U/mEdYQZSbH4A/s1600/stpattysmantel1.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of my go-to mantel tricks is to take the dust jackets off a few hardcover books and use them on the mantel. They make great risers to add height to other elements, and they add a great pop of color. The titles don't matter to me, just the color. I think there's a few Magic Treehouse books up there now, mixed in with some C.S. Lewis and Garrison Keillor. Think color, not content!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-iJQ-6SAyg/UxS6jzh-qsI/AAAAAAAAE0A/Iakw3M9uHjg/s1600/pitchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-iJQ-6SAyg/UxS6jzh-qsI/AAAAAAAAE0A/Iakw3M9uHjg/s1600/pitchers.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of color, I love these stripe-y paper straws that are so popular now. For looks they are great, but not so much for drinking. The get a bit soggy after a while! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought the little Belleek ornament in Ireland while on a trip with my Grandma many years ago. We had so much fun, and it makes me smile whenever I think of our trip so I like having this little memento on display. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMEzr3glACE/UxS6kGniUnI/AAAAAAAAE0I/OBCHc5qlt4k/s1600/fireplacepotogold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMEzr3glACE/UxS6kGniUnI/AAAAAAAAE0I/OBCHc5qlt4k/s1600/fireplacepotogold.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We attempted to erase our chalk-art fire and replace it with a pot of gold, but that fire did not want to be extinguished. I've had this issue before when using chalk markers~ they are impossible to get rid of! But from far away, it's not too noticeable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caitlin and I collaborated on this little drawing. She added the leprechaun creeper… he kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies. I feel the same way about the Elf on the Shelf at Christmas time… his eyes follow you wherever you go!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv487IOuGQo/UxS6mvMZzfI/AAAAAAAAE0o/0KReS-tOa-4/s1600/stpattysmantel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv487IOuGQo/UxS6mvMZzfI/AAAAAAAAE0o/0KReS-tOa-4/s1600/stpattysmantel2.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Do you decorate for St. Patty's day or go straight into spring decor? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll leave you with a wee Irish blessing:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.</i></div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a></center><center><a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a></center><center><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a></center><center><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a></center><center><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center><center><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2014/03/its-a-spring-thing-linky-party-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">At the Picket Fence</a></center></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-34555023368351916032014-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:002014-02-27T07:59:49.726-08:00Desperation Inspiration= Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispy Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone has a weird pregnancy-craving story, right? I couldn't get enough oranges while I was preggers with Cait, or enough ice cream with Hunter. Or enough food in general with either. {I was a very hungry, very large, pregnant lady.} For my sister-in-law, at least on one particular night, it was these bars:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhC4kQvodWE/Uw9ZcYIVZlI/AAAAAAAAEzw/p3zz9YiVFlI/s1600/choc+pb+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhC4kQvodWE/Uw9ZcYIVZlI/AAAAAAAAEzw/p3zz9YiVFlI/s1600/choc+pb+bars.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were all hanging out, watching movies and generally relaxing. It was late and cold outside. But my seven-month-pregnant sister-in-law had a sudden craving for these bars, so she decided to whip up a batch. Only she didn't have one ingredient. No one was willing to go outside, but rather than abandoning the idea, she bundled up and braved the cold, dark winter night to make a run to the grocery store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These bars are that yummy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All this is to say that yesterday I had planned on making plain old Rice Krispy treats as an after school snack. But then this happened:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxmqO3Owfak/Uw9ZbWJ3ZpI/AAAAAAAAEzo/Rr57PMKikpY/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxmqO3Owfak/Uw9ZbWJ3ZpI/AAAAAAAAEzo/Rr57PMKikpY/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Someone <strike>ate </strike> used all my marshmallows making molecule models for science.</div><div style="text-align: center;">#homeschoolproblems</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No marshmallows= no krispy treats.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In desperation, I turned to my recipe box and dug out the handwritten card I had begged off my sister-in-law so long ago. That night was the first time I had ever had these little nuggets of heaven, but they've been a favorite ever since. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And occasionally {even without hormonal cravings as an excuse} I am compelled to make them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispy Treats</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 c. sugar</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 c. corn syrup</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 c. peanut butter</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>6 cups Rice Krispy cereal</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 package chocolate chips</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>smidgen of shortening</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In a sauce pan, combine one cup sugar and one cup light corn syrup. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in one cup of crunchy peanut butter. {You could use creamy, but why?} Stir it around till it's all smooth and yummy.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Carefully mix in 6 cups of Rice Krispy type cereal. Stir it around till its all coated and then press into a buttered 9x13 pan.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Pour one bag of chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl, and toss in about 1/2 teaspoon of shortening. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue to heat and stir in 15 second intervals till melted. Check it often and don't let it scorch!</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Spread that chocolatey goodness on top of your bars. Cool, slice, eat.</li></ul><br /><center style="text-align: justify;"></center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-3712364203204450202014-02-14T09:27:00.000-08:002014-02-14T09:27:12.887-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<center>I just wanted to pop in and spread some love.</center><center><br /></center><center>Happy Valentine's Day!</center><center>In the word's of the immortal Beatles:</center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8R2ixLCdm3M/Uv5RWkanhOI/AAAAAAAAEyw/MlmdZsa7VI0/s1600/valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8R2ixLCdm3M/Uv5RWkanhOI/AAAAAAAAEyw/MlmdZsa7VI0/s1600/valentine.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><center>Hope your day is filled with love songs and sweet nothings!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-42154500115959134662014-02-03T21:30:00.001-08:002014-02-03T21:30:16.772-08:00January Reads<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">January is a great month for reading. Freezing cold temps, heaps of snow, and a post-holiday malaise combine to make me crave nothing more than an afghan, a fire, and a good book. {Or a not so good book, as luck might have it.} Here's a peek at what I read last month:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{All images via <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1325667729l/11735983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1325667729l/11735983.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last time I did a <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-comforts.html">post about books</a> I mentioned that, despite my doubts, I would power through the Divergent trilogy. Nope. Couldn't do it. "Insurgent" managed to kill off any interest I had in finishing the series. I just stopped caring about the main characters, the plot got all twisted {in a confusing way, not in a good, suspense-building way}. It was a chore to finish this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1374883586l/17262155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1374883586l/17262155.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully, the new Bridget Jones novel was the perfect antidote to the depressing "Insurgent." I'm a Bridget fan from way back, so I was really looking forward to this book. But then I heard the news...{spoiler alert!} </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my beloved Mark Darcy was dead and Bridget was now a widow. How could I possibly enjoy a Bridget book without Mark?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But enjoy it I did. Bridget is her same silly, bumbling self, but now she is a grieving widow and mother to two young children, trying to navigate a dating world dominated by social media and texting. Bridget's experience with loss adds depth and maturity to a character who often teetered on the edge of cartoonish {especially in "The Edge of Reason"}. Overall, I thought this was a fun and touching way to round out Bridget's story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1382944095l/6980817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1382944095l/6980817.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div><center>Caitlin got "The Book Thief" for Christmas, so she read it before I did and really liked it. In her words, "the characters lived in my head, even after I finished the book." High praise for any novel, and well deserved by this book, in my opinion. "The Book Thief" wasn't at all what I expected, but the characters did indeed come to life in a way that makes you think about them long after you've put the book down. I had the same experience after reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Giver." Zusak's writing is succinct and lyrical; a nice counterpoint to soften the edges of a book that can feel choppy at times, what with the frequent asides and bulleted lists provided by its narrator, Death. We see Nazi Germany through his eyes; a dark time, obviously, but there are rays of hope for humanity shining out of the darkness. "The Book Thief" is the poignant and heartbreaking story of that hope.</center><center><br /></center><center>In sum: I read a dud, some fluff, and a could-be classic.</center><center>What did you read in January?</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-69978847224939356252014-01-17T08:47:00.002-08:002014-01-17T09:44:58.547-08:00Valentine Mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FvU0wUJDlo/Utlr_D72XiI/AAAAAAAAEww/2DV0a1WEeVc/s1600/valentine+mantel+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FvU0wUJDlo/Utlr_D72XiI/AAAAAAAAEww/2DV0a1WEeVc/s1600/valentine+mantel+7.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't always been the type of person who decorates for Valentine's. In fact, I used to try and ignore February 14th. It's not that I don't appreciate romance (quite the contrary, I definitely do. Chris, are you listening? Romance: good.) But after working as a florist for a half dozen years before the kids were born, I was so burned out after Valentine's Day that I wanted nothing to do with it. Valentine's Day just meant 16 hour work days, disgruntled customers whose tiny carnation bouquet wasn't quite the grand gesture their wife expected, and torn up fingers from handling hundreds {thousands?} of thorny roses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was a Valentine Scrooge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fast forward to 2014~ my kitchen is all decked out in red and hearts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> What can I say, I'm a born romantic! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--B6ua-BfuIo/UtlU8sNcE4I/AAAAAAAAEvs/ndPXWnPsu2c/s1600/valentine+mantel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--B6ua-BfuIo/UtlU8sNcE4I/AAAAAAAAEvs/ndPXWnPsu2c/s1600/valentine+mantel+1.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of the decorations for this mantel are leftovers from Christmas. The bead garland bedecked our tree, ditto for the heart ornaments, and the pitcher of feathers graced the living room mantle. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvoIl6y5yrU/UtlU8DjW8WI/AAAAAAAAEvo/qfMLmtGMdZA/s1600/valentine+mantel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvoIl6y5yrU/UtlU8DjW8WI/AAAAAAAAEvo/qfMLmtGMdZA/s1600/valentine+mantel+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The wreath no longer spells out anything, <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-tour.html">like it did here</a> but it's red ribbon transitioned perfectly into my Valentine decor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9TplAgCdYA/UtlVA00lAvI/AAAAAAAAEwM/HBogrdDgv0U/s1600/valentine+mantel+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9TplAgCdYA/UtlVA00lAvI/AAAAAAAAEwM/HBogrdDgv0U/s1600/valentine+mantel+5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the closest our poor non-functioning fireplace gets to a roaring blaze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLdSUkOqA0g/UtlU-fPXafI/AAAAAAAAEwA/0pWacTjkDSQ/s1600/valentine+mantel+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLdSUkOqA0g/UtlU-fPXafI/AAAAAAAAEwA/0pWacTjkDSQ/s1600/valentine+mantel+4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I thought I was being so clever with this chalkboard fire made out of a piece of scrap plywood, but I didn't consider what it would look like from the other side of our see-through fireplace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPRTkSbe4cE/Utlbdp86xcI/AAAAAAAAEwg/n3dtsz3zsrU/s1600/oops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPRTkSbe4cE/Utlbdp86xcI/AAAAAAAAEwg/n3dtsz3zsrU/s1600/oops.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been like that for months, and I've used several different things to try to hide it (including the "eyeliner" effect on Picmonkey to darken it in). The simple solution, of course, is just to paint the other side... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll get right on that. Later...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LsHAt5Bljk/UtlU9can0kI/AAAAAAAAEv4/G-RvFn6Ndvo/s1600/valentine+mantel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LsHAt5Bljk/UtlU9can0kI/AAAAAAAAEv4/G-RvFn6Ndvo/s1600/valentine+mantel+2.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div><br /><center>So even though I still shudder at the thought of a dozen long stem roses, I am not averse to a few hearts in my home. Do you you decorate for Valentine's Day? Or do you leave the romance to the movies?</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a></center><center><a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a></center><center><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a></center><center><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a></center><center><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-88315630919495912182014-01-14T20:50:00.002-08:002014-01-14T21:16:36.919-08:00Mid-Winter Living Room Refresh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCS9Z4nPjqQ/UtXBLsocXCI/AAAAAAAAEu4/7MDsz_5-Kas/s1600/living+room+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCS9Z4nPjqQ/UtXBLsocXCI/AAAAAAAAEu4/7MDsz_5-Kas/s640/living+room+1.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so late in getting Christmas put away this year! Determined to avoid my usual packing method of cramming everything in too few bins, I resolved to not put it way till I could put it away RIGHT. That meant getting a lot more bins and purging the old, broken, and unused decorations. Everything got sorted, stacked, and labeled. It is a thing of beauty, I tell you. I don't know why I waited so many years to tackle that task. It feels good knowing that next year my decorations will be easy to find instead of buried in the bottom of a mislabeled, crushed cardboard box. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95YDwx0CZRM/UtXBKtZbQhI/AAAAAAAAEuo/uVHqgQfmeos/s1600/living+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95YDwx0CZRM/UtXBKtZbQhI/AAAAAAAAEuo/uVHqgQfmeos/s640/living+room+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once all the holiday decor was put away, I could finally get around to refreshing the living room for the winter. I love the clean, fresh start feeling of January. It begs for greenery, so I was excited to find this boxwood wreath on clearance at Target. They had this size on sale with the Christmas decor for like $20 and an almost identical (maybe a teensy bit bigger) one at full price with their new spring line… for nearly $50. Guess which one I bought?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kt7jzk_q06g/UtXBKmy54cI/AAAAAAAAEus/O0jTFV1w0oQ/s1600/living+room+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kt7jzk_q06g/UtXBKmy54cI/AAAAAAAAEus/O0jTFV1w0oQ/s640/living+room+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so happy with the new rug (also from Target) that I got for Christmas. It adds a bit of warmth and texture to our <a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/08/cottage-living-room-reveal.html">cottage living room</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEt46p_5N9g/UtXBMLq8dhI/AAAAAAAAEu8/ntbZjN-muNU/s1600/living+room+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEt46p_5N9g/UtXBMLq8dhI/AAAAAAAAEu8/ntbZjN-muNU/s640/living+room+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of texture, I kind of love the variety of it on the seemingly simple mantle. Between the old books, the burlap ribbon, and the fuzzy moss balls, there's such a nice lot of lovely contrasting textures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci8ejYC_if0/UtXBMp-sPsI/AAAAAAAAEvE/mLYZB1yLL-k/s1600/living+room+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci8ejYC_if0/UtXBMp-sPsI/AAAAAAAAEvE/mLYZB1yLL-k/s640/living+room+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On a sunny day, our living room is flooded with sunlight. It's roasting hot in the summer, but in the cold winter months, it provides the toasty warmth we all crave. Especially the dog, that's his favorite spot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DOwHxccba8/UtXBN3ydksI/AAAAAAAAEvU/wmynoImWMek/s1600/living+room+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DOwHxccba8/UtXBN3ydksI/AAAAAAAAEvU/wmynoImWMek/s640/living+room+6.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think this mid-winter refresh will be a nice segue into the {heartbreakingly distant} spring months. For now, I'm enjoying the cleared surfaces, the touches of green, and the slanting winter light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3JKHA7IIMk/UtXBNh48sDI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/J3ZncZFV4SI/s1600/living+room+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3JKHA7IIMk/UtXBNh48sDI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/J3ZncZFV4SI/s640/living+room+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a> <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a></center><center><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a></center><center><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a></center><center><a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DIY by Design</a></center><center><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a></center><center><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/" target="_blank">DIY Showoff</a></center><center><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a></center><center><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">Under the Table and Dreaming</a></center><center></center><center></center></center></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-18583658121374271692014-01-07T14:30:00.001-08:002014-01-07T14:30:36.676-08:00Winter Comforts<center>In the midst of some of the coldest temps in two decades, there are few things that comfort like hearty food and a good book. I've found a few yummy new recipes I thought I'd share, as well as an update on what I've been reading. </center><center><br /></center><center>First up, the eats:</center><center>{most of these recipes I found via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/DreamandDiffer/">Pinterest</a>, so follow along if you'd like to see more of what I'm pinning}</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr5GZLtx-Cs/UE1bd1grhPI/AAAAAAAADFk/MaCpQILn_04/s320/Olive+Garden+Alfredo+Sauce+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr5GZLtx-Cs/UE1bd1grhPI/AAAAAAAADFk/MaCpQILn_04/s320/Olive+Garden+Alfredo+Sauce+1.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></div><center><a href="http://momscrazycooking.blogspot.com/2012/09/olive-garden-alfredo-sauce-this-weeks.html">Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce</a></center><center>I LOVE pasta, and pasta with alfredo sauce is my version of heaven. I can't resist it. This recipe is super easy and soooo good. Definitely not diet friendly, but worth the calorie binge!</center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inspiredreamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Skinny-Lasagna-Rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://inspiredreamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Skinny-Lasagna-Rolls.jpg" height="640" width="192" /></a></div><center><a href="http://inspiredreamer.com/lasagna-rolls-2/">Lasagna Rolls</a></center><center>More pasta! This is just lasagna in a different shape, but for some reason my son loves it like this. He won't eat normal lasagna, but roll it up and bam! It's the best. Kids are weird.</center><center>Also? Why did I never think of boiling lasagna noodles in a skillet before? Worked way better than cooking them vertically in a pot where they got all folded up and stuck together.</center><center><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/files/2013/07/balsamic-pork-tenderloin-DSC_4137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://addapinch.com/cooking/files/2013/07/balsamic-pork-tenderloin-DSC_4137.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div><center><a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/2013/07/12/balsamic-pork-tenderloin-recipe/#axzz2pkid2CY6">Balsamic Pork Tenderloin</a></center><center><br /></center><center>I've tried several different balsamic pork recipes, and they're usually all pretty good. But this one takes the prize. Delicious. Easy. Satisfying.</center><center><br /></center><center>Now, on to the books.</center><center><br /></center><center>I never really considered myself a fan of either YA fiction or post-apocolyptic series. But I made an exception for the Hunger Games and now I've gotten sucked into the <a href="http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/p/books.html">Divergent series.</a> </center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dipXdu9QryU/TIupjzY1vsI/AAAAAAAAAh8/9EC03NOMqWs/s400/Divergent+hc+c(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dipXdu9QryU/TIupjzY1vsI/AAAAAAAAAh8/9EC03NOMqWs/s400/Divergent+hc+c(2).jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will say that these books feel pretty similar to the Hunger Games in a couple ways. Strong female lead characters, post-apocolyptic societies moving toward war, coming-of-age and first love themes… you get the idea. That said, I still devoured the first book (Divergent) and am nearly finished with the second (Insurgent). As with the Hunger Games, I don't like the second book as much, but I'm willing to finish the series, if only to find out what is beyond the fence outside the city. {Don't tell me if you've already read them!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After reading Wolf Hall, I was kind of caught up in the world of Tudor England. A friend had recommended <a href="http://www.philippagregory.com/books/the-other-boleyn-girl">The Other Boleyn Girl</a> to me a long time ago, but I never got around to it till last month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.philippagregory.com/assets/img/books/thumb_86af5f45f6154dbe1b92770e8720d20d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.philippagregory.com/assets/img/books/thumb_86af5f45f6154dbe1b92770e8720d20d.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loved it! This historical fiction novel explores the life of Mary Boleyn, who <span style="line-height: 16px;">catches the eye of Henry VIII when she first comes to court as a girl of fourteen. But when the fickle king’s interest wanes, Mary is ordered to pass on her knowledge of how to please him to her friend and rival: her sister Anne. We all know how Anne's story ends, but her journey to the executioner's block is filled with plots and power struggles, passion and betrayal.</span></div><br style="color: #414141; line-height: 16px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #414141;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">The next book in the series, The Boleyn Inheritance, is equally good.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.philippagregory.com/assets/img/books/thumb_7a47595a1bed904f8bed6d5dfb7259e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.philippagregory.com/assets/img/books/thumb_7a47595a1bed904f8bed6d5dfb7259e9.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time author Phillippa Gregory tells the story of Henry's fourth and fifth wives, respectively. There is drama enough in the history of this brutal period of history to make any story interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all for today, but I'd love to hear what your favorite winter comforts are. Do you have a go-to hearty soup recipe or a book you love to curl up with by the fire? Whatever your favorite winter comforts are, I hope you're staying warm!</div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-90650442432079974412013-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:002013-12-30T08:00:56.845-08:00Top 5 Posts of 2013<center>Another year has flown by, so it's time to look back and see what the heck we've been up to. I seriously don't know how 12 months have slipped away so quickly! It's been a good year, filled with projects and adventures. I haven't always managed to document things as well as I would like, but I'm resolving to do better in 2014. In the meantime, here are my five most popular posts from 2013.</center><center><br /></center><center><b><span style="color: red;">#5</span></b></center><center><a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/05/all-my-jeans-are-mom-jeans.html">All My Jeans Are Mom Jeans</a></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bv8pQpcP7rE/T-pVbYEykeI/AAAAAAAAAnI/QWXQ0Kz2Ci0/s1600/wiww1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bv8pQpcP7rE/T-pVbYEykeI/AAAAAAAAAnI/QWXQ0Kz2Ci0/s640/wiww1.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wherein I embrace the much-derided "mom jean."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">#4</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/05/cottage-dining-chair-makeover.html">Cottage Dining Chair Makeover</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPgBa2SJRBo/Uaay9tYWN_I/AAAAAAAAET8/jlACpF9L-Ao/s1600/IMG_1248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPgBa2SJRBo/Uaay9tYWN_I/AAAAAAAAET8/jlACpF9L-Ao/s640/IMG_1248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wherein old chairs are given new life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>#3</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/09/burlap-and-pumpkin-mantel.html">Burlap and Pumpkin Mantel</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecClYuR5VuQ/UjfQVRBc6SI/AAAAAAAAEg0/H26QQsLC4YI/s1600/IMG_1617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecClYuR5VuQ/UjfQVRBc6SI/AAAAAAAAEg0/H26QQsLC4YI/s640/IMG_1617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wherein I break out my artistic abilities {I painted pumpkins, y'all!}.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>#2</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-2013-mantel.html">Fall 2013 Mantel</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mABKIqNCKM/Uj9zeMeRNtI/AAAAAAAAEi4/zDQFNK23-w0/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mABKIqNCKM/Uj9zeMeRNtI/AAAAAAAAEi4/zDQFNK23-w0/s640/IMG_1714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wherein I share what might be my favorite mantel yet… and I do a lot of mantels!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>#1</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drumroll, please….</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dreamanddiffer.blogspot.com/2013/03/pottery-barn-inspired-easter-art-and.html">Pottery Barn Inspired Easter Art and a Spring Vignette</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNwdbKSsUb4/UTTgNP6SxKI/AAAAAAAAD74/vD_Z_JR5VQ8/s1600/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNwdbKSsUb4/UTTgNP6SxKI/AAAAAAAAD74/vD_Z_JR5VQ8/s640/IMG_0725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wherein a simple DIY project turned out really cute. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><center>I hope you have enjoyed following along here at Dream and Differ. It has been so fun reading your comments and emails. I appreciate how busy life is, and truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out to stop by.</center><center>Best wishes for a blessed New Year!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-57810381516102202712013-12-27T12:40:00.002-08:002013-12-27T12:46:18.112-08:00Christmas Recap<div style="text-align: center;">I hope you all had a warm and wonderful Christmas. I know we did: it was filled with lots of fun, good food, and much-loved traditions. And lots and lots of pictures… here are a few of my favorites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7gM_W9iTmE/Ur3amk7xKsI/AAAAAAAAEs0/QdoIMvvaSj4/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7gM_W9iTmE/Ur3amk7xKsI/AAAAAAAAEs0/QdoIMvvaSj4/s640/kids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've always made the kids pose for a photo in their Christmas Eve finery before we go to church, and this year was no different. Except that their finery has gotten decidedly less fancy. Gone are Hunter's once-beloved bow-ties and Caitlin's twirly dresses and patent shoes. They go for more of a casual look these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74yMKVi_5fc/Ur3aj90aTUI/AAAAAAAAEsw/Hh2JrVRt0Bc/s1600/Cait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74yMKVi_5fc/Ur3aj90aTUI/AAAAAAAAEsw/Hh2JrVRt0Bc/s640/Cait.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure when this girl turned into such a young lady, but having grown three inches in the last six months, she is quickly approaching me in height. I am so not ready for this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EA2a3vTX2T4/Ur3eCbyhpeI/AAAAAAAAEto/3M06qXlbGWs/s1600/WIW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EA2a3vTX2T4/Ur3eCbyhpeI/AAAAAAAAEto/3M06qXlbGWs/s640/WIW.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I, on the other hand, took the opportunity to dress to the nines {by my standards, anyway} and broke out my favorite red Christmas dress {from Lands End}. I did change as soon as we got home from church, but it was fun to dress up for a little while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a Christmas Eve tradition of letting the kids open one present after church. It always contains a pair of matching pjs, a Christmas book {The Gift of the Magi}, and a Christmas movie {Charlie Brown's Christmas}. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i476Tu34jQM/Ur3apd2IRBI/AAAAAAAAEtI/efYql29g5LQ/s1600/opening+presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i476Tu34jQM/Ur3apd2IRBI/AAAAAAAAEtI/efYql29g5LQ/s640/opening+presents.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> After they change into their new jammies {love these cozy ones from Lands End}, we have a feast of appetizers and settle in to watch their new movie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VpgO1DtBYss/Ur3akbfiRDI/AAAAAAAAEsg/H2lLjdqzfUQ/s1600/Christmas+eve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VpgO1DtBYss/Ur3akbfiRDI/AAAAAAAAEsg/H2lLjdqzfUQ/s640/Christmas+eve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found a ton of great holiday recipes on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/DreamandDiffer/">Pinterest</a> this year and I'll share all the links and recipe info in another post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2FU0rLyac/Ur3gYJXgoyI/AAAAAAAAEt0/AbqpDlji6LI/s1600/feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2FU0rLyac/Ur3gYJXgoyI/AAAAAAAAEt0/AbqpDlji6LI/s640/feast.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Christmas morning, I get up extra early to set everything up. I make coffee and hot cocoa, light candles and the tree, and turn on Christmas music. We set out a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, cookies, fruit, and candy. By having everything ready, we can sit back and enjoy the magic of Christmas morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYBc3gzo7So/Ur3hnptQlGI/AAAAAAAAEuA/FkUuV3ciHwE/s1600/magic+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYBc3gzo7So/Ur3hnptQlGI/AAAAAAAAEuA/FkUuV3ciHwE/s640/magic+morning.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And faces like these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLjIfqODl4M/Ur3aj7e9aTI/AAAAAAAAEsc/JzRIt4uAQnk/s1600/faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLjIfqODl4M/Ur3aj7e9aTI/AAAAAAAAEsc/JzRIt4uAQnk/s640/faces.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXtUrxrrCFg/Ur3anCfHKwI/AAAAAAAAEs4/iyhnGX3Nsls/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXtUrxrrCFg/Ur3anCfHKwI/AAAAAAAAEs4/iyhnGX3Nsls/s640/joy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggJ4lRvoGbs/Ur3ao8xoOQI/AAAAAAAAEtE/Ju2olaRL7A8/s1600/more+faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggJ4lRvoGbs/Ur3ao8xoOQI/AAAAAAAAEtE/Ju2olaRL7A8/s640/more+faces.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIFHo9BCEIo/Ur3arOQpDOI/AAAAAAAAEtY/sQqjhAOHPeU/s1600/phones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIFHo9BCEIo/Ur3arOQpDOI/AAAAAAAAEtY/sQqjhAOHPeU/s640/phones.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might have noticed in the photo above, but I got a new rug for Christmas. I was a bit nervous about the pattern, but when I asked on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dreamanddifferblog">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/dreamanddiffer">Instagram</a>, the response was overwhelmingly in favor of this rug. What do you think, did we make the right choice?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rRXJqOFGvo/Ur3iqpCL7DI/AAAAAAAAEuM/ZdatRhO879U/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rRXJqOFGvo/Ur3iqpCL7DI/AAAAAAAAEuM/ZdatRhO879U/s640/IMG_1858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After all the presents were opened, my dad and stepmom joined us for dinner. Once again, the party crackers and paper crowns were a big hit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfu1LvKGSUA/Ur3iq9EnaYI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/5bYqoDxf3Zo/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfu1LvKGSUA/Ur3iq9EnaYI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/5bYqoDxf3Zo/s640/IMG_1870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We're gorging on leftovers and enjoying our gifts this weekend, before getting ready for our Christmas/New Year's celebration at my mom's next week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you're enjoying the quiet stretch between celebrations!</div><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center><center>I'm linking up here:</center><center><a href="http://liferearranged.com/">Life Rearranged</a></center><center><a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog">The Pleated Poppy</a></center><center><a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers</a></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645130526538644872.post-76208801630004497012013-12-20T06:43:00.000-08:002013-12-20T06:43:36.493-08:00The Real-Deal Hot Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I originally shared this recipe last winter, over at <a href="http://thedomesticfringe.com/">The Domestic Fringe</a> but thought I would repost it here just in time for the holidays. This is a great recipe at Christmas, and throughout the long cold winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TXifcFKcz8/UQhHUNO4chI/AAAAAAAADas/FD72DZr88QA/s1600/IMG_0512.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TXifcFKcz8/UQhHUNO4chI/AAAAAAAADas/FD72DZr88QA/s640/IMG_0512.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am no stranger to the convenience of Swiss Miss, but for a special treat nothing beats the Real-Deal Hot Chocolate. This recipe makes enough syrup for a party sized batch of of hot chocolate. It would be perfect for a sledding party- just keep it warm in a crock pot. The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 10 days, which I love. The kids can easily mix themselves up a mug when they come in from playing in the snow. This recipe is adapted from Jan Karon's "Mitford Cookbook."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNKgjA02-SY/UQhGtjozomI/AAAAAAAADZ4/_LZIKzvFht4/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNKgjA02-SY/UQhGtjozomI/AAAAAAAADZ4/_LZIKzvFht4/s640/IMG_0483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To make the syrup, you'll need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1 {11.5 oz.} bag of Nestle semisweet chocolate chunks</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1-2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1 {15 oz.} can of sweetened condensed milk</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1 cup boiling water</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3/4 cup granulated sugar</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3LV3IQASdA/UQhGtx27YgI/AAAAAAAADaA/bwLWcwqVg_U/s1600/IMG_0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3LV3IQASdA/UQhGtx27YgI/AAAAAAAADaA/bwLWcwqVg_U/s640/IMG_0490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Combine all ingredients {chocolate chunks, cocoa, condensed milk, boiling water, and sugar} and melt in a medium saucepan over low heat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnOW6WpVoI0/UQhGto6rrAI/AAAAAAAADZ0/LnWcgcpprBg/s1600/IMG_0491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnOW6WpVoI0/UQhGto6rrAI/AAAAAAAADZ0/LnWcgcpprBg/s640/IMG_0491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> Stir till well combined.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kf4sds0JoAg/UQhGurl8qFI/AAAAAAAADaM/KUAY4WxCwbE/s1600/IMG_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kf4sds0JoAg/UQhGurl8qFI/AAAAAAAADaM/KUAY4WxCwbE/s640/IMG_0493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> When everything is melted, remove from the heat and let the syrup cool.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do not, in your greed, lick the still-hot spoon. You will burn your tongue... not that I would know anything about that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chOpf5BwXxI/UQhGukXz3rI/AAAAAAAADaQ/ys0nmG83iHk/s1600/IMG_0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chOpf5BwXxI/UQhGukXz3rI/AAAAAAAADaQ/ys0nmG83iHk/s640/IMG_0503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> To make the hot cocoa, pour 2-4 tablespoons of the chocolate syrup into a mug. Pour piping-hot milk over the syrup and stir to combine. You can add more syrup according to your taste. Top the cocoa with marshmallows, whip cream, chocolate shavings... whatever your {sweet}heart desires!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Store the leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. Or, put it in a pretty jar and share with a friend; it makes a great gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-le-HcJ7bUOM/UQhGy5__6UI/AAAAAAAADak/pI1x51CZaoA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-le-HcJ7bUOM/UQhGy5__6UI/AAAAAAAADak/pI1x51CZaoA/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><center>Hope you enjoy this sweet recipe!</center><center><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x454/buttercupqueen1/sig.jpg" /></center>Jessie @ Dream and Differhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220863947282041930noreply@blogger.com5