tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37275271290310323592024-03-13T10:51:11.784-07:00ALTAR'dFunky. Chic. Furniture
Hand refinished furniture in Houston, TexasMandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-27074892753961267932011-07-23T03:32:00.001-07:002011-07-23T03:32:23.751-07:00WE've Moved!Check out our new site at Altard.com!Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-29087619150579396562011-04-14T08:01:00.000-07:002011-04-14T08:01:10.637-07:00Business Series: 7 Ways to get your Name out there The hardest part of starting a business painting furniture is getting your name out there- and building a reputation. When I started selling my pieces 2 years ago, I lived in a small college town and only advertised on Craigslist. Today, We have a website {and we are having a new, prettier one made}, a Facebook Fan Page, a blog, and we advertise with many Home Decorating Bloggers. There are some simple things you can do to spread the word about your business. <br />
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The top 7 things we did to get Altar'd out there and build our reputation:<br />
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1. <strong> Create a Website</strong>~ I have to admit that I was scared of this one- the idea of creating a website and putting it on the web totally freaked me out. Colby actually created our website through <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">www.vistaprint.com</a> for only $19.99/month. We bought our domain name through <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/">www.godaddy.com</a> first and then built the site over at Vistaprint. They have hundreds of templates and it was really easy to set up, add information, and change the pictures. I'm not paid to endorse either of these companies- but they've both worked well for me to establish my business. In my opinion, it's important to have website name with a ".com" at the end. There are many companies like weebly.com that will give you a free website- but your website address would be <a href="http://www.altard.weebly.com/">www.altard.weebly.com</a> instead of <a href="http://www.altard.com/">www.altard.com</a> . I think having a .com vs a .net or .blogspot is better because it's the most widely recognized suffix.<br />
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2. <strong> Advertise on Craigslist~</strong> I actually did this for a few months before I created a website to make sure that I had a market and interest in my work before I went to the trouble of<strike> creating a website</strike> asking Colby to create a website. Take great pictures (indoors with good sunlight- 3pm and 6pm are best for me), describe your pieces well (solid wood, dovetail construction, well made, drawers slide smoothly) with words that matter. Filling your ad with "gorgeous" "stunning" "fabulous" etc. won't sell the piece- tell people about the great features of the furniture.<br />
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3. <strong> Create a Facebook Fan Page for your Business</strong>~ I created our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard">Altar'd Facebook Fan Page</a> almost 2 years ago and when I didn't see sales from it quickly, I abandoned it to focus on our website and blog. About 8 months ago, several of my small business owning friends told me how huge facebook was in the success. I decided to give it another shot- I decided to offer a couple of contests with HUGE prizes to grow my fan #s. It was a success! We went from 200 fans to over 2,000 fans in about 14 days! In the past 8 months, we've grown to almost 3,500 fans through word of mouth and sharing on Facebook. Nowdays, pieces sell so quickly on Facebook that they seldom even make it to our website or blog. The moral of the story is that even if you don't see results the first time you try something- try again, and again until you see the results you want.<br />
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4. <strong> Create a Blog!</strong> I can't really give much advice here because I am not a writer (obviously)- and I don't post daily like I know I should. I can tell you what I do know- that Wordpress.com is the place to create your blog. My blog is through blogger.com but I'm paying a designer to design and move it to Wordpress now, so if you don't have a blog yet- go with Wordpress. All of the big bloggers use it because it's related to Google and for SEO reasons (search engine optimization) it's just the best. I purchased this Ebook from Simple Notebook and it was EXCELLENT!!! It's also only $8. (You can click that button to buy yours)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=139993&c=ib&aff=125542" target="ejejcsingle">Click here to visit Simple Blogging.</a>"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2_YpM3PFkpHxqvM-N7CCeG15rHPlIc7uwoZ4XJMLbc7O8d5trlnr-iNB9dT4pE0MEf4CvRGrv2rzTJZr4N7Tik_2vjn43lwvnOlgpmFPNzdE0ndZiHYAqyu19YhigrR1NwXqVnucK_3y/s1600/Simple-Blogging-150x150.jpg" /></a></div><br />
5. <strong> Build your Reputation with Excellence!~</strong> After 2 years in Business, at least 60% of our business is referral and repeat clients. Our clients tell their friends about us, and continue to shop with us because we've established a reputation of quality furniture at affordable prices~ and we offer fully customized furniture. If we had awful customer service, or sold junk, or sold furniture that was poorly painted- our clients would not tell their friends to come to us- and we would lose out on some really wonderful clients. Focus on excellence with every client- treat your clients better than you would want to be treated- and they will advertise for you (for free!).<br />
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6. <strong>Advertise with Bigger Websites~</strong> One of the biggest parts of our success was the decision to advertise at $100 per month with The Nester (<a href="http://www.thenester.com/">www.thenester.com</a>). It seems like a lot of money, but the traffic that came from our little button in her sidebar was HUGE. I get emails daily from smaller blogs asking me to advertise with them- but I decided long ago that my advertising budget was fairly small ($200 per month), and I wanted to focus that money in a direction where I would get the most results for my money. Most larger bloggers have a Media Kit that will tell you their Page Views, Subscribers, etc. Find one with large numbers and take a risk for at least 3 months and watch the results! You'll be amazed. I currently advertise with The Nester (our Ebooks) and<a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/"> Jones Design Company</a> {She's also designing our new Website/Blog and I'll offer advertising on the new site for small businesses (even businesses like mine)}<br />
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<strong>7. Know your Numbers!~</strong> Sign up with <a href="http://www.googleanalytics.com/">Google Analytics</a> and<a href="http://www.sitemeter.com/"> Sitemeter.com</a> and track your page views, visits, bounce rate, and where your visitors are coming from. This the the best way to track how effectively your advertising money is working for you (or not working). <br />
These sites are awesome- in the past 30 days, Altard.blogspot has had 11,314 page views and 5,646 visitors. Altard.com has 31,732 page views, and 12,148 visitors. I can also see exactly how much of that traffic is coming from the sites I pay to advertise on.<br />
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Once our new website launches (hopefully in about a month), I'll begin to offer advertising on our new site for small businesses at $40 per month or $100 for 3 months. If you're interested in advertising with Altar'd, email <a href="mailto:Mandie@altard.com">Mandie@altard.com</a><br />
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Check back for Part 3 of our Business Series~ Where to find Fabulous Furniture<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-68453863191145970992011-04-11T09:59:00.000-07:002011-04-11T09:59:57.825-07:00Business Series: 5 Ways to determine Pricing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SVF6wdT-P1rosn8Tri1ggNInC_16wqZjlc9J1wMIMgZdxG8lLdnmaD1g_LPZRmTXFIebT_h2KITmZqKoHdGKYiDIjksX5DpaJAQvRzh2xnNJjYBYV3pRFVfge96NXV2c8J5PwMbG_ljn/s1600/pricetag-300x231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SVF6wdT-P1rosn8Tri1ggNInC_16wqZjlc9J1wMIMgZdxG8lLdnmaD1g_LPZRmTXFIebT_h2KITmZqKoHdGKYiDIjksX5DpaJAQvRzh2xnNJjYBYV3pRFVfge96NXV2c8J5PwMbG_ljn/s1600/pricetag-300x231.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> Lots of you have written to me asking how I price my work, and how I started my business, and other great business-related questions. So, I decided to write a series of posts to answer all of your fabulous questions.<br />
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First of all, let's talk pricing.<br />
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In my opinion, pricing depends on several things:<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Your level of experience</span></strong> - When I first started selling my furniture, my prices were MUCH lower than they currently are. I didn't have a portfolio of work to show clients, and I was just starting out selling my pieces on Craigslist without a real website. So, experience has a lot to do with pricing your work.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. The Market where you live-</span></strong> I started my business in a small college town. My first clients were mostly college students on a small budget. Once we moved to a much larger town, and began to offer shipping, we had more of a variety of clients. We try to offer pieces of furniture that everyone can purchase- so we have pieces priced from $75 to $975. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>3. Quality-</strong></span> The higher the quality of the piece of furniture (and your work on it), the more you can expect to make when you sell the piece. I look for solid wood furniture with dovetail construction on the drawers like this picture. Solid Wood Furniture lasts for many, many years and is worth paying more for than particle board pieces that are made today. 95% of our clients buy our furniture without seeing it in person first- they buy from our website because they trust that we only sell solid wood, excellent quality furniture with drawers sliding smoothly and working properly. I also only use the best products on our furniture- excellent quality paint, glaze, paintbrushes, etc. We believe in quality, and our clients appreciate that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZQcDrU87UXC8cpmAFwePiSaIbpMtGTuUrUAfVKploJO_8j0oXTwFh-GTTKPMjIuTFDRkaeK3mExVS9DHs1nJYMxz-3svdzAul6knDX-QoduVdagxdKH6stfVdfKKtXyKiw4ejDE4PrqS/s1600/dovetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZQcDrU87UXC8cpmAFwePiSaIbpMtGTuUrUAfVKploJO_8j0oXTwFh-GTTKPMjIuTFDRkaeK3mExVS9DHs1nJYMxz-3svdzAul6knDX-QoduVdagxdKH6stfVdfKKtXyKiw4ejDE4PrqS/s320/dovetail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. Time Invested-</span></strong> Your pricing should reflect the amount of time you spent refinishing the piece. I charge more for pieces that have metallic paint, or difficult finishes like silver leaf. I paint everything by hand, and before I discovered Kilz primer, I charged more for pieces painted white because white pieces needed 3-4 coats of paint. As I found ways to work smarter, not harder- I was able to reduce the price of white pieces to the same as any other color. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>5. Level of Skill-</strong></span> Neatness Counts. A lot. If you are just starting out painting furniture, and you have visible brush strokes in your pieces, or have sloppy work {paint drips, or paint on the sides of drawers or other places it doesn't belong) then you shouldn't charge as much as someone who has painted for years and has mastered painting without brush strokes, etc. As you grow in your skills with experience, you can adjust your pricing to reflect your skill. My best piece of advice to beginners would be to take a picture of every single piece of furniture you paint. Take great pictures (that's another post)- and keep a portfolio of your work.<br />
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Check back tomorrow for<br />
Business Series: Part 2 {How to get your name out there}<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-13803197177930321572011-04-09T06:13:00.000-07:002011-04-09T07:10:28.726-07:00GIVEAWAY Winners!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Thank you ALL for entering our Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway with Nester! </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>If you aren't one of the lucky winners, you can still get<strong> 25% off</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> on our Furniture Refinishing Ebooks! </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.altard.com/How-To-Guides.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1W1VBApN_iiAge4_RjL0IBg-XxXDmfoFyvbLw_bci-4VXHtTKGDoe5yOi4_sr7oACjrgyEGQVNrE1vfu76-xQLtL-H1maOty1VNwhL-5TG8TXx-3clt-91bYMiZ1KpyuYx48nGUTmRST/s1600/paintebook.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="ec_ejc_thkbx" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=801489&cl=125542&ejc=2" onclick="function onclick()
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nps_CiEme2fcH0Rm_C7Z8P3-5U933BNYG7yRS6EeeKQb8gLYb54PAJwCnxqp6eCN7dNZhEbVTukzh_8B8hovaFHcBysOb1GgKIyg5COmO_d7j6RweXtx206MtJ0D9iJSqAG9lIQ3hvgr/s1600/decorativeebook.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="ec_ejc_thkbx" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=841960&cl=125542&ejc=2" onclick="function onclick()
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>We are offering 25% off our Ebooks until Monday April 11th with code:<strong> nester</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Just ented the code in at check out and you'll get </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>one ebook for $7.50 OR Both Ebooks for only $15!</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And, the winners of the Home Depot Gift Cards are....</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">$50 Home Depot Gift Card & Both Altar'd Ebooks</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08602090382304618128" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #00bcc7; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Courtney</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> said... </span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></em><em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Oh I've been wanting to get a hold of your ebooks for a while now! Thanks for the opportunity to win them (And the giftcard!!) </span></em></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">$50 Home Depot Gift Card & Both Altar'd Ebooks</span></em></strong></div><strong><span style="color: #1c2a47; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Charla Blasingame Malek (on Facebook)said</span></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1c2a47; font-family: Courier New;"><span data-jsid="text">You are SO gifted and talented and I enjoy following you on FB..!!</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>And, the Grand Prize Winner of a $100 Home Depot Gift Card & Both Altar'd Ebooks is....</em></span></strong></div><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11248929294041682868" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue;">Heidi</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> said... </span><br />
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<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-8950843830748015961"><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;">I just decided to paint my china cabinet, so I need your e-book so I don't screw it up! LOL</span></dd><br />
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</div><strong><em>Congratulations Ladies!!</em></strong> <br />
Email me Mandie (at) altard.com to claim your prize.<br />
<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" /><br />
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<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-3299660643992546647"><br />
<em></em></dd>Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-39417926788950534442011-04-04T08:26:00.000-07:002011-04-04T08:26:52.044-07:00GIVE AWAY DAY:: Home Depot Gift Cards & Altar'd Ebooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=801489&cl=125542&ejc=2" target="ej_ejc" class="ec_ejc_thkbx" onClick="javascript:return EJEJC_lc(this);"><img src="http://www.e-junkie.com/ej/ej_add_to_cart.gif" border="0" alt="Add to Cart"/></a>"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2WVenhAZq9Dcr_X_3_SJ1I-PdCurT7oeMPYsBRlZJaZ9UNcXRCqIofDp7GG8RiSGeb1zI02dSOSO1uvB0jotF8cUgHkn7t4vENprtL_MgeCbl6gt7yCkpF56uPQn-z_sB9LYke4_RTvX/s400/collage%257EAltar%2527d.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> At Altar'd, we transform old forgotten furniture</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> into show pieces for your home. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> We can also refinish furniture you've inherited,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and transform pieces that are in need of a fresh look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We ship our Furniture in the U.S. (48 States) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> We also offer </span><a href="http://www.altard.com/Painting-Workshops.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Altar'd Workshops</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, where we show you step-by-step </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">how to transform your old furniture into gorgeous custom pieces. </span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For our Do-it-Yourself Friends, we've written</span><a href="http://www.altard.com/How-To-Guides.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2 Ebook Guides</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> that you download immediately and create your own custom refinished furniture.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=801489&cl=125542&ejc=2" target="ej_ejc" class="ec_ejc_thkbx" onClick="javascript:return EJEJC_lc(this);"><img src="http://www.e-junkie.com/ej/ej_add_to_cart.gif" border="0" alt="Add to Cart"/></a>"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWTo4Q8cOoPWP8CEjh_eVmetfyvUxlBi8oZ8LXjRxRrZMbAMrIkBcUxIfMhFNtd78QvCj1cnZ8PEDzK1VZg8TfTwl-L_yoJhzxjDWX6KVSVZIV348xtHrQSiz5Jiskx6noMxg98gnzHI6/s200/paintebook.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Paint your Furniture is an 83 page Ebook filled with all of the products</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">we use and love, our favorite paint colors, step-by-step How-To Instructions and lots of pictures!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Only $10</strong></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?i=801489&c=single&cl=125542" target="ejejcsingle"><img alt="Buy Now" border="0" src="http://www.e-junkie.com/ej/x-click-butcc.gif" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&i=841960&cl=125542&ejc=2" target="ej_ejc" class="ec_ejc_thkbx" onClick="javascript:return EJEJC_lc(this);"><img src="http://www.e-junkie.com/ej/ej_add_to_cart.gif" border="0" alt="Add to Cart"/></a>"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3k9oLfE_3RIyPVOsH7Uo9lkeXuQUn4uEfsC2M5UOUcXS6bXZKbxErUHkaA1XqtoQBonI5SYZvkfN3U_-hn8O_Bb-6_b5G7196m4ub9b5Advzua7ttuY8C20Som6_2euiXyB7r_2t57xP/s1600/decorativeebook.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Only $10</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?i=841960&c=single&cl=125542" target="ejejcsingle"><img alt="Buy Now" border="0" src="http://www.e-junkie.com/ej/x-click-butcc.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Decorative Finishes for Furniture shows you creative ideas to add flair to your furniture. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We'll show you how we create our "Love Letters" series, how to use metallic paints, silver leaf, chalkboard paint, decoupage, stencils and more! We also feature creative ideas from:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Marian (aka) Miss Mustard Seed</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann Marie of Twice Lovely Furniture</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jannet of Simple Matters</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and Cassie of Primitive & Proper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And now....Drumroll Please.... The GIVEAWAY!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Altar'd</strong></em> is giving<strong><em> one</em></strong> lucky winner a</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">$100 Home Depot Gift Card & both of our Ebooks</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFbB5s0KlMm5F2XArBqrLq8WDfUaKmFQ_Kv4rmWQUNeI4XynCz82R3PnqWPvzPNFlPP3wQAvnroBK3NNWZaXK9nEAlgoH8oGlrG__XA2LTnhiPAUoOYMYx5pXuGo5BwUwIj_97kzxSh9H/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"></div></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Two Lucky Winners will also receive:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A $50 Home Depot Gift Card & Both of our Ebooks</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOGfaB6xhVyx69zXOaogU9aIEncMOUPGXVdK7aktcTDD1OZB45RQyQG3xrXUkX9ens4OCwGvvJ2hImN3kcJ63ERX5iEmCjZOK-Jd03PiWKo9hrXuhYLuqLt9hmn5McnhJ0DKJFrX3EmC_/s1600/50card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOGfaB6xhVyx69zXOaogU9aIEncMOUPGXVdK7aktcTDD1OZB45RQyQG3xrXUkX9ens4OCwGvvJ2hImN3kcJ63ERX5iEmCjZOK-Jd03PiWKo9hrXuhYLuqLt9hmn5McnhJ0DKJFrX3EmC_/s1600/50card2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">That's $200 in Home Depot Gift Cards & 6 Ebooks!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>How do you enter? Easy Peasy!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1.</strong> Follow our blog, and leave a comment here to Enter</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>2.</strong> For a second chance in the drawing,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Like" our </span><a href="http://facebook.com/altard"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facebook Page</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and leave a comment there.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">(Who doesn't love second chances?)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard" style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "lucida grande",tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_TOP" title="Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture">Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture</a><span style="color: #555555; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 11px/16px "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"> | </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/" style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "lucida grande",tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_TOP" title="Make your own badge!">Promote Your Page Too</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard" target="_TOP" title="Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture"><img height="129" src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/175157811884.3631.1719461760.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The contest is open to entries from the U.S.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> (lower 48) only due to shipping.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Contest is open until midnight April 7th. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> The Winners will be announced HERE on April 9th.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">After you've entered our contest, head over to </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Nesting Place</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> to enter all of the other fabulous giveaways!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you <a href="http://www.thenester.com/">Nester</a> for Sponsoring this Giveaway Day!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Have Fun!!</span></strong></em></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" /></span>Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com667tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-36389360581314107622011-03-29T08:10:00.000-07:002011-03-29T08:10:20.478-07:00A look inside our home:: Then My good friend Lisa sent me these pictures of my home from August 2010~ and it was fun for me to look back at what my house looked like because I change things around here daily. Colby says he's learned not to get to attached to anything in our house because it's always evolving. ;0) He leaves for work and comes home to a whole new room on almost a daily basis.<br />
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Exhibit A: Our Dining room in August 2010<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU8O7yRm0uqQVusAqBqWw9tI_aLMF2WTZRrbf_k8xqRNedZJzSdts9Vki-5ypKgOgbwUbk6liajHbh4n5dOHQrl2XHhQI-yIRqwld42-0q5Dh9m9VI24q9DWOcC4nIKJtkgcM6WmKGc4H/s1600/diningfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizU8O7yRm0uqQVusAqBqWw9tI_aLMF2WTZRrbf_k8xqRNedZJzSdts9Vki-5ypKgOgbwUbk6liajHbh4n5dOHQrl2XHhQI-yIRqwld42-0q5Dh9m9VI24q9DWOcC4nIKJtkgcM6WmKGc4H/s640/diningfull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I still own the crosses, and the burlap fork & knife prints (LOVE those, and found them at Hobby Lobby). Everything else pictured here has sold and is now in someone else's home. In fact, we've had at least 4 other dining sets since this picture was taken. Yes, I have issues. ;0)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4myLI5Iy4IhZP0BrxWCwfvYtnT4b6rkWZU2ndXF1-9FyL5Y0Bw_dbTrEXKjDEukZYQyi3bN_qxwzU_E7x_CGcljt0k0V9XXhKvWEO3sV4Of-uEIYW0Rq8dSF-Z6hH6ftmBGu9fts4EmM/s1600/OldOaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4myLI5Iy4IhZP0BrxWCwfvYtnT4b6rkWZU2ndXF1-9FyL5Y0Bw_dbTrEXKjDEukZYQyi3bN_qxwzU_E7x_CGcljt0k0V9XXhKvWEO3sV4Of-uEIYW0Rq8dSF-Z6hH6ftmBGu9fts4EmM/s320/OldOaks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A close-up of my cross collection- I've had these in many arrangments in all of our homes, but I loved them in this frame. WHY on earth did I sell this frame??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrR2oi9kF9S0dsFmEmF74OImVmVG83RbIVaC86CUNx2euurRmu3zJ_rCfFqRMfRbiR3QC0cWi4AnSHiO1UUHHkSTeJSdFh6Uocc9Cm6xSysTD6FsH-Re-wJ0hYmbWruBflMDmFDQeUdRW/s1600/Dining2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrR2oi9kF9S0dsFmEmF74OImVmVG83RbIVaC86CUNx2euurRmu3zJ_rCfFqRMfRbiR3QC0cWi4AnSHiO1UUHHkSTeJSdFh6Uocc9Cm6xSysTD6FsH-Re-wJ0hYmbWruBflMDmFDQeUdRW/s640/Dining2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I still miss this curio cabinet! I decoupodged the back with hymnal pages, and I love it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Those kitchen cabinets? Those are killing me!! The orange has to go, but I don't have time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNCsRRm9EtDbT-eQKhZlELU-jXMiLl22onUcFUuQ7-XceXbZllzut2Nfqap5D7oYnrlfgJ7UcSSyEZGteBViBbQJIx4j76UkiIxAYqSuMLRazoNPI51lwXmQkch8oKG2q36WkNIPotjFR/s1600/old+oaks26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNCsRRm9EtDbT-eQKhZlELU-jXMiLl22onUcFUuQ7-XceXbZllzut2Nfqap5D7oYnrlfgJ7UcSSyEZGteBViBbQJIx4j76UkiIxAYqSuMLRazoNPI51lwXmQkch8oKG2q36WkNIPotjFR/s400/old+oaks26.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging in the window is a hymnal wreath I made, and the curtains are Ikea!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love Ikea- 2 long white panels and tie backs for only $15!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfCz_v3Tgul2bvwwUXhOefgFW9cBCWw5_N4LU0nLiElBMPA39Q5tjdBB5mmeyqcEaThDLMbrqzb4pndrgqfw-HBTC4WxV4-xYQd1G6hifSQvY6rLjsWEA1Q8PXwIY4nSFmSM21lIrpjr9/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfCz_v3Tgul2bvwwUXhOefgFW9cBCWw5_N4LU0nLiElBMPA39Q5tjdBB5mmeyqcEaThDLMbrqzb4pndrgqfw-HBTC4WxV4-xYQd1G6hifSQvY6rLjsWEA1Q8PXwIY4nSFmSM21lIrpjr9/s640/desk.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our corner "office"...and the gallery wall in it's first stages..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've had 4 or 5 desks since this picture too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check back tomorrow for a look at these rooms now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Have a great Tuesday!<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-29038160444630817112011-03-27T19:36:00.000-07:002011-03-27T19:58:01.197-07:00Just Like Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A6oElapS-L78CZyxKysIUG9xAGZl_6BptDSEvEv0gJmsOusXbNI8MqYft7uUvZ9KBIKB4Y8pdV-0ojV9NFwwdfi7D5uU90CFjXQ5CXe8tf0zjP2IbHICYiBy0WddIOGqQr-u1qxxJ9Wq/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A6oElapS-L78CZyxKysIUG9xAGZl_6BptDSEvEv0gJmsOusXbNI8MqYft7uUvZ9KBIKB4Y8pdV-0ojV9NFwwdfi7D5uU90CFjXQ5CXe8tf0zjP2IbHICYiBy0WddIOGqQr-u1qxxJ9Wq/s1600/friends.jpg" /></a></div>Don't you just love it when you find someone like you? That friend who has the same interests is so incredible to talk to! When we find a husband or wife, or a boyfriend or girlfriend, one of the first things we talk about is what we have in common. It's in the casual conversation, and it's in the thoughts of our hearts. Our hearts desire companionship, and especially with those to whom we relate.<br />
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But what about those we don't relate with easily? What do you do with those who are, well, different? When the conversation is awkward, when our lifestyles are polar opposites, or when something is just “off,” we tend to shy away from that relationship, or nix it completely. Is that right? It that okay? I have to tell you, I don't believe that's what Jesus has told us to do. I know that's not the example He gave us. <br />
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One example is a story that you probably heard when you were little. There's even a childhood song about it! It's the story of when Jesus saw Zacchaeus.<br />
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In Luke 19:1-7, the story unfolds this way:<br />
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<em>Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. </em><br />
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<em> 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” </em><br />
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<em> 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.</em><br />
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I think most of us grew up with a picture of Jesus that, honestly, is distorted. We picture a man walking around with the holiest of people, angels fluttering around, and Him walking on water. It's just not right. Well, yes, He did walk on water, but other than that, He didn't do a lot of things that we would expect, and neither did those around Him at the time. Even here, Jesus did just that. He called out to Zacchaeus, a tax collector of all people, and informed him that the Son of God was going to his house. Seriously? Can you imagine the panic that must have gone through his wife's mind when she heard that kind of company was coming? The thoughts of every spot that needed to be wiped, the dish that needed to be washed...you get the point. <br />
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<em>For the full post, visit Colby's blog <a href="http://www.theonelesstraveled.wordpress.com/">here</a></em>.Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-69048662288516944872011-03-21T09:35:00.000-07:002011-03-21T09:38:56.789-07:00Women of Worth:: Altar'd Event<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Join me<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"> at</span></span></i></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Life Community Church</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Friday, April 1st at 7pm </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><i>for</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i> Women of Worth</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif; font-size: small;">Dinner, Friendship, & Encouragment for Women of all ages.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif; font-size: small;">Tickets are $20 and include Dinner & Childcare</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif;"><span style="color: black;">I'll share</span><a href="http://altard.blogspot.com/2010/06/unashamed-my-testimony.html"><span style="color: black;"> my testimony</span></a><span style="color: black;"> publicly for the first time, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif;">and would love to spend the evening with you!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQpk2hNqcka4-K9xDhwpR2Ybh97YNZD0CRdCF2b0sACuQ0rdMKixNbv0sJeKduvejwjLBa_A2VW3SuhUL2TatHUlR8HhZltGH0LANKMTxpHWy-CjbNGpFSorHLcVt8VzVzkd1TMOfcCoT/s1600/altardlifecommunity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQpk2hNqcka4-K9xDhwpR2Ybh97YNZD0CRdCF2b0sACuQ0rdMKixNbv0sJeKduvejwjLBa_A2VW3SuhUL2TatHUlR8HhZltGH0LANKMTxpHWy-CjbNGpFSorHLcVt8VzVzkd1TMOfcCoT/s400/altardlifecommunity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYvO_B2wrw3Z0CQrT-_FjxTzicMW7KX6JMZTbVju2rq13hxlCJKn-eavoBp_n8neRVdRRlNpvQ8-qRYC0zacrLE20yXzDfvnrDOth06trGsL4ECZ9Q1IvDaasx9loGG09FcMSFpSYbE_w/s1600/74334_455165565797_129763815797_5310958_2085643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYvO_B2wrw3Z0CQrT-_FjxTzicMW7KX6JMZTbVju2rq13hxlCJKn-eavoBp_n8neRVdRRlNpvQ8-qRYC0zacrLE20yXzDfvnrDOth06trGsL4ECZ9Q1IvDaasx9loGG09FcMSFpSYbE_w/s200/74334_455165565797_129763815797_5310958_2085643_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif;"><b><i>Space is limited, and you'll need a ticket to attend.</i></b></span> </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif;">The cost of the ticket covers the catered dinner, childcare, and dinner for the children.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif;"> Altar'd & Life Community Church do not profit from this event,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, Palatino, Serif;"> it is solely a Ministry to Women.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Li</b><span class="skype_pnh_print_container">281.478.0594</span><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> </span></span></span></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I'm giving away 2 tickets to this event on our</span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Altar'd Facebook Fan Page</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Today!</span></span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoYtXDocTSQ2pRWqmPLdHjkyJiRBIQlSH_NW7pyBQ1OK8P9QmXlM7YnKrCmi3rsEWHyirhRzIlBgD31r7zOsBed-Vae8bxH_a3hQD6VJ12UzogQkmDd0pzZGKVn5uRU6_gHTzQpDYiEYf/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></div><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-65919863433989464352011-03-07T10:04:00.000-08:002011-03-07T10:04:28.343-08:00HUGE GIVEAWAY::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ3NwmKX-00/S1KYijV68uI/AAAAAAAAA-I/5Y_J9d9CCxA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ3NwmKX-00/S1KYijV68uI/AAAAAAAAA-I/5Y_J9d9CCxA/s400/002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HUGE GIVEAWAY::</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can win a <strong><a href="http://www.altard.com/Painting-Workshops.html">Private Painting Workshop</a></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">for yourself and 3 of your best friends! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The value of this prize is $900! </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best part is, it's simple to win! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Send your friends to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard">Altar'd Facebook Fan Page</a>, and ask them to leave a comment that you sent them. The person who sends the most new fans to our Altar'd Facebook Page <strong>by Saturday March 12th at midnight WINS!!</strong></span><br />
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The Private Workshop for 4 can be held at my home, or yours (within 40 miles of 77573) and I'll show you and your friends step-by-step how I refinish furniture. I'll tell you all of my tricks and tips for creating gorgeous, custom furniture. I'll provide all of the paint, materials and supplies we'll need. You and your guests will need a piece of furniture less than 40" wide, and you'll leave with gorgeous custom furniture and the knowledge to transform your entire home!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>What are you waiting for? </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Head over to our </strong></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Facebook page</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong> now and send your friends! Thanks!!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard">www.facebook.com/altard</a><img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-28687687302565283262011-03-06T19:15:00.000-08:002011-03-06T19:15:22.609-08:00What's In a Name?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRUxwv5XQE9ezCfmjhFfqT13peqiHqNzEu9NqpfQMFewFJbYTiYTBVRHOOdHrym5bzJ-X061aUQ4OpMhqtCq-6QBx23UVWAiHQJ7CFx1eE_QBbpWSVzioO97tYYShrpkP_78v3f7gm5-F/s1600/White+Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRUxwv5XQE9ezCfmjhFfqT13peqiHqNzEu9NqpfQMFewFJbYTiYTBVRHOOdHrym5bzJ-X061aUQ4OpMhqtCq-6QBx23UVWAiHQJ7CFx1eE_QBbpWSVzioO97tYYShrpkP_78v3f7gm5-F/s1600/White+Rose.jpg" /></a></div>It was Juliet who said, <em>"What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet</em>." Those things that we enjoy would be the same thing if we renamed them to something else. It would be strange, but, it would be the same! So is there importance in a name? Believe me, when it came to finding the name "Altar'd," we believe it was.<br />
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For us, we didn't want Altar'd to be just a business, just a name, just a logo. We wanted it to be something that symbolized, stood for, or represented what we wanted to do with this gift that we were given. It had to say that we were, first, a Christian entity, a God-first business, and a ministry. It had to say that we, as Christians, wanted to operate as we believe Jesus has called us to operate. This name had to be specific, but as unique as the opportunity we had been given.<br />
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We also realized that the name had to discuss change. I mean, that's <em>what</em> we <em>do</em>. We change things. We take the old and make it new. If you take that concept and tie it to the first one that we are Christian, we can't help but realize that we are changed, too. Jesus changed us. We are changed because He loves us. And that's when it hit us. The verse that explains it all.<br />
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Isaiah 61:3 says<br />
<em>"To all who mourn in Israel,</em><br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #073763;">He will give a crown of beauty for ashes</span></strong>,</em><br />
<em>a joyous blessing instead of mourning,</em><br />
<em>festive praise instead of despair</em>."<br />
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If there's one thing that I have come to realize, it's the amazing way my God operates.He has the ability to take that which we struggle with and make it a memory. When we mourn, He helps us find the smile behind the pain. Beyond that, He helps us find the <em>blessing</em> instead of the hurt. It isn't instant. We <em>are</em> human. But we eventually hit that moment where we realize where God's hand was at work, where it led us, where He held us. It's the strength that draws us out of despair and sadness. Romans 8:28 says, "<em>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose</em>." He makes it work. He changes the dilemma and makes it deliverance.<br />
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<em>He takes the ugly and makes it incredible. He takes the old and makes it new</em>.<br />
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He changes it. He alt<em>ers</em> it. He changes us. We are changed at His alt<em>ar; </em>where ever that may be or may have been. We are Altar'd by Him. What's in our name? Him.<br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">~ Colby</span>Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-46297650571126391522011-02-28T09:40:00.000-08:002011-02-28T09:40:10.489-08:00:: Gallery Wall :: As promised, I am baaack! I am SO excited to tell you that I'm currently having a new website created and designed and I can't wait to share it with you! The new site will combine this blog and my Altar'd website into one place! We'll have a weekly linky party where YOU can show off your projets, video tutorials, inspiring ideas and SO MUCH MORE! Thank you all for being patient with me- I promise some great things are on the way!<br />
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I am also going to posting more pictures of the decor in my home- because all of the wonderful ladies who've come over for our Altar'd Painting Workshops have been so encouraging and so many have told me I should. :0) Thanks Y'all!<br />
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Today, <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2011/02/gallery-walls.html">Nester showed us some gorgeous Gallery Walls</a>, so I thought I would share my gallery wall with you- it's my favorite spot in my house. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Bptev6JAXhXDycvaDM7CQ8VyVjpzuv-Gw_cJLNrHQgPo8_eeFT6UBTKwzufSLSwucL7Skac4b0QXiR2NrrnVqF2TcMex84ikDUIRv-dzKqcWNwQRpirJ9ALg1tmOVvQXxZgY19ke-ikU/s1600/gallerywall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Bptev6JAXhXDycvaDM7CQ8VyVjpzuv-Gw_cJLNrHQgPo8_eeFT6UBTKwzufSLSwucL7Skac4b0QXiR2NrrnVqF2TcMex84ikDUIRv-dzKqcWNwQRpirJ9ALg1tmOVvQXxZgY19ke-ikU/s640/gallerywall.jpg" width="520" /></a></div> See that basket in the corner- we just dump all of our shoes in there... ;0)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhRWLU6HwVMeH-B1qTrfeF4UE0mnbD_sqbxPK8q9RUNDvs3da1iRbNwFae9A7qbzLspLzSzUIYJaPN7uXKLvtU1C4xvZXmwXIMlhugVng67NyZHX6EbJhy047q07Y122kyTeNkwydGzCm/s1600/DSCN0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhRWLU6HwVMeH-B1qTrfeF4UE0mnbD_sqbxPK8q9RUNDvs3da1iRbNwFae9A7qbzLspLzSzUIYJaPN7uXKLvtU1C4xvZXmwXIMlhugVng67NyZHX6EbJhy047q07Y122kyTeNkwydGzCm/s640/DSCN0610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I may need to start a "where's Waldo" thing with laundry baskets- there is ALWAYS one in my livingroom! Those long white curtain panels I used to divide the living/diningrooms are from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30111978">Ikea and are $15 for two long panels with tie backs!</a> They also have them in linen color- and I use them for fabric often.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ2xpReHA8zmbMNc4VdeDlKFajTcuZ1llz3o8SpBIUgrpoCt-Jl1OtYWBqmLOABpWHT3XnJPSbez7yIGLkV-Dwt0h_EEEYwZPg8foWWD3pHixLNwZvj1cIqbpuyn-IXcWgvnCOPBkpwwt/s1600/gwall11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ2xpReHA8zmbMNc4VdeDlKFajTcuZ1llz3o8SpBIUgrpoCt-Jl1OtYWBqmLOABpWHT3XnJPSbez7yIGLkV-Dwt0h_EEEYwZPg8foWWD3pHixLNwZvj1cIqbpuyn-IXcWgvnCOPBkpwwt/s640/gwall11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The gorgeous lamp was made by my friend Heather~ she hot glued coffee filters all over the shade- LOVE it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkS6QmJT64kNhmr661QnFrGs_w_3AZ1Bjhls2Nqc4tKPw5PJd6wvtW1gcRmu5_1Q3UK1sNQ8LcVvkby3wpv1FKeuwIz2fbQr6MY-YkVrNuhqrvOS6W_EBY0_KcvAgn285F15eB_W0H1UX/s1600/gwall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkS6QmJT64kNhmr661QnFrGs_w_3AZ1Bjhls2Nqc4tKPw5PJd6wvtW1gcRmu5_1Q3UK1sNQ8LcVvkby3wpv1FKeuwIz2fbQr6MY-YkVrNuhqrvOS6W_EBY0_KcvAgn285F15eB_W0H1UX/s640/gwall2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I just added this to the wall this morning- my sweet hubby made this for me- and wrote the poem around our picture- I am one lucky girl! In case you are wondering- I taped it to this vintage mirrored tray I found at Goodwill. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxV7_thx_wykfu2M6Gd_RSTv_mIOKg3fqPa_lNPborCCCXXrl7J2QTsEznj10Mdi2pEbl6EqOM89r6c4XFfTGisD_8kOdUNxBjXN0E0fEJqdmiPe7H1jZZMtF-5DojojYGfSblY2WzxCn/s1600/gallerywall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxV7_thx_wykfu2M6Gd_RSTv_mIOKg3fqPa_lNPborCCCXXrl7J2QTsEznj10Mdi2pEbl6EqOM89r6c4XFfTGisD_8kOdUNxBjXN0E0fEJqdmiPe7H1jZZMtF-5DojojYGfSblY2WzxCn/s640/gallerywall2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's simple to create a Gallery Wall- just nail a bunch of stuff in random fashion on your wall and enjoy! I change mine often (like everything else) because I love change!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is no right or wrong way, use what you love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ALPN8gsUdt1RP2-3gC6Qlem-NMrQhaX2Son4Ld50sYOOx1E-IlGN4F0HSCDZw4yYk8fWFzjQ8P-mzxpSOia65RpxZM_KdWMDlvd_ttbq8YWrpwYVLlanUm3vvG9phkrgnMueTHzham8v/s1600/DSCN0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ALPN8gsUdt1RP2-3gC6Qlem-NMrQhaX2Son4Ld50sYOOx1E-IlGN4F0HSCDZw4yYk8fWFzjQ8P-mzxpSOia65RpxZM_KdWMDlvd_ttbq8YWrpwYVLlanUm3vvG9phkrgnMueTHzham8v/s640/DSCN0624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> The gorgeous <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/shop/">Lamp Print came from Jones Design Company</a>~ I LOVE what it says...<br />
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What are you waiting for? Grab a few things you love, and some quirky things too and create your own Gallery Wall. <br />
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</div>XOXO,<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" /></a></div>Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-66900101182840240612011-02-21T08:06:00.000-08:002011-02-21T08:06:49.302-08:00Faux Technique Glaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-bXBTIB2WI6ElGbs7yRpYMX9749_g1ZKWYnFX9UQBPIffJBE4qqoakLGC0c3q6hYCVhb01137bVPh1hP90kAxUQaUw25Ip3kfPJQhyphenhyphenDHDDAmHVEZ_eX2rlD1sidfpWHE7_YQQiKZHy9H/s1600/rl2420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-bXBTIB2WI6ElGbs7yRpYMX9749_g1ZKWYnFX9UQBPIffJBE4qqoakLGC0c3q6hYCVhb01137bVPh1hP90kAxUQaUw25Ip3kfPJQhyphenhyphenDHDDAmHVEZ_eX2rlD1sidfpWHE7_YQQiKZHy9H/s320/rl2420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> I've written about my love of Ralph Lauren's paint line~ I hoard Ralph Lauren Faux Technique Glaze & Ralph Lauren Metallics paints. Recently, The Home Depot made the poor decision to boot Ralph and carry Martha Stewart's new technique paint line instead. {Don't worry- I'll give you my source to find Ralph in a bit} </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> To be honest, I bought Martha Stewart's paints when they first came out because she had some GREAT colors. BUT- the paint it terrible quality! I paint all of my pieces by hand with a Purdy brush, and I've been doing this for years. When I used Martha's paint line, the paint didn't settle like Behr does, and leaves quite a few brush strokes. I can get a flawless finish with Behr Premium Plus Ultra Paint & a Purdy brush. When I use Martha's paint line, I get a so-so finish that looks like it was painted by my 6 yr old. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> <strong>So, here's the solution if you love Martha's colors.... Take the paint chip of the color you love up to the paint desk at The Home Depot and ask them to make it in Behr Premium Plus Ultra. </strong> You'll have a great color, and a high qulaity paint, and you'll love the finish.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Ralph Lauren Faux Technique Glaze & Metallics paints are still available at many retailers. Here in Texas, I buy my products from </em></span><a href="http://www.texaspaintsupply.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Texas Paint Supply</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> They stock all of Ralph's line, and</em></span><a href="http://www.texaspaintsupply.com/contact_us"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> they ship anywhere in the US for a reasonable fee too.</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> You can also check </em></span><a href="http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/stores/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Ralph Lauren's Home website</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> for a retailer in your state.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> My favorite Ralph Lauren Faux Technique Glazes are<strong> Tea-Stained</strong> & <strong>Tobacco Glaze</strong>.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This desk is painted in <strong>Behr Powdered Snow, with Ralph Lauren's Tea-Stained glaze.</strong> {The inside is Behr Caribbean Mist}</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AvV8mU73hNDOE3tHlOPuYoqh1pLE6m6XULaqULQ1cf_f9H3_9nGGGdJn0ci3fGsCOcqa9mJsVPitBanclVpwVub1J1xw-XnktsMU3-q6KyqIlqAys8EM8AI7SVJtrpXDcTSrshvbyClw/s1600/HPIM7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AvV8mU73hNDOE3tHlOPuYoqh1pLE6m6XULaqULQ1cf_f9H3_9nGGGdJn0ci3fGsCOcqa9mJsVPitBanclVpwVub1J1xw-XnktsMU3-q6KyqIlqAys8EM8AI7SVJtrpXDcTSrshvbyClw/s400/HPIM7818.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uOEiTvuMMUkZ2jPpoNiwxwmT8RF03FQj82AjbCTTGoFVySiufvFHbljsoUoxr78Y0aCadetcklgPPqJKK2Hny2XYx1qLPQpwFvPJsbhllTOstlyT-cyeI46kl-7qqjOeO04YzlV94CMh/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uOEiTvuMMUkZ2jPpoNiwxwmT8RF03FQj82AjbCTTGoFVySiufvFHbljsoUoxr78Y0aCadetcklgPPqJKK2Hny2XYx1qLPQpwFvPJsbhllTOstlyT-cyeI46kl-7qqjOeO04YzlV94CMh/s400/063.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>This petite chest is painted in <strong>Behr Embellished Blue with Ralph Lauren Tobacco glaze</strong> over it.</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcigLpgGhaQFssRoXnBq29ebfypfDFft4dxhbHAKU7wxRTHxhUuKWQNzXdM_OKLe_s3mVMi2JysENIhb0HjWPtnSigRsyptgAFilWwofErkI8ZaD6IPxDRxZpDmjnINryr0mJnUK46RiHJ/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcigLpgGhaQFssRoXnBq29ebfypfDFft4dxhbHAKU7wxRTHxhUuKWQNzXdM_OKLe_s3mVMi2JysENIhb0HjWPtnSigRsyptgAFilWwofErkI8ZaD6IPxDRxZpDmjnINryr0mJnUK46RiHJ/s400/017.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJuzFdXJl56nDRT-EWEX6Mem6K-WCF9B-eQhXDfKSwZ_v_alNO9ci5bJ4olWTQgFqrXjEuV7T-FiUygTiu0MiwiJ8QEkexG8MDa45HVN0N-y5ehg22Q0J-CeLYkQZG00QHxcnaewvjQOQ/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJuzFdXJl56nDRT-EWEX6Mem6K-WCF9B-eQhXDfKSwZ_v_alNO9ci5bJ4olWTQgFqrXjEuV7T-FiUygTiu0MiwiJ8QEkexG8MDa45HVN0N-y5ehg22Q0J-CeLYkQZG00QHxcnaewvjQOQ/s400/019.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With Ralph Lauren Faux Technique glaze you can create a custom piece of furniture for a fraction of the retail cost.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I've written a 100 page guide {and it's ONLY $10!} </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">with step-by-step instructions and pictures of How-To recreate these looks.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You CAN DO THIS! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can have gorgeous, custom furniture~ and for a fraction of the cost of new furniture.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.altard.com/How-To-Guides.html"><img border="0" height="203" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kPZC65Wbohdid-0ut3J_b4lsWLpK9zm0Oe5166seXz107WMUc4KICyGmb6tMSwObwWFKYy_C6gcirmcfCc3OTT-qhz6_Xbyp_YkkXCUzDUu_xFsckZk2sHjhsvLzhG65-hi2DVxirf9X/s400/Picture10-2-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Tomorrow I'll tell you all about Martha's new line of fauz technique glaze & metallics. {I'm 100% Ralph Lauren, and I won't be buying Martha's products for my business, but I'll tell you about them}</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Get Inspired today & create something gorgeous!</span></em><br />
<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-14267866512130555912011-01-08T18:27:00.000-08:002011-01-08T18:36:19.256-08:00SOS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADTY5ULiKyZwadgOMSTSlHlbSnERJCpE0SgXbNcMfuwnyW_l1PGmH4nYY6FL7nyfgl15Se-93U2cX3V6YR2V4o_WUPI1YB9TNgcAe92sOnc6PVC9KgVsufR-0ODNWP7YqXaauKguNy-hn/s1600/life_preserver_final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADTY5ULiKyZwadgOMSTSlHlbSnERJCpE0SgXbNcMfuwnyW_l1PGmH4nYY6FL7nyfgl15Se-93U2cX3V6YR2V4o_WUPI1YB9TNgcAe92sOnc6PVC9KgVsufR-0ODNWP7YqXaauKguNy-hn/s320/life_preserver_final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
I've reached a crossroads with Altar'd. <em>Something</em> has to change. I am at a point where I either need to <em>grow</em> or <em>quit</em>, but I just <strong>can't</strong> quit. So, I'm leaning toward "grow!" In order to grow, I am in search of a new, yet, <strong>vital</strong> member of the Altar'd family. I need someone with an insane work ethic to match my own. I need someone who gives 150% to everything, someone who understands that "good enough" really isn't. I need someone who lives close to me, and who is available during the week.<br />
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We know at this point that this position will be commission only. We aren't certain of the perentage just yet, and we believe that will depend on the person and their skills/talents. I believe in fair pay for the work performed, and for the right person this will be a fantastic opportunity.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Qualifications:</span></strong> Christian. Amazing people skills, excellent attention to detail. Knowledge of technology: Facebook, Outlook, Photobucket, Picasa, etc. Live near League City (within 30 miles), and willing to meet at least once per week at my home. One Saturday per month you'll need to work along side me at our teaching workshops. Organize me. Answer Emails, Facebook, voicemail, text messages, smoke signals, and hyrogliphics. I really need someone who can help me update the webpage with our new photos, and be able to think outside of the box most times! You'll need excellent people skills, and believe in excellent customer service. You'll need a computer with internet at home.<br />
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I need someone to work <em>with me.</em> (No, I don't need you to paint) I have a serious need to change and this person has to understand that. I rearrange my furniture at least twice per week, I come up with a new business idea nearly every time I shower, and I need someone who can help me discern good ideas from bad ones. Here's my disclaimer: I'm a perfectionist and deal with OCD. :) Be warned, that at times, I may not be the easiet person to work with, but not because my heart isn't where it's supposed to be, but because my heart is <em>all in </em>this. Altar'd is my baby. It is a gift and a blessing that God has given me. That's why I can't quit right now. However, for those of you who know me, you know that I can't do anything half-way. I take something and do it 4000 percent, and it starts to wear me thin. I think my favorite CDs are "worn out" about a week after I bought them. So, that being said, I need someone who can understand that. Quality is the most important thing to me. If I can't do something to the absolute best of my ability then I don't want to do it at all. I've been doing every aspect of this business for a long, long time- and I've learned where my strengths and weaknesses are. That is where you come in.<br />
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If you are <strike>not scared away</strike> interested in applying for this job, please send an email to me (<a href="mailto:Mandie@altard.com">Mandie@altard.com</a>) with your answers to these questions by 1/21/11. We (Colby & I ) will interview our top picks the following week.<br />
<ul><li>Tell me about yourself. Not the corporate answer, just tell me about you.</li>
<li>Why do you/would you want to work for Altar'd?</li>
<li>What is your testimony? (Not the basic, but what has made you what you are today? What does your life look like? What <em>has </em>it looked like? What has God done in your life?)</li>
<li>What kind of qualifications do you have? No, you don't have to be currently working, have a degree, or a lengthy resume. What are your strengths? Where do you shine? </li>
<li>What is it that you think would separate you from someone else who applies?</li>
<li>Given what I have written above, what are your reactions? How could you help me?</li>
<li>If money were not an issue, what would you want to be when you grow up? :0)</li>
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Thank you all, and I can't wait to hear from whoever feels led to answer. I am in desperate need for someone amazing to save my sanity, and free up my time to reconnect with my kids, to sit with my husband, and to be creative. Over the last year, I've worn so many hats all the time that I've lost my smile- and I want it back! <br />
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Thank You!<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-27787086467650129292011-01-04T14:27:00.000-08:002011-01-04T14:27:31.421-08:00Wilderness <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw8l9o41T6miEeHqg4aoXiwSV3Y7b-9z0ZYPKhUko9AHs5uvT720NEJlo8MW23f9f4Ties2BOG1_f9SdK4TdlD32MV-E8u_9dAUJkCHExNibnQb68WSN4SFFEO2aTJmAlBWzAZsDh88o-/s1600/26-desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw8l9o41T6miEeHqg4aoXiwSV3Y7b-9z0ZYPKhUko9AHs5uvT720NEJlo8MW23f9f4Ties2BOG1_f9SdK4TdlD32MV-E8u_9dAUJkCHExNibnQb68WSN4SFFEO2aTJmAlBWzAZsDh88o-/s400/26-desert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> All of my favorite bloggers are looking back at 2010 and looking forward to 2011. Can I just say that I would rather NOT look back on 2010? The year 2010 was the worst year of my life without comparison. I lost my Dad suddenly at only 53, Colby lost his job and we faced unemployment for 4 loooong months. There are so many other things that have happened that I just don't even want to type.<br />
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Have you ever had a week, month, or year where you felt like you were just stuck in the wilderness without hope? That's about the only way I can describe this past year. I am relieved it's over. <br />
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I am also reminded that every single need we had over the last 12 months God provided. <strong>He</strong> held us while everything else fell apart. He allowed Altar'd to grow from a small business to a bigger small business. :0) I am so thankful to have my life, and my health, and my husband, and my 3 beautiful children. I'm thankful to have Altar'd, to have met the most amazing friends through it, and to have an outlet for the creativity that God has given me. I am amazed at how Altar'd has grown in this past year, and honored that so many of you have allowed me to create unique furniture for your homes. I'm excited about 2011, and looking forward to some fun new ideas I've dreamed up in the shower this month. (Moms- I know you understand this- the shower is the only place I have quiet thinking time) ;0)<br />
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I've never really liked making resolutions each year- because I never kept them. So, instead I'll make goals. These are a few of my goals for Altar'd for 2011:<br />
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1. To blog more. I can't say daily, because I have committed to homeschooling my 2 oldest this year, and I run a business too- but I will say at least twice per week. <br />
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2. To encourage creative women to create! <br />
Tell the little voice in your head that says you can't do something to Shut up! You CAN.<br />
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3. I want to give God my time, talent, and treasure. I already give my time by volunteering at church, and I give my treasure in tithe & offering- but I really don't give my talent yet. I'll give all the details in another post- but once per month I will organize an Altar'd Community Service project (and hopefully have a cool new name for it). I want to use the talent God has given me to help paint/decorate/restore churches, pregnancy centers, women's shelters, orphanages, and any other community organization that needs help.<br />
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4. I've decide to do a new weekly post called "What my livingroom looks like today". Those who know me or have been to my house more than once know that I rearrange my rooms at least weekly. Many bloggers post "What I wore this week", but you wouldn't want to see what I wore each week. If I posted what I wore each week you would all send the pictures to "What NOT to wear" and submit me for a makeover! At least 75% of all of my clothes are covered in paint. :0) I'm planning to buy a new camera this week so I can finally show you some of the projects I've done around my home, and it will be fun to have a record of the changes.<br />
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5. I'm declaring Mondays in my house to be blackout days. I won't be on facebook, or answering emails, or anything else online. I won't answer my phone unless it's my husband. I've leared from the past year that I need one day without distractions to get my house in order, and our laundry done, and to clear my mind ans recharge for the week.<br />
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That's all for now- If you have any suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them! What are your goals this year?<br />
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Thank you all for your encouragment, support, and praise~ I'm amazed at and grateful for the friends I've made in blogland. <br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-52319331400618307812010-11-19T22:15:00.000-08:002010-11-19T22:15:34.774-08:00GIVEAWAY WINNERS::<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>The Winners of the Altar'd Giveaway with the Nester are......</em></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Ebook Winners:</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Burlap & Blue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Greenjeans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lauren Clark Olson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Grand Prize Winner:</em></span> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ellie Davis!</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Congratulations Everyone, and Thank you ALL!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Please email Mandie (at)altard.com to claim your prizes!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-27709125464292252472010-11-14T09:29:00.000-08:002010-11-15T20:31:28.714-08:00::GIVEAWAY with Nester!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The lovely </em></span><a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Nester</em></span></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> is hosting a HUGE GIVEAWAY this week and we are honored to be a part of it!</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Harxvvyq5WmMLpXWc1DbNOImThVXBkHsgXPl6IfR3kafxuvrRz24jv6Jp-LVv-1nsuVDJarnxZZXHSIdO8ThyVNhGgWmCph5ofcjievAhLhd3lP0bQpR-vOnbo2l64Dg-j-1_joMORzc/s1600/altard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Harxvvyq5WmMLpXWc1DbNOImThVXBkHsgXPl6IfR3kafxuvrRz24jv6Jp-LVv-1nsuVDJarnxZZXHSIdO8ThyVNhGgWmCph5ofcjievAhLhd3lP0bQpR-vOnbo2l64Dg-j-1_joMORzc/s200/altard2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Thank you ALL for your kind comments, and encouraging emails, and a special Thank You to all of our Altar'd Clients who have trusted us to provide unique, custom refinished furniture for your homes!</em></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>To show our appreciation, we are going to GIVE AWAY several prizes this week!</em></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> <span style="font-size: large;">One grand prize winner will choose between: </span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> a $75 Altar'd Gift Certificate, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>or this Vintage Chunky Frame Custom refinished in your choice of color. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia;">Our Portfolios are full of ideas!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.altard.com/Portfolio.html">Portfolio 1</a>, <a href="http://www.altard.com/Portfolio-II.html">Portfolio 2</a>, <a href="http://www.altard.com/Portfolio-III.html">Portfolio 3</a></span></em></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8C3u69ipI-narulw5zRNQU3Gb8y0IOoq5ee59bVmlw8eQxo5BuncC_GxoUM5BwEjH8gVxa4XuYVwbvoSyCXxZn6tZx12w8myA9zwzI3dwHfUlQko0Zg-k6x6lruweMBe_sS9P4JlBLCm/s1600/Giveaway+Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8C3u69ipI-narulw5zRNQU3Gb8y0IOoq5ee59bVmlw8eQxo5BuncC_GxoUM5BwEjH8gVxa4XuYVwbvoSyCXxZn6tZx12w8myA9zwzI3dwHfUlQko0Zg-k6x6lruweMBe_sS9P4JlBLCm/s400/Giveaway+Frame.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>We will also give away 3 sets of our Altar'd Furniture </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.altard.com/How-To-Guides.html"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwA64qo9akMFhTf2OyY6Hd_1xfukOfzHCG4mz8bDIZ1SgDkHiAdiUBvP5YpioZqkVE0KDwHltA_4eqNb1GHn3PFzha3D5GvwtcTpp2yXY1Q-2qstWZzo3bXw_zovjYtTcLAyXQsrbhIt_/s1600/Picture10-2-1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #444444;">Refinishing Guide</span> &</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.altard.com/How-To-Guides.html"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-lkxIabuQKbF-CQJgZOe-iB8UgIBz7opZds_ZZ0Hkd5EFZpS7nSfU_dBP6XFHRQn4nVI0QM1IKg-ty4YonoAZYSMQHiTq9KCnuTCQRH_k7bzlFPCaM-9mtDyYiNKF1kx-MEF3Gx7Qpba/s1600/altard3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">Decorative Finishes Guide </span></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">{Just</span><span style="color: #999999;"> Released this week!}</span></span></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><em><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>How do you enter, you ask? Easy!</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Each person can get two entries to win:</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>1. Enter to Win by leaving a comment here telling us which you'd rather have- </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>the gift certificate or the chunky Frame</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>{and for a second entry into the Giveaway...}</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>2. 'Like" our Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment telling us what you'd like to win</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard" style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_TOP" title="Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture">Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_TOP" title="Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture"><img height="129" src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/175157811884.3631.1719461760.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="360" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> This Fabulous drawing ends November 19th at midnight (CST). The winner will be announced here on my blog & </em></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Facebook Fan Page</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Saturday, November 20th, 2010. US entries only.</em></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Be sure to head over the </em></span><a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>NESTING PLACE </em></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>to Enter all of the Giveaways!!</em></span></div><em></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><img alt="Nesting Place" border="0" class="button" height="100" src="http://www.thenester.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nestingplacebutton8.png" title="thenester.com" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>If you are in the Houston Area~ </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Don't miss our <a href="http://altard.blogspot.com/2010/11/altard-friends-holiday-event.html"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Altar'd & Friends Holiday Event</span></a></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> Saturday 11/20!!</em></span></div></div>Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com216tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-47791208917380378112010-11-14T07:47:00.000-08:002010-11-14T07:47:55.114-08:00Altar'd & Friends Holiday Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGDRibddO5y4LNhScuFnXgg_DP9qxt6KN60quX1QCtTbXmKLBJ7NHsoeEBcyAUWPR_PPo3xe3rkqh9EhysHfF_8EpRmBPoJFFewwzT7Ubcbp2vEzmwbEu4xqpwOQ95zIgXr2hhyphenhyphenTImPTc/s1600/altard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGDRibddO5y4LNhScuFnXgg_DP9qxt6KN60quX1QCtTbXmKLBJ7NHsoeEBcyAUWPR_PPo3xe3rkqh9EhysHfF_8EpRmBPoJFFewwzT7Ubcbp2vEzmwbEu4xqpwOQ95zIgXr2hhyphenhyphenTImPTc/s200/altard2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Don't miss this Exciting Holiday Shopping Event!!</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>Altar'd</strong></span> & Friends Holiday Event</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Saturday November 20th</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">8am to Noon</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">207 Old Oaks St.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">League City, TX 77573</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;"> Hosted by Altar'd Furniture~ come tour our home, find creative Holiday decorating ideas and shop with our fabulous friends! Each vendor will have amazing discounts on their products, free samples, and Giveaway Drawings! Get here early, and bring your friends!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Come Shop our Friends:</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Lisa~ <span style="color: #666666;">The Pampered Chef</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Amber~ <span style="color: #666666;">Mary Kay Cosmetics</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Lynn~ <span style="color: #666666;">BriCo Jewelry Designs</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Sarah~ <span style="color: #666666;">Absolute Fitness</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Amber~ <span style="color: #666666;">Rodan & Fields Skincare</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Lesley~ <span style="color: #666666;">Saving Grace Furniture & decor</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Celana~ <span style="color: #666666;">Tupperware</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia;">Bay Area Community Church ~ <span style="color: #666666;">Baked Goods</span></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia;">You'll find Altar'd Furniture & Home Decor at amazing prices, creative ideas for Holiday Decorating, AMAZING Giveaways at every booth, and Yummy Baked Goods!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia;">If you loved our Altar'd Garage Sale last month, You'll REALLY love this event!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">~Bring Your Friends~</span> </span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia;">This event will be inside my home, so don't worry about the weather!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>See You Saturday!!</em></strong></span><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-31666043370276777242010-11-04T18:27:00.000-07:002010-11-04T18:27:11.312-07:00Yellow Origami Bird The title will make sense in a minute- stay with me....I've been so swamped lately getting pieces finished for my clients that I've neglected showing any of them to YOU! So, I'm scheduling a few posts now to go up every day for a while until I've shown you all of them. The truth is that so many pieces leave our workshop headed to their new homes each month that I only show about 10% of them to you. I promise to do better- and I am thinking about hosting a linky party so that you all can show off your creativity here every week....what do you think?<br />
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I can't even remember which dresser this lovely bird came out of- but when we removed the drawers there she was with the dust. It even flaps it's wings when you move it's tail. We've found some really weird and gross things when we've pulled out drawers (dusty bras, jock strap (EWWWWWW!!!!)- but never anything as cool as this. Little did I know that it was foreshadowing of several client projects I would take on right after this..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgaOp2DupjvJfh4awWONthgAr7eKkCthgPtiZ_wTpJtEJ9kaROujlcc1ztRGmGjJsXLcngSrbimtejYf_-MYcBfNuKPIN7YRJQQ0GicK5EkAfTHstVTTWOoJkEZzanN8ixVUdJekuzySl/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgaOp2DupjvJfh4awWONthgAr7eKkCthgPtiZ_wTpJtEJ9kaROujlcc1ztRGmGjJsXLcngSrbimtejYf_-MYcBfNuKPIN7YRJQQ0GicK5EkAfTHstVTTWOoJkEZzanN8ixVUdJekuzySl/s640/055.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I had 2 clients pick nearly the same color scheme for their pieces- and I love them so much I've redecorated my daughter's room in the yellow, charcoal and black scheme too. <br />
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My client, Amy purchased this dining set from me- and when she brought over her fabric selections for the seats- I was in LOVE. Here are a few pictures of how it turned out.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmpFe1h3hCHefGpU2rI-z8rfVDc312pMxN-h87mHuV1mHCa4ZlJ_M8T7f9QJWczq5StI44HIw_I-fFocsQlb4NbKNHzIvwWW6JvD1XfnAgnd0ljDd2kVKwBy4emMfZGy10aqft05x3nwg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmpFe1h3hCHefGpU2rI-z8rfVDc312pMxN-h87mHuV1mHCa4ZlJ_M8T7f9QJWczq5StI44HIw_I-fFocsQlb4NbKNHzIvwWW6JvD1XfnAgnd0ljDd2kVKwBy4emMfZGy10aqft05x3nwg/s640/007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the eclectic fabrics!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHmOckPgHHhaZE9tAO3qN8vI5NyIuvfsM-Ijw_Z6QWhLa-_foA8rX_svo4st4S8-OrBXJurJtlkW0KaA3NppYUnOKjuKbLogiGwZQmW3yDKfvcM7ckGciIxLs_069ogmSauE3NzdzKOGn/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHmOckPgHHhaZE9tAO3qN8vI5NyIuvfsM-Ijw_Z6QWhLa-_foA8rX_svo4st4S8-OrBXJurJtlkW0KaA3NppYUnOKjuKbLogiGwZQmW3yDKfvcM7ckGciIxLs_069ogmSauE3NzdzKOGn/s640/006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkFwcbstswKMf2Q0HiWTeGW-Y6eJcFqT7JlPXYX0hvQlNjZ-OJuxI4GjZysYvNiHMVXQQ5jYoBjLqRr0qqaKc1uUviCgQ-yOQt9U2-J8SA4ioVC1RXk3MD7QIbbBw0-UggyGNjqBzWuJ/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkFwcbstswKMf2Q0HiWTeGW-Y6eJcFqT7JlPXYX0hvQlNjZ-OJuxI4GjZysYvNiHMVXQQ5jYoBjLqRr0qqaKc1uUviCgQ-yOQt9U2-J8SA4ioVC1RXk3MD7QIbbBw0-UggyGNjqBzWuJ/s640/010.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See the Armoire behind the chairs? It belongs to my other client Therese~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOVE the color we chose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMYBwfNpRiL3fpOVU3ydkvUtTBRTIKZweNnsciqXKPXdhuL6arzodzKjMKrp_JOzuGtEQQ-7RoZO08HtUss_pFieNLzhZIcMwJAyeh-Er89VJCl_NFQv2EIWNMHX4liiyrPaDt-RjOHyq/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMYBwfNpRiL3fpOVU3ydkvUtTBRTIKZweNnsciqXKPXdhuL6arzodzKjMKrp_JOzuGtEQQ-7RoZO08HtUss_pFieNLzhZIcMwJAyeh-Er89VJCl_NFQv2EIWNMHX4liiyrPaDt-RjOHyq/s640/028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I suggested these knobs- and Therese loved them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVonKEzpjKFPyxuMMjv1lapenuolWqnJePEvsVgrsdTM_Nhp3Jk4LSbaXHobSdFx3EWvx0qD1AyGr1UV09giZZZekx29I30YwAlYRK3akDNckCUKMcAtntHiMjJd0dTOczG8QhnZLMUzm2/s1600/AAAAAvx7KioAAAAAATVe2w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVonKEzpjKFPyxuMMjv1lapenuolWqnJePEvsVgrsdTM_Nhp3Jk4LSbaXHobSdFx3EWvx0qD1AyGr1UV09giZZZekx29I30YwAlYRK3akDNckCUKMcAtntHiMjJd0dTOczG8QhnZLMUzm2/s320/AAAAAvx7KioAAAAAATVe2w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are at Hobby Lobby~ and they are $3 each on 50% off week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close up of the yellow with the Ralph Lauren Teastained Glaze</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbj92jCOaXGqg3AhLbZGluGxiBOz7mHDRJMozI0C8Sf0vdonzm9vbnyyHBNxcktULaue79Jpvk4S2RqfXCpfH8KGZRkyTZTzSd9MOcqvGfx6qM7Lgk5SX0ARNKGc24nvsd1y3VaIZ5Tcl/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbj92jCOaXGqg3AhLbZGluGxiBOz7mHDRJMozI0C8Sf0vdonzm9vbnyyHBNxcktULaue79Jpvk4S2RqfXCpfH8KGZRkyTZTzSd9MOcqvGfx6qM7Lgk5SX0ARNKGc24nvsd1y3VaIZ5Tcl/s400/031.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
This Charcoal French Dresser that went home to another client would have looked gorgeous in the room with the Armoire & the Dining set. I love these colors!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialiDrsU08Drh748vZMqn0pmirjFroB4sSuZsqHj9glJasDrAybAIUtmkFTquXO89au1-HPASNQ7VPhWVWKgKgieJz5Hc_i_H7lKT9pmD3pIFgtEdMtWXkcdX6EwtvjbkurPltgFg6Lrcp/s1600/HPIM8096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialiDrsU08Drh748vZMqn0pmirjFroB4sSuZsqHj9glJasDrAybAIUtmkFTquXO89au1-HPASNQ7VPhWVWKgKgieJz5Hc_i_H7lKT9pmD3pIFgtEdMtWXkcdX6EwtvjbkurPltgFg6Lrcp/s640/HPIM8096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This antique vanity came in, and I loved the cheery yellow so much that I painted it in the same scheme. It did have 3 mirrors- but I knocked over the top part (on Halloween) and broke them. So, chalkboard to the rescue! I really like it better with the chalkboard, and I think it would be amazing in a entry! It's currently for sale on Altard.com<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdLvGgUOHhMmkzcO_TGFf0paCS_B_S2qLqPLd1SCL2nNL_WrP9zv1f2xMcCufbnfmU-TKjg6Vev9BV7ayyWhr7xjq7-7aBTyX3N0Qi0Rmgr7RHkZ45CGj-JEqFvFHX_HqqEWBXbHY9UBV/s1600/HPIM8667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdLvGgUOHhMmkzcO_TGFf0paCS_B_S2qLqPLd1SCL2nNL_WrP9zv1f2xMcCufbnfmU-TKjg6Vev9BV7ayyWhr7xjq7-7aBTyX3N0Qi0Rmgr7RHkZ45CGj-JEqFvFHX_HqqEWBXbHY9UBV/s640/HPIM8667.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And- these fun pulls are from World Market. I think the white roses would look great too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHX_oJ3ILlNy7p19tNoHifNNXnuzm_9C8Y3x0379e-yLl1iGQmFnZXYNQPrKf1lkwoxbde7YxdmSJvnhP0DzHWq0-0KlYVmesJ_-xbB_jKq32RrJ3LP71gxAdLJDnTDCIJyJqls6UYwuZ/s1600/HPIM8668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHX_oJ3ILlNy7p19tNoHifNNXnuzm_9C8Y3x0379e-yLl1iGQmFnZXYNQPrKf1lkwoxbde7YxdmSJvnhP0DzHWq0-0KlYVmesJ_-xbB_jKq32RrJ3LP71gxAdLJDnTDCIJyJqls6UYwuZ/s400/HPIM8668.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, I have to run now- I promise more furniture pictures soon!</div><br />
<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-69019567149513361232010-10-27T09:22:00.000-07:002010-10-27T09:22:00.896-07:0050 Day Challenge with Absolute FitnessHi Friends!<br />
Most of you know this, but I've been working out with Sarah who owns Absolute Fitness for a couple of months now. I absolutely LOVE her, and I met her through her proud mom who took our Refinishing Workshop. I am SO.VERY. GLAD I met them both~ but Sarah has really changed my life! When she and I met, I was absolutely stressed out, over-worked, and exhausted from life in general. (3 kids, growing business, and losing my Dad in April) Sarah has the best way about her- she's not pushy or mean like Jillian (because I SO would not have responded well to that! lol)<br />
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(Mean Trainer that would probably get me skinny, but I may just punch her in the kisser) ;0)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5oOZYxzd8RAJk5FxP73g6uJY5CGxAAeeETfGNAhlQJjObguanwMtEdzkYdawtTCO31y76BTu-11cjLeDVaMK_TUjnAKYoUWmt7lm1NeEIrsqnR0DRIITtf0Fw7K28l-rhCNgD65Z77uP/s1600/jillian-michaels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5oOZYxzd8RAJk5FxP73g6uJY5CGxAAeeETfGNAhlQJjObguanwMtEdzkYdawtTCO31y76BTu-11cjLeDVaMK_TUjnAKYoUWmt7lm1NeEIrsqnR0DRIITtf0Fw7K28l-rhCNgD65Z77uP/s320/jillian-michaels.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Sarah (so NOT like Jillian- and I know she'll get me healthy and skinny, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I won't even have to punch her) ;0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8IxVOszgbMs3oeyd18uY0gChj9VaOHrRgg-4nhawCjFKVa9e3lKGqSb_H8OkZUF22PAGwafSthVunJlNo-StRAUvJhyphenhyphenntZxUjYuN7A8rQqHWdrfoKZ-uCYCBcS-E2JwD5Dg4VTY8wVPy/s1600/sarah.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8IxVOszgbMs3oeyd18uY0gChj9VaOHrRgg-4nhawCjFKVa9e3lKGqSb_H8OkZUF22PAGwafSthVunJlNo-StRAUvJhyphenhyphenntZxUjYuN7A8rQqHWdrfoKZ-uCYCBcS-E2JwD5Dg4VTY8wVPy/s400/sarah.bmp" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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Sarah encouraged me from the very first day when I couldn't do more than 10 push-ups without turning beet red, and I kept telling her I was going throw up my Atkins shake on her mat...LOL (Don't worry, I didn't) :0) She's normal, and kind and we laugh a lot. I won't lie and say I like working out (especially not the "plank"... it's from Satan himself) ;0), but I do LOVE the way I feel afterwards, and every day now. I handle stress better than I ever did before, and I just feel calm. I have never been one who worked out- I'm super active doing a million and five other things, so I've never made time. This was different. Sarah has changed the way I view working out, and has made my realize that I HAVE TO take care of myself so I am healthy enough to take care of everyone else and everything else I need to. I feel like a million bucks! (My bootie still isn't in pre-baby shape, but it's getting there!) My grandma died young (56), and my Dad passed away at 53- both had extremely high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Both had heart attacks in their 40's and 50's. I am turning 31 on 12/7 and I want to do everything possible NOW to prolong my life and see my kids grow up, get married and have babies. Thank You Sarah for guiding me in the right direction, and for always being there with a positive word. I owe you more than I could ever repay.<br />
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I say all of this to tell you that Sarah has an amazing 50 Day Holiday Challenge beginning Nov. 1st! <br />
The Deadline is Friday!! <br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ABSOLUTE FITNESS</span> 50 DAY HOLIDAY CHALLENGE!</em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Win the Battle of the Holiday Bulge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are in the Houston area, you can't afford NOT to join this Challenge. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Join ABSOLUTE FITNESS from <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">November 1st to December 20th</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #660000;">For a friendly weight loss competition!</span></em></div><em><span style="color: #660000;"> Let ABSOLUTE FITNESS guide you through the “Feasting Season” and help you stay in control of your health! THE COST FOR THE 50 DAY HOLIDAY CHALLENGE IS ONLY $50!! That’s $1 a day!!! </span></em><br />
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We’ll meet every Monday or Tuesday for a weekly group workout! In addition to our once weekly workout, you’ll receive updates, fitness and nutrition tips and support via email twice a week.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Beginning Weigh In is November 1, 2010*</em></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><em><span style="color: #660000;"></span></em></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Final Weigh In is December 20, 2010</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Challenger with the highest % of bodyweight lost will win a $50 Gift Certificate to Baybrook Mall!</div><div style="text-align: center;">THE DEADLINE FOR THE 50 DAY HOLIDAY CHALLENGE IS OCTOBER 29TH</div><div style="text-align: center;">Email Sarah Rogers <a href="mailto:absolutefitness10@yahoo.com">absolutefitness10@yahoo.com</a> to Join!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>I would love to meet you in person, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>and work out together for the next 50 days! </em></span></div><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" /></div><em><span style="color: #660000;"></span></em>Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-90793079266694505822010-10-25T11:23:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:23:51.859-07:00Home Decor Swap & Christmas Party!Last night as I was <strike>stalking</strike> reading Nester's blog (and Facebook) I read a post about a <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2009/08/how-to-have-a-swap-meet.html">Swap Meet</a> that Nester hosted last year, and thought it sounded FUN! So, I've decided to host my own Home Decor Swap on December 3rd, 2010. Space will be limited (because my house is not huge), so if you'd like to come please leave a comment here and I'll get an invite together. Here are the details:<br />
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When: Saturday, December 4th at Noon<br />
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Where: Those who are interested in coming will receive and invitation with details {League City, TX 77573}<br />
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Why: Because it sounds FUN!<br />
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Bring 4 Home Decor pieces that you no longer love (but they have to be in style, and cute!) and a finger food to share. We'll all go home with some gorgeous new-to-us home decor, and have a fun afternoon stuffing our faces and talking! If this sounds like a plan to you- email me to join the party (<a href="mailto:Mandie@altard.com">Mandie@altard.com</a>) or comment below!<br />
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See you Soon!<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-50362159101242150112010-10-20T19:50:00.000-07:002010-10-24T21:00:35.328-07:00HUGE Altar'd Garage SALE :: October 23rd 8am!Okay, as promised we are having a HUGE Home Decor and Furniture Garage Sale this weekend!!<br />
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When: October 23rd, 2010<br />
8 am ~ until sold out! (or 1pm whichever comes first)<br />
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Why: Because Mandie has a compulsive re-decorating habit and an auction habit.. ;0) I've spent the last couple of weeks inspired by The Nester's posts on <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/10/31-days-to-a-better-dressed-nest-day-19-quit-apologizing.html">31 Days to a Less Messy Nest</a> and I've been Fall Cleaning and purging. We have TOO MUCH Furniture crammed into this house, and WAY TOO MUCH home decor! The problem is that I always see things I **LOVE** at auction, and at Goodwill and although they are fabulous, I have too many of them! So, come out Saturday and see us, and you won't believe how much furniture you'll see for sale at our lowest prices EVER! <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We leared our lesson with the last sale- so this time around there is NO PRE-SHOPPING (no matter how many of you email asking) ;0), and NO EARLY BIRDS! We will not sell a single thing until 8am! We've priced everything with these cute little aqua tags (terrible iphone pics, I know). So, if there is an item you want that you can't carry- just grab the tag off the piece, and it's YOURS! (well, once you pay) ;0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiaRR5ZRuuLEsz6TIzofuFFhTp4JBGxcMeGTwslD-eSmiV7yVwv7sezGa7rbBdKa2OYzquChkP1_cGD6L23326id4r1yf-zptNQLfa6Gx9fOwXa6j8Lyg-eH8BmZQ0hJ032ryFGiLzA76/s1600/tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiaRR5ZRuuLEsz6TIzofuFFhTp4JBGxcMeGTwslD-eSmiV7yVwv7sezGa7rbBdKa2OYzquChkP1_cGD6L23326id4r1yf-zptNQLfa6Gx9fOwXa6j8Lyg-eH8BmZQ0hJ032ryFGiLzA76/s320/tag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a short list of what we have this time around...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 beds- (2)Full, (1) Queen, (1) Twin, 2 Sofa Tables, 1 China Hutch, 1 Petite China Hutch, 4 Nightstands, 7 chairs, 2 coffee tables, 1 dresser, Pair of Long Mirrors, 3<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> chunky frames, 1 vanity, 1 loveseat, <span data-jsid="text">1 armchair & ottoman, Silver sunburst mirror, Ikea Canvas print, 2 chalkboards, lots of home decor and more!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-jsid="text">Check out our Altar'd Fan Page for picture previews!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard" style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_TOP" title="Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture">Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture</a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"> | </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/" style="color: #3b5998; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_TOP" title="Make your own badge!">Promote Your Page Too</a></div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/altard" target="_TOP" title="Altar'd - Funky. Chic. Furniture"><img height="129" src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/175157811884.3631.1719461760.png" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="360" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">See you bright and early Saturday!!</div><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-43319522319631392132010-10-05T07:16:00.000-07:002010-10-12T09:58:32.114-07:00:: STUFF :: If you haven't been reading Nester's <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/10/31-days-intro-day-1.html">31 days to a Less Messy Nest</a>, you are missing out! I've already been to Goodwill twice scouting small shallow baskets, and this morning I rearranged some things in my kitchen to make more sense. I {HEART} Nester. And, 6 of her great friends are also doing 31 days to... posts all month.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem_chSFreuKHmYoR7ukRhQeVwfADsVNQHgVspDkDSxRKw39L61YjPK18F9uYKhH7TpYL5oZyluA0Moa5trhALO05MEQkbmw3wRJ8q-_g8Z8uf8TPu6gdS0ZMSSbHeeYZ3OMPfh5czf_SG/s1600/new_garage_sale_left_plt20small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem_chSFreuKHmYoR7ukRhQeVwfADsVNQHgVspDkDSxRKw39L61YjPK18F9uYKhH7TpYL5oZyluA0Moa5trhALO05MEQkbmw3wRJ8q-_g8Z8uf8TPu6gdS0ZMSSbHeeYZ3OMPfh5czf_SG/s320/new_garage_sale_left_plt20small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Waaaaay back in the beginning of September, Nester did a post called <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/09/its-stuffy-in-here.html">"It's Stuffy in here.."</a> about all of the excess Stuff in her home, and how she was having a massive garage sale to clean out some "Stuff". I've been thinking about that since, and it's Stuffy here too! So, I'm cleaning out TONS of Stuff- home decor mostly, but really a little of everything and having one final HUGE FALL HOME DECOR & YARD SALE. <br />
Don't worry, I'll post all of the info (UPDATE::) It's OCTOBER 23rd from 8am to? and I'll even post preview pictures. I did learn my lesson last time, and there will be no pre-shopping- just ONE HUGE SALE on SATURDAY ONLY!! <br />
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I'm really a little embarrassed about the amount of home decor I STILL have, and I constantly find things at auction that I HAVE.TO.HAVE, so there is a LOT to sort through and sell. You will NOT want to miss this Sale! I think if I don't have another Sale before the Holidays, I'll qualify to be on the show <strong><em>Hoarders.</em></strong> We can't have that, now can we?<br />
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If you live in the Houston area, and have things to sell, and want to join me for this MONSTER SIZE GARAGE SALE, email me now! <a href="mailto:Mandie@altard.com">Mandie@altard.com</a><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-50144710004656308102010-10-03T16:18:00.000-07:002010-10-03T17:16:24.892-07:00Ralph Lauren Glaze Codes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf01W1Z4QZEM8mnfazpAFkgslm7Dg4xAvpF5QuIwKVlwYl972MZxugZRVV1ENlWhaOFXYtyp1YW-wavX4QjdkbG53I6VwdZQQo5nNmgyC9phnfPKvu-Wnpl6wfShLP_AwIcK8ktvXj7ZG/s1600/martha-stewart-katonah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf01W1Z4QZEM8mnfazpAFkgslm7Dg4xAvpF5QuIwKVlwYl972MZxugZRVV1ENlWhaOFXYtyp1YW-wavX4QjdkbG53I6VwdZQQo5nNmgyC9phnfPKvu-Wnpl6wfShLP_AwIcK8ktvXj7ZG/s320/martha-stewart-katonah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My Dearest Home Depot, </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>What on earth were you thinking when you chose to replace Ralph with Martha???? Martha is wonderful at so many things, but paint is NOT one of them. Obviously you've never read any of the thousands of blogs that are in a deep love affair with Ralph's glazes. We can turn our Goodwill, Craigslist, and garage sale finds into gorgeous custom pieces with just paint and Ralph. Ralph Lauren glaze even makes a spray painted dresser look like a million bucks. I'm afraid our relationship is over once you run out of Ralph Lauren glazes at my local Home Depot Stores. DIY Women across America are in a panic, and emailing me about your poor decision. The guys at my local Home Depot's paint counter are pretty darn horrible with customer service- yet I suffer through it for my gallons of Ralph Lauren Glazes because they are worth it. Hopefully you'll realize the mistake you've made and keep Ralph before it's too late...</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Sincerely, </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Disappointed with HD in Texas</em></span><br />
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Many of you who have purchased my <a href="http://www.altard.com/How-To-Paint-Furniture-Guide.html">How to Paint Furniture Guide</a> have emailed to tell me that your local Home Depot has sold out of the Ralph Lauren Glazes, and that the HD is no longer carrying Ralph Lauren. Here in South Texas, our Home Depots still have cans left- I've purchased two gallons this week without problems, but I know many of you are not so lucky.<br />
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If your home Depot is no longer carrying Ralph- don't worry- you have options. <br />
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1. My first recommendation would be to find a supplier that still carries Ralph Lauren Paints & Glazes. Ralph is just the best glaze, hands down. Ralph Lauren has not stopped making the glazes, The Home Depot has just chosen to stop carrying them. I looked online and found several who have it available:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><a href="http://www.worldpaintsupply.com/brands/Ralph-Lauren-Paints.html"><span style="font-size: small;">World Paint Supply</span></a> <span style="font-size: small;">A gallon of glaze is $27.99, shipping is $14.34</span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A gallon of glaze will last about 6 months for me, and I refinish about 20 pieces per month.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/paint/">Ralph Lauren Paint Website </a> Click on "Find a Store" in the top right corner for locations near you that carry paints & glazes. {There are 4 stores in Houston}</span></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<strong>2</strong>. You can have the Home Depot tint Behr Faux Technique Glaze to the codes below for Tea-Stained (lighter), and Tobacco (Darker). There are two Ralph Lauren Shades in the middle of these, but I only use the lightest and the darkest. You could also go to Sherwin Williams and ask them to tint a glaze base to Ralph's specifications. Just remember, these codes are for a GALLON, not a quart. They can adjust them to work for a quart- just make sure you tell them these codes came from a gallon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinuA_Cea6vJ8HSsNgCQ-bRiy0-TvHGDpaWA7NSiTmYRPBW53QdRzrb8oF2AAuuI6enl4mT9rAlYeVS0CCCmCx8ILZAjGpjrXdqQ0TC5WHJdeeZqXZ6mlv23aFqXDNE2_8aAPtIRPm_yl8/s1600/66d5b884-2bf4-4a9e-93aa-cfd30700c15c_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinuA_Cea6vJ8HSsNgCQ-bRiy0-TvHGDpaWA7NSiTmYRPBW53QdRzrb8oF2AAuuI6enl4mT9rAlYeVS0CCCmCx8ILZAjGpjrXdqQ0TC5WHJdeeZqXZ6mlv23aFqXDNE2_8aAPtIRPm_yl8/s320/66d5b884-2bf4-4a9e-93aa-cfd30700c15c_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Ralph Lauren Tea-stained</strong> <br />
AG02 GALLON<br />
Base: 2420<br />
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CLRNT AX B F<br />
OZ 0 0 0<br />
384th 64 80 16<br />
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<strong>Ralph Lauren Tobacco</strong><br />
AG04 Gallon<br />
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CLRNT AX B F<br />
OZ 0 0 0<br />
384th 160 224 48<br />
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Also, I've been asked frequently if I wipe off my glazes once I brush them on, and the answer is no. I've created my own technique of working with the glaze and a brush until I get the desired look. When I first started Altar'd, I did try the wipe-off method, but wiping off expensive glaze just didn't make sense to me. :0)<br />
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I hope this helps everyone in their quest for Ralph Lauren Glazes- they are truly amazing products, and worth every penny. A gallon will last the average person about 12 months, depending on how many pieces of furniture you refinish.<br />
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XOXO,<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-89670737534002090762010-10-02T20:39:00.000-07:002010-10-02T20:39:26.988-07:00Bicycle Built for Two It happens at the worst times....my son will say something random about my Dad and the flood of tears wash over my face.. Tonight, it happened in the middle of dinner at a great local mexican restaurant. I'm sitting there with my family, eating my dinner and the next thing I know I am so choked up I can't even swallow my food. My middle son is only 5, and he really doesn't understand that PaPa is in heaven and that it hurts me to even talk about it. He spent the first 10 minutes after our food was served trying to remember the name of something- this happens all the time with him. It's like playing charades with him- and normally it's really funny. Tonight, not so much. Michaela (our 9yr old daughter) finally guessed that he was thinking "Panda Express" and he said <em>"Panda Express! Remember we were eating there when your Dad was dying??"</em> and then the flood hit.<br />
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At the time that I felt God telling me to write out <a href="http://altard.blogspot.com/2010/06/unashamed-my-testimony.html">my testimony</a>, I didn't know WHY on earth He wanted me to. But, over time I've learned that writing all of that out was healing for me. It was actually the final stage for me in giving it all to God, and letting go of the shame I held. In a way, writing about my history was therapy for me. I also have been so blessed to have "met" many, many amazing women with similar pasts through this blog, and through writing out that testimony. I thought that if writing about my history was healing to my wounds, then maybe writing about losing my Dad would help heal my heart.<br />
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My Dad has had heart problems and high blood pressure for many years. His mom, my grandma Ruth, died when I was 14. She was the same grandma from my testimony who sang "Here comes Miss America" when I came to her house. She had several open heart surgeries, and died at age 57 of a stroke related to her heart problems. I've lived in fear for many, many years that my Dad would suffer the same fate because his heart problems (stroke-level high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, blockages) were similar to his moms and he was told it was hereditary. My Dad has had a stint placed at least twice that I can remember, and has been in the hospital many times related to his blood pressure. I've made many visits to the E.R. and cardio units to visit him, each time praying it wasn't the end.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Sp52XPxXMh0/TKfsrxCLYWI/AAAAAAAACLE/fRctwmZ_4Xo/s1600/Dad.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Sp52XPxXMh0/TKfsrxCLYWI/AAAAAAAACLE/fRctwmZ_4Xo/s640/Dad.bmp" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Daddy, & step-mom Judy at Our Wedding</div><br />
This time was just like many others- except I found out my Dad was in the hospital while I was at a Pizza/Game place for my son's (Caeden) 5th Birthday party. My Dad never wanted us to worry, so he seldom told us when he was in the hospital. We always found out though- and we were always mad he hadn't told us! My Dad lived in Jasper, TX on an orchard that they just bought about 3 years ago. He drove to Beaumont, TX (about 2 hours closer to us) to be admitted to the hospital after visiting his Cardiologist and being told to go directly to the E.R.<br />
I rode home from my son's party with our family and went straight up to pack an overnight bag to go to the hospital to be with my Dad, and my step-mom Judy. Beaumont is still about 2 hours from my home, so it took me a while to get to him. I grabbed many of my home decor magazines, and a throw blanket from my couch as I packed my bag because I thought of Judy sitting there for hours beside my Dad. When I walked into his room, he was surprised and I know he didn't want me to worry about him, so I told him I came to be with Judy. The staff rolled in 2 beds for Judy & I and we spent the next 2 hours talking and laughing with my Dad. Our favorite thing to do together was laugh. He was worried about Colby & I because Colby had lost his job one week before. Looking back, I believe it was God's intervention that Colby was home because if he were still working in College Station 2 hours away I would not have been able to spend the night with my Dad.<br />
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The next morning, Dad was taken in for a heart cath. I took Judy to the cafe for breakfast as we waited to hear the news. They paged us before we finished eating, and we knew that meant bad news. We hurried back to the cath lab where a Dr. with a horrible bedside manor told my Dad that he needed a quadruple bypass surgery without an ounce of compassion. My Dad was still drugged from the procedure and couldn't grasp the weight of what he had been told. Later, in his room, he woke up and told us he had a nightmare that someone said he needed a quadruple bypass. We had to break it to him that he did in fact need the quadruple bypass and would not be leaving the hospital. He was admitted to the hospital on April 8th (My Son's 5th Birthday, also my Grandpa's birthday), was told he needed a quadruple bypass on April 9th, and then had to wait in the hospital until Monday April 12th to have the operation. I really wanted him to go to Houston for the operation- to one of the much larger (more experienced) hospitals. He didn't want to be so far from home.<br />
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I drove Judy home to pack a suitcase, and then to file some paperwork for Dad to receive disability after his surgery. Once we were back to the hospital, I sat with Dad for a few hours before I drove home to sleep, shower, and see my family. On the drive home, my Dad called me to thank me for coming up to be with Judy, and for helping them with all of the paperwork. I told him I loved him and I'll never forget that conversation.<br />
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I <span style="background-color: white;">will <em><strong>forever</strong></em> regret what I spent that Thursday thru Sunday doing. I wish I had come home, packed a bag and went right back to that hospital and sat beside my Dad that weekend telling him how much I loved him, what an AMAZING childhood I had because of him. That I'll never ever forget him taking me to Toys R US on a school night to buy a red bicycle built for two, and riding it out of the store and all over the parking lot with him. He was FUN. I wish I could tell him not to worry about me, that I have Colby, and he's a wonderful man, and an amazing father. (but, Dad knew this and loved Colby. He gave him permission to marry me, and to be Michaela's Dad) There are MANY things I wish I had said. Instead, I spent those days painting furniture for clients who were waiting on their furniture. <span style="background-color: white;"> I wish</span> I had given myself permission to take time off, but I didn't. If I could turn back time, you can bet I would.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> On Sunday night, my sister Amy, and my Aunt Connie and I drove to Beaumont and checked into a hotel so we could be there Monday morning for Dad's surgery. We went to see my Dad, and he was so scared and nervous about the surgery. I wish they hadn't made him wait 4 days before the surgery. We were able to go in and see him as he was prepped for surgery Monday morning. We found things to laugh about, trying to lighten the mood. I snapped this picture of him in his foil hat, and told him I would paste it on Facebook while he had surgery. (kidding, of course) I didn't know then that this would be the last time I saw Dad awake and alive.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Sp52XPxXMh0/TKfsVZEz_4I/AAAAAAAACLA/PLhKYVrGVtw/s1600/Dad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Sp52XPxXMh0/TKfsVZEz_4I/AAAAAAAACLA/PLhKYVrGVtw/s200/Dad1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> We all kissed him as he was wheeled into surgery. I tried so hard not to cry, but I ended up sobbing and hated myself for making my Dad worry when he was already so scared. We waited all morning for news, and finally we were able to talk to his Surgeon. He said Dad did great, and the quadruple bypass went perfectly. We were able to go into ICU and see my Dad, although he was still unconcious and on a breathing machine. I said, "I love you Dad" and saw his heart rate jump up for a minute. The numbers on the blood pressure machine made me so happy- for once in many years his BP was in the very normal range. We couldn't stay in ICU for long, so we made sure Judy had everything she needed and drove back home for a couple of days. I felt pressured to get back and finish up several pieces of furniture I was working on for clients, and my Sister and I needed to check on our kids. We told Judy we would be back on Thursday to see Dad.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> My daughter's 9th birthday was April 15th (the next day) and I was making sup cakes to take to school. We also had all of the girls from her class coming over for a slumber party Friday night. Wednesday evening, Colby was out delivering furniture and I took our kids to Panda Express for dinner. We had just sat down with dinner when my phone rang. It was Judy. She was hysterrical, and I couldn't understand her. She said "Your Dad has taken a turn for the worse, the hospital wants us all there asap". I later found out that Dad had his breathing tube out that day, and had told Judy to go take his Dad (my grandpa) out to lunch for his birthday. So, Judy drove the 2 hours back to Jasper to take my Grandpa a late lunch when the hospital called her. She was in the car, alone, and the hospital wouldn't tell her what happened.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I threw away my dinner, and packed up all of the kids food and rushed out of the restaurant. I raced home, calling my sister and Colby on the way home. Our mom told us to bring our kids to her, so we (Colby & I, and my sister and her husband) could all drive to Beaumont. I called the hospital and asked what happed and all they would say was that he took a turn for the worse and we should get there asap. I later found out that Dad had died before I ever got the call. I don't know who created the policy to not tell the truth over the phone- but I hate that person. Colby drove 90 miles an hour for almost 2 hours to get me there, praying I would be able to see my Dad and at least say goodbye if he was dying. <br />
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About an hour into the drive, I decided to call Judy to see if she had arrived yet. I can still hear her words in my head. She said, "They killed your Daddy!!, Your Dad is DEAD"...she was alone, sobbing, sitting in a room in ICU beside my Dad's body. I cried, screamed, and yelled at God as I sat in the passenger seat of my van that night. I called my Sister, my Mom, and my Aunt. My sister was just a few miles behind us headed to the hospital too, my Aunt behind her. When Colby and I arrived, we were lead to my Dad's room by the clergy of the hospital. Judy was in a state of shock, and I was too. Shortly after that, my Sister and Aunt arrived. We were only given about 30 minutes to make a decision about where to send my Dad's body. I never knew how this worked, but I am shocked that people who have just lost a loved one are supposed to make such a big decision so quickly. We made arrangments, and then took Judy down to the ER to get some anxiety/sleeping medication for her. The hospital loaded her into my van, and I drove her the 2 hours back home that night. Colby followed us in Judy's car. It took everything I had to hold it together for the 2 hours it took to get her home. I think I just went into survival mode durning that time- everything seemed surreal. I hoped I would wake up and it would all be a nightmare.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> We made it back to Dad's farm after midnight, and then Colby and I drove towards home, but stopped to sleep in a hotel about 2am. My sister made it to my mom's first the next day, and we had to tell our children. My Dad went into the hospital on my Caeden's 5th birthday, and died the day before my daughter's 9th birthday. We all took it very hard. We were told that Dad had <span style="background-color: white;">a Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot that traveled from his leg to his lung). His death certificate says it took an hour for him to die from this. I cannot imagine how scared he must have been, and he was alone. I still wonder if the hospital or the Dr's made mistakes that lead to his death.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"> I took 5 days off of work (painting furniture), and tried to cope with the loss. I then</span> threw myself into work to hide from the pain. I even had one heartless client who demanded a refund because I was 5 days behind after my Dad died. She said I "lived in a bubble after my Dad's death" and that she shouldn't have to be affected by it. I issued the refund, and still have not forgiven that person. (I know I need to, but it's really, really hard) I've never wanted to quit Altar'd as much as I did after that situation. I'm thankful God put some wonderful friends in my life who wouldn't let me quit. Thank You Lynn and Shelly.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> It's been almost 6 months now, and it's still hard. I still cry myself to sleep many nights over my Dad. He was only 53 years old, and I am only 30. He use to call me every day, just to see how I was doing. I still pick up the phone and almost call him before I realize he won't answer. I inherited his favorite dog, and when that dog does the dumbest things and I'm ready to give him back, I realize I can't. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I choose to believe that God caused Colby to lose his job 8 days before my Dad went into the hospital for the last time. I know that God loves me, and cares about me- and He knew I would need Colby here with me this summer so I wouldn't give up in the middle of the grief. I'm grateful that I HAD to work every day this summer to keep the bills paid, because if I had the time to, I would have crawled into bed and cried for weeks. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> I've leared a lot through this- and the most important lesson: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">People are more important than things.</span></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">I have learned not to book a crazy schedule for myself. I've learned to tell clients no, so I can tell my kids yes. I've learned that if I am ever in a situation where I have to choose between people I love and furniture, people come first every time. I've learned that life is too short to worry or miss out on FUN. I want my kids to have memories like I have with my Dad at Toys R'Us on that schoolnight.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> I love you, Daddy. I hope I've made you proud.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Richard Dale Bellows</span></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">May 14, 1956 ~ April 14, 2010</span></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3727527129031032359.post-25917721029269302972010-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:002010-09-29T09:18:26.788-07:00Odd things you never wanted too know about me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Sp52XPxXMh0/TKNmdfrJlPI/AAAAAAAACK4/_8d5o-rYhAk/s1600/imagesCASJMZE3.jpg" /></div><br />
Because I am so highly organized, this post will be about as random as mine normally are. (And, I totally just started a sentence with "because"...English Teachers everywhere are cringing....okay, maybe just the one I married..) I haven't written much lately because I've been working long hours on furniture, recovering from the Country Market Days (where I met many of you amazing ladies!!) and today I have a yucky sinus infection because I am allergic to the entire planet. <br />
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I have so much to tell you, but I'll have to keep it short today because I'm <strike>watching The Price is Right</strike> cleaning my house for our <a href="http://www.bayareacommunity.org/">Church </a>Community Group that meets here Wednesday nights. If you live in the Houston area, and want to join a small group of normal people to eat and "do life" with~ our home is always open and we'd love to have you join us! I even cook, and there is ALWAYS something chocolate!<br />
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This weekend I have several pieces who are going to their new homes- and I am in **LOVE** with the color schemes of these pieces....I can't wait to show you! I am already plotting to redo my daughter Michaela's room in the same colors! I'll show you those as soon as I can clean out my workroom enough to get decent pictures. Oh!~ and I met my new BFF Sarah who is a personal trainer, and she has agreed to come to my house twice a week and give me a workout in exchange for some furniture pieces. Now, I do NOT like to be told what to do, but she has been wonderful! She encourages me, and I feel better than I've felt in 10 years! I'll tell you more about this later, but let me just say that the "Plank" exercise is straight from Satan! ;0)<br />
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Many of you have asked me about the blogs I read (and the list is LONG), so I thought I would give you a short list of the ones I check daily even if I only have 10 minutes:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://curioussofa.blogspot.com/">Curious Sofa Diaries</a> (Hands down favorite- look at her Halloween decor from 2009 too!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/">The Nester</a> ( of course!)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/">The Inspired Room </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/">Jones Design Company</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://suttongrace.blogspot.com/">Sutton Grace</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I read a million others, but I don't go to sleep without checking in on these super talented ladies.</div><br />
Oh! Okay, back to the title of this post! I've been thinking since the Country Market (where many of you drove all the way out there to come and see us THANK YOU!), that I would love to get to know you all better! I thought I would start off this new get-to-know-you stuff by telling you completely random things about myself and then ask you to comment and tell me something about you....<br />
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So, a few random things about me:<br />
1. Before I die, I HAVE to go all the way to California and BE ON the Price is Right. When I am lucky enough to catch the show, I am always yelling at the people who can't price things to save their lives. Seriously?!? Have you seen the show before, people?? Then again, I would probably get on the show and freeze up. And, I'm really glad that Drew took over for Bob. I love Bob, but he had just a tad too much of the creepy-old-man-who-kisses-young women thing happening for me.<br />
2. I love Caramello (the candy bar). Love doesn't quite describe it. I really don't eat any other candy bars, because nothing comes close to this baby!<br />
3. Every room in my house is completely decorated, top to bottom. EXCEPT our Master Bedroom. I can NOT figure this room out. I REALLY <strike>want</strike> need a calm, relaxing place to retreat, but no, we have what looks like a sad "Before" picture instead. Why O Why can't I decorate this room? It's looked like this in 7 houses now, and I am determined to change it soon!<br />
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Now that you've just wasted 5 minutes of your life reading completely useless information about me, I would LOVE it if you'd leave me a comment about YOU. You can tell me about your blog, or something you want to do before you die, or the candy you can't live without...or whatever. I just want to get to know you.<br />
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I'm off to <strike>stuff a caramello in my mouth</strike> clean floors now, so I'll talk to you later!<br />
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I'm on Facebook too- if you are find me (Mandie N. Morris and Altar'd Furniture)<br />
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Bye!<br />
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<img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n120/dragonfly101201/Mandie-Siggy.jpg" />Mandie@Altar'dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743575892420510760noreply@blogger.com12