DIY Craft Hutch | $200 Weekend Project

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRku9eD-39AmwrB0pPV4EeGsnyym_5aJRdlcfVFDQ0zsBNkhoZnLucsCryLFdN4MUjhRw5Re4k70kYnq7ttcGtutXKLjhhyphenhyphenTcqGmp9tyJWK4Z_loM8rpblSLUXOd9rXWa5Bc9F9gWfarD/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRku9eD-39AmwrB0pPV4EeGsnyym_5aJRdlcfVFDQ0zsBNkhoZnLucsCryLFdN4MUjhRw5Re4k70kYnq7ttcGtutXKLjhhyphenhyphenTcqGmp9tyJWK4Z_loM8rpblSLUXOd9rXWa5Bc9F9gWfarD/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dAMMsyaHtgEeDxDztRA6YaP_bczabckQBQdL_huh9AmSvAQ2qPDqWrG_ywXtfA6otybhqsokSkV2mraU9VhauyaaniQ-fapY7HoxXap3X13DApg6ZRq9YqQftvLRLRqKOOuNu485WLyB/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dAMMsyaHtgEeDxDztRA6YaP_bczabckQBQdL_huh9AmSvAQ2qPDqWrG_ywXtfA6otybhqsokSkV2mraU9VhauyaaniQ-fapY7HoxXap3X13DApg6ZRq9YqQftvLRLRqKOOuNu485WLyB/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>DIY Craft Hutch</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F08%2Fdiy-craft-hutch-200-weekend-project.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fsuN8ACMkXs%2FVAC-QS-yvQI%2FAAAAAAAAZPk%2FuHheDmgbwwY%2Fs1600%2Fdiy-craft-hutch.jpg&description=Easy%20DIY%20Craft%20Hutch%20%7C%20%24200%20Weekend%20Project%20%20%20%20So%20easy%20-%20made%20from%20unfinished%20%40HomeDepot%20cabinets."><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Welcome to my new favorite spot in our house - my charming little corner of supplies and storage.  It is filled with all of my entertaining essentials, linens, candles and the packaging supplies that I use for gifts.  It sits right in my kitchen by a big window, where I used to keep my desk (as you might remember).  I've dreamed about having a spot just like this for years... I had no idea that it was a weekend DIY project and $200 away from becoming a reality. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">You might be wondering why I went to all of this trouble for a room that is going to be torn down in three weeks...  Funny, Mike asked the same question.  As I explained to him, I'll be taking this with us to our temporary home (more on that later...) while the new addition is being constructed.  It will serve as my product "home base" for the store and will be a perfect spot for me to style my photos while we're away from our home.  And then... it will be installed in our new mudroom/studio area in the new house.  Win, win.  When we install it in the mudroom, I'll be adding to it (I think) to make it a large counter area.  </span></div><span style="text-align: center;"></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVf-rWUaPvIJ52N0eYKBWuq5e9CxFtirw409FFB0WWnH0vmykBf89JxayXG2hsVyPeCsOZdt9Vbf8JD7NJfWEU-RwQhe8dghswZyDySaHEGdbqn1voA58hPWFeet0lcPNZLBU2PLvj2H/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVf-rWUaPvIJ52N0eYKBWuq5e9CxFtirw409FFB0WWnH0vmykBf89JxayXG2hsVyPeCsOZdt9Vbf8JD7NJfWEU-RwQhe8dghswZyDySaHEGdbqn1voA58hPWFeet0lcPNZLBU2PLvj2H/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This peg board was a last minute addition - it used to be attached to our cabinetry and hold pot holders, but now it holds my current tea towel collection.<br /><br />*To spare you from too many product links, I've included all products featured at the end of the post.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxolQ3jDs3MBUrkl6tzEa7imZjTF4sukDFGX7qhQNVmyVhYKSYGQSd3vdRoLt5GePIBKbB8dEWzDFpntwZaEfMA8XlpoGXsTjjqPsN7eQwGRlySx7h-m3-IsOokrr6WeRHgbAssqVqxho/s1600/IMG_4045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxolQ3jDs3MBUrkl6tzEa7imZjTF4sukDFGX7qhQNVmyVhYKSYGQSd3vdRoLt5GePIBKbB8dEWzDFpntwZaEfMA8XlpoGXsTjjqPsN7eQwGRlySx7h-m3-IsOokrr6WeRHgbAssqVqxho/s1600/IMG_4045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-CvEeVloy7onl5c10rYWq5bgcdTGI7AfAL2CRYLmp9eFJgSCzlRI5Dd7EE4pk-8mgH8lVsTHngcx-x674grvOutjgtjG00dl-EEBNKOp2ORAfSCTy85pRK3FdMdzONZgss5d7IrsdTmE/s1600/IMG_4024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-CvEeVloy7onl5c10rYWq5bgcdTGI7AfAL2CRYLmp9eFJgSCzlRI5Dd7EE4pk-8mgH8lVsTHngcx-x674grvOutjgtjG00dl-EEBNKOp2ORAfSCTy85pRK3FdMdzONZgss5d7IrsdTmE/s1600/IMG_4024.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used two <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/b/Kitchen-Cabinets-Cabinet-Hardware-Quick-Ship-Assembled-Cabinets/Unfinished-Wood/N-5yc1vZary9Z1z0u91t">unfinished cabinets from Home Depot</a> (not sponsored) and screwed them together.  Then I sanded and painted.  It took all of an evening to do.  More details and photos about the process at the end of the post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used the same <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Martha-Stewart-Living-3-in-Bedford-Canopy-Cup-Cabinet-Hardware-Pull-P20633C-474-CP/202241351">Martha Stewart Living Bedford Antique Brass Pulls (from home depot)</a> we used in our current kitchen and plan to use in the new kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You might recognize the wood top - it was on my old desk that sat in this same spot.  More DIY details about how I refinished the top at the end of the post.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X7_KwqATp0ACHAA34hG5lxUoT99EDsGH4ejh0ZiTc1TuRcwYfBzbouaD6MZaoNwMUoxB-LPym7ovFtQa71GJzG9yO5VJetEBp3kJPS7bv2b11kQB3quPpJPZ3Mx0IX88xvSW695llesz/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X7_KwqATp0ACHAA34hG5lxUoT99EDsGH4ejh0ZiTc1TuRcwYfBzbouaD6MZaoNwMUoxB-LPym7ovFtQa71GJzG9yO5VJetEBp3kJPS7bv2b11kQB3quPpJPZ3Mx0IX88xvSW695llesz/s1600/IMG_4033.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;">Why didn't I do this 2 years ago?!   With very little storage in our kitchen, I had been keeping my  platters, candles, packaging, etc.  in the dingy basement.  No more!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVBngCQtIXfJWHb_jUm98zWB8UeuXwgsdlaqBFQ24PaoRrOKAgBq7HaiRl9gK2S7HfcS1Nwz0RWk9XypwcXd_mHmJxrOWe2lEbulBmVXhcZYqj1d-iLDnQ5YmXoAZLjU5Sdla1SDHb_46/s1600/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVBngCQtIXfJWHb_jUm98zWB8UeuXwgsdlaqBFQ24PaoRrOKAgBq7HaiRl9gK2S7HfcS1Nwz0RWk9XypwcXd_mHmJxrOWe2lEbulBmVXhcZYqj1d-iLDnQ5YmXoAZLjU5Sdla1SDHb_46/s1600/IMG_4038.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F08%2Fdiy-craft-hutch-200-weekend-project.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fsuN8ACMkXs%2FVAC-QS-yvQI%2FAAAAAAAAZPk%2FuHheDmgbwwY%2Fs1600%2Fdiy-craft-hutch.jpg&description=Easy%20DIY%20Craft%20Hutch%20%7C%20%24200%20Weekend%20Project%20%20%20%20So%20easy%20-%20made%20from%20unfinished%20%40HomeDepot%20cabinets."><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />You can see the top is very distressed and worn - I like it that way.  It came from my old desk that I bought in college for my first apartment.  I've used it since then all through each new adventure and project.  I'm glad to have reinvented it in a new way that I can still use.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaqhmmZqauqPXlZxGyPk2aB4-KMfph8OBndeYBXNrD4kB936KahPyfqWIRCQGKXs46s6iNF3xTikK86aLqAtuIlvA96PFMSkmgqkcTi7tp9Mp1T84_K8UeyAERo3eTEAm4mS_ttREah8x/s1600/IMG_4064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaqhmmZqauqPXlZxGyPk2aB4-KMfph8OBndeYBXNrD4kB936KahPyfqWIRCQGKXs46s6iNF3xTikK86aLqAtuIlvA96PFMSkmgqkcTi7tp9Mp1T84_K8UeyAERo3eTEAm4mS_ttREah8x/s1600/IMG_4064.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Now for a look inside :<br /><br />I have all of my Wood Candle Holders lined up ready for my next table setting, Linen Tea Towels & Napkins in a basket so I can take them in and out easily without messing them up, Kraft Boxes for packaging cookies and Kraft Bags for last minute gifts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2kQmWXx_PLU2wljshfHyUuGpKfweo09WH4E4N5euR5PIwpbDUmBTWeIZQ6k4PZ-AcGK-Es8gQxMGlUchy4CPSjdg4H0Pdr4j8LSte3Spr5504hoeOBD8XZUxqJ5cNDn4Q_NhDTFRdUHv/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2kQmWXx_PLU2wljshfHyUuGpKfweo09WH4E4N5euR5PIwpbDUmBTWeIZQ6k4PZ-AcGK-Es8gQxMGlUchy4CPSjdg4H0Pdr4j8LSte3Spr5504hoeOBD8XZUxqJ5cNDn4Q_NhDTFRdUHv/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-3Vl2twnmNP6GfcltGawrYAxQI6NVB3XlJfvU46R2SPFg9BNWnf4UyZgSjSVLu0qPgjfBV01talK-qKoi5KQmwMaiouLTAWKKo1c6QUfblXWRbfcTliopt3351J26BfyissZX8iijvNt/s1600/IMG_3818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-3Vl2twnmNP6GfcltGawrYAxQI6NVB3XlJfvU46R2SPFg9BNWnf4UyZgSjSVLu0qPgjfBV01talK-qKoi5KQmwMaiouLTAWKKo1c6QUfblXWRbfcTliopt3351J26BfyissZX8iijvNt/s1600/IMG_3818.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>In the drawers, I keep all of my gift tags and cards, ribbons, scissors, twine, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlICVuCht37r1tTkOInOuXkd0mFgfnJbxK1gOythd_0CHKh6-PU-m55-irmjE1n4Qpy-aqHOe0W61iCcFT1eE7dRc8XyvsRxjyDgJLrIlMQ9GfzPrWu9G0ZQfw-MmoZdALOufDv6vzSPq/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlICVuCht37r1tTkOInOuXkd0mFgfnJbxK1gOythd_0CHKh6-PU-m55-irmjE1n4Qpy-aqHOe0W61iCcFT1eE7dRc8XyvsRxjyDgJLrIlMQ9GfzPrWu9G0ZQfw-MmoZdALOufDv6vzSPq/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also keep a stash of Cello Bags, Labels and Tablets that are sold with my Le Pens (restocked today!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXwOMbDFZCDqqaBv_c55FiCLPJNXYE6umcQFRSXn8gYz8R097sO8YvUdRWmnHZJW_R63oLE3dgEaAxlAlq3tXdDfPmd9FPEcqB2D9Mpw5ThQYmBRcs5WtJlAoKVSqLptV7y0yoSbgFwcM/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXwOMbDFZCDqqaBv_c55FiCLPJNXYE6umcQFRSXn8gYz8R097sO8YvUdRWmnHZJW_R63oLE3dgEaAxlAlq3tXdDfPmd9FPEcqB2D9Mpw5ThQYmBRcs5WtJlAoKVSqLptV7y0yoSbgFwcM/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I got this wooden organizer in the silverware organizing section - storing my Everyday Cards & Tags, Le Pens (added a new Brown color for Fall), Bakers Twine, Scissors & Everyday Tin Candle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw2dkAeggMiKLSA6mo-86P6Pw-NYFD9kcl7lyLEWpnCYjwYIHKys2W-qIdwyg1hv3EUde_iz_0f_9CsqB5EumFkbMF1rFY8KiInwmE1XWZlUMQ36FDQfTBEKN1WN0NAhsvHEbeC7I7aq_/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw2dkAeggMiKLSA6mo-86P6Pw-NYFD9kcl7lyLEWpnCYjwYIHKys2W-qIdwyg1hv3EUde_iz_0f_9CsqB5EumFkbMF1rFY8KiInwmE1XWZlUMQ36FDQfTBEKN1WN0NAhsvHEbeC7I7aq_/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ribbons, Taper Candles & Cotton and Jute Twine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2S9cCjEKKVYHmswOsEz2jEfPC-IY_f6bm8MfCyKd4Audhi8puOEJzaoRKR251d7El7ADVT3u5RHUYY7VJPHBRRqi9vuUEFJFKyAsDGicqCz1ZVNUkGZI5wtLwalz_xYJYAPpuKwoZ0d9/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2S9cCjEKKVYHmswOsEz2jEfPC-IY_f6bm8MfCyKd4Audhi8puOEJzaoRKR251d7El7ADVT3u5RHUYY7VJPHBRRqi9vuUEFJFKyAsDGicqCz1ZVNUkGZI5wtLwalz_xYJYAPpuKwoZ0d9/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And, of course... all of my bakeware supplies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHX4vOe1584SGqGILck-zCC8XI4sAxHyBvncsQkeatA3KJDwmKdlge1bOFFDnFPg6ugDair_PanB84oJFNWzpaLNSaMMVLpdgxM3ztgYR6BKSrE34pEcvkNO2bbMx96uFcNPbMPMPN_Rc/s1600/IMG_4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHX4vOe1584SGqGILck-zCC8XI4sAxHyBvncsQkeatA3KJDwmKdlge1bOFFDnFPg6ugDair_PanB84oJFNWzpaLNSaMMVLpdgxM3ztgYR6BKSrE34pEcvkNO2bbMx96uFcNPbMPMPN_Rc/s1600/IMG_4034.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;">And here is a look at the pulls - at only $4 each, they are the most affordable and beautiful brass pulls available.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46LL6ZPYCcS7xpj0i0K_lyT7hd63IvApuPrBOgWAUyu3XLpp7YOV-BPxmB4Yd6uimI1OlCfZzZ0TiXezSiuSiB-amD87tOCqrjaA_rs7G05_iDijbqhI5EVZ23dGkzoIsrMQQvC_nKO1Z/s1600/IMG_4039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46LL6ZPYCcS7xpj0i0K_lyT7hd63IvApuPrBOgWAUyu3XLpp7YOV-BPxmB4Yd6uimI1OlCfZzZ0TiXezSiuSiB-amD87tOCqrjaA_rs7G05_iDijbqhI5EVZ23dGkzoIsrMQQvC_nKO1Z/s1600/IMG_4039.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The Butternut & Acorn Squash are doing a great job holding up the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/entertaining/products/pre-order-creamware-platters-set-of-6">Creamware Platters</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjzDtVMom7fmfhtbqWWvM6kGs0xHyfElBLwXCjDRsjHMmaIaibdBaILmlMoZkRFUliD_Y7HBwWz1NtMwIth9G9w397ORUqiqtw0hpWtnFCQghCRf8Y9GK3bKUmnTbzorJC30QMRLS9jGC/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjzDtVMom7fmfhtbqWWvM6kGs0xHyfElBLwXCjDRsjHMmaIaibdBaILmlMoZkRFUliD_Y7HBwWz1NtMwIth9G9w397ORUqiqtw0hpWtnFCQghCRf8Y9GK3bKUmnTbzorJC30QMRLS9jGC/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so here is how I made it.  It started at about 9pm at night.  I bought two 18" unfinished cabinets from Home Depot.   You could just buy one set that is 36", but I wanted to have half drawers and have cabinet, so this was my only option.  For both, it was about $170.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F08%2Fdiy-craft-hutch-200-weekend-project.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fsuN8ACMkXs%2FVAC-QS-yvQI%2FAAAAAAAAZPk%2FuHheDmgbwwY%2Fs1600%2Fdiy-craft-hutch.jpg&description=Easy%20DIY%20Craft%20Hutch%20%7C%20%24200%20Weekend%20Project%20%20%20%20So%20easy%20-%20made%20from%20unfinished%20%40HomeDepot%20cabinets."><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6Lik877pkdnIgaEiPsPvMywW7P4MFFjdsQ-GFHMegWkQHdDAEQNVQ2542NUdjAf2iIDKf3UyEGzWFU1pjpEh1kc2j6wlzn1EJaMJ2UI6dmMr4yr6KkTUdFudSFrJfNTAM-1s1vVg7xm7/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6Lik877pkdnIgaEiPsPvMywW7P4MFFjdsQ-GFHMegWkQHdDAEQNVQ2542NUdjAf2iIDKf3UyEGzWFU1pjpEh1kc2j6wlzn1EJaMJ2UI6dmMr4yr6KkTUdFudSFrJfNTAM-1s1vVg7xm7/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I sanded, then painted them my favorite - Benjamin Moore Navajo White in Satin.  It is the same color our cabinets will be in the new kitchen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPwhyW_3mdkfm9niTPKRb_ixva28f9e-Xz7GUojIjR4PToEmk8wb2cmJsOHDoIijlEw6BHXVFOA7tc9UAX7TouvOkf5an-3Yh4eMbf82-f-dKOaBgchC1eqGJ5R_BuA7DjKA4qgdHQTac/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPwhyW_3mdkfm9niTPKRb_ixva28f9e-Xz7GUojIjR4PToEmk8wb2cmJsOHDoIijlEw6BHXVFOA7tc9UAX7TouvOkf5an-3Yh4eMbf82-f-dKOaBgchC1eqGJ5R_BuA7DjKA4qgdHQTac/s1600/IMG_3282.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;">You can see how the paint really transformed them.</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9cwbJ0C-b2BaWbzWRzzcmSVZ5na1p4QpYTUE8XsOi5b6ibMvLhQ46km7Jz_0acGeJBjY-lErSoAR1ZkjVr_3t-xEuMnivMuiMDDtAMuo4gtLZcEGXl-2ZPBwks0bhDhgCe_k6O1hBs5c/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9cwbJ0C-b2BaWbzWRzzcmSVZ5na1p4QpYTUE8XsOi5b6ibMvLhQ46km7Jz_0acGeJBjY-lErSoAR1ZkjVr_3t-xEuMnivMuiMDDtAMuo4gtLZcEGXl-2ZPBwks0bhDhgCe_k6O1hBs5c/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Then, I added the top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgHmkELmpNG5zoWGS0xTqx5Q_4HqFGqN7eMdFbqk4NNFDxyKTKYg897-xD1yjUJsIOtLxs6CE1vBKTXdP-84x9nxqjNQ81U1i4_moWGkdagzANZdIFku5t7T4YIvjPTaURFlToMNgmkcP/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgHmkELmpNG5zoWGS0xTqx5Q_4HqFGqN7eMdFbqk4NNFDxyKTKYg897-xD1yjUJsIOtLxs6CE1vBKTXdP-84x9nxqjNQ81U1i4_moWGkdagzANZdIFku5t7T4YIvjPTaURFlToMNgmkcP/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had recently damaged the finish, so I sanded the old finish down, then stained it with Special Walnut Minwax stain.  I finished it with Tung Oil for a soft, matte luster.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dAMMsyaHtgEeDxDztRA6YaP_bczabckQBQdL_huh9AmSvAQ2qPDqWrG_ywXtfA6otybhqsokSkV2mraU9VhauyaaniQ-fapY7HoxXap3X13DApg6ZRq9YqQftvLRLRqKOOuNu485WLyB/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dAMMsyaHtgEeDxDztRA6YaP_bczabckQBQdL_huh9AmSvAQ2qPDqWrG_ywXtfA6otybhqsokSkV2mraU9VhauyaaniQ-fapY7HoxXap3X13DApg6ZRq9YqQftvLRLRqKOOuNu485WLyB/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>I hope you've been inspired to create your own little corner of happiness!  I can not emphasize enough how easy this was, and how much storage I've gained in our small kitchen for all of my goodies.<br /><br />Products Featured (and stored!) in my Craft Hutch :<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens">Linen Tea Towels & Napkins</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/new-for-fall/products/candle-holders">Wood Candle Holders</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/cookie-boxes-set-of-10">Kraft Boxes for packaging cookies</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap">Cello Bags, Labels</a> and<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/tablet-le-pens">Tablets + LePens</a> (restocked today!)<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap">Everyday Cards & Tags</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/my-everyday-candle-in-a-mini-latte-bowl">My Everyday Candle Tin</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap">Ribbons</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles">Taper Candles </a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/twine">Cotton and Jute Twine</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Bakeware Supplies</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj143ZsngWrTnIRXxl3JFKr4Xo3azxOR1UnAHxzgEnQtfA4xjJYr3IasS8h-syQ1edb2TElNNNiDuoi7U6l2yu9fX3jMmqFGl9jDUvo4MjWnYGM3HD5xtU-kk7nPxfAAGH38pMQLNodtBaV/s1600/diy-craft-hutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj143ZsngWrTnIRXxl3JFKr4Xo3azxOR1UnAHxzgEnQtfA4xjJYr3IasS8h-syQ1edb2TElNNNiDuoi7U6l2yu9fX3jMmqFGl9jDUvo4MjWnYGM3HD5xtU-kk7nPxfAAGH38pMQLNodtBaV/s1600/diy-craft-hutch.jpg" width="124" /></a><br />Here is the Pinterest Strip for easy pinning.<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F08%2Fdiy-craft-hutch-200-weekend-project.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fsuN8ACMkXs%2FVAC-QS-yvQI%2FAAAAAAAAZPk%2FuHheDmgbwwY%2Fs1600%2Fdiy-craft-hutch.jpg&description=Easy%20DIY%20Craft%20Hutch%20%7C%20%24200%20Weekend%20Project%20%20%20%20So%20easy%20-%20made%20from%20unfinished%20%40HomeDepot%20cabinets."><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AcqJCx2bsWC_Xy_MzrvaXJE7qqmrGWw_7fGS2GUfNURyWgyz5__UhYL1Q-EL4-7snCet8GPR0G0wC1YPtZxsBLAZ3vvWnYcAp3TaoiiTTKm2V49j82Yjm-PyetPwb9_vQGuDi9hoIV0l/s1600/IMG_3715_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AcqJCx2bsWC_Xy_MzrvaXJE7qqmrGWw_7fGS2GUfNURyWgyz5__UhYL1Q-EL4-7snCet8GPR0G0wC1YPtZxsBLAZ3vvWnYcAp3TaoiiTTKm2V49j82Yjm-PyetPwb9_vQGuDi9hoIV0l/s1600/IMG_3715_2_2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>In other store news, I've received a small restock of <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens">Herringbone Throws</a>.  I should receive even more in 2 weeks or so. <br /><br />Hope you have a great holiday weekend - ours is packed with visits from out of town friends, brunch at our house and date night for me and Mike tonight. <br /><br />Happy Friday!<br />Jenny<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

DIY Craft Hutch | $200 Weekend Project

DIY Craft Hutch Welcome to my new favorite spot in our house - my charming little corner of supplies and storage.  It is filled with all of ...

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Packing Up Emma's Keepsakes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR9MqC17UJzmZ3eWV-NC0deCGtMmUicIMDpceZi7Yb9_4Zz45MeImrTv5iSoykSI0QkZuIcg6Y-03VXksHgGlpybjAhU4ZNMcoVK-04INEE9pmwMDv4R2XMzDfBoRrCafHjdPOAU1zGCL/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR9MqC17UJzmZ3eWV-NC0deCGtMmUicIMDpceZi7Yb9_4Zz45MeImrTv5iSoykSI0QkZuIcg6Y-03VXksHgGlpybjAhU4ZNMcoVK-04INEE9pmwMDv4R2XMzDfBoRrCafHjdPOAU1zGCL/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As we've been making the transition from Emma's nursery to her Big Girl room, I've been packing up things she's outgrown, art projects from school and little keepsakes.  I go through this routine every couple of months or so and have been doing it since she was born.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSxQk15EYr4P2uWbDnvVaAzB3DJJXsOMy2DU5jZU92ntvQvMaVxcGMEZSSkGLYrg5U_qtEyJnj05cVz02MId6HL-bmjxQ8JaQ6c2-4qGBdDHby197oX-P75dt5qJNZq7LayKG3Wbe5veR/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSxQk15EYr4P2uWbDnvVaAzB3DJJXsOMy2DU5jZU92ntvQvMaVxcGMEZSSkGLYrg5U_qtEyJnj05cVz02MId6HL-bmjxQ8JaQ6c2-4qGBdDHby197oX-P75dt5qJNZq7LayKG3Wbe5veR/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I can remember going through her closet when she was just a couple of months old and putting away her newborn outfits that no longer fit.  It is always a fun little trip down memory lane.   I packed up very special things in plastic bags like her hospital gown & receiving blanket.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER6lI5JLy7WFLJLwmUDt4PxnRt4mBTX2HPWN6Mxa5t3JlZgBeJwKY0PPBNMhdpkWDlqUCszYHAJiZbEnNDwPEzNBblm6xDUw5tuP5DfyrKwQ7MHt2aD0MrB7oCHVtk-5rkFmSgFGksqXz/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER6lI5JLy7WFLJLwmUDt4PxnRt4mBTX2HPWN6Mxa5t3JlZgBeJwKY0PPBNMhdpkWDlqUCszYHAJiZbEnNDwPEzNBblm6xDUw5tuP5DfyrKwQ7MHt2aD0MrB7oCHVtk-5rkFmSgFGksqXz/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />I started with a little box I kept in her closet where I had stored cards and notes from my baby showers and added things like her hospital bracelets, first photos and little booties.   This is the book Mike gave me as our 1st anniversary gift, when I was 8 months pregnant.  We hadn't officially decided on a name, but my vote was Emma.  This was the confirmation of his supporting vote : )  It was the perfect gift - traditionally, paper is the 1st anniversary gift... I gave him an ipad- modern paper!<br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt3ESA-r62f1oi7ZvWjIXdQBcX5Y4Myk-gLQbjOi8DGc5PwMRfVDmJI0Dlot07a0TLzXyYxBLu0uTIH55Mv-RB5mBFQI69p-rjPvPqzEYeF_deIiqH6TYLOP2woLIp9hGfzF-TXdmfXlm/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt3ESA-r62f1oi7ZvWjIXdQBcX5Y4Myk-gLQbjOi8DGc5PwMRfVDmJI0Dlot07a0TLzXyYxBLu0uTIH55Mv-RB5mBFQI69p-rjPvPqzEYeF_deIiqH6TYLOP2woLIp9hGfzF-TXdmfXlm/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />The collection kept outgrowing the box as I added favorite first outfits, blankies, lovies and more shoes, of course.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U1JrmINhA_kwxako7KWs52yMkmETDOIgJcptwAhk2YeOYnVnN1gLw4JNIkLOlYzBavkRr1-sypmiXmNiVjtqn7lYrXIVuefF2iBfnYIXzlootxvHV0jFA_PgxRLvYXjg1ZDNlD8YDbEH/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U1JrmINhA_kwxako7KWs52yMkmETDOIgJcptwAhk2YeOYnVnN1gLw4JNIkLOlYzBavkRr1-sypmiXmNiVjtqn7lYrXIVuefF2iBfnYIXzlootxvHV0jFA_PgxRLvYXjg1ZDNlD8YDbEH/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />With this transition to the big girl room, I decided to officially pack up the box, labeled "Baby Emma" and start a new one, "Toddler Emma."  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4nyjIQju5X97HqLz9OX67l1u1Hm6bvxipDsAc-EF2qSiSpGPo7433Nja27xSCfTxNOlZqwo4dX2qBphYkFtGQXAT4s0OIvzQ6XyNRRaUyYhY6rWaSlUS0p8bHy8FOrWE0pDAqhnRSaDb/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4nyjIQju5X97HqLz9OX67l1u1Hm6bvxipDsAc-EF2qSiSpGPo7433Nja27xSCfTxNOlZqwo4dX2qBphYkFtGQXAT4s0OIvzQ6XyNRRaUyYhY6rWaSlUS0p8bHy8FOrWE0pDAqhnRSaDb/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />I added some photos of her in those outfits that I'm replacing with new photos in her room, and included a photo book I made of her first year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWg-V3klqbuJ6Es_IGAydC4erq2D4aWBORH6toEG1CjFdY6tOUzpXzY7TDiXGelznCa3LbOO4k6L86ooUdkpAjR34jEzJlzbGjUCzs-qYYlI0XNb7rKV8fUj8nhW8EJzOS2ZTsTk5nP4d/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWg-V3klqbuJ6Es_IGAydC4erq2D4aWBORH6toEG1CjFdY6tOUzpXzY7TDiXGelznCa3LbOO4k6L86ooUdkpAjR34jEzJlzbGjUCzs-qYYlI0XNb7rKV8fUj8nhW8EJzOS2ZTsTk5nP4d/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" width="251" /></a>Over Christmas break this year I finally finished her Baby Book.  I made two copies, one titled "Emma Elizabeth Hobick 2011-2012" and one "The Hobick Family 2011-2012."  I put her copy in her Baby box and I'll keep the other copy for our own library... so I can look at it all of the time.  I had them made at Mpix, and really love the way they turned out.  The printing quality is great, and I love the hardcover, bound in a dark grey linen.  They cost about $50 each, but look like $200.  I plan to do one for our wedding (a little late?), and ever year from here on out... including last year, that I'm already behind on.<br /><br />The process of selecting the photos, writing the captions and details was the best part of all - reliving every experience and trying to capture the spirit of the moment for her when she reads it in the future.     <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8ktqAYNs9Ogo7lbv9WcimKmylNpoW7oRfKhwP6nNpdBzWRBAJJ7Mwq0gbpmpFsfAuZog1IRFpGh9mnzhcj-Tq3nYTg6ATOWVhsSaI2YP7fdN6OZbD7Hfe0Ai1AcIHylSpCsGnqN16Yr/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8ktqAYNs9Ogo7lbv9WcimKmylNpoW7oRfKhwP6nNpdBzWRBAJJ7Mwq0gbpmpFsfAuZog1IRFpGh9mnzhcj-Tq3nYTg6ATOWVhsSaI2YP7fdN6OZbD7Hfe0Ai1AcIHylSpCsGnqN16Yr/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The inside coverpage - my favorite from her first year.  She was 9 months old in a linen dress at the Boston Public Garden.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4j3ozces5A-tk1OTwPfGEasr2-_yzEm6HcDsrreCHfbu1Dsi0vjdCO7OR_hJVEXDSRgA17D9XkxIEZSd5L8qK7lPvrhHA8FhMsG7aMtFM0H5_TPubZxCjaSVpr7KDhYgSm0jXRN7uKEG/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4j3ozces5A-tk1OTwPfGEasr2-_yzEm6HcDsrreCHfbu1Dsi0vjdCO7OR_hJVEXDSRgA17D9XkxIEZSd5L8qK7lPvrhHA8FhMsG7aMtFM0H5_TPubZxCjaSVpr7KDhYgSm0jXRN7uKEG/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It starts at the very beginning - even before this page, I included pregnancy photos and sonograms. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5sDvuKsQgxLkOB8fQnegzCPDVggkN_kBqwJuWMCd0qcRmr1qTR7ZehlpVwp-YB2YkrfvvDwWlfMeVfiyaMBjYn4FEW6-fPbIRJqqQqRsyR3WeUPQIod-TpMYD0gwKo7OcPBEWqQxzqk3/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5sDvuKsQgxLkOB8fQnegzCPDVggkN_kBqwJuWMCd0qcRmr1qTR7ZehlpVwp-YB2YkrfvvDwWlfMeVfiyaMBjYn4FEW6-fPbIRJqqQqRsyR3WeUPQIod-TpMYD0gwKo7OcPBEWqQxzqk3/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Photos of our first Vermont adventure, of course.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Krdt5R8YO1Hum3MDXGhapmPx3dY86S8-4QhTQCneIct1cUm52tZOBtzDS48Lsd00ViMuLZAZ9s1zFuKuGnfXGvNMs-nhr4CNDDRV3aTn9QX46oIaQ1ILnEzOWl_NrBm7QT5u8PGE7w5/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Krdt5R8YO1Hum3MDXGhapmPx3dY86S8-4QhTQCneIct1cUm52tZOBtzDS48Lsd00ViMuLZAZ9s1zFuKuGnfXGvNMs-nhr4CNDDRV3aTn9QX46oIaQ1ILnEzOWl_NrBm7QT5u8PGE7w5/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />And what she wore : ) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqS0lsNBaiUDLnoJp9KrAR8rWJsC40lCt1-0h8ASPsDLYjCFu08EUYpPdrFhMqJmKosgVOoX-gr1mE1DXtD-XZtw5Se_SfNl35kSkC9LpLnyp4Qs1jNwB0bV8ckfRaWoAZ-76IWbKSADQ/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqS0lsNBaiUDLnoJp9KrAR8rWJsC40lCt1-0h8ASPsDLYjCFu08EUYpPdrFhMqJmKosgVOoX-gr1mE1DXtD-XZtw5Se_SfNl35kSkC9LpLnyp4Qs1jNwB0bV8ckfRaWoAZ-76IWbKSADQ/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Our first Mother's Day at the beach. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQrgrmIi6vs_vB00t-klma2dtksn_RnXxp27CDTU7ybhTNgZRibXSVXgpThOCqCSrYJjlZQLRnoCevVt2WmiNstLkb2L7_HdVGe81TO7SzmG2-BxYtMY3998SOtLtCsvN266yqmWdBLaP/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQrgrmIi6vs_vB00t-klma2dtksn_RnXxp27CDTU7ybhTNgZRibXSVXgpThOCqCSrYJjlZQLRnoCevVt2WmiNstLkb2L7_HdVGe81TO7SzmG2-BxYtMY3998SOtLtCsvN266yqmWdBLaP/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Packing up for the move back home, and photos of her new room.  I love documenting living spaces in the book - I find it so interesting to look back at photos of my old rooms.  There are such big memories in spaces. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j-uGnFFLZ29GppAnTA78SJAduTA1JjJ7l0DYhQO8qWpVSSVDFsd-AgM-XK1KBV0wjwu_ee1kkdNYpLWInSPx0WLc7cUoBApWRVpFXqzQRE0GLHyHCqErGfNV-B0nFPPseAS3k11tcFiw/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j-uGnFFLZ29GppAnTA78SJAduTA1JjJ7l0DYhQO8qWpVSSVDFsd-AgM-XK1KBV0wjwu_ee1kkdNYpLWInSPx0WLc7cUoBApWRVpFXqzQRE0GLHyHCqErGfNV-B0nFPPseAS3k11tcFiw/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Her first Halloween.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbS4xyfmyMRDeM88ttiF5DYSNZWCmK2UNZw6vZiG4fFG1FN_657yb8LnZDC2BcX68-iVvIy0fjAHtwEsmzTPpv4Xn3mN5az4uXK-b94cHam0qWP7x1UislzO87TLp7n6cwM3_6fWn11of/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbS4xyfmyMRDeM88ttiF5DYSNZWCmK2UNZw6vZiG4fFG1FN_657yb8LnZDC2BcX68-iVvIy0fjAHtwEsmzTPpv4Xn3mN5az4uXK-b94cHam0qWP7x1UislzO87TLp7n6cwM3_6fWn11of/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />And her homemade costume. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzzNZ1B2WPcysqOuvVqqLAQBMU-F0nZ451LJKFQZeB51sK65llaS4TfRlZ5_FJK_8Z3k4ZuirbQSt_Zsmwhuom6lWKlA7qktahP-UvxIcckDD662KMExyTmDQoEsxNcUk1oLULjJsAbwj/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzzNZ1B2WPcysqOuvVqqLAQBMU-F0nZ451LJKFQZeB51sK65llaS4TfRlZ5_FJK_8Z3k4ZuirbQSt_Zsmwhuom6lWKlA7qktahP-UvxIcckDD662KMExyTmDQoEsxNcUk1oLULjJsAbwj/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />  Her first Christmas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvqHKdbIk4KY_IP2nOe78mO-wqZkL8Ix7xGqg70sqfp9aSj8GE8Ka5qW1A7en9OV_r4RKANH994gR7xGOyhupeMfqr79kiHtE6fMgbV6HxigKGCbtpltlQMK4D3jprQl8MD8HHgeSJ_r3/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvqHKdbIk4KY_IP2nOe78mO-wqZkL8Ix7xGqg70sqfp9aSj8GE8Ka5qW1A7en9OV_r4RKANH994gR7xGOyhupeMfqr79kiHtE6fMgbV6HxigKGCbtpltlQMK4D3jprQl8MD8HHgeSJ_r3/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />And her Christmas PJs.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAnk6eivehgZ84juEggdZZFryNTQfOqkhqebNB7p4OvKK15d17h-eInmFKPxG4XjmSJXlHpPW5GG9ILHGrrYuc69PCax0L30D0Ciwg50cHIxKMSwty6D-hM6MOtaE3KIoJlIPWxmQZv-w/s1600/IMG_0715.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAnk6eivehgZ84juEggdZZFryNTQfOqkhqebNB7p4OvKK15d17h-eInmFKPxG4XjmSJXlHpPW5GG9ILHGrrYuc69PCax0L30D0Ciwg50cHIxKMSwty6D-hM6MOtaE3KIoJlIPWxmQZv-w/s1600/IMG_0715.jpg" width="266" /></a> Mike and I both wrote a letter to her on the last page, with special photos of us each.  A tradition I hope to continue in each edition of our books.<br /><br />One of my goals for the next year is to organize, sort and pack all of our keepsakes from our years past.  Right now, I think everything is sort of stuffed in bins, unlabeled and unorganized.   What special ways do you keep your keepsakes? 

Packing Up Emma's Keepsakes

As we've been making the transition from Emma's nursery to her Big Girl room, I've been packing up things she's outgrown, ar...

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Back to School Organizing + Stocking the Freezer + New Fall Products

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcSuJGfKcPOzQAc5KzMpF5eCmIqao5lOCuV8LDjfqfJuDgyJXsi4G-29BmiflqIO7P1hxAXIybc0I7uXW3M9YnRhelhUMa8tQiwyglZdEeUWG8I987TvK4PgFpNFPIbmc61qAubkBt98/s1600/IMG_1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcSuJGfKcPOzQAc5KzMpF5eCmIqao5lOCuV8LDjfqfJuDgyJXsi4G-29BmiflqIO7P1hxAXIybc0I7uXW3M9YnRhelhUMa8tQiwyglZdEeUWG8I987TvK4PgFpNFPIbmc61qAubkBt98/s640/IMG_1340.jpg" width="425" /></a>Last week was Emma's first full week back at her school (which means 3 half-days per week at our church's Parents Day Out program).  She's in a new classroom - a big girl classroom which was a big adjustment for <strike>us</strike> me.  We lovvvved her teachers and room from last year - it was the "baby room" (6-18 mos.) filled with soft toys, the most nurturing fun-spirited teachers and the smallest set of munchkin tables and chairs you've ever seen. <br /><br />In the morning I used to go in and chat with her teachers while we played with the babies on the floor and Emma would cover me with stickers before I left.  If there was ever a resistance to me leaving, they just got out the bubbles and she was ready to play.  I always left knowing she was happy to be playing with her friends and her favorite teachers, Miss Jennifer & Miss Keesha.  <br /><br />This year she's in the "Toddlers to Twos," room - she is loving all of the new dress-up clothes, play kitchen and the tree house to climb on... which terrifies me. The first few days of drop-off were met with a little bit of hesitation (from both of us... ok, mostly me) which, of course, left me second guessing myself.  Should I just keep her home with me?  We can make it work - we've been ok for the last six weeks, right?  It is the same internal battle that all moms face.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75mojIzgyQXvMbPENAWsQ9dJzdmUHAIIyjYWpagqbK0DnLzHx-iIrxTVvFyscteO5a5UjKUbWfpjo1NLfVqIsiDxbPFgFkN8A6__nKPf3y1P0bCluuaWJ1qazYFZM-AXQ82nU6FXP0DY/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75mojIzgyQXvMbPENAWsQ9dJzdmUHAIIyjYWpagqbK0DnLzHx-iIrxTVvFyscteO5a5UjKUbWfpjo1NLfVqIsiDxbPFgFkN8A6__nKPf3y1P0bCluuaWJ1qazYFZM-AXQ82nU6FXP0DY/s640/IMG_1347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvfUXcO8RueeKk56NErtMrmDAsAPiR7LGUHB5mi1m4d_q9D9tXfisciPCAU8htIzaX9vVBAuemz3_HJTe3EDMZ4nV-VwyHj-xIU69JnB_xqGtzq7I5JbKjIhtERggkABf0EbpoaPKoXU/s1600/IMG_9079.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvfUXcO8RueeKk56NErtMrmDAsAPiR7LGUHB5mi1m4d_q9D9tXfisciPCAU8htIzaX9vVBAuemz3_HJTe3EDMZ4nV-VwyHj-xIU69JnB_xqGtzq7I5JbKjIhtERggkABf0EbpoaPKoXU/s400/IMG_9079.jpg" width="266" /></a><br /><br />I think of myself first and foremost as a stay-at-home mom and  I like to think that this blog is just a documented reflection of our life.  (Which is what I strive for, by the way.)  However, the reality is that it does take a good 3-4 hours a day at the computer and/or behind the camera lens to make this happen.<br /><br />And, I love it.  I love writing.  I love photography.  I love being creative on a daily basis and make things with my hands.  And I love sharing it.  I love inspiring others to do the same.<br /><br />I also love that writing this blog helps to push me to continue to be creative, cook fun dinners and entertain often.  I love that on my "to-do" list this week is to add festive Fall touches to our house and decorate Fall sugar cookies... and I get to call it "work."  And make an income doing it.  I'm lucky.  I'm lucky that this is my "job" and I'm very lucky that I have a choice - I realize not every mom does.  <br /><br />Right : Emma on her first day of "school" last year.  Tear : (<br /><br />Mostly, I love that when I pick Emma up from school, we get to come home and play, and do fun things that she wants to do... instead of trying to get her to entertain herself while I get my computer and house work done.     <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPsOjnjCuoxgl2S8BZWYcs9hWY5V938wiaUoVU_jyvTY1AQdvgXwDrsnNcwPlf0JxlH-j7y7AiiOpkUgGF411FwozdwZV8hm41W6Hs0CcANDsk7dNUIHnBAEGLDet-INWJUjxHNMYnMc/s1600/IMG_1492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPsOjnjCuoxgl2S8BZWYcs9hWY5V938wiaUoVU_jyvTY1AQdvgXwDrsnNcwPlf0JxlH-j7y7AiiOpkUgGF411FwozdwZV8hm41W6Hs0CcANDsk7dNUIHnBAEGLDet-INWJUjxHNMYnMc/s640/IMG_1492.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>While I was missing her terribly and the house seemed a little too quiet, I indulged myself a little last week and did some much needed organizing at our house.<br /><br />The summer had done a doozie on every cabinet and corner of our house.  I was starting to feel claustrophobic every time I opened the freezer or Emma's art supplies cabinet.  So I spent a couple of hours each day getting things cleaned out and back in shape.  I literally think I am breathing better because of it. <br /><br />(By the way, right now my own Mom is thinking to herself, "Can this be the same girl that I couldn't even get to make her bed or pick her towel up off of the floor?!")  It might seem nuts, but messes, even behind closed cabinet doors can drive me crazy... now that I'm an adult.<br /><br />Speaking of crazy.  I'm crazy about lists.  To-do lists, grocery lists, shopping lists, etc.  Every week I write out a list of our menu for the week, each day I make a to-do list... and I have a running "errands" list for the week.  It helps me mentally organize myself.  <br /><br />Left : This was <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall/products/tablet-le-pens">my list</a> from last week... fridge, freezer, emma's art, laundry, garage, office.  Check, check, check.  Check, check, check.<br /><br />And how about those <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall/products/tablet-le-pens">Le Pens</a>!  They've been my favorite for years.  In college I used the navy, but now I'm a fan of the grey.  They are thin and elegant, with a tiny felt tip.  You may have seen them on Martha Stewart's desk.  She's also a huge fan.  In fact, she gave her design editor, Kevin Sharky, an entire case of these grey pens for his new office.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf6xJFHVpvCz5-feyZTXHXZnrBVJ0jn_cp25GZKppVzTj1zPrN7d4uI7IxkDFsDnN6I6nEJ9zpPsZe-1AMZjqO6Tmyz7TaSQHWeICMkgFd9meeqH-YXUlXYn1KHBBDgle6vQ0y5Tb9SU/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf6xJFHVpvCz5-feyZTXHXZnrBVJ0jn_cp25GZKppVzTj1zPrN7d4uI7IxkDFsDnN6I6nEJ9zpPsZe-1AMZjqO6Tmyz7TaSQHWeICMkgFd9meeqH-YXUlXYn1KHBBDgle6vQ0y5Tb9SU/s640/IMG_1489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This "To-do" <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall/products/tablet-le-pens">Tablet + Le Pens</a> are one of the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall">new additions to the store</a>. (You can see all of the most recent additions, <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall">here</a>!) I had the tablets custom printed with a simple label-style header on a natural (just slightly creamy) cardstock.  That's right.  Cardstock.  I've never been able to find a to-do list tablet made with cardstock, so I created it.  I love the heavier weight paper because when I tear it off to take the list with me, it doesn't get crumpled and messy.  It also works great for a last minute card or note attached to a gift.<br /><br />I designed the size to fit perfectly as a label (similar to my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-our-wedding-seaside-florida-inn.html">wedding party welcome bag</a>) for my medium cello bags... I'll show  you more examples in the future.  The Tablet + Le Pen set comes with 4 pens because I love to have my pencil jar full of all of the same type of pen... sometimes it is the little things that can make us feel organized.  <br /><br />The set comes with <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall/products/tablet-le-pens">1 tablet + 4 le pens for $14</a>.  <br /><br />And now to check off the list.  I didn't do anything revolutionary with our organizing (these photos aren't Martha Stewart level, just real photos of the dark corners of our house).  I just wanted to show you to inspire you to clean out your own problem areas... it feels so much better! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyOGYRBsRu2VaJ1G6twvJR57iECqsMQuu8250wBd26vBoIxooUzhyXaLjDmic_FZLetOVV1EjXyXePdm4VUHtS4-s1WJgNSKG2nL9rWXWBZ0DcYgUY3y5onfLMPSHMTqB9Hb1LtqNSB4/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyOGYRBsRu2VaJ1G6twvJR57iECqsMQuu8250wBd26vBoIxooUzhyXaLjDmic_FZLetOVV1EjXyXePdm4VUHtS4-s1WJgNSKG2nL9rWXWBZ0DcYgUY3y5onfLMPSHMTqB9Hb1LtqNSB4/s640/IMG_1471.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Freezer. One of the first things on my list was to clean out our freezer.  I couldn't believe how many random leftovers and half bags of french fries and peas were filling this to the brim pre-clean out.  Now, as you see, I've put everything into clear bags.  I am always making double batches of everything and throwing it in the freezer - scones, cakes, cupcakes.  We always have balls of cookie dough ready to go in the oven.  And those short ribs?  We made those last night... recipe coming tomorrow!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYqNC9G1XkzZBJd6CkFEsSW0t4NJL9ai4xg6FqT5PSCK6DuuKcyZsm3S8wQWYoeS6UOJJ-vBUIqfYLLnnbQUJWaiXb_-hsDWP2tFMV6gPmyg8Z2hsS9DhcFA1LTWu7wzCaK0uccrsRhc/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYqNC9G1XkzZBJd6CkFEsSW0t4NJL9ai4xg6FqT5PSCK6DuuKcyZsm3S8wQWYoeS6UOJJ-vBUIqfYLLnnbQUJWaiXb_-hsDWP2tFMV6gPmyg8Z2hsS9DhcFA1LTWu7wzCaK0uccrsRhc/s640/IMG_1741.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Freezer top shelf : Truffle butter, Blue Bell (the best), Nueske's Canadian Bacon (but love their regular bacon, too), goat cheese, peas...  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2xCQdr-kK3hgptotPy3ngwSIgvgLDarx-FtezMabu9WI7RbeZ-P8r6GDQR5jqvIEKnyhlhh6s0yUVfcLyOJEObhB1W46pGSrZjWCazYRgahVNCmceqfolho39kZUl3_3iIr4waowG5Q/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2xCQdr-kK3hgptotPy3ngwSIgvgLDarx-FtezMabu9WI7RbeZ-P8r6GDQR5jqvIEKnyhlhh6s0yUVfcLyOJEObhB1W46pGSrZjWCazYRgahVNCmceqfolho39kZUl3_3iIr4waowG5Q/s640/IMG_1743.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />And here is a frozen pasta that I made a double batch of last week.  Recipe coming soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnk4ff6KqhAzyqpZKQgJAxtQS2m8ISrYPkcUep1hfP_FsrHq2B7PMD5bHpFd7tpBQkg1nk_CWan93kSwGELISxkrSZEcVBYaib268azqDTxRDnNicTV_ZNjIxW8mxHetmLmOgIgR6ec0/s1600/IMG_1475.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnk4ff6KqhAzyqpZKQgJAxtQS2m8ISrYPkcUep1hfP_FsrHq2B7PMD5bHpFd7tpBQkg1nk_CWan93kSwGELISxkrSZEcVBYaib268azqDTxRDnNicTV_ZNjIxW8mxHetmLmOgIgR6ec0/s640/IMG_1475.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Fridge.  Ready for re-stocking.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiTRroDs9jnSL-jIs41wx98jd6vcxHcjZ08ykkGI4pRvZ7yXga-wlOJ8M6NZdswZvzVt6OpLP2N6m-ZynoW2CdFH4gPmovv1HU5DkXlBgmlsA56bNZftzvBC3AkruLwX8DdhqhLOsf8U/s1600/IMG_1479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiTRroDs9jnSL-jIs41wx98jd6vcxHcjZ08ykkGI4pRvZ7yXga-wlOJ8M6NZdswZvzVt6OpLP2N6m-ZynoW2CdFH4gPmovv1HU5DkXlBgmlsA56bNZftzvBC3AkruLwX8DdhqhLOsf8U/s640/IMG_1479.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Emmas cabinet in our kitchen - it is amazing what a couple of baskets can to.  I bought these from target to match the baskets in our <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-linen-closets-creative-linen-storage.html">linen closet</a>.  I hate to spend any money on things specifically for this kitchen, as it will be going away in just a couple of months, so I made sure they could be used again in a new spot.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOPCXRGiLA56JNmjvCN8LI2ulkWXyx5UU3GIUXmmtcig_XQdZldL4MdH_JhfW5EYvz_YybMcpCrq5SpC8840wpuCef3lu5pQEw9kJceCRKrPR8Oh0jvNzrBGd1QpMQVaG85fOSQ3YaRM/s1600/IMG_1482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOPCXRGiLA56JNmjvCN8LI2ulkWXyx5UU3GIUXmmtcig_XQdZldL4MdH_JhfW5EYvz_YybMcpCrq5SpC8840wpuCef3lu5pQEw9kJceCRKrPR8Oh0jvNzrBGd1QpMQVaG85fOSQ3YaRM/s640/IMG_1482.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />I de-cluttered the open shelving in our kitchen.  It had become a spot for me to stick random things that I didn't have a place for...  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr8ZX0Aw4EOyUEgVNlmSpQNFMQpXD5dBd3LYhL1FfSv5IyNzvdgwYQGYibUekHbfjOVudwNg_FpJHVS8RAFefi_sNaLouKJuC-tAJsBSRt60MbU_opgP3j559vfuXONLqwpFO_XpGPAw/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr8ZX0Aw4EOyUEgVNlmSpQNFMQpXD5dBd3LYhL1FfSv5IyNzvdgwYQGYibUekHbfjOVudwNg_FpJHVS8RAFefi_sNaLouKJuC-tAJsBSRt60MbU_opgP3j559vfuXONLqwpFO_XpGPAw/s640/IMG_1483.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />This is my shelf above <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-kitchen-office-our-home.html">my desk in the kitchen</a> - also can become a magnet for clutter!   No more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFU1MswJqMebtlgP-HygabZik80TjWB7X9A-KevbTHMFTax43YCilKF86NKdo3Ah953sGuTwZgX8h-5hLQZa7YFp_gTCGC6GjO9YWaMNS6est5c4lmSmjxbnxaVfa_DYZdFZ8ovlTnJQ/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFU1MswJqMebtlgP-HygabZik80TjWB7X9A-KevbTHMFTax43YCilKF86NKdo3Ah953sGuTwZgX8h-5hLQZa7YFp_gTCGC6GjO9YWaMNS6est5c4lmSmjxbnxaVfa_DYZdFZ8ovlTnJQ/s640/IMG_1730.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Garage.  This is our old dining room/kitchen hutch.  I know, sad.  But, we don't have a spot for it in our house right now, and I was scared of Emma climbing on it.  So, it is serving a utilitarian purpose in the garage for the moment.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq8jaEOuR2RdqcdH7qg_l3hP-Ykl6TOjbcQVNOGjyxf58hVuehQ4hdnCB_GqqH-hLtbCfnNz-XcBbW5cMQFv3Ea1sj1cwrt81XekfZy_huvTVwbPl7UYiv-xGaQm-hJfHRzHMjmcSB80/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq8jaEOuR2RdqcdH7qg_l3hP-Ykl6TOjbcQVNOGjyxf58hVuehQ4hdnCB_GqqH-hLtbCfnNz-XcBbW5cMQFv3Ea1sj1cwrt81XekfZy_huvTVwbPl7UYiv-xGaQm-hJfHRzHMjmcSB80/s640/IMG_1731.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Before, it was terribly unorganized, with just everything piled onto these shelves.  I bought these 9 medium bins, and 6 smaller ones and just sorted everything out.  Soooo much better.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8RNUsE9Ruxz3FRXA4gPp6QgKNMGybLP6NEqQlWs5yqGO7axbMJQQ3ne9mYv9-k1XJBGuefF0YmaysPzWz_qnOUgOmIdg8cBATMpcfv-4ka569Jsz5TNs25tsVzBwKPEbhAW5y2X8Uw0/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8RNUsE9Ruxz3FRXA4gPp6QgKNMGybLP6NEqQlWs5yqGO7axbMJQQ3ne9mYv9-k1XJBGuefF0YmaysPzWz_qnOUgOmIdg8cBATMpcfv-4ka569Jsz5TNs25tsVzBwKPEbhAW5y2X8Uw0/s640/IMG_1448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After school, Emma "helped" me re-stock our freezer supply of frozen cookie dough.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvUIln3AimFzpfE-tJ3rcRcA4jz6-SLchWqXLJpKO08AD4V5vy-W_eViYyv_w42C_rlKr5FLGEzxPqPHy9BwKpyk3_iweqLGC6XrXeSNjQNhnxvzMs2xPbSNs6zfjWaE0i3lHNpNqPOs/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvUIln3AimFzpfE-tJ3rcRcA4jz6-SLchWqXLJpKO08AD4V5vy-W_eViYyv_w42C_rlKr5FLGEzxPqPHy9BwKpyk3_iweqLGC6XrXeSNjQNhnxvzMs2xPbSNs6zfjWaE0i3lHNpNqPOs/s640/IMG_1453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Caught with her hand in the cookie jar! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0uYipANq9s0vT1y2b2U2oYrRfVVqz4xIQsnL9rF9z7LcOTdh25MvHydqPTRRg-uJ_27mVhEwjoGQe8fO18BdP_T8UnM_wauK3jBTbvUIF1C5q0NrZhJno9cCWwwHZ8n3QkIA4h0kGFY/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0uYipANq9s0vT1y2b2U2oYrRfVVqz4xIQsnL9rF9z7LcOTdh25MvHydqPTRRg-uJ_27mVhEwjoGQe8fO18BdP_T8UnM_wauK3jBTbvUIF1C5q0NrZhJno9cCWwwHZ8n3QkIA4h0kGFY/s640/IMG_1461.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />More finger licks. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVW1ZMr0ysmspPEoYstICkpsU56kCKCJlrppu1kdOEDg28peWouczD9dQhJ1LhCIiErNmPb3F5jjq-A-i8PamWmUEtZ2EYXtM_2nqDyX5Dsdvc8DtRdrA1N1zINFSkxU2Pbb3vc3v0AI/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVW1ZMr0ysmspPEoYstICkpsU56kCKCJlrppu1kdOEDg28peWouczD9dQhJ1LhCIiErNmPb3F5jjq-A-i8PamWmUEtZ2EYXtM_2nqDyX5Dsdvc8DtRdrA1N1zINFSkxU2Pbb3vc3v0AI/s640/IMG_1454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Oops!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKptzqwnxs3exBI_kYKeMqmO-WCc1A4F9Rei7qElX1XtB7SCz9bCtErZ5i0XZmdw0Hab7fuMLItj7pKNUl5A-2hTOHdaH_DDS0F6bj28Gi99P5eG2oDAbelAiD-985Yop6bcAnV7d5Z0/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKptzqwnxs3exBI_kYKeMqmO-WCc1A4F9Rei7qElX1XtB7SCz9bCtErZ5i0XZmdw0Hab7fuMLItj7pKNUl5A-2hTOHdaH_DDS0F6bj28Gi99P5eG2oDAbelAiD-985Yop6bcAnV7d5Z0/s640/IMG_1457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And foot licks!  We'll save those cookies just for Daddy.<br />....<br /><br />Be sure to look at the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/fall">new products</a> I've added today - just for Fall, including my new favorite natural linen striped napkins and tea towels.  This week I'll feature more of the products in my post and cozy recipes for Fall... including Short Ribs, Apple Pie and French Onion Soup.  I'll be adding more products for Halloween and Thanksgiving, too, in the next couple of weeks.

Back to School Organizing + Stocking the Freezer + New Fall Products

Last week was Emma's first full week back at her school (which means 3 half-days per week at our church's Parents Day Out program). ...

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