tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19739253136019977662024-03-12T21:37:43.162-04:00Renovating RothenbergersAs for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ~ Joshua 24:15Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-51379295054535828042012-02-16T11:58:00.000-05:002012-02-16T11:58:16.194-05:00Love Day Recap!<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I think of love, I think of God. He sent his Son to die for my sins, and that's a beautiful, powerful, life-changing thing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ~ 1 John 4:7</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And sometimes I get too caught up in my life and my schedule that I forget that the whole reason I'm here on this earth is to show the love of Christ to others. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And for me this year, Valentine's Day was a great reminder of this. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Usually, <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2012/02/pink-and-red-and-glitter-and-hearts-oh.html">Justin and I aren't huge fans of this holiday,</a> but we did squeeze in a few unexpected & lovely celebrations this year. Saturday night we had a Valentine's Day dinner with my in-laws. Sorry for the blurry & poorly-lit photos, I didn't realize my flash was turned off.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ7jE80BufM/Tz0uHNcENoI/AAAAAAAABpk/Np4-6Zn_Xcg/s1600/vd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ7jE80BufM/Tz0uHNcENoI/AAAAAAAABpk/Np4-6Zn_Xcg/s640/vd1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fc7dh8MmE0/Tz0uNvT7IuI/AAAAAAAABp0/1PMiBymbf2k/s1600/vd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fc7dh8MmE0/Tz0uNvT7IuI/AAAAAAAABp0/1PMiBymbf2k/s640/vd3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A beautiful centerpiece made with carnations (my favorite flower)!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vv5aXmR-Hs/Tz0uLnP-YuI/AAAAAAAABps/RCOWgysoxMA/s1600/vd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vv5aXmR-Hs/Tz0uLnP-YuI/AAAAAAAABps/RCOWgysoxMA/s640/vd2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And just for good measure and keeping with this over-sharing theme, here's a picture of my carnation bouquet from our wedding. (my sister's carried the white bouquets). </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLjPA4pZ4Os/Tz0vpFSaayI/AAAAAAAABqk/8tmlk5P1EUo/s1600/vd10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLjPA4pZ4Os/Tz0vpFSaayI/AAAAAAAABqk/8tmlk5P1EUo/s640/vd10.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to Saturday's dinner, it was truly a meal fit for a king (or queen!). We had steak, lobster, potatoes, and broccoli. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubHN4iFNQEQ/Tz0uVAgEplI/AAAAAAAABqM/Vk6YIUywoEU/s1600/vd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubHN4iFNQEQ/Tz0uVAgEplI/AAAAAAAABqM/Vk6YIUywoEU/s640/vd6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My stomach just growled. Yum.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzrL6e_ikNk/Tz0uR6z2wkI/AAAAAAAABqE/DoF4WZTmrQs/s1600/vd5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzrL6e_ikNk/Tz0uR6z2wkI/AAAAAAAABqE/DoF4WZTmrQs/s640/vd5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following day we had a very special lunch with my family to celebrate my sister Lindsay's 26th birthday! (Lindsay's on the right, Taylor's on the left). I forgot to take my camera along - woops!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjcLTi8-iTE/Tz0xzUUPjCI/AAAAAAAABqs/gBmlx48Hu5w/s1600/vd11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjcLTi8-iTE/Tz0xzUUPjCI/AAAAAAAABqs/gBmlx48Hu5w/s640/vd11.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And as if all this goodness wasn't enough . . . I came home from work on Tuesday to find dinner made by sweet Justin waiting for me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FIrKVm5S-k/Tz0uZANkmQI/AAAAAAAABqc/LcvPQJIPb8k/s1600/vd8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FIrKVm5S-k/Tz0uZANkmQI/AAAAAAAABqc/LcvPQJIPb8k/s640/vd8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CE8ejxQfNXo/Tz0uWnfHYxI/AAAAAAAABqU/n_Kfj3Vq1vw/s1600/vd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CE8ejxQfNXo/Tz0uWnfHYxI/AAAAAAAABqU/n_Kfj3Vq1vw/s640/vd7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Homemade stromboli - complete with a heart in the center. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Could my love tank be any fuller? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">~ Psalm 63:3</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How did you celebrate Valentine's day? Any unexpected surprises? And I probably won't be posting again this week, so what's on tap for the weekend? :)</span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-44141782551352626622012-02-07T08:27:00.000-05:002012-02-07T08:27:30.710-05:00Pink and Red and Glitter and Hearts! Oh My!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've never been a huge fan of Valentine's Day. It feels like hallmark is trying to force me to love the person I already love everyday. Justin & I will stay in, avoiding the masses, and have a nice quiet dinner. Like we do almost everyday. But maybe I'll light a few candles :)</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something I am a big fan of though is the color pink. Now in order to keep my husband happy I refrain from buying pink fluffy comforters and instead wear a bright pink sweater from time to time. But, if any of you are still here (mom?), you may remember that back in November I bought this <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/11/shopping-spoils.html">adorable pink and red heart fabric scrap</a> specifically for Valentine's Day. Because it's the one time of the year I can break out a couple pink hearts and not get any looks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. . . well, not too many looks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First I gathered my supplies. I was originally planning to make a dish towel and back it with one of Justin's white shirts. But then I decided to go with my original plan and make a table runner. So all you need is the fabric scrap, some scissors, stitch witchery, and an iron.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brDxYXS4mQY/TzEhHXoFXJI/AAAAAAAABow/1c1d_CE3sOc/s1600/vday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brDxYXS4mQY/TzEhHXoFXJI/AAAAAAAABow/1c1d_CE3sOc/s640/vday1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I hemmed one of the sides by placing the stitch witchery between the folded fabric and then ironing on top. Be sure to use your iron on the "wool" setting because it helps create a stronger hold!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7mPBNEtfi8/TzEhJO7np6I/AAAAAAAABo4/3wAlSuMQoM8/s1600/vday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7mPBNEtfi8/TzEhJO7np6I/AAAAAAAABo4/3wAlSuMQoM8/s640/vday2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did the same thing with the other side. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can see I didn't bother with making sure all my edges were perfectly straight. Oh & s</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">orry for the horrible lighting . . . our iron is right in front of the window and I'm not a very good photographer.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7nBv_JCnio/TzEhKeu9H1I/AAAAAAAABpA/ZcNKgh8bGUY/s1600/vday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7nBv_JCnio/TzEhKeu9H1I/AAAAAAAABpA/ZcNKgh8bGUY/s640/vday3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I hemmed the ends using the same technique. Once all the edges had a clean line, I swapped out <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/12/stocking-splendor.html">the maroon curtain we usually use as a runner</a> for this festive heart-adorned one!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHC9-P2-Px8/TzEhPfBEUPI/AAAAAAAABpY/ELjHdbjTn7E/s1600/vday6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHC9-P2-Px8/TzEhPfBEUPI/AAAAAAAABpY/ELjHdbjTn7E/s640/vday6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I switched some of our decorations around too. I got that awesome green vase from my sister-in-law for Christmas and I love it! And I changed out Justin's drawings in the one frame too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuYYMA97Gpg/TzEhL0E86xI/AAAAAAAABpI/8BoQVls4UgE/s1600/vday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuYYMA97Gpg/TzEhL0E86xI/AAAAAAAABpI/8BoQVls4UgE/s640/vday4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out the book in the middle of my stack. Help your husband stay alive! It has the funniest marital advice from the 50s. I should do a post one day on the stuff inside that book - it's hilariously awesome. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBtUyrHuhwc/TzEhOe5Kz-I/AAAAAAAABpQ/KRcaH9TXB1E/s1600/vday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBtUyrHuhwc/TzEhOe5Kz-I/AAAAAAAABpQ/KRcaH9TXB1E/s640/vday5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to the project at hand . . . since I already had the stitch witchery, the only thing I bought was the fabric. This brings the grand total for this project to 50 cents!! Not bad for a little loving-cheer. :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you decorating for Valentine's Day? Have you made any <i>lovely</i> crafts lately?</span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-76435178563974285112012-02-06T08:18:00.001-05:002012-02-06T08:18:46.846-05:00Hello Again!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a little blogging break. And it felt pretty good. I actually debated shutting this whole thing down but then a sweet comment from Katie (<a href="http://www.paisleyprintshoes.com/">Paisley Print Shoes</a>) warmed my heart and all was right again in the blogosphere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But if we're keeping things real . . . I'll let you know that my posts are going to be a bit more sporadic. Justin & I try our best to save up for projects but then sometimes the dishwasher breaks (twice) or there's a leak in the basement that requires our attention and, unfortunately, our money. As we start projects I'll be sure to share them though. Right now we're mulling over what our next project should be . . . we're thinking either the bathroom or our bedroom. I'll keep you posted once we've decided!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a completely different note, a few weeks ago my mom, sister & brother came over for the weekend. And it snowed!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA3QxPbIvGU/Ty_PfP2bwPI/AAAAAAAABoI/ivRJYQJzI0E/s1600/snow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA3QxPbIvGU/Ty_PfP2bwPI/AAAAAAAABoI/ivRJYQJzI0E/s640/snow1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Justin threw snow at me. Typical boy :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjLr_NrmK14/Ty_PgRl0a1I/AAAAAAAABoQ/pvU5mRa6vjc/s1600/snow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjLr_NrmK14/Ty_PgRl0a1I/AAAAAAAABoQ/pvU5mRa6vjc/s640/snow2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back of our house. . . you can see my two planters never made it inside this year. Woops.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-84w31KqVY/Ty_PhoxZ_3I/AAAAAAAABoY/4nkTz_gs9yA/s1600/snow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-84w31KqVY/Ty_PhoxZ_3I/AAAAAAAABoY/4nkTz_gs9yA/s640/snow3.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister's dog Sylvie love the snow! This was the only decent picture of her I was able to take. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8QGVRyYxPA/Ty_PiqGOaeI/AAAAAAAABog/q26vr0Ds4e4/s1600/snow4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8QGVRyYxPA/Ty_PiqGOaeI/AAAAAAAABog/q26vr0Ds4e4/s640/snow4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of the time Sylvie ran around like a crazed canine.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WjaEGDS1CE/Ty_PjbdYb0I/AAAAAAAABoo/yIhRZQzBpno/s1600/snow5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WjaEGDS1CE/Ty_PjbdYb0I/AAAAAAAABoo/yIhRZQzBpno/s640/snow5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for bearing with me everyone! Have a great Monday! :)</span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-67748850305885617132012-01-18T07:51:00.001-05:002012-01-18T07:51:59.514-05:00Paint & Pictures<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oops. I posted out of order. If you're super observant, you may have noticed in <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-wooderful-sight.html">yesterday's post</a> that our walls were a different color from <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2012/01/lighting-upgrades.html">last week.</a> That's because we painted the walls & the ceiling! We carried the darker color on the accent wall in our living room up into the whole hallway, and painted the ceiling a nice, crisp white (it was tan before).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dW1DHHWIkIs/TxV7VFhg0sI/AAAAAAAABmQ/kuprFAUylmg/s1600/carpet7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dW1DHHWIkIs/TxV7VFhg0sI/AAAAAAAABmQ/kuprFAUylmg/s640/carpet7.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;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq3fMyjWUzs/TxWBgMG72tI/AAAAAAAABm4/_b4N3eqT4Ss/s1600/hallway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq3fMyjWUzs/TxWBgMG72tI/AAAAAAAABm4/_b4N3eqT4Ss/s640/hallway1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6_VwotMF8w/TxWBheWQ8kI/AAAAAAAABnA/fu4eZPojW7o/s1600/hallway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6_VwotMF8w/TxWBheWQ8kI/AAAAAAAABnA/fu4eZPojW7o/s640/hallway2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you wondering about that black frame in the corner? Well, we made a little gallery wall!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWbDO84ntZc/TxWBjbErWnI/AAAAAAAABnQ/Lrar7vJnTsg/s1600/hallway4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWbDO84ntZc/TxWBjbErWnI/AAAAAAAABnQ/Lrar7vJnTsg/s640/hallway4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See how our <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2012/01/lighting-upgrades.html">new lighting</a> shines right on it, illuminating the fingerprints on the right? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8tX6vtVohQ/TxWBicqHD8I/AAAAAAAABnI/GTL3mlggsc4/s1600/hallway3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8tX6vtVohQ/TxWBicqHD8I/AAAAAAAABnI/GTL3mlggsc4/s640/hallway3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8sFrpPD4Ws/TxWBkWt4CxI/AAAAAAAABnY/U2I0y4uZvPQ/s1600/hallwya5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8sFrpPD4Ws/TxWBkWt4CxI/AAAAAAAABnY/U2I0y4uZvPQ/s640/hallwya5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the low-down on what we framed:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The flowers on the left are temporary - they're going to be replaced by a print out of my favorite hymn once I make my way over to Staples. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sunflower in the middle is drawn by my talented husband. I just love all the detail in it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The framed wedding invitation on the right might also temporary. I'm not in love with the colors of it against the wall, so I may either replace it with something else or mat it in a different color.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The picture of Justin & I in the middle is my favorite picture of us. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The drawing on the bottom right is of a little boy pulling a dog in a wagon under a streetlight. This is also drawn by that artsy stud I married and it's definitely staying. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what do you think? All the changes in this space lately make me a little giddy every time I walk down the hall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What changes have you been making lately? Any painting or picture-framing?</span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-22294920355689061652012-01-17T08:57:00.001-05:002012-01-17T08:57:34.659-05:00What A Wooderful Sight!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would you like to see something nasty? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ycDtWaEZQ28/TxV1AlIEK7I/AAAAAAAABlg/DZIHrHsbGug/s1600/carpet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ycDtWaEZQ28/TxV1AlIEK7I/AAAAAAAABlg/DZIHrHsbGug/s640/carpet1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlDVgv2JqZs/TxV1B5PwRkI/AAAAAAAABlo/WabophpAZ_E/s1600/carpet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlDVgv2JqZs/TxV1B5PwRkI/AAAAAAAABlo/WabophpAZ_E/s640/carpet2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjsAfcrSeDk/TxV1Czlnc0I/AAAAAAAABlw/CyILJLrNc7U/s1600/carpet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjsAfcrSeDk/TxV1Czlnc0I/AAAAAAAABlw/CyILJLrNc7U/s640/carpet3.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can I get a collective "ewww" because our carpet is Nasty (with a capital N). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Saturday morning, while still in our pajamas, we got sick of looking at the grossness and decided this carpet had to go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And just like that, madness ensued.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gm5EUg-Ercc/TxV2DXDodPI/AAAAAAAABl4/tP1x6XkHahU/s1600/carpet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gm5EUg-Ercc/TxV2DXDodPI/AAAAAAAABl4/tP1x6XkHahU/s640/carpet4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We assumed there would be hardwood underneath because the rest of our house has hardwood, but we weren't sure what kind of condition it would be in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Justin pulled all the carpeting up while I carried it out to our storage shed. Teamwork folks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We didn't take any pictures of how the flooring initially looked underneath because we got to work right away pulling out all those staples. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7hD57HEW5s/TxV3odeRY2I/AAAAAAAABmA/6EsLlMLDvOs/s1600/carpet5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7hD57HEW5s/TxV3odeRY2I/AAAAAAAABmA/6EsLlMLDvOs/s640/carpet5.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That blue nonsense at the bottom of the stairs is me. I told you we did all this in our pj's. . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After several grueling hours of pulling out staples, this is what we were left with. (You'll have to ignore the tools scattered everywhere - this is real life people).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJSGvjVs6a4/TxV7T8H4zkI/AAAAAAAABmI/2TSTABcxW-k/s1600/carpet6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJSGvjVs6a4/TxV7T8H4zkI/AAAAAAAABmI/2TSTABcxW-k/s640/carpet6.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The new view from the living room.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dW1DHHWIkIs/TxV7VFhg0sI/AAAAAAAABmQ/kuprFAUylmg/s1600/carpet7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dW1DHHWIkIs/TxV7VFhg0sI/AAAAAAAABmQ/kuprFAUylmg/s640/carpet7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The landing on the stairs has these adorable small planks. I wish the rest of the flooring in our house was like this!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2MyMfvlsMA/TxV7WBxCC2I/AAAAAAAABmY/hphmjysP6Xs/s1600/carpet8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2MyMfvlsMA/TxV7WBxCC2I/AAAAAAAABmY/hphmjysP6Xs/s640/carpet8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CfuPMO6X8U/TxV7XNeF_JI/AAAAAAAABmg/UAXr8xclGkI/s1600/carpet9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CfuPMO6X8U/TxV7XNeF_JI/AAAAAAAABmg/UAXr8xclGkI/s640/carpet9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlKaejTA31o/TxV7YUGSHJI/AAAAAAAABmo/ke5TjZ-Nnpg/s1600/carpet10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlKaejTA31o/TxV7YUGSHJI/AAAAAAAABmo/ke5TjZ-Nnpg/s640/carpet10.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the last photo you can see that we still have carpeting in our bedroom. Eventually we'd like to replace that carpeting, that's why we haven't finished off the edge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now that the carpeting is up, we have to refinish the floor. We're thinking about staining the wood a darker tone. But since our whole house (except our bedroom) is hardwood, we'll probably start upstairs and then eventually work our way downstairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But oh to have floors like this . . . </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgze5gduIMs/TxV8gopxj0I/AAAAAAAABmw/2qdDtgv10Yw/s1600/floordark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgze5gduIMs/TxV8gopxj0I/AAAAAAAABmw/2qdDtgv10Yw/s640/floordark.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A girl can dream, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what projects have you been working on lately? Have you ever refinished hardwood flooring? Any tips/advice?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>ps: image from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/106045766195343367/">here</a></i></span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-58354538189319907372012-01-16T09:22:00.000-05:002012-01-16T09:22:09.889-05:00Goodbye Christmas!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt1yO9YcelU/TxQwuhbAzvI/AAAAAAAABlY/F8FqcmikuIw/s1600/christmas2gether.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt1yO9YcelU/TxQwuhbAzvI/AAAAAAAABlY/F8FqcmikuIw/s400/christmas2gether.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's January 16th and <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-countdown.html">our gorgeous Christmas tree</a> is coming down today. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But - thanks to that good ole' self timer button, we did manage to finally get a picture in front of the tree last night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In completely unrelated news, we've been busy here at the Rothenberger casa. I'm a smidge behind with this whole picture-taking and blog-writing thing, but you should be getting some updates soon! Want a hint?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a wooderful sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheese much? Yes ma'm.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Have a great Monday everyone!</i></span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-82585328296275505452012-01-10T07:54:00.000-05:002012-01-10T07:54:17.488-05:00Super Duper Savings - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oT9vqe2_uEI/TwrzYlDo2rI/AAAAAAAABkw/B8wK_0Rgfus/s1600/dish-powder2_75oz_freeclear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oT9vqe2_uEI/TwrzYlDo2rI/AAAAAAAABkw/B8wK_0Rgfus/s200/dish-powder2_75oz_freeclear.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Let's talk about detergent. <span id="goog_262286179"></span><span id="goog_262286180"></span> </span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">As a Christian I feel convicted to be a good steward of what God has given me. So even though seventh generation makes amazing products that clean very well and smell fantastic in the process, they can put my budget over the edge. It costs $6.99 a box, which isn't exactly highway robbery, but it also isn't chum change. Two idioms in one sentence - thankyouverymuch English degree.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I decided to make my own dishwasher detergent. I'm a bad blogger and took zero pictures. It's pretty self-explanatory though.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a large bowl combine:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- 1 cup of washing soda</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- 1 cup of borax</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- 1 cup of Lemi-shine (we have hard water so I found that using a cup really seems to help, but if you have soft water you may only need to use 1/2 cup)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Keep this powdered mixture out on the counter for several days. Every time you pass by, mix it up. I used a potato masher, but you could use a wooden spoon if you don't have a tater masher. This step is very important because it helps prevent the detergent from clumping down the road!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then, transfer your detergent to a sealed container. Put 1 tablespoon of this goodness in with your dirty dishes and wait for the magic to happen! I also use white vinegar as my rinse aid, which helps make my dishes sparkle!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have been using this detergent for a while now and I think it works just as well (maybe even better!) as the store bought kinds. My dishes come out so clean and shiny. It's a win for my dishes and a win for my bank account. Bam. Happy cleaning!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Do you have any homemade recipes you'd like to share? Any natural cleaners you like to use? I'd love to hear about them!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">ps: read all about super duper savings part one </span><a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/11/super-duper-savings.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">pss: image from </span><a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Free-and-Clear/Dishwasher-Detergent#fragement-3" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">here</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-27747462262014325532012-01-03T10:23:00.000-05:002012-01-04T08:25:06.637-05:00Lighting Upgrades<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know the final walk through you do the day before or day of closing? When you're just checking to see if the sellers were hiding any holes in the walls with artwork or covering any stained floors with rugs? Well, we didn't find any of those tell-tale deceptive signs. . . instead we found a hanging hall light.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inRHEb6nhtg/TwMY2eDyzgI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LSneL-B0Yqw/s1600/light1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inRHEb6nhtg/TwMY2eDyzgI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LSneL-B0Yqw/s640/light1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our realtor explained to us that we could ask the sellers to fix this since it was properly secured when we made an offer on the house, but we figured it just needed to be fixed with a few screws so we didn't bother.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actually I think our exact words were, "Don't worry about it. We can fix it this weekend. It's no big deal."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HA.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were right in one sense - it wasn't a big deal at all. But did we fix it that weekend? No. We lived with that sucker hanging down for 6 MONTHS.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This view greeted us as we walked down the hall every day. Real classy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meQjOG-QIE8/TwMY3XVkayI/AAAAAAAABkY/4OaGeZA9JMI/s1600/light2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meQjOG-QIE8/TwMY3XVkayI/AAAAAAAABkY/4OaGeZA9JMI/s640/light2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it's a new year and we decided to do something about this light. At first we were going to spray paint it like we did to our <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/10/disclaimer-when-i-said-yesterday-that.html">brassy fixtures downstairs</a>, but instead we raised the bar. While perusing the aisles at Home Depot the other day, we found and bought this <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Indoor-Lighting-Indoor-Ceiling-Lighting-Track-Lighting/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvmkZ12l1/R-202203867/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Hampton Bay track light.</a> At just under $50, it was a little pricier than we would have liked - but it was pretty and we decided to try it anyway.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TKQAXJxkVo/TwMY4WXQAfI/AAAAAAAABkg/1CEDW5AWBvQ/s1600/light3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TKQAXJxkVo/TwMY4WXQAfI/AAAAAAAABkg/1CEDW5AWBvQ/s640/light3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the oil-rubbed bronze color. And I love that we can position the lights to shine where we'd like. The main reason we decided to get this light was because we can highlight our artwork on the walls once we get around to actually hanging it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH62tUfZOZw/TwMY5X4aUWI/AAAAAAAABko/cQL2Daf45tk/s1600/light4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RH62tUfZOZw/TwMY5X4aUWI/AAAAAAAABko/cQL2Daf45tk/s640/light4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See how the light shines right on the wall? We have big plans for that space. Right after we get around to painting the hall. We've had the paint for about 3 months already. . . so if we keep to our previous schedule you should expect to see this finished space in March.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But hey, it is a new year after all . . . so maybe it'll be done in February. :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>PS: When I came home last night Justin was installing another one of these lights in our living room. He replaced the boob light in the top right corner. Now our lighting matches! I'll have to take an updated picture and share that soon, along with the new piece of furniture that lives in this room!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5LLzRZn6n8/TqF2MVbyEOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/nYgZYZ7Mues/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5LLzRZn6n8/TqF2MVbyEOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/nYgZYZ7Mues/s640/IMG_0410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has anyone else taken a long time to make a simple upgrade? What do you think of our new lights? Any guesses on what new piece of furniture we have?</span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-79183985103375431842012-01-03T08:37:00.001-05:002012-01-03T08:37:47.450-05:002012<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year and welcome 2012!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We brought the new year in with a bang. A good old fashioned skeet shoot. Justin and the boys played with their guns while I shot pictures with my camera. See those flying orange discs in the left corner? There she blows!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AK5_76CiCf4/TwL9HXr5Y7I/AAAAAAAABjo/x07VPRd-Ffo/s1600/Skeet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AK5_76CiCf4/TwL9HXr5Y7I/AAAAAAAABjo/x07VPRd-Ffo/s640/Skeet+1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln2UNTTN-jw/TwL9IqrDV9I/AAAAAAAABjw/KO-YgtpaAKw/s1600/Skeet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln2UNTTN-jw/TwL9IqrDV9I/AAAAAAAABjw/KO-YgtpaAKw/s640/Skeet+2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The remains of a good time . . . </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6FJvcXm1xQ/TwL9KYfXDVI/AAAAAAAABj4/xGtgJK9Tq18/s1600/Skeet+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6FJvcXm1xQ/TwL9KYfXDVI/AAAAAAAABj4/xGtgJK9Tq18/s640/Skeet+3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How did you usher in the new year? Was anyone else thinking of this guy the whole time you were reading this post? </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_onvUOoxMs4/TwL-uP3gmCI/AAAAAAAABkE/UOzGscTDDsk/s1600/skeeter.400_600r" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_onvUOoxMs4/TwL-uP3gmCI/AAAAAAAABkE/UOzGscTDDsk/s320/skeeter.400_600r" width="245" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skeeter image from <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1234&bih=683&tbm=isch&tbnid=yloGDPlkB-gz2M:&imgrefurl=http://hunch.com/item/hn_2932363/skeeter-valentine/&docid=a_GZp3nG_YN3EM&imgurl=http://aka-img-1.h-img.com/media/img/b/hn/2932363/5187596796022452862.400_600r&w=290&h=378&ei=gf4CT8TnB6jn0QHa-bzBAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1013&vpy=164&dur=2118&hovh=256&hovw=197&tx=127&ty=160&sig=113089914285811047718&page=1&tbnh=153&tbnw=117&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0">here.</a> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ahh Doug Funny. They don't make shows like that anymore. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>PS: Check back tomorrow to see our first project of the new year!</i> </span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-15707275105488740952011-12-29T07:07:00.000-05:002011-12-29T07:07:28.050-05:00Christmas Recap<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas was amazing. It really is called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. There are few things better than having time off of work to spend with family and eat delicious food and exchange presents and celebrate the birth of our Savior. And to quickly recap all of those things for you Rothenberger style, here's the low-down:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family time - Now that Justin & I are our own little family of two, we made sure to spend some time celebrating by ourselves. We spent Christmas Eve at home, making dinner and partaking in general holiday cheer. Then we packed our bags and headed to our parent's for the next few days. We're pretty fortunate that our parents only live a couple miles apart so we were able to see everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Delicious food - My father-in-law's birthday is December 31st, so we decided to have a little birthday dinner celebration early. We had lobster, steak, and vanilla bean cheesecake. It was so much deliciousness that we felt like we were sinning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Presents - Although I enjoy reading other people's present recaps, they're just not my style. But you can expect to see some new house decorations on the blog soon :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Savior's birth - We hung our stockings, wrapped presents, baked cookies, lit candles, decorated the tree, and decked the halls all to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And His life and death are the greatest gift of all.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ~John 3:17, NIV</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">So how was your Christmas? I'd love to hear about it! Have a great rest of the year! I'll be back blogging in 2012. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-42025557745282566442011-12-21T16:23:00.000-05:002011-12-23T07:47:10.707-05:00Merry Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">For to us a child is born, to us</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">a son is given; and the government shall be</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">upon</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> H</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">is shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Counselor,</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Mighty God,</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Everlasting</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Father, Prince of</em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Peace<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ Isaiah 9:6</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Merry Christmas to you all! I hope your day is full of celebration and laughter and good food and worship and prayer. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xo, The Rothenbergers </span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-19277790311874259632011-12-20T07:30:00.000-05:002011-12-20T07:30:11.731-05:00Gifting The Neighbors<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the story about how we gifted our neighbors. Nothing extravangent, just something small that says - "we like living next to you. thanks for being so awesome."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First I took a blank box and layered some red tissue paper.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIP4KmIHkig/Tu-hBefYEaI/AAAAAAAABiw/4ErhrH8gbeM/s1600/IMG_0887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIP4KmIHkig/Tu-hBefYEaI/AAAAAAAABiw/4ErhrH8gbeM/s640/IMG_0887.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I filled it with homemade deliciousness.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXgtdXw6f1M/Tu-hC1B2W2I/AAAAAAAABi4/py4HX92zVfc/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXgtdXw6f1M/Tu-hC1B2W2I/AAAAAAAABi4/py4HX92zVfc/s640/IMG_0888.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I attempted to neatly fold the tissue paper on top.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j39p2YPAvcY/Tu-hEAhSMGI/AAAAAAAABjA/N0zZB3Gl324/s1600/IMG_0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j39p2YPAvcY/Tu-hEAhSMGI/AAAAAAAABjA/N0zZB3Gl324/s640/IMG_0890.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then on the box I tied one of my <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/12/wrappin.html">homemade gift tags</a> and a felt tree ornament I bought at Target. I can't find them online to share with you, but they were 3 for $1 and they were in the ornament section.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wq4awGsmenQ/Tu-hFI4iC1I/AAAAAAAABjI/R9pWJzSOEVM/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wq4awGsmenQ/Tu-hFI4iC1I/AAAAAAAABjI/R9pWJzSOEVM/s640/IMG_0892.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZc11XCjKK8/Tu-hGdFl4hI/AAAAAAAABjQ/XuGA5lmM30E/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZc11XCjKK8/Tu-hGdFl4hI/AAAAAAAABjQ/XuGA5lmM30E/s640/IMG_0896.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* After looking at this picture I remembered to trim the trailing leftover twine.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easy peasy. That's my theme for this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that's what we're gifting our neighbors with. Are you giving your neighbors anything? Did you bake any holiday cookies yet this year? If you have any killer recipes, I'd love to hear! :)</span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-17457845860932441412011-12-19T07:42:00.000-05:002011-12-19T07:42:31.613-05:00Engagaversary<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is a special day for Justin & me . . . it's our engagaversary. A year ago today Justin woke me up in the wee hours of the morning and I walked outside to find my dear man, a burning heart on our pond, and a sparkly diamond.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VY48hENl2So/TuvwSrvafVI/AAAAAAAABio/xrB7k72GHv4/s1600/engaged1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VY48hENl2So/TuvwSrvafVI/AAAAAAAABio/xrB7k72GHv4/s640/engaged1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And as they say, the rest is history. Beautiful beautiful history.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oq-ZaqmT8S4/TsJqr91LrXI/AAAAAAAABM8/TvAZUladwkI/s1600/IMG_1932bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oq-ZaqmT8S4/TsJqr91LrXI/AAAAAAAABM8/TvAZUladwkI/s640/IMG_1932bw.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy engagaversary Justin! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-43166675840539347532011-12-15T08:38:00.000-05:002011-12-15T08:38:01.205-05:00Wrappin'<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's play a game. Can you spy what is different with my tree since the last time I shared a picture of it?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2jGvzONoZo/TunyAMmwkvI/AAAAAAAABh8/rqxwmViHn0I/s1600/Presents1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2jGvzONoZo/TunyAMmwkvI/AAAAAAAABh8/rqxwmViHn0I/s640/Presents1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did I hear presents? 123 blogger points to you!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I receive a beautifully wrapped gift, I am in awe. I love gifts that are wrapped with such attention to detail and thought. My gifts, however, typically get hastily wrapped the night before Christmas with whatever paper I can find. Birthday balloons, pink foil, ladybugs . . . it's all fair game. So this year I decided to step it up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep in mind that nothing I am sharing is going to be great - or probably even good. It's just a step up for me and if I keep making small steps, maybe one year my presents will be pretty too. That's what I'm hoping at least.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So first I decided to start with pretty paper. I ended up choosing 3 rolls from Lowes (shocker).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5FOma-jdERI/TunyqV-RmtI/AAAAAAAABiE/DAueFqNF1e0/s1600/PResents2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5FOma-jdERI/TunyqV-RmtI/AAAAAAAABiE/DAueFqNF1e0/s640/PResents2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I've said many times before, I enjoy traditional patterns and decorating with reds and greens - so it should be no surprise that I chose plaid, shiny red foil, and ivy leaves with holly berries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But my stepped up Christmas presents couldn't be given without a little jazz. It'd be like putting on a fancy dress and forgetting your pearls. If you're June Cleaver that is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I made some gift tags. I haven't attached them to the gifts yet because i'm worried they'll get crumpled under the tree, so imagine them tied with twine to get the full effect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got the idea for these tags from none other than <a href="http://pinterest.com/">pinterest</a> of course. They're made with green paint swatches from Lowes (shocker again). Then I punched a present and glued that onto the tree and added a tree trunk. Simple. Easy. Lemon squeezy.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wE4qGwmzrg/Tun0hSyiTcI/AAAAAAAABiM/JGTVDsgUj-k/s1600/Presents3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wE4qGwmzrg/Tun0hSyiTcI/AAAAAAAABiM/JGTVDsgUj-k/s640/Presents3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkQBCe35FWI/Tun0ie9802I/AAAAAAAABiU/YxevvocdUi0/s1600/PResents4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkQBCe35FWI/Tun0ie9802I/AAAAAAAABiU/YxevvocdUi0/s640/PResents4.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;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I made a couple more gift tags by simply punching out a snowman and stamping either "tis the season" or "noel". Festive and fun.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTNfXPaav-0/Tun0jvRLc8I/AAAAAAAABic/g4RWk1ekLeQ/s1600/Presents5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTNfXPaav-0/Tun0jvRLc8I/AAAAAAAABic/g4RWk1ekLeQ/s640/Presents5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So how are you wrapping your presents this year? Are you tying intricate bows or making beautiful gift tags? Any tips on how to tie the gift tags so they don't fall off in transport?</span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-54937126645013662392011-12-13T07:48:00.000-05:002011-12-13T07:48:25.867-05:00Wall of Shame<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you are about to see is real... unfortunately. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you walk through our kitchen, right before the stairs to the basement there is some open shelving. I remember when we were still house hunting and I saw this open storage I said something along the lines of, "oh this is going to be excellent to store all my knick-knacks and rarely used kitchen tools". Well, after we moved in and I threw all my extra crap on those shelves, this is what it looked like.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xwfYoxSbSA/TuZj-txuHrI/AAAAAAAABhU/iFuGTT04Kco/s1600/IMG_0800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xwfYoxSbSA/TuZj-txuHrI/AAAAAAAABhU/iFuGTT04Kco/s640/IMG_0800.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And if you're coming up the stairs from the basement, this is the view you're greeted with. Ugh.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T7qOcH5C6XY/TuZj_8e9A8I/AAAAAAAABhc/VEvMdnRTtgY/s1600/IMG_0801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T7qOcH5C6XY/TuZj_8e9A8I/AAAAAAAABhc/VEvMdnRTtgY/s640/IMG_0801.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every time I walked past these shelves, I kinda blinked quickly and kept walking. And then one day the embarrassment built up and I actually did something about it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing I did was take an inventory of what was on those shelves to see what was actually necessary to be stored upstairs:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Kitchenaid mixer</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Crockpot</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Blender</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Paper towels</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Straws</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Bug spray</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Dusting cloths</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Light bulbs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Candles</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Trashbags</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Water filters</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Jars of change</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Shades for the chandelier in the dining room</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Tissues</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Reusable shopping bags</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Disinfectant wipes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Empty pasta jars </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 4 extra place settings (I only keep 8 in our cabinets)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Extra silverware (I only keep 8 place settings in our drawer)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Serving platter </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh & a partridge and a pear tree.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, these shelves had become a dumping ground. And half of the things on those shelves did not need to be there. So I rearranged what was in some cabinets and moved the rest to our back-up pantry in the basement. The one that is <b>behind closed doors. </b>And then I was left with this . . .</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbqYO_Lb9bM/TuZkErO78hI/AAAAAAAABh0/dwYyEBwe_ps/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbqYO_Lb9bM/TuZkErO78hI/AAAAAAAABh0/dwYyEBwe_ps/s640/IMG_0811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's still not perfect - far from it actually. I'd like to eventually do away with the palm tree shelf liner and get some nice woven baskets for those shelves, but until then this is much better. Now all that is on those shelves are:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Kitchenaid mixer</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Crockpot</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- My nice casserole dishes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- A few milkglass vases</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Blender</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Paper towels</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Napkins</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Jars of change</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I stopped falling down the basement stairs because I can now keep my eyes open when I walk past. Success? I'm thinking so :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you had any random cleaning/organization bursts lately? Do you have any open shelves? If so, how do you organize them? </span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-57735686480192470682011-12-12T08:13:00.000-05:002011-12-12T08:13:11.094-05:00Nativity Sets Galore<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's so easy for me to get caught up in all the hoopla of Christmas. The twinkling lights and shiny ornaments distract me. I foolishly focus on decorating the Christmas tree and making my holiday cards. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's why I love nativity sets. For me, they are a constant reminder that all this decorating and gift giving is done to celebrate the greatest gift of all - Jesus. My almighty Savior humbled Himself and entered this world as babe born in a stable. Nothing is sweeter or more sacrificial than that.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If my money tree ever produces its fruits, I'm going to purchase several nativity sets and fill every blank table with one. Then I'd walk all around my house smiling and crying and laughing because that's what the Christmas story fills me with - hope and humility and joy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I have selected 4 of the most beautiful nativity sets from Etsy to share with all of you. Each of these sets has captured my heart in a special way because I find them capturing the joy of Jesus' birth through their simplistic and rustic goodness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>*Disclaimer: I contacted all of these sellers from Etsy and it is with their permission that I am sharing their sets below. Some of the sellers even included a special discount for my readers in case you want to purchase one of these sets for your home. These are in no specific order - they're all stellar in my book.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mr4k4CJGQCo/TuF0xamzaSI/AAAAAAAABgk/uXoMUsrltBc/s1600/Shandi+Nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mr4k4CJGQCo/TuF0xamzaSI/AAAAAAAABgk/uXoMUsrltBc/s640/Shandi+Nativity.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seller: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/designsbyshandi">Designs by Shandi</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85280771/handmade-nativity"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Link To Nativity Set </span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Discount: 15% with the code "RRBLOG"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love how simple this set is. I especially love how baby Jesus is wrapped up with Mary and Joseph - it's exactly the way I imagine the proud parents to be on that first Christmas morning. And look at that sheep - adorable!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lerfiOp-ZOI/TuF17_AjtDI/AAAAAAAABgs/0ZvO1zC2nCg/s1600/Nativity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lerfiOp-ZOI/TuF17_AjtDI/AAAAAAAABgs/0ZvO1zC2nCg/s640/Nativity2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seller: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/northwindmetalart?ref=seller_info">North Wind Metal Art</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82231313/nativity-set-manger-set-baby-jesus-mary">Link To Nativity Set</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love how rustic looking this nativity set is. It would look great sitting on a mantel above a fireplace! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oL5hkLGsSc/TuPHySE6vdI/AAAAAAAABg0/Ca4EPVh83qg/s1600/Nativity3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_oL5hkLGsSc/TuPHySE6vdI/AAAAAAAABg0/Ca4EPVh83qg/s640/Nativity3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seller: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/Lindsay780">Lindsay Gaines</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84956065/christmas-nativity-set-with-stable-by">Link To Nativity Set</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This set is so fun! I love the clay figures and the star above the creche. This would be especially cute in a kid's room!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0NoFRKBp94/TuPIO3v1KkI/AAAAAAAABg8/MFpS3C4xkFA/s1600/Nativity4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0NoFRKBp94/TuPIO3v1KkI/AAAAAAAABg8/MFpS3C4xkFA/s640/Nativity4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seller: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/HappyBungalow">Happy Bungalow</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86898953/christmas-nativity-set-wood-manger">Link To Nativity Set</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Discount: 10% with the code "snowflake11"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This set is stunning. I love how it is handmade with several different kinds of wood. You can see that a lot of time was poured into this piece. I also like how this set would be perfect for older children to play with. My mom had a set specifically for us kids to tinker with and I have many fond memories of playing with it as a child.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there are my top 4 Etsy picks! But if I had to pick my most favorite nativity set of all time, it would be the Willow Tree Nativity Set. I love all of the Willow Tree figurines and this one especially captures the joy of Christmas morning. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVeJcBKEpn8/TuX7avEynaI/AAAAAAAABhM/yeE1mk3hsk4/s1600/willow2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVeJcBKEpn8/TuX7avEynaI/AAAAAAAABhM/yeE1mk3hsk4/s640/willow2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what is your favorite Christmas decor item? Does your heart swoon over Christmas trees, or do you love nativity sets like me? Does anyone else have a favorite nativity set too? </span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-18370382476108198732011-12-09T07:32:00.000-05:002011-12-09T07:32:58.577-05:00Stocking Splendor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for all of your get well wishes. I enjoyed reading what everyone has been working on while I've been laying around on my growing rear. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I'm back and I've got another Christmas decor update for you! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dear mother gave us an early Christmas present . . . our holiday stockings! My very talented Aunt Robin made these stockings for us. Robin runs an etsy shop that I highly encourage you to check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewsillydesigns">here</a>. A couple items I'm really digging in her shop lately are <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83443061/christmas-banner-bunting-garland">this festive Christmas banner</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82729566/christmas-reversible-coaster-set-of-4">these too-cute-for-school coasters</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83591447/christmas-tea-towel-deer">this adorable tea towel.</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh and at the end of our <a href="http://renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/11/dresser-reveal.html">dresser reveal post</a> you can catch a glimpse of the quilt she made us for a wedding present. Gorgeous I tell ya!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, back to the stockings. . . </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb3MICtWQGo/TuDh_HTp1HI/AAAAAAAABf0/X9avmgFFVvU/s1600/stockings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb3MICtWQGo/TuDh_HTp1HI/AAAAAAAABf0/X9avmgFFVvU/s640/stockings1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I enjoy decorating with traditional reds and greens, so these fit perfectly with the rest of our decor. I hung some extra greens from our tree with some Christmas balls to even out the banister.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHicu3-v08s/TuDiAdOnucI/AAAAAAAABf8/N_P2fyZ0OgI/s1600/stockings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHicu3-v08s/TuDiAdOnucI/AAAAAAAABf8/N_P2fyZ0OgI/s640/stockings2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here's the whole shebang in one shot.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXj9ozJgTVY/TuDiBo2qusI/AAAAAAAABgE/sC5AK7IyucM/s1600/stockings3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXj9ozJgTVY/TuDiBo2qusI/AAAAAAAABgE/sC5AK7IyucM/s640/stockings3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our entryway table also got a little Christmas cheer.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGAoI7PGWXY/TuDiC1q7lLI/AAAAAAAABgM/_2K6w1KxAwE/s1600/stockings4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGAoI7PGWXY/TuDiC1q7lLI/AAAAAAAABgM/_2K6w1KxAwE/s640/stockings4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pardon the horn-tooting here, but my talented husband sketched that wise men picture. I wish I had an ounce of his talent.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here's the whole living room. The table was moved by the window to make room for the tree. The wood stove is still perched in the corner awaiting it's next move (not sure what that is yet though - but stay tuned!).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11HQu-TDzNQ/TuDiEJpkWrI/AAAAAAAABgU/JAq6h4AK8C0/s1600/stockings5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11HQu-TDzNQ/TuDiEJpkWrI/AAAAAAAABgU/JAq6h4AK8C0/s640/stockings5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eOueU9zWnyc/TuDiFuevE7I/AAAAAAAABgc/FvbzlPpfEz4/s1600/stockings6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eOueU9zWnyc/TuDiFuevE7I/AAAAAAAABgc/FvbzlPpfEz4/s640/stockings6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psst: do you notice that a tv has now made its way in to our living room? We don't have cable or any real function for it yet - but we're no longer tv-less. Not sure if this 16 incher can be considered improvement though.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So tell me . . what do you think? Do you like decorating with traditional reds and greens, or do you take a more taste-the-rainbow approach? Are you surrounded by an incredibly talented family and wondering what happened to your creative genes too? Join the club :)</span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-50708190515179623822011-12-06T10:50:00.001-05:002011-12-06T10:59:15.021-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lately I've been feeling like this:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmI0Q4jjbIM/Tt452wWaawI/AAAAAAAABfs/DxPyhl-SbR0/s1600/garfield+sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmI0Q4jjbIM/Tt452wWaawI/AAAAAAAABfs/DxPyhl-SbR0/s1600/garfield+sick.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm currently using what little energy I have to get through work each day. As soon as my head clears up and I dig my way out from under these tissues, I'll be back on and blogging as usual.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I'd love to hear all about the projects you're working on. If you leave a comment linking to your blog, I'll be sure to check it out in between my coughing spasms. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great day everyone! :)</span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-20284696999110194142011-12-02T08:30:00.000-05:002011-12-02T08:25:04.406-05:00Birthday Wishes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My baby brother turns 17 on Sunday! I guess he's not really my baby brother anymore. More like my deep-voiced and armpit-hair-growing man brother. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He and his best friend Albert and my mom are coming over tonight for a little birthday dinner celebration. So there will not be a regular post today because I need to get some cooking done before I head in to work. In place of my usual ramblings, I'm just going to post a couple random pictures of my grown-up fella.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNqy-5kAkpk/Tte1tpeS1MI/AAAAAAAABfU/5haIdIGlHx0/s1600/Har.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNqy-5kAkpk/Tte1tpeS1MI/AAAAAAAABfU/5haIdIGlHx0/s640/Har.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dft_GM-o_CE/Tte1uxHbAHI/AAAAAAAABfc/F9L2GJBnlj4/s1600/har2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dft_GM-o_CE/Tte1uxHbAHI/AAAAAAAABfc/F9L2GJBnlj4/s640/har2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And this last picture always cracks me up. When we were at Busch Gardens, Harrison & Justin squeezed into this little egg. Hilarious. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3juGDhpd5c/Tte1vdp4BtI/AAAAAAAABfk/Hf9IwLT5e2M/s1600/Har3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3juGDhpd5c/Tte1vdp4BtI/AAAAAAAABfk/Hf9IwLT5e2M/s640/Har3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy birthday Harrison! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what are your weekend plans? Any DIY projects in store? Tree decorating? Good ole' fashioned eggnog drinking? </span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-89485691334649937812011-12-01T08:30:00.000-05:002011-12-01T08:30:03.007-05:00Christmas Countdown<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ahh December 1st. Something about Christmas rejuvenates me. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I love the lights, the Christmas ornaments, holiday cookies, family gatherings, and - most importantly - celebrating the birth of my Savior.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25 more days. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the next month you can expect to read about a lot of oozy Christmas cheer from us Rothenbergers. We've got a lot in store for our first Christmas together as husband and wife.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, first things first, the tree. Oh the joyous Christmas tree. We picked ours out on Sunday - it's a Frasier. As we walked up and down the rows of trees trying to find the most beautiful one, I couldn't decide. Call me cheesy but they were all gorgeous. So I let Justin choose. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Monday night we cranked up the Christmas music and got our decorating jeans on. Justin hung the lights. We used 200 lights to wrap around the inside of the tree and 300 lights for the outside. Putting the lights on the inside and the outside really helps the tree glow from all over.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we decorated. We didn't have any set plan - just scattered our red and white balls and then hung my ornament collection. (My dad has given me an ornament every Christmas since I was a babe).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay - enough talk. Let me show you the beauty.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92PhtGlrD8k/TtbxRdg-tCI/AAAAAAAABfE/BUX_Qv-QJSY/s1600/ChristmasTree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92PhtGlrD8k/TtbxRdg-tCI/AAAAAAAABfE/BUX_Qv-QJSY/s640/ChristmasTree2.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;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tree skirt is actually that $1.75 fabric scrap that I shared a month or so ago as one of my <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/11/shopping-spoils.html">reuse shopping spoils</a>. Here's another picture of our tree with all our lights on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf2zbfPjkaM/TtbxSj9uxTI/AAAAAAAABfM/PMryv0oQP3M/s1600/ChristmasTree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf2zbfPjkaM/TtbxSj9uxTI/AAAAAAAABfM/PMryv0oQP3M/s640/ChristmasTree3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom gave us our tree-topping star. I love how it sparkles and casts a glow all over the ceiling. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay okay, last picture. I'm definitely going to be one of the crazy mothers who can't stop talking about her kids and showing pictures of them breathing and eating and doing completely normal things. This picture is with all the lights off. See how she glows? It's those 500 lights we have wrapped all around her.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx9teKpRrX4/TtbxQEomj2I/AAAAAAAABe8/cCYIihyvu5I/s1600/ChristmasTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx9teKpRrX4/TtbxQEomj2I/AAAAAAAABe8/cCYIihyvu5I/s640/ChristmasTree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you decorated your Christmas tree yet? Do you get a real tree or a fake tree? If you get a real tree, how do you deal with all the dropping needles - or do you just ignore them and pretend they're not there until January?</span></div>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-89512600597080372912011-11-29T21:20:00.001-05:002011-11-30T09:25:29.581-05:00Light My Fire<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure the "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">aging University of Miami fan" guess was totally worth leaving you all hanging yesterday. Anyway, we made a purchase. A big one. But first let me give you a little backstory so you don't think we're completely crazy . . . </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">When we were house searching our wants/needs list included things such as:</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- 3+ bedrooms</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- 1+ bathroom</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Oil or natural gas heat</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Basement</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Large, spacious kitchen</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Backyard</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Garage</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Fireplace</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Hardwood Floors</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">. . . You get the idea. Well, we were able to get a lot of things on our list (4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, oil heat, basement & hardwood floors) - but a few things were just not a part of the brick beauty that we fell in love with.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">So we're going to add something. A wood burning stove!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dTN-og354I/TtY2rykVT1I/AAAAAAAABek/7VeG_2tQqJs/s1600/Stove+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dTN-og354I/TtY2rykVT1I/AAAAAAAABek/7VeG_2tQqJs/s640/Stove+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">This is an old Vermont Castings Stove. We saw it on Craigslist and decided to drive out to the boonies to check it out. We fell in love immediately, so we handed over $250 and took this baby home.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Here's where the trouble begins . . . actually installing the stove. Luckily my dad is a mason so he can help us with the whole process, because let me assure you it is daunting. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">A few things we need to do are:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Work with our township inspector and homeowner's insurance agent to make sure everything is to code</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Install a slate base for the stove to sit on (it will be raised several inches off the ground) - this is because wood floors are combustible surfaces</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Bore a hole through the wall to attach stove pipe and carry it outside</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">- Decide whether we are going to use temporary pipe and then build a permanent brick chimney or use double-wall insulated pipe and box it in outside.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">There's a lot to think about and a lot of decisions to make. We're still not even certain that installing the stove is a possibility. We may end up having to resell it if the installation process is too costly. We need to do some more research and planning. But, we're super excited about the possibility!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">If all goes as we'd like, the stove will end up in the corner of our living room with a raised slate base. And yes, I will sit on the couch and lovingly adore it all the days of my life.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4sBKTyvfZU/TtY4tl8hNhI/AAAAAAAABes/6AP8R0av-XE/s1600/Stove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4sBKTyvfZU/TtY4tl8hNhI/AAAAAAAABes/6AP8R0av-XE/s640/Stove+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Until we figure out exactly what we're doing with this whole wood stove installation nonsense, there will be no loveseat purchasing. That's why among being beautiful and hot (get it?), this bad boy is also a game changer.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We're seriously crossing our fingers that we can get this installed and not spend a small fortune in the process. And we're very excited to see wood chopping and hauling in our future!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNDHIenLY8E/TtY6kN8VBhI/AAAAAAAABe0/ExrTCTCDC04/s1600/STove3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNDHIenLY8E/TtY6kN8VBhI/AAAAAAAABe0/ExrTCTCDC04/s640/STove3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I'd love to hear your thoughts - do you think we're crazy? Have you ever installed a wood stove? Any tips or advice?</span></span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-67551547349062072011-11-29T07:37:00.001-05:002011-11-29T08:36:58.945-05:00Game Changers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last time I talked about our <a href="http://www.renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/11/hunt.html">hunt for the perfect loveseat</a>, Justin and I were still a little undecided on the Bella and wanted to try on a few more sofas for comparison. Since then we have visited Raymour & Flannigan, American Signature Furniture, Pottery Barn Outlet, Thomasville, and LazBoy again. We only saw one loveseat that we kinda liked . . . </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1sdE1zgANo/TtTS0RCyXXI/AAAAAAAABeU/QCD5gIl1yT8/s1600/LR+Sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1sdE1zgANo/TtTS0RCyXXI/AAAAAAAABeU/QCD5gIl1yT8/s640/LR+Sofa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it didn't come in brown, so it was nixed faster than the button flew off my pants on turkey day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one chaise was super comfortable, but it was equally ugly. So we smiled and sighed and moved along.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jf2_PTW0Ns/TtTU1qsg9eI/AAAAAAAABec/JRukyivpez8/s1600/LR+sofa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jf2_PTW0Ns/TtTU1qsg9eI/AAAAAAAABec/JRukyivpez8/s640/LR+sofa+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After feeling too much like Goldilocks, we battled our indecisive selves and decided to get the Bella loveseat from LazBoy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the universe had another plan. We ended up making a big purchase that is going to change the layout of our living room and require some serious renovation work. What is it you ask? Here are 2 hints:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It is old</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- It loves hurricanes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">192 blogger points to the person that guesses correctly!! Oh and make sure you check back tomorrow to find out what it is and how we plan on incorporating it into our home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has any one else had any game changers lately? </span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-41718767106602681402011-11-28T07:54:00.001-05:002011-11-28T08:25:40.888-05:00Thanksgiving Wrap-Up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How was everyone's Thanksgiving weekend? Did anyone battle the masses on black friday and find some killer deals?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We spent Thanksgiving with Justin's family. And I can assure you I ate enough sweet potato casserole to last me for the rest of the year. But besides the amazing food, we really enjoyed ju</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">st relaxing and catching up with the cousins (and the newest family member baby Miller!). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPsK6bbGI0Y/TtOGmxNJ3aI/AAAAAAAABeE/HP-PA613iY8/s1600/Thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPsK6bbGI0Y/TtOGmxNJ3aI/AAAAAAAABeE/HP-PA613iY8/s640/Thanksgiving.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh and my heart swooned over this centerpiece my mother-in-law made!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwjE6NSSs2I/TtOGorE2JVI/AAAAAAAABeM/xTH-S8Llyz4/s1600/Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwjE6NSSs2I/TtOGorE2JVI/AAAAAAAABeM/xTH-S8Llyz4/s640/Centerpiece.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now I need to attack the piles of nonsense all over our home, start some laundry and wash the dirty dishes piled in the sink. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But make sure you check back tomorrow to read all about our loveseat-hunting progress!</span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-71672166870097868072011-11-24T21:14:00.000-05:002011-11-24T09:07:10.186-05:00Day of Thanks<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the Lord - He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. ~ </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psalm 100:1-5</span></em></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God saw me - a helpless sinner - and chose to not just save me, but to prepare for me. And it is only because of His great sacrifice that I can experience far more joy than I'll ever deserve.</span></span></em></div>
<div>
<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></em></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! </span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1973925313601997766.post-78941142484865380412011-11-23T08:37:00.001-05:002011-11-23T09:19:27.253-05:00Thanksgiving Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I walked downstairs this morning, I took a picture of our dining room. You can see the extent of my Autumn decorating in this room are the leaves placed around the mirror. Other than that, this is what our dining room looks like on a day-to-day basis. After the kitchen, I would say this room is the center of our home. We eat, do computer work, and craft right at this table. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7p9O9U51hhg/Tsz4h633sZI/AAAAAAAABdU/5anqNb15jhw/s1600/IMG_0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7p9O9U51hhg/Tsz4h633sZI/AAAAAAAABdU/5anqNb15jhw/s640/IMG_0755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But every now and then even the most tomboy of dining room tables likes to get dressed up and be treated like a lady. Since I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year (or more likely for many years), I decided to do a few quick mock-ups of how the table might look if I was hosting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look #1: Classic & clean white tablesetting.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzMeM-PxFAY/Tsz6BKyO8xI/AAAAAAAABdc/SR40d_16SLk/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzMeM-PxFAY/Tsz6BKyO8xI/AAAAAAAABdc/SR40d_16SLk/s640/IMG_0758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started with a basic white and tan checked tablerunner (*cough*scarf*cough*). Then I layered my china (which was my grandmother's from her wedding that she passed down to me!) and cups/utensils.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntW33La-UdA/Tsz6KTLMQ3I/AAAAAAAABdk/KleczqTQxpk/s1600/IMG_0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntW33La-UdA/Tsz6KTLMQ3I/AAAAAAAABdk/KleczqTQxpk/s640/IMG_0760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the centerpiece, I decided to stack a couple antique books and place a white pumpkin on top for a little autumn-vibe. Then I scattered my famous birch tealight holders along the table.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1HzwEAnMv0/Tsz6s9UqaII/AAAAAAAABd8/vBt23b346sM/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1HzwEAnMv0/Tsz6s9UqaII/AAAAAAAABd8/vBt23b346sM/s640/IMG_0763.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look #2: Where my table no longer becomes vertically challenged.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All I did was swap out the book/pumpkin centerpiece for my vase filled with dried hydrangeas.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG6-g_8VogI/Tsz6SPRd6hI/AAAAAAAABds/_lpkjKDZSI8/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG6-g_8VogI/Tsz6SPRd6hI/AAAAAAAABds/_lpkjKDZSI8/s640/IMG_0770.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like how the deep red in the vase plays off of the curtains/cabinet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look #3: Casual gathering of friends.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we had a few friends coming over for a simple dinner, I'd keep the table equally simple. I swapped out my grandmother's china for our everyday casual china plates. Then for the centerpiece I subbed in a bowl of pinecones. I decided to use my green glasses to add a little touch of color.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMCPVTIdho/Tsz6XSVVxmI/AAAAAAAABd0/ZKh_ljpMW3g/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMCPVTIdho/Tsz6XSVVxmI/AAAAAAAABd0/ZKh_ljpMW3g/s640/IMG_0774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And apparently, we eat with our hands. :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I was truly hosting Thanksgiving I would definitely put a little more time and thought into my table setting, but for a quickie mock-up using only what I had on hand - I'm pleased as pink. Although some napkins would definitely be a nice touch and help class things up a bit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you think? Which table setting do you like best? Or do you despise them all? How will you be setting your table for Thanksgiving?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>ps: krystle from <a href="http://www.colortransformedfamily.com/">color transformed family</a> passed the versatile blogger award on to me. Thanks lady!! Since <a href="http://hisshabbyherchic.com/">Brandi</a> graciously passed the award to me earlier, I won't make you hear any more <a href="http://renovatingrothenbergers.blogspot.com/2011/10/versatile-blogger.html">random facts about my life</a>. I do want to pass the award on to Ashley from <a href="http://www.attemptsatdomestication.com/">Attempts at Domestication</a> though. Just because she's awesome and then we can keep this bad boy bloggie award alive :)</i></span>Renovating Rothenbergershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00705194218145504242noreply@blogger.com11