tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66840919037271116192024-03-13T14:09:01.481-07:00mcmaster and storma petite department storeMcMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.comBlogger427125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-79032338975987322482012-11-26T18:16:00.002-08:002012-11-26T18:17:44.852-08:00New BLOG<div style="text-align: center; width: 420px;">
From now on my blog posts are over here on<a href="http://bhstorm.com/"> bhstorm.com</a><br />
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Blogger was driving me crazy! So join me on my<br />
new blog and yes, not everything is perfect design wise,<br />
but one has to start somewhere. Soon all my<br />
social media, etc. will be connected<br />
& an email + some more "stuff"<br />
that blogs must have.<br />
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I'm on a Wordpress platform and love so far!<br />
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xo<br />
Kara<br />
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P.S. McMaster & Storm<br />
is still part of our brand!<br />
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McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-43501137383871708062012-11-13T06:12:00.003-08:002012-11-13T06:22:17.051-08:00Souvenir Lifestyle Holiday <br />
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It's beautiful! I love seeing all the amazing contributor's stories and the layout! I was excited to be a part of this issue. It's always so fun to see it finished & in Heather Bullard's TA-DA layouts! {oh, the fonts!}<br />
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If you click on the above image there is a lovely preview to peek at........ <br />
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Clickity-click <a href="http://www.souvenirlifestyle.com/">here</a> to get your online copy or order a printed version.....be inspired!<br />
Enjoy your day---Thanksgiving is really next week?! Oh, my! Oh, boy!<br />
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McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-40588229399680203962012-11-08T04:14:00.000-08:002012-11-08T04:14:58.368-08:00Christmas Gift Wrapping Guide......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6UrkhbOE8p4/UJudCB1k_LI/AAAAAAAAFQo/TUgc7IzlfQ0/s1600/blog+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6UrkhbOE8p4/UJudCB1k_LI/AAAAAAAAFQo/TUgc7IzlfQ0/s640/blog+preview.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
In just a few weeks we will be launching our first ever Christmas gift wrapping guide! <a href="http://mollydues.com/">Molly</a> & I along with some amazing contributors will be showing lot's of eye candy on wrapping. More details with the next preview!<br />
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It's more than a magazine, part of the sales will go to the best gift: giving back to <a href="http://jaajabarbshomeofangels.blogspot.com/">Barb's House of Angels</a>. This orphanage is located in Uganda, the orphanage is Barb's amazing endeavor that she helped start by baking banana bread. One loaf at a time friends and you never know where your dreams might end up! <a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/">Kimberly Taylor</a>, the creative food stylist is her daughter for those of you familiar with Kimberly's work.<br />
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The wrapping guide is our dream to produce every year......<br />
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I'm s.l.o.w.l.y working on a new blog and it's getting worked on as we speak. However, here is the link to peek at <a href="http://bhstorm.com/">B.H. Storm&Co.</a> and although McMaster & Storm is our main company name B.H. Storm&Co. is our new brand we are launching and I'm hoping to launch a wholesale company by next fall! Yes, our new blog is still in the finishing stages and looks a little wonky as it's not done quite yet! <br />
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I have so much behind the scenes craziness going on, but ya'll understand, right?! We all have a zillion projects going on.....and why is it they happen at once?<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
xo<br />
Kara <br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-59076953676439093272012-10-31T09:45:00.005-07:002012-10-31T09:51:07.932-07:00Original Hardwood Floor<br />
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Some of you know my saga with my <a href="http://mcmasterandstorm.blogspot.com/2012/03/painted-kitchen-floor.html">kitchen floor!</a> I tried to paint the linoleum for a quick fix until </div>
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our salvage wood floor was installed. Painting the linoleum was a painting disaster. Since painting the linoleum this past spring it has since chipped off in many places and with anything that was scooted across the floor, more of the ugly orange-ish linoleum came through. </div>
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Right before we left for Atlanta for the Country Living Fair, I had pulled the threshold up from our laundry room remodel because I kept tripping over it + knew it would come up anyway when the wood floor was installed in the kitchen.</div>
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I was suscipious that I saw wood flooring underneath the two layers of linoleum. The second layer of linoleum is straight out of the 50's or 60's. Matt said he didn't think there was wood under there.</div>
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So, yesterday I was beyond sick of the linoleum. I decided to pry up more of the layers and see for myself. Then deal with what to do if there was no wood flooring under there. {ever done something like this by yourself? I want to know!}</div>
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Right before Matt came home I discovered there was wood flooring under there. I squealed you would've thought I found gold or saw a mouse........Entire kitchen, intact wood flooring, no glue and the wood still tightly together! Talk about a pick-me-up! We now don't have to lay salvage wood flooring since the original is there. {now for sanding & <a href="http://www.waterlox.com/">Waterlox</a> treatment}</div>
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For those who have seen this on Instagram, I apologize it's just that I'm beyond thrilled. Yesterday evening with all the floor excitement our contractor sent pictures of the restored attic windows. Still hopeful the bulk of the attic remodel will be done by Christmas. {but then again house projects never are on schedule around here!}</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Lots of updates from the Country Living Fair in Atlanta soon. We have a couple of fun exciting trips planned in November & December! <a href="http://www.souvenirlifestyle.com/">Heather Bullard's Souvenir</a> {Holiday Edition} should be out before too long. Can't wait to see the layout of the wrapping project I did + all the other stories that will be in there. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Plus, <a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/item_260/Creatively-Made-Home-E-Course.htm">Jeanne Oliver's Creatively Made Home </a>is going on and have just seen a couple videos and they are great. So happy we can do the class at our own speed. I did a short presentation for Jeanne and doing a video of myself was hilarious & not as easy as I thought it would be! Honestly, it's really hard and thankful Jeanne has some editing superpowers. {Did I really, really say "plastic phenomenon".....Oh, dear me!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Also, I'm on Instagram karagarber ---this is a fun way to keep up with tons of inspiring people/bloggers/friends. I love how fast & easy it is!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://thecottagenest.blogspot.com/2012/10/doing.html">Jen at Cottage Nest</a> has done a fab job with her kitchen update/redo......I am so inspired by her! Go over and cheer her on! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">chat soon!</span></div>
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McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-64579129844962756202012-10-21T19:20:00.001-07:002012-10-21T19:20:55.151-07:00Creatively Made Home <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;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="276" src="http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/jeanneoli/IMG_0663a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/">Jeanne Oliver's</a> Studio in her home//</td></tr>
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Creatively Made Home by <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/10/21/the-last-sneak-peek-tomorrow-it-begins/">Jeanne Oliver Designs </a></div>
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& 4 other talented gals; <a href="http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com/2012/07/creatively-made-home.html">Tracey Leber</a>, <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2012/07/a-creatively-made-home.html">Jennifer Rizzo,</a></div>
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<a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/creatively-made-home/">Kimberly Taylor</a>, <a href="http://www.sadieolive.com/2012/10/11/just-a-peek/">Sara Duckett</a></div>
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Present a 5 week online class + a community website</div>
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for members to share and learn about a well-loved home.</div>
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Sign up<a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/item_260/Creatively-Made-Home-E-Course.htm"> here </a></div>
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Read Jeanne's insightful blog post about your home <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/10/19/how-do-you-see-your-home-early-morning-perspective/">here</a> </div>
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I have seen the<a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/"> website </a>and it's well done. There is a place for you to conect with people,</div>
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ask questions and be very involved in the course. </div>
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This class will be a ball & it starts <i>tomorrow</i>!!! </div>
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See you there! xo</div>
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{What room do you want to work on this fall/winter?}</div>
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McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-28106083877758588282012-10-18T02:00:00.000-07:002012-10-18T06:05:38.315-07:00Heirloomed by IceMilk Aprons<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[The creator <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/CX1B6"><b>Ashley Schoenith</b></a> was inspired by her grandmother's waffle & icemilk breakfast she had growing up </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">] </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[a lovely discovery]</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[Printed pastry bag packaging {oh, the red string}] <a href="http://shop.food52.com/deal/18675/new-heirloomed-by-icemilk-aprons-100-percent-linen-tabletop-collection/national"><i>All pictures found here</i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-70772759707582149772012-10-17T10:34:00.002-07:002012-10-18T06:03:22.575-07:00Prairie Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cavBZiAez1s/UH7b5J0faCI/AAAAAAAAFL4/8_giviePJsw/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cavBZiAez1s/UH7b5J0faCI/AAAAAAAAFL4/8_giviePJsw/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
Last Saturday we climbed into a horse drawn carriage that carried us back to the most darling tucked away prairie. {If I can say Ohio has prairies! Not quite like the Kansas prairies!} We didn't get there early enough to snap away lots of pictures of details. The weather was cloudy, but not freezing and a storm moved north, so no raindrops fell on this venue!<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Hello! Dayton, Ohio Area vendors: </span><br />
Wedding coordinator: <a href="http://pinterest.com/worthingtonwed/">Justine Worthington</a> <br />
Photographer: <a href="http://mollydues.com/">Molly Dues</a><br />
Photographer: <a href="http://www.andreadozier.com/">Andrea Dozier</a><br />
Music:<a href="http://www.wakelighttheband.com/site/listen/"> Wakelight </a>{amazing talent}Do listen to them today!<br />
Clap-Clap//Bravo//<br />
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Our boys were quite smitten with the straw bale seating and sat upon them like kings. There was fidgeting, but with a what's-next-kind of curious fidgeting. <br />
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A rare relaxing moment for my husband.....he is grinning at our kids and that makes it extra sweet.<br />
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Fall = mad for plaid.....<br />
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Birdseed scooped into vintage paper cones to toss at the bride & groom coming down the aisle.<br />
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Miss Vivian </div>
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Programs tied up with twine and a pretty font. Even though I've been married for 15 years, I still get <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/">Martha Stewart's Wedding Magazine</a>. I even pin some weddings/ideas that I like. There is something about weddings isn't there? xo<br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-27620424183282922322012-09-29T06:38:00.002-07:002012-09-29T06:38:56.921-07:00Annie Sloan Chalk Paint | Table | 8 Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally painted & finished 8 dining chairs + our table. Late summer Matt put <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/">Annie Sloan Chalk Paint</a> in his sprayer and sprayed the chairs. That helped in getting all the nooks & crannies covered. Then the detail work began. I mixed mineral spirits with the dark wax recommend by Annie in her book. I'm so happy I tried that technique. I love the look of it! Beware it's stinky, messy and took over hours to work on the chairs.<span style="color: #e06666;"><i> {did I mention hours?}</i></span> So worth it though!<br />
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Needless to say, I'm not fond of painting chairs. The table was easier, but still used 3 coats of paint<br />
French linen, Old White {which was still too white for this house} then settled on the top coat of Old Ochre I loved the Old Ochre color, still fairly light colored, but fits in this house with our tone of woodwork. I sanded & waxed and then some. {I'm going to try to make homemade chalk paint--my husband guessed it right, you can add plaster of paris to your paint} Thrifty? Yes, please, <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/2011/09/make-your-own-chalk-paint-for-400.html">recipe here</a>.<br />
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Our limelight hydrangeas have faded to a dirty pink | brown | limey green tones and I plucked off a basket full and decked out our table with nature's bounty! <br />
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It's time for our annual woods walk and we'll be be hunting & gathering nature's finest this coming weekend. <i>Love fall......</i><br />
p.s. have you been sipping pumpkin spice lattes? I heard painting goes better with your favorite fall drink in hand, no?<br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-38448254251508090082012-09-28T05:31:00.001-07:002012-10-01T13:01:28.256-07:00For the Record <div style="text-align: center;">
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Our website www.mcmasterandstorm.com was taken down on 9/27/12. We launched it in May of 2008. The last I had updated it was the fall of 2009. I launched an Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/swanandshears">McMaster & Storm's Swan + Shears</a> Fall of 2010 {Yup, we still have our Etsy shop!}. Our tech guy wasn't much help on our main website once he graduated from college. He was a great guy to work with, however you must hire someone that has an interest in helping you maintain it. {that's key, a big one!}<br />
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Once Vivian arrived 8/10, I was exhausted and the littles took most of my energy, in a good way! Zach & Vivi are 18 months apart! I'm tired of having inventory in our upstairs. Sure, we have an attic space plus another room, but missed having a "back room" like we had in our physical store. Plus, I needed time with my family and to enjoy the days when they are little.<br />
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As my close friend says before you know it it's the dating scenario with your teenager. HA. Really not so funny...we even discussed arranged marriages in a funny text! {told my friend she picked a good one, so I'm sure her daughter can too!}<br />
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Taking our site down made it official for me to start working on something I have wanted to <strike>try</strike> <i>do</i>.<br />
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In a few weeks we head to Atlanta for the Country Living Fair. I will be cleaning and making my office a fresh new space for new endeavors. It's time. When I was talking to our former tech guy yesterday and he said "are you sure you want me to cancel your site"? "Yes"! Should've been done <strike>awhile</strike> long ago.<br />
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It's ok to drift if you know the reasons and when you are ready to really get down to business....you will do so! <br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">On the side bar on our blog, the "boutique" takes you to our<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/swanandshears"> Etsy shop</a> now. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"> Q&A</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"></span><i>Where will we get our staplers and refills?</i><br />
1. On our Etsy shop; <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/swanandshears">Swan + Shears</a>! Just received an order today so all colors are currently available. <br />
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<i>What are you working on? What are your plans?</i><br />
2. To be announced! Must have some key things in place first & I've been working on them.<br />
Everything just takes twice as long as I think it will!<br />
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<i>What advice do you have for those of us wanting to start a business?</i><br />
3. Do what you love & love what you do. I have a whole <a href="http://pinterest.com/kara_garber/typography-fonts-thoughts/">Pinterest board</a> of inspiring thoughts! <br />
Don't be scared, just start; one step in front of the other. There is a niche for everyone & enough room for all! <br />
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<i>I feel I need to rethink my business path, any thoughts on this?</i><br />
4. Always, always be flexible with your business! It's ok to change how & what your doing as long as you feel comfortable and confident about it. Sometimes change is the best thing! <br />
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<i>Small business is <span style="color: #e06666;">BIG</span> business!</i><br />
<i>If you have more questions--fire away! I will be happy to help! </i><br />
<i>I promise to share more about shopkeeping, etc...... </i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;">Want to read more on inspiring people?</span> Nicole Balch is now the sole breadwinner in her family. {high-fve!} Her blog, <a href="http://makingitlovely.com/">Making it Lovely</a> is well, lovely indeed!</i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/">Jami of Freckled Laundry </a>wrote her creative business advice for you on <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2012/09/running-a-creative-business-freckled-laundry/">Miss Mustard Seed</a>. </i><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i>xo</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">kara</span></i><br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-16496205879976519632012-09-27T14:35:00.002-07:002012-10-01T13:01:59.350-07:00Souvenir Foto School | Food + Foto<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan of Besotted Brand</td></tr>
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If October was not full of to-dos and of course our journey to the Atlanta Country Living Fair. Then I would sign up for<a href="http://www.besottedblog.com/2012/09/souvenir-foto-schoolfood-foto-starting.html"> Souvenir Foto School</a>, <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>pronto</i></span>. I took a Foto class with<a href="http://www.besottedblog.com/"> Tristan</a><a href="http://www.besottedblog.com/"> of Besotted Brand</a>
earlier this year and her team does a fantastic job. Of course I still
have a lot to learn (& then some), but it gave me confidence and I
learned to really pay attention and put thought into shooting my pics. <br />
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I would highly recommend her classes. She is witty to boot. Sign up! You won't be sorry.<span style="color: #e06666;"><i> Promise!</i></span>McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-3519201787199645252012-09-22T11:45:00.001-07:002012-09-22T11:45:46.840-07:00Snippets from Country Living Fair 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKuC2bSLgU/UF4DVNlIWlI/AAAAAAAAFJI/-FUCd8h97kk/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKuC2bSLgU/UF4DVNlIWlI/AAAAAAAAFJI/-FUCd8h97kk/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="237" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuFFx9rj2OQ/UF4DlWSg40I/AAAAAAAAFJQ/W6KHp-evMH4/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuFFx9rj2OQ/UF4DlWSg40I/AAAAAAAAFJQ/W6KHp-evMH4/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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/// Prop Styling///</div>
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1. Vintage rack from my mother's collection. 2. Patterns cut from builders paper. 3. I machine sewed black zig- zags on paper pattern pieces. 4. Vintage French clips hold vintage pattern instructions & pattern pieces in place. <br />
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///This created a division for one corner of our booth///</div>
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kraft paper + black thread + a touch of metallic gold + creamy aged vintage pattern instructions</div>
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= simple beauty.</div>
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I'm intrigued by atelier studios and creative spaces. Are you?</div>
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A vintage box of tailor's chalk. lovely indeed.</div>
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Do you have a space to create? What's your favorite tool of the trade?</div>
<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-25522838456937895902012-09-13T17:12:00.002-07:002012-09-13T17:13:49.034-07:00Country Living Fair {Columbus+Atlanta}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dad's shop was my inspiration for our booth at Country Living fair tomorrow! Plus, getting excited about the show in Atlanta as well. {Yup, we are doing the Atlanta Country Living Fair, crazy fun indeed!} This time we are in a group tent--so far it's ok. In Atlanta we will have our own tent/space.<br />
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I was able to photograph the shop right before my little brother started cleaning it up. New generation & plans for a brand new shop. However, I like the quirkiness of the old-school shop. <br />
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Love the door---<br />
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old commercial bread pans hold odds & ends....<br />
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simplicity----<br />
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work chair for working on equipment<br />
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I remember this tool box---<br />
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See you tomorrow, no?!!!<br />
Have an amazing weekend ahead--supposed to be lovely weather. McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-17531593272430609262012-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:002012-09-08T12:24:11.455-07:00 European Garden Style////Factory Sink<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Matt's completion of our garden sink </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Faucet below for the garden hose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt laid a good sized area of pea gravel & deep as to not get muddy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love how Matt ran the copper piping on the back of the sink!.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt brought home a fig tree & hope it can handle Ohio's winters.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy2Pe9vPI5o/UEuUeehD3vI/AAAAAAAAFDM/wlWBol1GNYs/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy2Pe9vPI5o/UEuUeehD3vI/AAAAAAAAFDM/wlWBol1GNYs/s640/DSC_0250.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A place to wash produce & little hands & feet!</td></tr>
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<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ8_iXB4DWg/UEuUvGdCgsI/AAAAAAAAFDU/h1CTT2WqfwQ/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ8_iXB4DWg/UEuUvGdCgsI/AAAAAAAAFDU/h1CTT2WqfwQ/s640/DSC_0251.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The limestone base came from our friend's cellar walls. </td></tr>
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<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tO6gaxv23ws/UEuU6sx_pfI/AAAAAAAAFDc/rHAhhlsxxNQ/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tO6gaxv23ws/UEuU6sx_pfI/AAAAAAAAFDc/rHAhhlsxxNQ/s640/DSC_0253.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> There is also electricity under the sink, for parties etc.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<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/-nEMpY2KQU8M/UEuVHSLm6BI/AAAAAAAAFDk/1JDYB63o_jM/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEMpY2KQU8M/UEuVHSLm6BI/AAAAAAAAFDk/1JDYB63o_jM/s640/DSC_0254.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and
shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes.<span class="versiontext"> Revelation 7:17</span><br />
<br />
Projects always take longer than I think! Next up is our attic, it is torn out now and the windows are being restored. So happy I found someone that loves history and is willing to work with the old......<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend!!!McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-48407574323736271392012-09-06T12:30:00.002-07:002012-09-06T12:48:00.962-07:00Little Miss Shopkeep<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/-adHQibK7rGY/UEjsQnyhkQI/AAAAAAAAE9k/fxv4g_S5vFk/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adHQibK7rGY/UEjsQnyhkQI/AAAAAAAAE9k/fxv4g_S5vFk/s400/DSC_0201.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a wee girl's shopkeep set</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKZk0OxEGBo/UEj045z-VVI/AAAAAAAAE_s/0VaJHvJ0DCU/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKZk0OxEGBo/UEj045z-VVI/AAAAAAAAE_s/0VaJHvJ0DCU/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">linen fitted tablecloth with<a href="http://timholtz.com/"> tim holtz's</a> tape measure sewn on:::made by moi!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkqNdHYehl0/UEjsi5xqgXI/AAAAAAAAE9s/vaxK_IDqHHQ/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkqNdHYehl0/UEjsi5xqgXI/AAAAAAAAE9s/vaxK_IDqHHQ/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">things to sell & merchandise to display for little hands + those simple receipt books!</td></tr>
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<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/-2DR9ijx1zOs/UEjszGNO5KI/AAAAAAAAE90/iJ_B3uGukPc/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DR9ijx1zOs/UEjszGNO5KI/AAAAAAAAE90/iJ_B3uGukPc/s400/DSC_0206.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">white apron was her daddy's</td></tr>
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<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/-f_KARCTSGgg/UEjtEjFc85I/AAAAAAAAE98/GLQlgC0NVJ8/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_KARCTSGgg/UEjtEjFc85I/AAAAAAAAE98/GLQlgC0NVJ8/s400/DSC_0207.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">petite play money from the party store</td></tr>
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<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNBXlk0Y-20/UEjtj0w2Q-I/AAAAAAAAE-M/6EpoC-_5ET8/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNBXlk0Y-20/UEjtj0w2Q-I/AAAAAAAAE-M/6EpoC-_5ET8/s400/DSC_0214.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shopkeeper's essential::::a broom just her size</td></tr>
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<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/-1oz-6LFAfXI/UEjtzqVwOiI/AAAAAAAAE-U/UiGhWtPDXIg/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oz-6LFAfXI/UEjtzqVwOiI/AAAAAAAAE-U/UiGhWtPDXIg/s400/DSC_0218.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a dollar tree wastebasket:::</td></tr>
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<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/-7mJmMQA_nZI/UEjuC_4X5qI/AAAAAAAAE-c/UqENH39N6do/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mJmMQA_nZI/UEjuC_4X5qI/AAAAAAAAE-c/UqENH39N6do/s400/DSC_0221.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">paper bags for her customers::pretty parcels make happy customers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTsxrOS_I-A/UEjumkHCuoI/AAAAAAAAE-s/FpJYUXKnzI4/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTsxrOS_I-A/UEjumkHCuoI/AAAAAAAAE-s/FpJYUXKnzI4/s400/DSC_0226.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tags to price with and red/white bakery twine:::</td></tr>
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjZ_55EJ5_Q/UEjuSvf8ZjI/AAAAAAAAE-k/-9bsRW92y_8/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjZ_55EJ5_Q/UEjuSvf8ZjI/AAAAAAAAE-k/-9bsRW92y_8/s400/DSC_0224.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a joy to watch her in her play</td></tr>
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_yMDnirRIc/UEj9IpK5epI/AAAAAAAAFAs/S1rGE0nH504/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_yMDnirRIc/UEj9IpK5epI/AAAAAAAAFAs/S1rGE0nH504/s400/DSC_0216.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sometimes the simplest, most inexpensive gifts are the most fun</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Vivian's 2 year old present from us <i>with love.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers sashes unto the merchants.</div>
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Proverbs 31:24 </div>
McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-70483311788770704692012-08-26T14:41:00.000-07:002012-08-26T17:52:23.418-07:00Vivian + County Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ssp3E2Dob5M/UDow71CpzzI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/cimH5CbHK2Y/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ssp3E2Dob5M/UDow71CpzzI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/cimH5CbHK2Y/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Our <a href="http://mcmasterandstorm.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html">little girl</a> turned 2 last week. We are smitten with her sweet voice and love to hear her chatter!<br />
She is busy and loves her brothers. She declares "where's the boys"? if they are not in her sight. <br />
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Her official party is this coming weekend & I did "whip" up a tiny 3 layer cake to celebrate her day!<br />
{love <a href="http://www.uscakesupply.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=WIL+2105-1829">this set </a>of 3 petite cake pans!} <br />
<br />
***The dress above was found in my grandmother's cedar chest. My mom didn't know the dress was ever saved, Grandma Irene never mentioned it. It was my Mother's dress and my dear Great Aunt Eva made it. Aunt Eva passed away when I was 7 or 8. Sadly, she passed away at a fairly early age. I remember bits & pieces of the short time that I knew her.<br />
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She was the forerunner of "chalk art", her penmanship was incredible. She would sharpen her chalk and write bible verses & thoughts on a little chalkboard hanging on the side of her kitchen cupboard. She also was an avid flea marketer and had a booth to sell her vintage finds. I affectionately declared my style some years ago "Aunt Eva Style". <br />
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The County Fair was one of the two last hurrahs before school starts!......We went early as in hardly- no- one- there- early! Easier to take pictures and no lines for the rides. Much more pleasant during this time.....<br />
The boys loved the vintage tractors, animals & exhibits. Of course, we liked the 1/2 off tickets to ride the rides ;)<br />
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I had fun picking out fun things to photograph.......<br />
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Here's to a cotton candy summer ending.....we are truly blessed by our little family. Yes, it's hectic at times {to say the least :) } but, it's the little things that make our world go around.<br />
{p.s. the candy comes in bags, not on cute paper cones, oh dear--}<br />
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Are you ready for fall, warm soup and stacks of firewood? It's coming....... <br />
<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-67679584030011630422012-08-17T12:19:00.001-07:002012-08-17T12:19:32.873-07:00Country Living Fair 2012It's official! We are doing the Country Living Fair fair--it's our 4th year out of the 6 years held in O-{HI}-O! <i>Making lists......</i><br />
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I woke up bright & early on Wednesday. Sure, I could've slept in, the littles were at a campfire/sleepover event! I wanted to head out and see what the day would bring instead. {I could sleep in another day!} I rang my mom to see if she wanted to go along. {she thought something was amiss since she got an early call from me!}<br />
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What an amazing morning......I told Matt I need to wake up earlier, I'm missing a lot! {he laughed, he knows I like to sleep in to-the-very-last-minute!}<br />
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A favorite scene that I travel by often, it's on my way to both our parent's....I never tire of it!<br />
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We headed to new places and what a treat! A little church, the oldest in Indiana, complete with rifle holes. Early settler life in the Midwest! A self guided tour of history and only took a bit--worth stopping at these places.<br />
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Vintage Navajo rugs, they were pricey, but I'm sure worth that. I did find lots of fun things to add into our mix for the fair. <br />
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A favorite stop and love the shopkeeper. We exchanged encouraging words and was happy we stopped in, almost didn't!<br />
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Shopkeeping display of forks-----<br />
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My favorite; vintage NCR cash registers as they are from Ohio, so they get my applause.</div>
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{they are so pretty--}</div>
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Corn & more corn! We are surrounded this year--because of the rotation of crops. {on all <i>four sides</i> of our house!}<br />
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Drying down for harvest-- Did you know the leaves were created like boats, the rainwater rolls down the center of the leaves down to the roots where it's needed the most?! <br />
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I have tried to check different things this summer and have found inspiration in the oddest places! What a treat! <br />
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McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-30210249427408167442012-08-13T09:14:00.000-07:002012-08-16T10:04:36.635-07:00Do I detect.....<br />
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fall in the air? These past cool days........ cicadas chirping their tribute to summer's end & a spontaneous campfire are beckoning the next season. Oh, sure we have Indian summer ahead, brisk mornings and then the heat of day filled with combines peeling away the crops. <i>{love harvest time}</i><br />
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It was a busy weekend with some relaxing. We were late to church on Sunday and we were doing so good, don't know what happened at the tail end of the rush! <i>{hmmmm}</i><br />
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I was glad we went, even though late, what an amazing uplifting way to start the week. We heard about belief, but do we trust as well? It's so easy for me to say I can do all this by myself, but if I hand over every little piddly thing to Him? It's amazing to see His hand in the big things + the wee things. Also, humble compassion was a topic......so perfect for my week ahead.<br />
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My cup & plate are full {running over} at the moment. Taking deep breaths and tackling them one by one. I finished shooting an editorial piece last week, however need to retake some pics and then prep & write story to send off. I would love to post some tips I've learned. I'm no expert, but have some thoughts on this.<br />
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Also, a new lens is going to help me out a lot. I finally figured out what I need without breaking the bank! <br />
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I have a video to do of me, talking about thoughts of all things "home".<a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/07/25/braindump-yes-im-at-it-again/"> The Creatively Made Home </a>Ecourse is by the wildly talented Jeanne-- among others sharing advice & loads of creative ideas. {Along with tips, how-to's and of course videos of their homes!} Sign up<a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/item_260/Creatively-Made-Home-E-Course.htm"> here</a>.<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s483/jeanneoli/cmhcollage.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
<a href="http://www.sadieolive.com/">Sara Duckett</a>,<a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/"> Jeanne Oliver</a>, <a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/">Kimberly Taylor</a>, <a href="http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com/">Tracey</a>,<a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/"> Jennifer Rizzo</a> are the main gals opening their homes to you!! <br />
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This summer I went to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. My first time <i>ever.</i> Even thought they don't sell my favorite<a href="http://mcmasterandstorm.blogspot.com/2012/07/tents-historically-accurate.html"> tents</a>. I loved seeing some of the camping items. I'm not a camper, however a weekend here & there won't kill me. I do believe I prefer Bass Pro Shops over Cabela's. <br />
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I have this crazy dream to learn <a href="http://flyfishohio.net/">fly fishing </a>. Yes, you heard me right & owning a horse. Matt told me promptly that I don't have the gumption nor the patience for taking care of a horse. He's right, but they are so pretty. I have ridden one once.....& it was, I'm sure of it, the shortest time anyone has been on a horse. :)<br />
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This photography class I went to was so fun & relaxing. It was hosted by <a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/">Jill</a> & Belle and the location was at <a href="http://bellenjoyfulliving.blogspot.com/">Barb's </a>property waaaaaaay down by the river. It was lovely indeed. Goodness, I have so much to learn! The class gave me a new interest in my camera again. The iphone has been my quick, go to camera as of late!<br />
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Enjoy your Monday--I have some more news.......to share with you! <br />
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<span id="goog_1643486886"></span><span id="goog_1643486887"></span><br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-19441186242511087832012-07-29T20:30:00.000-07:002012-07-29T20:30:08.731-07:00Tents {historically accurate}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday we headed to Greenville, Ohio and was smitten by these tents. They were celebrating the War of 1812. {Gathering at the Garst Museum} I have had my eye on purchasing a historical accurate tent. One summer {2001} Matt & I explored <a href="http://www.nps.gov/vafo/historyculture/index.htm">Valley Forge</a> and in the museum there sat George Washington's <a href="http://www.nps.gov/vafo/historyculture/washingtonmarquee.htm">amazing tent</a> he used. <br />
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Come to find out--you can have similar period & marquee tents made<a href="http://tentsmiths.com/period-tents-officers-marquee.html"> here</a> &<a href="https://www.reliabletent.com/"> here</a>. I am smitten with old trades, i.e. tent makers among other trades. {I'm certain some of the tents there this past weekend were made by one of these companies.}<br />
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There was open fire cooking, folks dressed in costume. Vendors were selling historically accurate patterns + cloth & other things of interest for the time period. Oh my, I picked out a "<a href="http://www.kannikskorner.com/patkids.htm">pin-cloth</a>" pattern for Vivian. I mentally sketched how & what I would do with it! <br />
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I have more photos and am so excited to know there is another historical fair celebrating the War of 1812 coming up. I was informed it's a <a href="http://www.smartfrogs.com/juriedshow.html">juried</a> show, the vendors/living history storytellers must be approved, so it's not "hokey"--- it's a festival with period accuracy.{and a much larger fair of this sort}I'm intrigued I think I found another place to gather inspiration. Labor day weekend you'll find our family at this<a href="http://www.fairatnewboston.org/adayatthefair.html"> event</a> at the George Rogers Clark Park September 1st & 2nd. <a href="http://regencysa.blogspot.com/2012/03/1812-at-fair-at-new-boston.html">{1812 Fair New Boston}</a><br />
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I had a customer who would come in to buy our trims & vintage items when we had our brick & mortar, as she was a period costume seamstress. I loved her stories & her taste. {Beverly I hope to see you!}<br />
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Do you love history? <br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-6907930569751357202012-07-24T09:36:00.001-07:002012-07-24T09:42:09.486-07:00Hello! Sew a Fine Seam {Q&A}<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWGMIaX3BhM/UA6-sVUlLGI/AAAAAAAAEq8/EvfrPquTVSE/s1600/128141551867654556_lcdkepc8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWGMIaX3BhM/UA6-sVUlLGI/AAAAAAAAEq8/EvfrPquTVSE/s400/128141551867654556_lcdkepc8_c.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #cc0000;"> {via pinterest}</i><br />
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">Hi Jill! Happy to have you over here!</i><br />
<i style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></i><br />
<i style="color: #cc0000;">////Here is a Q&A with the gal behind Sew a Fine Seam////</i><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2410" height="400" src="http://www.sewafineseam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/business-card-front-705x1024.jpg" title="business card front" width="275" /><i style="color: #cc0000;"> </i><br />
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">1. Tell us a little about yourself.......</i><br />
Hello! I am <a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/">Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam</a> - 'the one who sews'. And<br />
designs and dreams and decorates. I have known Kara IRL(in real life) for<br />
years. Our husbands are related so that makes the friend bond even<br />
stronger! I have been sewing almost all my life, which has given me the<br />
practice and knowledge it takes to do a really 'fine' job. I delight in<br />
designing the items I create. I love to get to know a client by digging<br />
through their blog and asking them questions about what they like or don't<br />
like and then designing something just for them. When it involves wonderful<br />
fabrics like fine linen and cotton and especially vintage fabrics I am truly<br />
in my element! Drop cloths are another medium that is a favorite.<br />
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Custom shades by<a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/"> Sew a Fine Seam.</a></div>
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I choose 100% linen with a heavy lining for durability.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. How long have you been sewing for clients? What is your favorite sewing</span><br style="color: #cc0000;" /><span style="color: #cc0000;">tip?</span></i><br />
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I began sewing for someone besides myself when I was about 15 - the items<br />
were for my younger sister! My first paying client was when The Teenager<br />
was around 2 so that would be 11 years ago. My favorite sewing tip is that<br />
your iron is your best friend and your most important tool. Buy a good one.<br />
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">3. What inspires you? </i><br />
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Vintage fabrics + fine fabrics like linen and high end cotton, ribbons,<br />
vintage lace, looking at beautiful magazines and blogs, scouring the flea<br />
for fun vintage finds, and my friends! Oh and some good music never hurts!<br />
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">4. Tell us a little about your Etsy shop, Sew a Fine Seam.</i><br />
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I just recently filled the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewafineseam">shop</a> up with a<br />
variety of handmade items plus a few vintage finds just for fun. I have a<br />
couple promotional things in the works. I'm excited to see the fabric "unfold" in my new business venture! {pun intended}</div>
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RpkEaNWq3i0/UA7INr8f1-I/AAAAAAAAErU/fjt6Wkp9pOU/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RpkEaNWq3i0/UA7INr8f1-I/AAAAAAAAErU/fjt6Wkp9pOU/s640/DSC_0141.JPG" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{My farmhouse window with timeless linen shades}</td></tr>
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I have ultra narrow farmhouse windows so even with Google searches, I could not locate the size </div>
<span style="color: #e06666;">I needed so......Jill made these custom blinds. I cannot wait to get all of them up!</span> <br />
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">5. Sew a Fine Seam just recently branded into a business, where do you want<br />to end up with this endeavor? </i><br />
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I have been pretty overwhelmed with the way my business has unfolded over<br />
the past 6 months. In January I began the move from blogger to WordPress.<br />
Also earlier this year I began to use the social media outlets more. I<br />
created a FB page for Sew a Fine Seam. I changed my twitter account to Sew<br />
a Fine Seam. I applied for a vendors license, and began setting everything<br />
up as a real business. The icing on the cake was winning a giveaway for<br />
free business card design and printing! My designer, Reni from Bliss and<br />
Tell, used images I was already using in my blog design to create a stunning<br />
business card and an Etsy banner. It all blends together very well and I am<br />
over-the-moon about it. As to where I want to end up - I would love to have<br />
opportunities to make over a whole room or rooms for clients. Slipcovers,<br />
décor, curtains, pillows, styling - I love it all. I would also love to do<br />
more bridal sewing - I dream of making the dresses for the whole bridal<br />
party - not sure that is possible but hey I can dream!! I am leaving it in<br />
the hands of my GOD. He has brought me this far and I have no doubt He will<br />
not leave me now, no matter what the future might look like for me and my<br />
business.<br />
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<i style="color: #cc0000;">6. What advice would you give to other gals thinking of starting a business?</i><br />
If it is something you love - go for it! Pray about it and when you feel<br />
peace over decisions - move forward! You may not always have a clear<br />
picture of exactly where you are going but I have found that through prayer<br />
and trusting in Him, I am given peace about which direction to take. That<br />
is not to say I have not made mistakes in the past or that I won't again but<br />
just keep going back to the Source of truth and peace! Ask questions, get<br />
out there and make new friends, and most of all, don't be afraid to do some<br />
self-promoting - it is essential in this technological world we live in!<br />
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Thank you, Kara, for featuring my work and for allowing me to tell a little<br />
bit about myself here on your blog! You are the one who introduced me to<br />
blogging and your blog was the first one I ever read! Thanks bunches:)<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-2415" height="400" src="http://www.sewafineseam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/business-card-back-885x1024.jpg" title="business card back" width="345" /> <br />
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<br /></div>McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-6907102288520067512012-07-20T19:25:00.003-07:002012-07-22T08:17:38.500-07:00French Flea {Horton's Tipton IN}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spy a cute couch, vintage nonetheless--grey & gold. {Hot House Market}<br />
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D. Reyne's booth--I wish I had more photos of her clever walls. <br />
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<a href="http://www.damaskdesigns.blogspot.com/">Damask Designs</a> & Co.! They had pretty grey ribbon streamers draped up in the top of their tent. I purchased a swell wood container that I must share. They had a darling display......<br />
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Do you go to the flea for food & treats? {& of course the thrill of the hunt, no?!}<br />
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Ok, a lot of pics of the sewing machine display. I loved how <a href="http://www.rebeccaersfeld.com/">Rebecca</a> presented her style. What is it about the loveliness of old sewing machines? I so wish the new ones could have a more vintage look with the technology, of course. I hide my Viking machine under it's cover. It's just not cute! lol<br />
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Creating is a part of a lot of us.......<br />
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I could eat this display! This is unique and tells such a story.<br />
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Another one! {I know, but look at the ribbon, look, look!}<br />
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More simple thread on spools in this hanging lantern. <br />
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Chalk paint--by the way did you know there is this cool gilding wax to go over this paint? I'm totally into it & just discovered it<a href="http://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/2012/07/gilding-waxesadd-luxe-to-your-pieces.html"> here.</a> <br />
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Barb of<a href="http://bellenjoyfulliving.blogspot.com/"> Joyful Living</a>....texted me the night before. "I have the fixins' for turkey/pesto on focaccia if that suits let me know"! Ummm, my larder was empty and a picnic sounded peachy!<br />
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So, she packed up this basket with a grande picnic. Or is it pic-nique? <br />
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I texted Matt and said I need some iced coffee drinks & Izze to bring along! He replied "you mean high calorie drinks?" Haha, I said, of course shopping is work.<br />
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Pasta salad in the <a href="http://www.bonnemaman.us/">best jam ever jars</a>! Save em'---Barb even claims her parents drink out of them when visiting. <br />
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We dined alfresco in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipton,_Indiana">Tipton</a> park and it was a beautiful Midwest park......in the shade did we partake of our yum & cute to boot meal.<br />
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Do you like to picnic? I think having your basket at the ready is a good idea......keep linens and silverware, etc all ready to go. Please do enjoy these summer months.....before fall breezes in with chilly air.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/">Jill,</a> she got us together to go......{we had a wee one along too, Barb's daughter Ilsa!} <br />
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Have a lovely weekend ahead!<br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-83809115124121718762012-07-17T06:14:00.001-07:002012-07-17T06:16:17.509-07:00Summer Fete 2012Here is our summer evening dinner that was held on June 29th 2012. {Amazingly, after the worst storm that Ohio has seen in a long time} Our electricity flickered, but never went out.
So here it is in magazine form! Thanks to the duo at <a href="http://mollydues.com/">Molly Dues Photography</a>, we plugged away for a crazy amount of hours yesterday. I just gave advice and tried to take it all in, definitely a learning curve. Eventually, I hope I can master this format! It takes a team to do some of these projects! The more the merrier, right?
Enjoy---
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<a href="http://issuu.com/mcmaster-storm/docs/summerfete2012?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222" target="_blank">Open publication</a> - Free <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank">publishing</a> - <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=farm-to-table" target="_blank">More farm-to-table</a></div>
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On another note:<a href="http://nadafarmlife.blogspot.com/"> Anne- Marie of Na Da Farm</a> will be planning a dinner in Illinois....
We will be sharing her evening with you as well!
Cheers!
Kara<br />
<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-15747732192371553732012-07-04T13:20:00.003-07:002012-07-04T13:21:33.868-07:00This Land is Your Land........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 4th of July......<br />
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Wheat in our garden still golden hued........<br />
Iced coffee with my one of my favorite herbs, chocolate mint. {It's truly a hot & humid summer day here in Ohio!}<br />
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I spotted the new <a href="http://vimeo.com/45083551">video created for the release of the summer issue of Kinfolk</a>. Well done and a must see! It starts with "Summer after all is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people".....{Kinfolk video for Issue No. 4}<br />
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Enjoy your day--May it be sparkly & bright........<br />
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<span id="goog_937375257"></span><span id="goog_937375258"></span>McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-38217860611904846832012-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:002012-07-10T05:40:43.348-07:00Let's Build a Wall!!<br />
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<i> <span style="font-size: small;">Mission: Security wall around an Uganda orphanage needs to be finished so the children can move in. {for safety of supplies and overall protection}</span></i><br />
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<i>I received this email today and I'm sharing it with you because I have talked to Kimberly's mother on the phone after I contacted her via email. I loved her story and how she came into contact with Edwin in Uganda. Wanting to help, Barb told me "Kara, you have little children your mission is them right now". Then I heard a sermon at our church and the minister told us some needs to be met "right now" this is one of them. I felt a burden on my heart about this cause. Then to boot 2 weeks after the sermon Kimberly sends out an email. Ok, Lord I hear you!!! So, let's raise some money for this orphanage. Below, Kimberly has links posted to read more about this amazing story.</i></div>
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<i>Another note: We have an idea for a fundraiser here in Ohio. I sent an email to another gal and once I hear that it is a go......we will need volunteers!!! </i></div>
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<i>Watch this video from<a href="http://jaajabarbshomeofangels.blogspot.com/2012/04/strength-in-weakness.html"> Barb's Blog </a></i></div>
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<i> {email from Kimberly Taylor, Barb's daughter I received this evening, July 3rd 2012}</i></div>
Dear friends,<br />
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I am writing you not for myself, but for a cause that I hold very dear to my heart. My mom is building an orphanage in Uganda, Africa and I am so proud of her. She has worked so hard, baking banana bread to sell to raise funds, as well as starting a blog to share their progress and in hopes that people will want to help. It has been a long journey but she is still going strong and so very excited for the day that they can move these homeless parent less children into the house. Right now the one thing standing in their way is the completion of a security wall which will enclose the entire compound. Without the wall they are unable to move these kids in to the house that they have worked so hard to build. <br />
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Last week we began an online campaign to raise the funds needed to finish the wall. While the orphanage itself will be a lifelong labor of love for my mom, this wall is crucial in getting these children into their first real home, with regular meals, clothing, and hopes for an education. I am so incredibly excited about it, and know that we can do it!<br />
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The reason I am appealing to all of you is that your voice carries far and wide in the social media realm. What I need right now is to get the word out that this online fundraiser is active and that we really need to raise these last funds to complete this project. I know it is a lot to ask of you- as it isn't your mission, your goal, or your cause. But I ask you for these children- some of whom you can meet on my mom's blog here~ http://jaajabarbshomeofangels.blogspot.com/<br />
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I would be forever grateful if you would be willing to do a simple post on your website. I have provided all the links you might need below. If you have a facebook or twitter following, a post with a link to the fundraising site - found here - http://www.indiegogo.com/homeofangelsorphanage - would also be so very appreciated. I would never ask this for myself, but these kids- you should see their smiles when my mom arrives with dresses and pencils and toothbrushes. It takes so little to change their lives in such a big way. <br />
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I have posted about this here - http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/would-you-buy-me-a-coffee/ I would only ask that you read my post, take from it what you will, and consider doing one of your own. I would also be so incredibly grateful if you would spread the word to those you know who might also be able to get the word out. The further we spread this, the sooner we can get these kids into their first beds, where they will wake every morning to breakfast - something they have never experienced. It's going to be incredible when that day arrives.<br />
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My mom - Barb Giraud's site: http://jaajabarbshomeofangels.blogspot.com/<br />
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News coverage in Canada: http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/135261153.html<br />
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The online fundraiser: http://www.indiegogo.com/homeofangelsorphanage<br />
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My post: http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/would-you-buy-me-a-coffee/<br />
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Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have~ again, I am so very grateful for anything that you are able to do.<br />
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Thank you my friends,<br />
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K.<br />
kimberlytaylorimages.comMcMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-30965015589521925102012-07-03T12:31:00.001-07:002012-07-03T18:47:30.995-07:00Summer Fete {Tips 2.}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>{note: This party is part of a collaboration with<a href="http://nadafarmlife.blogspot.com/"> Anne-Marie of Na Da Farm</a>. We were going to have dinners the same evening; her in Illinois & me in Ohio. Her husband ending up going out of town. So she will have hers mid- July and then we will post all our details, pictures and menus then!}</i></div>
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The dinner party from last Friday--- hmmmm, so you want details. Some of you wondered about the storm. Yes, the storm that produced 80 mph winds. The storm that was like the hurricane winds of 2008 at the Country Living Fair<i>! The details.......</i><br />
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Matt arrived home around 3pm on Friday 6/29/12 and checked the weather and told us you have 20 to 30 minutes before this severe storm moves in. We had set the table and taken things out that could be done before 7:30 when the guests arrived. Anyhoo, we trucked all the stuff back inside and the storm came promptly. Snapped off a cherry tree and had us wondering about our backup plan<i>.</i><br />
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Our lights flickered but, never went out. {some are still without electricity!}<br />
Matt checked weather again & again and told us to proceed the storm would possibly be well gone by 7:30. The temperature dropped 15 degrees, it was so hot earlier and then it had me wondering if I should serve coffee instead of slush. For awhile after it was slightly chilly! <br />
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The guests arrived the sun peeked through and we had a party & a campfire! We snuck in a dinner party between 2 storms as is rained again in the night around 1am-2am! <br />
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Driving around the countryside the last couple of days I have seens barn roofs off, trees out & telephone poles leaning. Tons of sticks and debris in yards. I still cannot believe we had electricity as I needed to cook some of the food for that night. We grilled the main dish so that would've not been an issue!<br />
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<i>Note: We needed the rain badly here in our area of Ohio. It was not looking good for the crops and the day before the storm no rain was called for. WE are blessed to have the rain! We praise the Lord for blessing us and I wasn't even worried about the party. </i><br />
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<i>Tips {Part 2}</i></div>
1. Prep all your food the day before or the morning of. Cutting & chopping ahead makes everything go smoother.<br />
2. Need extra shelves in your fridge? I put an extra cookie sheet on top of a bowl{s} of prepped food then I can put more things on the cookie sheet. This has been an incredible help. I do have an extra fridge in our shed but, even that can get full. Watermelons, drinks etc take up room. Filing a cooler with ice will help you out too!<br />
3. Make lists of your food you are going to serve. I have forgotten things and left them in the fridge before!<br />
4. Have a pretty<a href="http://www.target.com/p/target-home-floral-towel/-/A-14042785"> towel</a> and/or a vintage linen and new soaps for your sink in kitchen & bath. Instant TA-DA. <br />
5. Don't schedule a lot of other things the week of! I did, my kids had VBS and then 2 other things I had to work around. I took a nap today as I was getting cross-eyed!<br />
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I received a fun and handy hostess gift from<a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/2012/07/hostess-gift/"> Jill........</a><br />
& fresh strawberry jam from Gina! Thanks girls!<br />
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A smaller tree-that snapped from the winds........</div>McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684091903727111619.post-2725097055840710522012-06-26T15:18:00.000-07:002012-06-26T18:30:19.089-07:00Summer Fete 2012 {Tips part 1.}<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is our cast of characters for the evening. There will be 6 couples; lo and behold this fun old photo had the same number. I numbered them and will name them after our guests and use for props or at each place setting. { I'm hoping we can retake our group photo posing exactly the same way as above!!}<br />
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A busy mom's tips:<br />
Do laundry everyday regardless of having a party or not. I do 2-3 loads a day and fold & put away.<br />
I even stick a load in the wash before or after church, I don't fold and it greets me bright & early Monday morning!<br />
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Having piles of laundry the day of a party is no fun and it just feels better keeping it up. <br />
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*Realize that only a fraction of your ideas will come to fruition. Unless you have a small army on hand to cut, stamp and assemble it isn't going to happen. Be ok with it.....simple is more. If you do a highly detailed event give yourself 3 months ahead or more if you have small children. <br />
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*Do the grocery shopping 2 days before this is important. I can tell you I have waited until the day of and it's not pretty. <br />
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*Check weather and always have a backup plan. Since no rain is in sight I went ahead and set up my areas. It's going to be hot, hot, hot so for Friday evening so we moved the dinner to 7:30.<br />
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Clear clutter a couple days before you clean your house, makes cleaning go smoother. <br />
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Make a list of things that you need to cut or gather from the garden.<br />
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Gather together all your tableware and put them in a basket to carry outside. Have another basket for supplies, etc you will need outside so your not running in & out of house a zillion billion times.<br />
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Gage where the sun will be at the time of meal and move table so it's in the shade. Makes for better pictures and keeps your guests comfortable. Get lighting hooked up a couple of days before so extension cords, light bulbs & candles are ready to go!<br />
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Weeding---some things you just don't have time for. Remember you cannot do everything. {Well I can't anyway!}<br />
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Bases for concrete sink--hurry, hurry!<br />
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I will post on food, etc. soon.......I'm heading to pick up some things<i> ahead of time!</i><br />
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<br />McMaster & Stormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193729670770920765noreply@blogger.com6