tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12468342862577794692024-03-14T03:49:05.959-05:00vogt storiesJen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-74216150645963986852013-09-24T08:46:00.000-05:002013-09-24T08:46:26.226-05:00New Direction<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll skip the preamble and tell you about this new direction. We've decided to close the doors to Gather at the end of the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay...deep breath...that was harder to write than I thought it would be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, we are not going out of business. Let me say that again so I get your attention: <b>WE ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS.</b> We're just finding a new way to do business. There were a lot of reasons to have a storefront when I first opened Gather almost a year and a half ago (I can't believe it's been that long). Honestly, most of those reasons no longer apply. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest reason I decided to close the doors now is because things are going relatively well. I know that sounds so ridiculous, but listen to my logic. We have no debt. We are normally able to keep a store full of inventory. I always have requests for custom paint jobs, and a long list of items people are hoping I will find. I never wanted to get to a point with the store where we were struggling to stay afloat, find business, or find product. This store isn't like your typical retail store - I can't call up a distributor and ask for more product. I have to go find the product, hope I'm able to buy the product, fix the product, clean the product, possibly repaint the product, and price the product. Then cross my fingers that it sells quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, while this sounds like a good situation to be in (and it is, believe me, I know how lucky we are!), it is a LOT of work. A lot. More than I ever knew I was taking on. I sort of jumped into this with both feet, hoping I would someday be able to quit my full-time job, and make Gather my full-time job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want this to continue to be fun. Gather hasn't really ever felt like a "job" to me, possibly because I love it so much. I know if I continue on at this pace, I won't always love it. That's something I won't allow to happen, so I'm choosing to make this decision now, rather than being forced to down the road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What does this mean for our customers?</b> Well, first off, I hope you'll come see us while we're still open! We will be participating in the Rural Route Rust Sale at Bloom Where You're Planted on November 2nd & 3rd. If we have enough inventory, we'll be open again one more time in November. If not, that will be the last time you can see us this year. In 2014, I'll be looking for markets to participate in around the area...I visit a lot of them, and there are a lot of great ones I'd love to be a part of. I have a few in mind that have asked me to participate in the past, so I'm hoping to say yes to them this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll also still be around in social media form. I'll keep the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gatherboutique">Gather Facebook page</a>, and I'll still post finds on <a href="http://instagram.com/gatherboutique">our Instagram feed</a> (along with lots of other parts of my life), and inspiration on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gatherboutique/">my Pinterest boards</a>. Those are the best ways to keep up with what we're doing and where we'll be. Chances are, I'll also start some sort of mailing list so I can keep our customers informed about upcoming events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Where can you shop for vintage finds?</b> If you ever need a recommendation, just let me know. I have a pretty good idea of some awesome shops and sellers in the Western Iowa/Eastern Nebraska area. Here are a few of my favorites:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BloomWhereYourePlantedFarm">Bloom Where You're Planted</a> (Avoca)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caroles-Flowers-Gifts-and-Vintage-Finds/135705313158878">Carole's Flowers, Gifts & Vintages Finds</a> (Weeping Water)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/simplybungalow">Simply Bungalow</a> (Lincoln)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whistle-Stop-Country-Store/154366791301953">The Whistle Stop</a> (Elkhorn)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a few of my favorite events:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/junkstock">Junkstock</a> (April & October, in Omaha)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/180714995419091/">Rural Route Rust</a> (April & November, in Avoca, Nebraska)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/158680884321703/">Shopkeeper & Friends</a> (June & October, in Elkhorn, Nebraska)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Junk-Jubilee/107442355995840">Junk Jubilee</a> (April, June & November, in Lincoln & Des Moines)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring & Autumn Markets at Simply Bungalow (in Lincoln)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dirt Road Rust & Dust Days at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeGrownJunk">HomeGrown Junk</a> (in Missouri Valley, Iowa)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Finally, a note to you:</b> Whoever you are, however you found me, I want to thank you. Even if you've never been to the shop, commented on a post, or participated in a Facebook discussion, you made your way here somehow, and I truly appreciate that. I've been blessed in my short time as a shopkeeper to meet so many amazing people and form friendships based on a love of junk. Almost every interaction I've had with my customers, vendors, and folks in the community has been positive. The ones that have not been so positive...well, that's a learning experience for me and honestly, I'm glad to have that part of this business behind me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been truly blessed to have the support of my friends and family. I know these last 18 months have been a little challenging for all of us. I haven't been at my best because I've been so focused on the shop, and closing our doors is an effort to change all that. I've never for a second forgotten how amazing it is to have the support of people who love me...especially my best friend and husband, Mike. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you find other stores that make you want to go back again and again. I hope you avoid those who only care about making a quick dollar and don't really care about their customers. I hope you find junk that inspires you and makes you fall in love. Gather has been all those things for me...my home away from home, my dream come true, my inspiration, and my creative outlet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you want to be added to our mailing list. Thanks again for being part of this journey with me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Jen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-77597612919831747762013-04-26T15:50:00.002-05:002013-04-26T15:50:52.474-05:00Rural Route Rust Sale Recap<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long time, no see. Or write. Whatever :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These last couple of months have been such a whirlwind, and it doesn't look like I'll be slowing down anytime soon. Between Gather, getting ready to move, and work, I haven't had a bit of spare time. That's okay though, it's been so much fun {in between all the stress}!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you were able to make it to the Rural Route Rust Sale at <a href="http://bloompumpkinpatch.com/">Bloom Where You're Planted</a> a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks...but let me tell you, the Mr. and I needed about that much time off to recover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was our first show, and I have to say that <a href="http://bloompumpkinpatch.com/">Bloom Where You're Planted</a> did an amazing job {it was their first show too!} Rumor has it they're planning another show in the fall, so mark your calendars now. I'll update more when they've set a date, but you can bet we'll be there again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enough of my blabbering, I know you want to see pictures, so here you go: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told people we planned to empty the store, and that's what we did end up doing. Saturday morning, we hauled a 16-foot cattle trailer down to the farm filled with almost everything Gather had to offer {we had to go back for a second trip on Sunday morning!} Here's the view from the front of our tent. We even took the sign down off the front of the store and hung it in the peak of the tent!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little tour around the booth. We literally spilled outside of our tent...I guess 200 square feet just wasn't enough junk for us! I realized too late in the day on Sunday that I didn't take any pictures of our Sunday set-up. I also didn't make it around and take pictures of the other booths...I did manage to shop a bit though, and everyone had great things!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also sold quite a bit of Miss Mustard Milk Seed paint! I hope everyone who bought it is loving it and is addicted to painting as I have become! Those of you who came to show heard me promise that we'll be offering classes and demonstrations at some point this summer. I'm hoping to schedule something during our Anniversary Open House in June, so look for details on that soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To everyone who came to visit us - thank you so much! We felt incredibly blessed to see our favorite customers, friends, co-workers, family, and to meet a whole lot of new people who we hope will become friends. It was so much fun, and the two days completely flew by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say {publicly} how very fortunate I am to have a husband like Mike. Not too many guys would have given up 5 days to help me clean up a bunch of junk and move a store's worth of furniture {twice}. There's no way I could still be at this shopkeeper thing without his support! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Coming up on the blog</span></b>: some Miss Mustard Milk Seed projects {you can see a couple above, but there wasn't time for a full post on them before they sold}, custom painting at Gather, details about our Anniversary Open House, and hopefully some before pictures of the new house! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've missed blogging, so I hope to get back into the swing of things. Leave me a comment if you made it to the sale - what was your favorite purchase?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-36751390210669479792013-02-12T08:00:00.000-06:002013-02-12T08:00:07.872-06:00Happy Valentine's Day from Gather! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a great weekend at Gather! I have just a few pictures to share with you that I snapped over the weekend. If you're a follower on Instagram {@gatherboutique} or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gatherboutique">Facebook</a>, then I think you've seen these. I try to take a few pictures throughout the day whenever Gather is open, and try to talk with followers throughout the day if there are questions about what's for sale that month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This first one is my little tribute to Valentine's Day. Everything on this table was red, pink or white. You can sort of see in this picture one of my first Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint projects - the chairs on the table, painted in Tricycle. I'll try to get a post put together when I can get some close-ups of the chairs, but overall, I loved the way they turned out and working with MMSMP! I can't recommend it enough! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint, here's the new display at Gather! This cart is awesome, and it really lets me show you how many amazing products we're able to carry! So many fun colors that match whatever style of decor you have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found all sorts of industrial goodies this month - some pressure gauges, pulleys, door knob plates and hooks. Those file boxes on the left would make awesome craft storage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first thing you'll see walking in to Gather this month. I found this amazing cabinet just a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. It's great for storage, and in really great condition considering its age. I've got some cabinet mirrors available with their original hardware that would be really cute hung up or propped on a dresser. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've got a lot more things in the works as far as furniture painted with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. I've also got quite a few finds that I wasn't able to get back to Gather in time for Saturday's Gathering. I'm hoping to get them for the Gathering on February 23, so make sure to stop in then and check out our new items!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope everyone had an amazing weekend and that I'll get to see you at Gather soon! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-86473111536198611682013-01-29T10:02:00.001-06:002013-01-29T10:02:15.401-06:00Why I Love Project Life<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday to you! Quick post today on a little experience I had this weekend that helped remind me why I love Project Life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was sorting through pictures we have stashed around the house, organizing them by year, and getting ready to pack them up so I can easily put them into Project Life sleeves at some point. And I came across this one from last year:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3Gd_Ykd3ZI/UQfwLWqKzkI/AAAAAAAACVI/Bz-cWtmf19E/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3Gd_Ykd3ZI/UQfwLWqKzkI/AAAAAAAACVI/Bz-cWtmf19E/s400/photo+(3).JPG" title="Our House - Week in the Life 2012" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our house. I took it during the Week in the Life Project I did last spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I almost started crying when I found this picture. I really didn't remember taking it. It's not like I can't still see my house every day when we pull up in front of it to get our mail. But I know that won't always be the case. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized how grateful I am to have thought to do this. It's the only picture of the front of our house that I have. And once we move, I'm going to miss this house terribly. It's our first home together, and probably my dream house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos like these are why I love Project Life. It was so simple for me to stick my phone out of the car window and snap a picture. I think a thousand stories when I see this picture, and have some of the best memories of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Project Life encourages me to take pictures when I normally wouldn't. It encourages me to see the little things in life. It encourages me to capture memories with photos, even if I think I'll remember them down the road. Project Life helps me tell our story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you ask hooked on Project Life as I am? Even if you're not, what's the picture in your photo album or scrapbook that makes you flood with emotion and memories? Share them in the comments if you'd like! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great day everyone! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-68001774374757576362013-01-24T12:07:00.001-06:002013-01-24T12:07:44.816-06:00Menu Planning for a Year<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I posted a picture on my Instagram/Facebook feed a couple of weeks ago about this year's worth of meals I was planning, and there was some interest in my process. I'll try to explain everything as best I can in this post - what my actual process was for my situation, and tips for adapting it others' situations. <i>Warning...this is an extremely long post, but I hope an informative one. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up, a little background about our food situation. Every year, my husband and I join our family and some friends to butcher our own beef and pork in January. This fills our freezer through the rest of the year and we really don't have to worry about purchasing meat with the exception of seafood and poultry. We also normally have a garden {although we didn't in 2012}, and we can and freeze a lot of the fresh food we grow and purchase during the summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I was finding is that we were waiting until the drive home from work to decide what we would be cooking for dinner in the evening. That meant when we got home we'd have to thaw whatever cut of meat we were using and make do with what we had in our pantry or freezer for sides. Or we would stop in Omaha on the way home and pick up take-out because I didn't feel like eating right before bed {as would happen if we didn't plan anything in advance.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided this year we would try something different - I would plan meals for the year. Because we're limited by the number of cuts we have of each specific meat, I knew I couldn't plan for just a week or month at a time. I didn't want to overuse cuts in some months and be left with one type of meat for the last few months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing I did was count and weigh all of the meat we had after we were done butchering. For things like steak or pork chops, I listed how many of each cut were packaged together. I tend to have a standard packaging system, so this is really just for reference or if I happen to question the size of the package. For ground meat like sausage and hamburger, I weighed packages to know exactly how many servings I needed to get out of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once a I had a number of how much meat we had available, I started brainstorming with my husband about our go-to recipes for each cut of meat. We made a list with all the things we normally eat {I'll talk about new recipes later} so I'd know how often we needed to rotate recipes within a cut. For example, our steak dishes looked like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also took into consideration how often we eat poultry, seafood and meatless dishes within a typical month, and factored them in to my rotation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For each cut of meat, I had to figure out how many times per year we could use the cut. For example, we could use 1 beef roast per month, kabob meat every 3 months, etc. I made a notation next to each cut of meat how often I had to use it, and then referenced my recipe list. I checked how many recipes we had for a particular cut, and rotated them evenly throughout the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to my steak example. We use our sirloin, rib & t-bones interchangeably more often than not. That means I had 26 packages of steak to use in the year. We could eat steak every other week. Because we have 3 go-to steak recipes, I planned to rotate them as I used steak on my calendar. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Year's Worth of Meals</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's where the time-consuming work started. Because there isn't an even rotation for every cut of meat, I had to actually fill in each cut separately, rather than just figuring out one month and repeating it 12 times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I filled in cut by cut, using the same method I described above for the steak. I planned how often I could use a cut, and rotated my recipes within the cut. I kept it simple at first. I worked Monday through Friday and Sunday, picking a day to stick with unless it conflicted with something that was already on the menu. For steak, I used every other Tuesday. I planned for roast on the last Sunday of the month. I saved more time-consuming recipes for Sundays when I had all day to focus on them. And so it went, for all the cuts of meat except for ground beef. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went through and used up my allotment of poultry, seafood, and meatless dishes next. Then I started filling in with my rotation of recipes for ground beef, because we had far more ground beef available than any other cut of meat. It was during this time that I started to make some changes to how the menu looked. For example, I would see that I had three Mexican dishes in the same week, or two Italian dishes. So, I started trading in the rotation, making sure we weren't eating the same thing over and over again. I highly recommend doing this menu in pencil.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK1HDOvTDdI/UQFo3SJBLfI/AAAAAAAACQ8/luUAUpZ2IAg/s1600/Menu+Planning+Binder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fK1HDOvTDdI/UQFo3SJBLfI/AAAAAAAACQ8/luUAUpZ2IAg/s400/Menu+Planning+Binder.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought about the easiest way for me to use this method in my life and decided a meal planning & recipe binder was the best option. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the style didn't really matter as long as it held all the information I needed to include. The only thing I really cared about having was some sort of pocket in the front cover for a notebook. I used page protectors for the months because I knew I'd have this around food, and after about 4 hours of menu planning, I wasn't about to have food residue ruin my work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each month has it's own page at the front of the binder. I'll probably leave months in the binder as they pass for reference purposes, but I will move them to the back of the menu section. If all goes well, I'll hopefully have a much easier time of this next year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The middle section of the binder is a place for me to keep notes, like the page with all the cuts of meat.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDI74XTCllY/UQFqoiaQ6uI/AAAAAAAACRY/CaBsAxXFjis/s1600/Recipe+Organization.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDI74XTCllY/UQFqoiaQ6uI/AAAAAAAACRY/CaBsAxXFjis/s400/Recipe+Organization.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The back section is for my go-to recipes. Most of the dishes I cook don't have recipes - I just throw things in a pan. But, there are some that I reference recipes for and I wanted to have them nearby. Rather than turning on my iPad to go to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gatherboutique">Pinterest</a> or finding the correct cook book, I printed off recipes that were online and made copies from my cookbooks to go in this binder. I used tab stickers to make my recipe labels, and kept each of them in page protectors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've found that grocery shopping has changed quite a bit for me since I started this process. Because I have the little notebook in the front of my binder, I can easily make a shopping list as I'm looking through my menu at the beginning of the week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, like a lot of other people, make my grocery list according to how I shop the grocery store {in my case, the perimeter of the store first, then canned & boxed goods, then frozen & bread, and then produce}. I leave extra space in each section to add items as I think of them throughout the week. I also will normally attach a second sheet to this list for price match items, items to stock up on due to sales, and items that have coupons. That's an entirely different subject, but if you're interested, I can write another post about how I grocery shop/price match/stock pile/coupon since this post is already entirely too long! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm noticing more and more that my grocery list is mostly made up of fresh produce and dairy products. I'm turning to my stockpile for my main dishes and sides. Having a menu in place also helps me know how much food to purchase when there's a really good deal. {Again, I can do more on that subject if people are interested in another post.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I keep my recipes so close, if I'm ever not sure what is needed for a specific dish, I can reference the recipe while I'm making my grocery list or even in the grocery store. It just makes sense to keep them close by!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Breakfast, Lunch, Saturday Meals & New Recipes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I treated weekend breakfast as an entirely different set of meals. We tend to make large breakfasts that will last us through an entire weekend, so I planned meals for both Saturday & Sunday, rather than trying to figure out something different for each day. I used the same method as above and just rotated my breakfast meets and the meals we cook with them. Our weekday breakfasts are either leftovers from weekend breakfasts {if they save well}, or breakfasts we can eat on the go, like bagels, homemade breakfast bars, etc. As I need these items, I just add them to my grocery list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're a 2-person household, so I've found that the majority of our recipes allow us to have leftovers for the next day's lunch. This is so much easier than trying to plan out an entirely different lunch menu. Some recipes we go to often yield more leftovers than just two lunches, so we freeze those to be used for lunches when there weren't leftovers from the night before {almost all of our Sunday dinners are good for this as well as soups and pasta recipes}. We do keep a few frozen meals on hand, and I will normally keep some lunch meat and cheese frozen if I find a good deal on them for sandwiches. I include some fillers for lunch in our weekly shopping {if they're needed}, like fruits & veggies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you look closely at the February menu I posted, you'll see that I didn't plan anything for Saturday meals. I did this purposefully for a few reasons. 1.) If we have a lot of leftovers during the week that don't freeze well, we can eat them that evening. 2.) If we happen to go out to dinner that week, chances are it will be on a Saturday. If not, the meal from the night we went out can be shifted to Saturday night's meal with no major alteration to the menu. 3.) Our Saturdays are extremely busy between working at Gather, heading to auctions or sales, spending time with family and friends...we're not on a normal meal schedule. More often than not, we don't eat 3 meals on Saturday and things can be rotated around within the menu to accommodate that change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to cook and try new recipes often. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gatherboutique">Pinterest</a> has helped with that addiction, as has being surrounded by a lot of great cooks in my family and group of friends. The most important part of this meal planning is that we're using the planned cuts of meat during the specified week, and that we grocery shop accordingly. When I want to try a new recipe, I'll substitute it in on an evening when we were already planning to use that cut of meat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a tab in my recipe organization called "Try." Under that tab, I have all the recipes I'd like to try as an option to include in our go-to recipes. I like keeping them close by in case I'm getting bored with some of our regular recipes. It will also help me with grocery shopping and making lists so I don't suddenly decide to try something new and have to make an extra trip to the grocery store or {more likely} realize I'm missing a key ingredient during the cooking process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an aside, I have another recipe binder that is for recipes I know will never be go-to recipes. These include things that are for rarer cuts of meat or seafood, things I make only for holidays or gatherings, or things that take entirely too long to prepare for a dinner after work. As I try new recipes, if I like them, I like to print them off and put them in that binder {assuming they won't become one of our regular recipes}. So far, I haven't made copies from my recipe books of favorite recipes to include in this binder, but that's an idea for a rainy day. I'm lucky that my memory is good enough I can usually recall where I find recipes in cookbooks. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Adapting My Plan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, I'm getting to the end of this post! Thanks for sticking with me. I know that my situation is fairly unique since we butcher our own meat, but I do know more and more people who are buying quarter, half and whole cows or hogs from local butchers, or who like to buy their meat in bulk from places like Sam's Club or Costco. There are so many ways that people acquire their food that I can't tell you how to adapt my plan to each one, but here are a few things you can do to make this plan work for you, no matter what situation.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hang on to some of your grocery lists and see what items you are buying over and over again or in bulk. If you can, figure out how often you buy cuts of meat or how long a bulk meat purchase will last you. Using my method above, figure out a plan for the amount of time that meal will last you. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't purchase grocery items in bulk, make a monthly plan rather than one for a year. Once you have that in place, repeat it every month, allowing for seasonal changes to your eating. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best tip I can give is to be flexible with your menu - take my advice about only being concerned with using the cut of meat on the day it was planned for. You can easily substitute ingredients for a different recipe on your grocery list with a little advanced thinking.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allow for changes to the plan and leftovers. Things will come up that you can't plan for. You will go out to dinner, have a meal at a friend's house, get sick, or feel like ordering a pizza. That's fine. Just don't let groceries you've purchased go to waste because you made a change in the plan {use them in next week's meal, or leave an open day for these situations like I did.}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Know your limits. If you love to cook and regularly cook at home, then it might make sense to expect yourself to cook every evening. If cooking is a chore and you eat out every night now, start slowly. Plan to cook at home a few nights a week to start until you learn a rhythm that works for you. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prep in advance if you can. My husband & I aren't big dessert eaters, but we might want something one night a week or for one lunch during the week. I typically make a dessert over the weekend to be used for the upcoming week {and to be offered if someone drops by unexpectedly or if I need a birthday or potluck treat at work}. If I know I have veggies that need to be chopped or meat that needs to be marinated, I'll do that on a Sunday or while I'm waiting for dinner to cook on a different weeknight. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook in batches if that works for your lifestyle. For example, hamburgers, Mexican dishes, and meatballs have a regular rotation in my menu. I saved back quite a bit of my ground beef when we were packaging it to be cooked for specific dishes. I made enough meatballs to get me through the year, pattied and seasoned hamburgers so they could go directly on the grill, and added peppers, onions and seasonings to ground beef to be used in Mexican dishes. This will save me a lot of time when I go to cook these dishes throughout the year. If you happen to find a great deal on a specific cut of meat, you can take advantage, buy more than you need for this particular week, and do some advanced cooking for use throughout the year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep notes of what works and what doesn't. You may be interested in repeating this plan sometime in the future {whether it's next year or next month} and you'll want to adjust things based on your notes.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leave me a comment if you have any questions about my process or how to adapt meal planning to your specific situation. I'd also love to know if you're interested in hearing more about how I grocery shop & stockpile, plan for fresh produce preserving in the summer, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great day! </span></div>
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Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-51866478522865436012013-01-15T09:00:00.000-06:002013-01-15T09:00:11.350-06:00Orange Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I talked a long time ago about some of the things we do in our household that are "green" - whether it's actually for the purpose of helping the environment or just because it happens to work better for us to do it that way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the things I'm pretty adamant about is not having harsh chemicals in my cleaning products. That's the last thing I want on my food when I'm preparing it. I've tried a lot of supposedly "green" products that weren't actually all that green. I've tried other green products that just don't have the cleaning power that I need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent, it's really inexpensive, and probably my go-to cleaning tool in my household {for a number of things}. I don't normally mind the smell of vinegar, but for big jobs it can get a little bothersome. I thought I'd try infusing vinegar with orange and make my own scented cleaning solution.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zhVXZglnAE/UPVsKw_POhI/AAAAAAAACMw/aEg5SCQXS10/s1600/Orange+Vinegar+Cleaner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zhVXZglnAE/UPVsKw_POhI/AAAAAAAACMw/aEg5SCQXS10/s400/Orange+Vinegar+Cleaner.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Want to make your own? Just follow the recipe below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Orange peels {I peeled 7 small/medium oranges}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jar with a lid {I used a quart canning jar}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Curl as many orange peels into the jar as will fit. If you use a different sized jar than I did, just adjust your orange peels accordingly. You want to pack them tightly in the jar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pour white vinegar into the jar until it is full. I left about 1/4 inch air space below the rim. Seal tightly and let sit in a cool place for approximately 2 weeks. Strain the peels and transfer liquid to a spray bottle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pretty simple, right? You may need to let the peels sit a bit longer than 2 weeks. I figured they were done when the orange smell overpowered the vinegar smell. I've also heard of people steeping the orange peels in vinegar so they don't have to wait the 2 weeks, but I have no idea how well that works or how smelly that would make the house {the idea reminds me of the pickling process...no thanks!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I would think the same method could work with limes, lemons or grapefruits...those are scents I'll probably try when I make my next batch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you try this recipe out, let me know how it works in the comments below. Or, if you make other kinds of cleaning solutions, I'd love to hear your recipes! {We also make our own laundry detergent.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have a great day! </span></div>
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Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-12670664121792442352013-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-29T09:40:58.970-06:00Project Life at Gather? <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey guys,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's a really exciting time for Gather. So many changes to look forward to in 2013! But, I need your help making the decision on one of the possible changes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First, a little background. I think I explained this somewhere along the way, but I named my store Gather because of all the different meanings for that word or the way it could be used. One of my favorite things to do is gather memories through social media and memory keeping. I wanted to figure out some way to incorporate this love of mine in Gather, and also meet a need that isn't being met in our little community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My preferred method of memory keeping is Project Life. It's so very user friendly, fun, easy, and stress-free. I've introduced several members of my family and friends to the system, I've given kits as gifts, and I've talked about it even more. Unfamiliar with the Project Life concept? Check out this short video from <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/">Becky Higgins' website</a> {Becky is the creator of Project Life and a guru in the scrapbooking industry.}</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/46687553?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazing right? Such a great concept that any of us can adopt into our lives...no matter how busy we are, or what stage of life we're in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I could talk for days about my own transition to project life from "traditional" scrapbooking. I won't bore you with that. I will say that I've been scrapbooking in some form or another for 15 years. I have a room in my home dedicated to memory keeping. I've spent a lot of money {more than I care to calculate} on all sorts of supplies for scrapbooking. But, in 2011, I made the switch to the Project Life system and never looked back. To read all the posts I've written on my personal journey with Project Life, <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/search/label/Project%20Life">click here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's where you come in. I've been presented the awesome opportunity to sell Project Life products at Gather in the spring of 2013! While I'm completely on board for the idea because I love this system so much, I want to know your thoughts on the subject. Is this something we need in our little community? Is this something you are looking for in your life - a practical, affordable memory keeping solution? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's a preview of what you might see if we end up selling these products at Gather:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1X4P177MOE/UOxkYzgmfBI/AAAAAAAACKk/OWYY5o5lGwc/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Blush_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1X4P177MOE/UOxkYzgmfBI/AAAAAAAACKk/OWYY5o5lGwc/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Blush_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blush Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeQGhXmcCnU/UOxkmC-2Y2I/AAAAAAAACKs/IlTBxySTGgs/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Cinnamon_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeQGhXmcCnU/UOxkmC-2Y2I/AAAAAAAACKs/IlTBxySTGgs/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Cinnamon_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cinnamon Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqKlACTclIc/UOxknV3Y36I/AAAAAAAACK0/fg3Bo6gbfKg/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Honey_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqKlACTclIc/UOxknV3Y36I/AAAAAAAACK0/fg3Bo6gbfKg/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Honey_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honey Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fKPoMSvN3Y/UOxksdITdxI/AAAAAAAACK8/ffJXsJojHlo/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Jade_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fKPoMSvN3Y/UOxksdITdxI/AAAAAAAACK8/ffJXsJojHlo/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Jade_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jade Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3ro6vjA-qc/UOxkspGc5OI/AAAAAAAACLA/5iDRWBLp89Y/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Kraft_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3ro6vjA-qc/UOxkspGc5OI/AAAAAAAACLA/5iDRWBLp89Y/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Kraft_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kraft Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zZz5cDHEyI/UOxks5pfbCI/AAAAAAAACLE/GDLI_4HNYbM/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Midnight_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zZz5cDHEyI/UOxks5pfbCI/AAAAAAAACLE/GDLI_4HNYbM/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Midnight_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Midnight Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ru8_gjUTtWM/UOxktfuelZI/AAAAAAAACLM/x7t9KVfosC0/s1600/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Rain_Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ru8_gjUTtWM/UOxktfuelZI/AAAAAAAACLM/x7t9KVfosC0/s400/ProjectLife_Core_Kit_Rain_Edition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rain Edition Core Kit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you saw in the video, all you need to complete a memory album with the Project Life system is a Core Kit {pictured above}, an album, page protectors, and a pen. That's it. Now, you can embellish it like crazy if you enjoy that sort of thing or want to personalize the system. That's the great thing about Project Life - it can be simple or intricate or somewhere in between. It really does fit in everyone's lifestyle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to core kits, albums, and page protectors, Project Life is now offering Mini Kits and Mini Albums for those events that warrant their own special album - such as weddings, childhood and holidays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One last note - if this system is new to you {or even if it's not}, I won't leave you hanging. If I offer this product, I'll also offer free introduction seminars at Gather {that will most likely come with a discount for some product!} I'll also be holding some more specific classes on different Project Life ideas & techniques, and if there's interest, I thought it would be fun to host some working sessions where we can all sit down and complete a mini album together. Again, these things are up to you and whatever you are interested in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, is this something you'd like to see at Gather in the next few months? I get a lot of feedback via Facebook, Instagram, this blog, and from my customers, but this is one of those times I really need you to leave me a comment here on the blog or on Facebook. I'm relying completely on your feedback to make this decision. If I don't hear from you, I'll assume this isn't something you want to see at Gather. If I hear from you that you love the idea and are interested, then I'll do whatever I can to make the product available. It's as simple as that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for your opinion!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ETA: I had to turn comments for this post off due to all the spam I was receiving {on just this post, weird.} Anyway, if you want to leave me feedback on this post, feel free to e-mail me or send me a message on Facebook {facebook.com/gatherboutique}. Thanks!</span><br />
<br />Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-67298591003504007892013-01-08T10:15:00.000-06:002013-01-08T10:15:00.465-06:00A Vintage Year in Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things we see most often in the blog world this time of year is the Year in Review. I've done it with regard to my <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/2012/12/112-in-2012-wrap-up.html">goals for 2012</a> and my <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorites-of-2012.html">favorites of 2012</a>, but I thought I'd try a new spin on it. A vintage year in review, to be specific. This year has been filled with vintage goodness for me, both at Gather and personally. Instagram has helped me share most of my finds with you throughout the year, but it's fun to see them all in one place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, without further ado, my 2012 in vintage finds:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This chippy white bed frame represents my longest drive in the middle of nowhere to find a great vintage piece. I immediately fell in love with the casters and the chipping paint job, and I almost tackled the woman who sold it to me when she told me she thought about scraping the paint off before I got to her farm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This great filing cabinet was one of my first major purchases for Gather, easily one of the heaviest, and one of the first sales I made on opening day. I still adore it, and sometimes wish I would have kept it for myself! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This croquet set was the first thing I saw in a sale bill for an auction and immediately wanted, no matter what the cost. I paid a little more than I wanted to, but it came home with me and I almost jumped up and down when we won! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5YpN36DT24/UOw8cOcTIyI/AAAAAAAACGw/4yHeFnKAL7Y/s1600/Gather+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5YpN36DT24/UOw8cOcTIyI/AAAAAAAACGw/4yHeFnKAL7Y/s320/Gather+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This typewriter definitely has the best story - the grandson of the owner told us that his grandpa had typed letters to his family during WWII on this typewriter. I have no idea whether that's true or not, but it's cool to think about. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk5_d8zzrDc/UOw8f3QBMyI/AAAAAAAACG4/6MNG6mV0zag/s1600/June+Gather+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk5_d8zzrDc/UOw8f3QBMyI/AAAAAAAACG4/6MNG6mV0zag/s320/June+Gather+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bureau gets the award for my favorite painted piece. The transformation was awesome, and I'd been imaging great things for it for a long time before I actually purchased it. The hardware is still my favorite that I've ever purchased, too. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXicP9tdiP4/UOw8g1zJV7I/AAAAAAAACHA/YywpE-_6Qpw/s1600/Shop+Cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXicP9tdiP4/UOw8g1zJV7I/AAAAAAAACHA/YywpE-_6Qpw/s320/Shop+Cabinet.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This great shop cabinet is one of the only pieces my husband and I immediately agreed would be coming home with us. We saw it in an auction, dirty, and piled full of junk, but knew it would be a great fit at Gather. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxuwICuxItM/UOw8hFyRgPI/AAAAAAAACHE/aRCAx7nL3JM/s1600/Vintage+School+Desk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxuwICuxItM/UOw8hFyRgPI/AAAAAAAACHE/aRCAx7nL3JM/s320/Vintage+School+Desk.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This little blue desk was something I sort of hoped wouldn't sell. I loved it immediately when I saw it, but couldn't think of how I might use it personally. I stuck it in Gather while I thought about it, and it sold not too long afterwards. I know it went to a great home, and I'm glad someone is enjoying it {by the way, I still can't figure out where I would have put it, so I'm glad I didn't keep it}.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTGurNFSOeU/UOw8g6LKteI/AAAAAAAACHQ/0uwq4MUh6-U/s1600/Bed+Frame+and+Night+Stand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTGurNFSOeU/UOw8g6LKteI/AAAAAAAACHQ/0uwq4MUh6-U/s320/Bed+Frame+and+Night+Stand.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This little green chest was probably the most charming piece I bought all year. I got a steal, and it cleaned up so nicely. It sold the first day I had it in Gather. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NDJeqUSX2E/UOw8nrLKFxI/AAAAAAAACHY/LMqXhLx-2SM/s1600/375634_252027838248094_593097119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NDJeqUSX2E/UOw8nrLKFxI/AAAAAAAACHY/LMqXhLx-2SM/s320/375634_252027838248094_593097119_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pie safe caught the attention of the auctioneer who sold it to us, and he made sure to tell us we got a great find. I've always pictured a pie safe in my store, but it's still looking for a good home if you're interested!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkZy0Ugbn-I/UOw8ntsT4PI/AAAAAAAACHc/7tEOKeV3fkQ/s1600/318704_252028078248070_573304792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fkZy0Ugbn-I/UOw8ntsT4PI/AAAAAAAACHc/7tEOKeV3fkQ/s320/318704_252028078248070_573304792_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This dry sink made the biggest transformation, in my opinion. It was in good condition when we bought it, but not at all my style. It looked great after we painted it white, and it didn't hang around the store for too long. We have a distant cousin of this piece, a corner hutch, being finished up and she will hopefully be in the store shortly!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UzZY-sCRtw/UOw8n5osKMI/AAAAAAAACHg/_YVMGdnKjV8/s1600/484589_252028811581330_1011189065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UzZY-sCRtw/UOw8n5osKMI/AAAAAAAACHg/_YVMGdnKjV8/s320/484589_252028811581330_1011189065_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This buffet is the biggest labor of love. The shape was amazing and the hardware is original, but the wood wasn't great. I gave it a gray & white treatment, and all the detail work almost killed me. It turned out so nicely that I really considered keeping it for myself. She just found a new home last weekend though and I'm glad to see that someone else loves her like I do!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq667mfNivQ/UOw8oFzUFeI/AAAAAAAACHk/wguOThPuV2U/s1600/486216_252028208248057_200398417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq667mfNivQ/UOw8oFzUFeI/AAAAAAAACHk/wguOThPuV2U/s320/486216_252028208248057_200398417_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These vintage suitcases & trunks have been my obsession all year. I look for them everywhere I go, and my stack stays pretty tall most of the time. The trunk on the bottom was my first purchase from an auction, and I withstood a downpour and the threat of a tornado to make it mine. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utEDIRWai50/UOw81ivkRvI/AAAAAAAACH4/rtXLlml7fxM/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utEDIRWai50/UOw81ivkRvI/AAAAAAAACH4/rtXLlml7fxM/s320/21.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, my vintage sled. I found this last winter, and knew I would hang on to it for my first Christmas at Gather. It sold at my holiday open house, so I'll have to be on the lookout for one for next year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's fun to look back at these pieces and see the trends in what I purchased: I love white furniture, or furniture that can be painted white. I love furniture painted in non-traditional colors that would add a pop to a space. I love metal that is rusty or covered in chippy paint. I love to put things in Gather that I would also put in my home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't see any of those trends for Gather going away in 2013! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many thanks to all of you who visited Gather in 2012. It was an amazing 6 months filled with lots of stories and new friendships and fun finds. We can't wait to see what 2013 brings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of that, here are our hours for the first half of 2013! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, January 12</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2nd & 4th Saturdays of every month, February through May</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10am - 3pm</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Or by appointment</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have this piece of news:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEvSziLUVec/UOxC0ZCRqnI/AAAAAAAACJM/AXH5xci00Sk/s1600/10offsale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEvSziLUVec/UOxC0ZCRqnI/AAAAAAAACJM/AXH5xci00Sk/s400/10offsale.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>All Christmas merchandise is 25% off! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is our only Gathering in January, so make sure to stop in and see us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great week, everyone!</span></div>
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Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-84501395755579057672013-01-07T12:00:00.000-06:002013-01-07T12:00:06.973-06:00Favorites of 2012<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm writing today about some of my favorites from 2012. If you'd like to see what I posted last year, check out my <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/2012/01/favorites-of-2011.html">Favorites 2011 post</a>. I started this post sometime last week and Blogger has not been my friend with uploading pictures. Needless to say, Blogger didn't make the list. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Favorite Apps</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">{I have an iPhone 4 for the moment, which I love, but I'm also looking forward to upgrading in March}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Instagram</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxSStMJ9SDY/UOsCZtHt1fI/AAAAAAAACD4/YT5sV02LXLY/s1600/instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxSStMJ9SDY/UOsCZtHt1fI/AAAAAAAACD4/YT5sV02LXLY/s200/instagram.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you read this blog or follow me on Facebook {either personally or on Gather's page}, you've heard me mention my love for Instagram. Since I post just about every photo I take to Facebook anyway, this app saves me a ton of time. You can follow me @gatherboutique</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>myLife Calendar</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOHgYc9bDrg/UOsCfPFhRII/AAAAAAAACEA/azL4kjWJeek/s1600/mzl_rndcmthn_175x175-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOHgYc9bDrg/UOsCfPFhRII/AAAAAAAACEA/azL4kjWJeek/s1600/mzl_rndcmthn_175x175-75.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">I started off the year using the Calendar app that came with my phone and it just wasn't working for me. I have 3 calendars connected to my phone and I was duplicating a lot of appointments on that app. myLife seems to work out a lot better for me. It allows me to color code appointments so I know which calendar they're coming from. It also allows me a weekly or daily view and some different reminder and recurring appointment options. Plus, it's a lot prettier than the calendar app! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Etsy</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93r5sImeQ7Y/UOsCrYJ4lPI/AAAAAAAACEI/d2dqGXYvIsI/s1600/imagesCAFVYJK0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93r5sImeQ7Y/UOsCrYJ4lPI/AAAAAAAACEI/d2dqGXYvIsI/s200/imagesCAFVYJK0.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Although I'm slowly phasing out my Etsy shop to launch my new Gather Etsy shop, I still access my VDC shop on Etsy quite a bit. This app has really allowed me to touch base with my customers and manage my shop much more quickly. It's also dangerously fun for shopping when I have some time to kill. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Favorite New Recipe</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/246149935854673233/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/246149935854673233_BhIE82mW_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Corn-and-Bacon-Dip" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tasteofhome.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/gatherboutique/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jen</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This bacon corn dip is by far the best thing I've made all year. Every time I take it to a gathering or send it to work for a potluck, I'm bombarded with requests for the recipe. It is so good, and so simple to make. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Favorite New Holiday Recipe</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/246149935855309703/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/246149935855309703_MGds6uXP_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://pattysfood.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">pattysfood.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/gatherboutique/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jen</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every year, I try to hunt down a new recipe for cookies or candies to include in my baking bonanza. This year, I made about 25 dozen cookies and 10 gallons of different snack mixes, and this peppermint sugar cookie made the top of my list. It's definitely added to my annual line-up. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Favorite Holiday Purchase</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOAXonm6x6g/UOsCywBQulI/AAAAAAAACEQ/Vrgds52kLfU/s1600/img43b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOAXonm6x6g/UOsCywBQulI/AAAAAAAACEQ/Vrgds52kLfU/s320/img43b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong>Speaking of the holiday, these pillow cases were my favorite purchase this year. I got them from Pottery Barn after Christmas when they were on clearance, and I couldn't be more thrilled with them. The quality is great and the print is beautiful. I can't wait to use them next year when we decorate for Christmas! It looks like they might be sold out of them now, but I think they've had them for the last couple of years, so maybe they'll bring them back in 2013! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Favorite Green Product</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_FVrW1hCCE/UOsC2gANzdI/AAAAAAAACEY/-KVrkTOqiDY/s1600/il_570xN_389365685_48ai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_FVrW1hCCE/UOsC2gANzdI/AAAAAAAACEY/-KVrkTOqiDY/s320/il_570xN_389365685_48ai.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm always on the lookout for items that will simply my life and be gentle on the environment at the same time. I'm really interested in the aspect of reusable products that are typically disposable, so these reusable towels were an awesome find. I purchased mine from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop//VtGreenAlternatives">this Etsy seller</a>. I don't see any in her shop at the moment, but I'm sure you could ask her for a custom listing. She customized my fabric to match my new kitchen - 6 towels in dark gray and light gray chevron, and 6 in gray with white polka dots. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Favorite Nail Color</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tg3RZhe8DeY/UOsC7XHlXiI/AAAAAAAACEg/FcDKdUPH2CQ/s1600/CajunShrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tg3RZhe8DeY/UOsC7XHlXiI/AAAAAAAACEg/FcDKdUPH2CQ/s320/CajunShrimp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Coral was my surprise color love in 2012. I started wearing it in March and didn't give it up until about September {when I switch to my exclusively gray & black wardrobe for winter}. So, when I found this slightly darker than coral shade from OPI - Cajun Shrimp - I was in heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Favorite Snack Food</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o25uKbaYvA4/UOsC-tb6IUI/AAAAAAAACEo/DAYGzkuzwNM/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o25uKbaYvA4/UOsC-tb6IUI/AAAAAAAACEo/DAYGzkuzwNM/s1600/untitled.bmp" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I found this salsa verde at Trader Joe's early last year and I love it. It's easily my favorite salsa verde product, and I love it on homemade Mexican food or just to snack on with tortilla chips. It's so good that I'll make stops at TJ's just to buy more when I'm running low. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Favorite K-Cup</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54dwRcNq-30/UOsDCTP6JOI/AAAAAAAACEw/eIA0E0UDhc4/s1600/11-K-Cup-Detail-BOI-Half-Half-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54dwRcNq-30/UOsDCTP6JOI/AAAAAAAACEw/eIA0E0UDhc4/s320/11-K-Cup-Detail-BOI-Half-Half-lg.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you follow me on Instagram, you saw the picture I posted recently of my "problem" with K-Cups. I love trying new varieties, and it helps that I know so many people who have Keurig's and are willing to share with me. My favorite find for this year is the Half and Half Iced Tea by Celestial Seasonings. It's a great iced tea with just a little sweetener. I can normally find these at my local Walmart or Target, even in the winter. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Favorite Candle</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XASHnENRJN4/UOsDIC5F9vI/AAAAAAAACE4/qV6KIlrxRCM/s1600/pBBW1-13561279v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XASHnENRJN4/UOsDIC5F9vI/AAAAAAAACE4/qV6KIlrxRCM/s320/pBBW1-13561279v275.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I found this one late in the year, but it's something I'll continue to burn all winter {if it lasts me that long}. This is the Cranberry Pear Bellini 3-Wick candle from Bath & Body Works. I got it during a promotion so it was about $11 and completely worth it. I'll be going back to get another one within the next few weeks, I'm sure. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Favorite Memory Keeping Tool</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGls1TsC6wI/UOsDMgb6hfI/AAAAAAAACFA/eBi0lJlY5dI/s1600/logo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGls1TsC6wI/UOsDMgb6hfI/AAAAAAAACFA/eBi0lJlY5dI/s320/logo2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I found <a href="http://www.persnicketyprints.com/">Persnickety Prints</a> when I was looking for somewhere that would print quality Instagram photos. I heard about Persnickety through the Project Life forum on Big Picture Classes, and decided to try them out. I love the quality of the prints they sent me! They're on nice, heavy photo paper with a matte finish. You can select a ton of different photo sizes, which makes them a really great option for Project Life photo prints. And they have speedy delivery, great customer service, and my inbox usually has a great offer from them for a discount. Try them out if you get a chance!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, there you have it! Just a few of my random favorites that made the list this year. Let me know what you think if you try any of them, or if they made your favorites list for 2012. Have a great day! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-67024555179646582492013-01-03T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-03T08:00:03.267-06:00Project Life 2013<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope the start of the new year is treating you well! Something I always focus on at the beginning of the year is my memory keeping plans for the upcoming year. Since I started <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/">Project Life</a> two years ago, it's been a much simpler process for me. This year will be a little different since we are moving and I don't have a dedicated crafting space in the new home. I thought I'd share just a few of the plans I have in place for 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Project Life Medium</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Becky Higgins offers a few different ways of completing Project Life. The first is the physical products of the core kit, page divider & album. This is the closest option to traditional scrapbooking. She also has partnered with Shutterfly for digital scrapbooks, and with ACDigitals for digital scrapbooking elements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm choosing to go with the traditional version of Project Life again this year. I've made Shutterfly books in the past {and occasionally still do}, and while I love them, it just doesn't feel like scrapbooking to me. I like the idea of feeling the layers of photos and papers and embellishments, so I'm continuing with this method again this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In some of the forums I participate in for Project Life, questions often come up about how albums will be shared in later years or amongst children. We don't have that issue right now, but once we do, I'm sure my methods will change. If you know me from the PL forums, then you've already heard this, but for those who are curious, here is our plan: I will use the PL Baby or Childhood editions to complete physical scrapbooks for each of our children. When they graduate high school, they will likely have several albums that are theirs for the taking when they're ready {I'm under no illusion that our children will want to take thick PL binders to their college dorm rooms with them.}. I will also complete a family PL album every year, most likely through Shutterfly. The reason behind this is that I can print multiple copies to share with our children in later years while still keeping on for myself. That was a random tangent, but I do get questions about it from time to time, so I wanted to address it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Project Life Design</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First, what I've done in past years. in 2011, I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KE1I40?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008KE1I40&linkCode=xm2&tag=beckhigg-20">Amber Edition</a> core kit and the Amber binder. {I still haven't completed this album, by the way.} In 2012, I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KF5TJE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B008KF5TJE&linkCode=xm2&tag=beckhigg-20">Clementine Edition</a> core kit and a gray binder from We R Memory Keepers {the company who makes the Project Life binders}. I'll hopefully be finished with this album by the end of January...well, that's the goal anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In 2013, I'm planning to use the new <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/2012/08/introducing-the-seafoam-edition/">Seafom Edition</a> core kit and the same gray binder from We R Memory Keepers {assuming I can find it in stock somewhere}. Here's a glimpse of what that edition looks like:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmFtLqCjzDw/UOSUifur7AI/AAAAAAAACCo/5aTFGJSiB_c/s1600/Project+Life+Seafoam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmFtLqCjzDw/UOSUifur7AI/AAAAAAAACCo/5aTFGJSiB_c/s400/Project+Life+Seafoam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Seafom Edition { and the Olive Edition, which is also new for 2013} should be available sometime in early January, so I will be ordering that from Amazon as soon as it is. A helpful tip, if you're waiting for a product to appear on Amazon from Becky Higgins - she is excellent at updating her followers on Facebook & Twitter about the releases of products for sale. Follow her and you won't have to stalk Amazon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Becky also announced in 2012 that she's partnering with American Crafts to make Project Life available in retail stores. I'll share more information on my blog once I have it - it will be so nice to have all the elements easily accessible!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Project Life Organization</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm not sure I've ever photographed it for my blog before {probably because it's always a disaster}, but I have a table in my dining room dedicated to Project Life. It holds my printer, my core kit, my album and page protectors. Printed pictures are kept in drawers until I can get them into the album. I did a post awhile back on the Martha Stewart organizing trays that I use to corral my journaling cards, filler cards & title cards, plus some go-to tools. You can read that <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/2012/02/project-life-organization.html">here</a>. This system works out pretty well for me. The table is very close to my dining room table, so when I wanted to work on my album, I could just move the organizer over to the dining room table where there is plenty or room for me to spread out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since we're moving in the next month or so {hopefully}, I'm having to re-think my system. I won't have a dedicated craft room, and I'm not sure I want the clutter of all of this in our dining room like it is now. I'm currently storing all my plastics in the flat boxes they are packaged in. I need to figure out a way to actually separate them by type so I can find them easily, so that's a goal for next year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm not sure I'll use this Martha Stewart organizing system again. I don't tend to journal as I take pictures, so I don't think everything needs to be out in the open like it is. The box the core kit is packaged in is probably fine, plus it will stack easier since it's the same size as the plastics boxes now. I'm looking at having more of a craft storage closet, so the more use of my space I can get, the better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I do like the idea of having all of my go-to tools and supplies together. Most likely, I'll keep a small basket in the closet near my PL supplies with my corner rounder, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, date stamp, etc. That way, when I'm ready to work on the album, I can pull out my plastic box, my core kit box, and my tools basket and be ready to go. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Project Life Layouts</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">People do this project in any number of ways. Some do a photo a day method, others do weekly or monthly spreads. Some people keep things very simple by putting photos in their holders and journaling in there holders - that's how this project was designed. Others get more elaborate and add embellishments to their photos and journaling cards. Any of those ways are great, as long as they're working for the person completing the album!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In 2011, I did {am doing} a chronological album. In 2012, I started with a chronological album and switched mid-way through the year to make my album more topical in nature. By this I mean that I'm rearranging the photos so they are grouped with other similar photos. Some of my categories include Family, Gather, Pets, and Everyday Life. I'm still in the process of grouping photos from last year, so there may be more than that. I'd like to do a 2012 Project Life video for my blog when the album is completed, so check back for that later on this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In 2013, I plan to go the chronological route. This one makes the most sense for me to try out at first. I like the idea of doing 2-page weekly spreads. This doesn't mean I'll be taking a photo a day {although some weeks may be just that}, but over the course of the week, will have taken approximately 7 pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The great thing about Project Life is that if I decide that layout isn't working for me, I can always go back and change it up to do something that works better with our lifestyle. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Project Life Inspiration</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is a wealth of information out there related to Project Life, but here are a few of the places I regularly turn to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/">Becky Higgins</a> - Becky has info on her products, her creative team, her blog, and links to all the ways she communicates with her customers through social media. This is the best source for staying up to date on all things Project Life. Becky also regularly posts photo ideas and inspiration for cultivating a good life on her Facebook & Twitter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/">Big Picture Classes</a> - I participated in a free Project Life forum and Project Real Life last year through BPC. I don't see anything yet for 2013 in the way of classes, but I'm a little out of the BPC loop at the moment. A great e-book resource I found on BPC is <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/ebooks/dig-deep.php">Project Dig Deep</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> - Pinterest is full of all sorts of memory keeping inspiration. I have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/gatherboutique/project-life/">Project Life Inspiration board</a> where I keep interesting things and that I'll continue to add to over the year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instagram - check out #projectlife for tons of awesome pictures and layouts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you're interested in previous posts about Project Life on my blog, you can check out my <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/search/label/Project%20Life">Project Life tag</a>. I'll also be tagging future posts so they can all be kept together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Are you planning to take on Project Life during 2013? I'd love to know who else will be completing an album and what your plans are. Have a great day, everyone! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-39060130069136544362013-01-02T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-02T08:00:11.006-06:00Happy 2013! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46N9gy-wvqE/UOGxELFrNtI/AAAAAAAACBY/Loopjy_pAu4/s1600/newyear-clipart-graphicsfairy004b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46N9gy-wvqE/UOGxELFrNtI/AAAAAAAACBY/Loopjy_pAu4/s400/newyear-clipart-graphicsfairy004b.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy 2013 everyone! I hope you had a great time ringing in the new year. I told you in my <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/2012/12/112-in-2012-wrap-up.html">112 in 2012 post</a> that I would share some of my 2013 goals with you, so here we go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I organized these a little differently. There certainly aren't 113, but there aren't just one or two. I'm also getting pretty specific here, because I found out that if I have a broad goal, I don't make as much progress. I'm much better crossing off smaller items as I accomplish them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong>Unify the Gather Brand</strong></span> </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Close Vogt Design Co. on Etsy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Launch Gather on Etsy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Develop a central website for everything related to Gather (blog, social media, online purchases, Gatherings, classes, etc.)</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Grow the Gather Brand</strong></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Teach a variety of classes in Gather</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Include party decor & stationery in Gather inventory</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Expand inventory to include memory keeping tools</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Make our House a Home</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(We've been in the process of moving for the last 15 months - these goals apply to our new home, once we have finalized the move)</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Utilize organizational tools to keep our household running efficiently</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Focus on feeling comfortable with the home as it is, rather than wanting all the changes to happen at once</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Take pride in our home</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Attain a Stronger Sense of Financial Security</strong></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Begin couponing and price-matching regularly for grocery purchases</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sell existing home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Live on 1 income</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Continue to plan dinners at home and to pack breakfasts and lunches</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Maintain momentum with Project Life and other memory keeping projects</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Prioritize the strength of our marriage</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">There you have it! Much simpler than last year, but still not a short list. A lot of projects that will take us the entire year to complete or that will never really be completed. Gather will still be a priority for me in 2013, but there are a lot of other aspects to my life I want to focus on. This list has plenty of room to grow and change. And you'll notice that a lot of the things that were on my 2012 list aren't even addressed here, specifically. I felt like a lot of them would naturally happen if I accomplish what I have on this list. And those that don't probably aren't the priority anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Like I said in my last post, I'd love to see your goals for 2013. Feel free to leave a list in the comments or link me to a blog post about them. I wish you all a very blessed new year! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-86982223831668678022012-12-31T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-31T08:00:07.465-06:00112 in 2012: Wrap-Up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, as you know, today is the last day of the year, so I thought I'd check in with my goals for 2012 one last time. This will be a lengthy post, so I don't expect you to read it all, but kudos to you if you make it through! I have some final thoughts at the end about this list and my plan for next year, if you're interested and want to skip down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a cheat sheet for you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Normal text - didn't get started</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Italics</em> - made some progress but didn't complete</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>Strikethrough</strike> - failed miserably</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Bold</strong> - completed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>1. Pack or eat a healthy breakfast on days I have to work {don’t stop for fast food or skip it}</strong> {I'm calling this a win. I would say I did this at least 80% of the time this year, maybe more. That's a huge improvement from what I was doing in 2011.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>2. Pack or eat a healthy lunch on days I have to work {don’t stop for fast food or skip it}</strong> {Again, I'm calling this a win. I greatly improved over the year, and would say at least 80% of the time, I avoided going out for lunch.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>3. Plan dinners the night before so we can stop for necessary ingredients or take things out of the freezer to thaw</em> {We definitely were better about this, and eating at home in general, but still have a long way to go with planning ahead on menus. I do have some ideas in place for 2013 and honestly, I think moving the location of our freezer will help...which is also in the plan for 2013}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>4. Move closer to Elmwood</strike> {This didn't happen, and I would consider it one of the more significant fails of this year. I could say it's not our fault, but we made the choice to be in the situation we're in, so I'm taking ownership.}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>5. Donate at least 20 boxes of things to the thrift store before moving </strong>{I didn't keep count, but between donations to the thrift store, to friends & family, and to my work, I know we got to at least 20}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>6. Sort and organize all holiday decorations so they are easily accessible</em> {This is happening this week, actually. It will be a win in very early 2013, but I can't say I'm done yet.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Donate holiday decorations that won’t be used prior to the next holiday {We actually didn't decorate this year since we hoped to be moving, so I didn't get to go through everything. As I'm finding things we won't use while organizing, I'm making a pile to donate.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>8. Start a family</strike> {I consider this another major fail, but I'm more comfortable with this, believe it or not. It was a conscious choice to wait to have children until another time. I hated having to make the choice, but it was the most responsible thing to do for us.}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>9. Complete 2011 Project Life Album</em> {I fell so behind on my 2012 album that I didn't get a chance to work on previous years.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>10. Start & complete 2012 Project Life Album</em> {I did get a good start on this, have a ton of pictures printed, and am working on it right now. I came up with a new way of organizing the album for this year that I think will work better for us, and I hope to get it finished in early 2013}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>11. Complete at least one additional Project Life Album from a previous year</strike> {see above, #9}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>12. Print pictures at least once a month from the previous month</em> {This actually wasn't the best plan for me and my budget. I tried for awhile, and then quit because it wasn't working.}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>13. Work with nieces on Project Life albums, including printing pictures for them monthly</em> {It happened once this last year, because all of our schedules are so crazy. I hope to continue working with them in 2013, and I also hope they take some ownership of their albums without me watching over since we all have such busy lives!}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14. <strong>Grow my business</strong> {I'd say this was the focus for my year. Business didn't grow the way I had imagined it, but it also exceeded my expectations. I continue to have goals for business, a list of things I want to get done, and dreams for what I could accomplish, but I know this year was a win on the business front.}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15. <strike>Blog at least 3 times per week</strike> {Horrible. Just horrible.}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16. Engage in at least one activity per month to promote my business {I'm honestly not even sure what I was talking about here...if I meant shows/fairs, or some sorts of advertising thing...but as I said, 2012 was all about business for me, so I feel okay with that whole aspect of things.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>17. Take at least 1 picture per day</em> {I figured out this doesn't really work for me. I tried some other options, and then really thought about this particular goal and what I wanted to accomplish. The idea was to get a real picture of our every day life, and I think I did much better at that - I participated in a day in the life, a week in the life, December daily and took a TON of other every day life sort of pictures. Even though I didn't meet my stated goal, I feel really good about memory keeping this year.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>18. Take pictures during important events/gatherings</em> {I can't call this a win because I didn't do it universally - for example, I didn't even take my camera to Christmas celebrations - but, I did pretty well, especially this last fall}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>19. Plan 1 date night per month with Mike</em> {We did really well on this the first half of the year, and then it fizzled. I could blame opening Gather and having much less time, but the reason I had this goal is I wanted us to dedicate a night to each other, no matter what was going on. We didn't do that, and we need to be more committed to this in the future.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>20. Complete 1 project per month from inspiration found on Pinterest</strong> {I didn't keep track of what I did when, but I know there were far more than 12 projects completed this year}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>21. Start an idea binder to keep inspiration from magazines, etc.</em> {I'm calling this in progress because I started a notes section on my iPad for things like this}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>22. Visit grandparents at least 1 time a month</strike> {Miserable fail.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>23. Plan and work on 1 craft project per month with nieces and nephews</strike> {I really wish this had happened, but it just didn't work out. The ones we did though were really fun.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>24. Take at least 1 vacation out of state</strike> {Didn't go anywhere this year. For the first time since we met in 2008}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>25. Take at least 1 vacation in state {See above}</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>26. Visit 1 place I’ve never been before</strong> {I saw so many small towns in Nebraska this year on our adventures}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>27. Pay off at least 1 credit card </strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>28. Use at least 1 coupon with every grocery purchase</em> {I still maintain that this is a good goal for us, but we have to figure out how to make couponing work with our schedule. I hope to do a post in 2013 on my couponing process}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>29. Try one new recipe per month</strong> {Again, I didn't really keep track, but know I've tried more than 12 new recipes this year}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>30. Learn to sew</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>31. Donate items from couponing to an organization in need</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>32. Take a photography class</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">33. Make our new house feel like our home {well, we didn't move, so...}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>34. Purchase/borrow bikes and go riding on the trail this summer</strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>35. Plan an outing/visit with friends at least once a month </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">36. <strong>Take pictures for my blog posts</strong> {Thank goodness for Instagram. I didn't do it with every post, but I was definitely better about it this year.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>37. Create a video to post on my blog</strong> {Project Life Blog Hop & Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint, woohoo!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>38. Send birthday cards on time to important people when we can’t celebrate in person</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>39. Create a stash of cards for multiple occasions to have on hand</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">40. Frame pictures for our home and display them {I wanted to wait til we were moved to do this, so it hasn't happened.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">41. Create a gallery wall in our new house of important/sentimental pictures {see above}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>42. Work on creating Christmas decorations throughout the year</strike> {Ha!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>43. Relax and enjoy December and Christmas preparations</em> {I can't say I was completely relaxed during December, but this was definitely one of the most enjoyable Christmas seasons I remember.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>44. Finish all holiday shopping by December 1</em> {Again, this is something I can own as a choice, but it's difficult when you share the cost of presents and others don't share your goals. I did have my list made in October, and some of my shopping done early}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>45. Wrap and label Christmas gifts so they are under the tree by the end of the first week in December</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>46. Use my iPhone calendar to help keep me organized</strong> {I'm so reliant on that thing now}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>47. Build a stockpile and only shop for perishable items as needed - otherwise, use the stockpile</em> {This comes and goes, it seems}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>48. Plant a garden or work with family to have a garden</strike> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">49. Freeze or can fresh produce to use throughout the following year {We had so much stuff canned and frozen from previous years, we didn't end up doing any this year.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>50. Take a family picture to display in our home, including both puppies</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rtq_v0yLoQk/UNyydTSSbuI/AAAAAAAACAI/pYG_H4YxkSk/s1600/2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rtq_v0yLoQk/UNyydTSSbuI/AAAAAAAACAI/pYG_H4YxkSk/s320/2012.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>51. Attend 1 Christmas event in the community {tree lighting, Santa visit, etc.} </strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>52. Visit the local library </strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>53. Become a member of Mike’s church</strike> {this is actually really sad for me}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>54. Take all my nieces and nephews to the zoo for the day </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>55. Go to the Farmer’s Market at least once a month during June/July/August</strike> {This never worked out with our schedule}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>56. Make homemade rolls for a holiday dinner</strong> {Garlic knots to go with my corned beef & cabbage on St. Patrick's day}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>57. Drink at least 3 big glasses of water daily</strong> {more often than not, so I'm calling this a win}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>58. Find at least 1 new blog per month to follow</strong> {No problems here, at all.}</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>59. Comment on at least 1 blog post per week</em> {I did pretty well at this. I don't know if I did one per week, but it was probably close}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>60. Host 1 holiday celebration at my house </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>61. Have a family dinner for no special reason at least every other month </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">62. Identify a space in our new home for books and make use of it {Again, we didn't move. I do have some plans though for when we do}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>63. Visit a large flea market/antique show</strong> {Oh gravy, this was so much fun. We went to Walnut Antique Walk and JunkStock in June, and Junk Jubilee in April!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>64. File important paperwork so it’s easily accessible</strike> {Oh, boy}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>65. Organize my spice cupboard so it’s not overly full and difficult to find what I’m looking for</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>66. Utilize my closet </strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>67. Make a plan to complete chores/housekeeping responsibilities on a routine basis</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>68. Purchase a new vacuum cleaner and use it! </strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>69. Begin filling my home with meaningful decorations that make us happy </strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">70. <strike>Make time weekly to create for myself {rather than for customers or gifts}</strike> {I'm calling this a fail. I don't really create except for Gather or Etsy, and I see it being that way for awhile at least. The thing is, if I want to make something for me, I make at least 2 so one can be mine and one can be in Gather}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">71. Attempt to make contact with the people who received organs from my mom {I'm just not ready yet. Maybe next year.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>72. Send Christmas cards</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>73. Carve a pumpkin</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">74. Attend a training/seminar to learn a new skill for work {I actually can't remember if I learned something new, specifically}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>75. Take a picnic </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>76. Learn how to use Photoshop</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>77. Take flowers to the graves of loved ones who have passed away</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>78. Use my time wisely to eliminate stress </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>79. Check Etsy and local stores first for gift giving options </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>80. Plan ahead for gift giving to allow time for shipping or searching for the right gift</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>81. Complete the Week in the Life project</strong> and get photographs into an album or Project Life layout {I bolded part of it. I took photos for the project, but they're not in my album yet}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>82. Get my house into a state where I would be comfortable with people dropping in</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">83. Keep my new house in a state where I’m comfortable with people dropping in {Again, we didn't move...}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>84. Change my mindset that people can drop in on a house that is not perfectly spotless</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>85. Strive to be more patient with people</strike> {I'm horrible. I have zero patience. It's probably my worst quality - and best, when something needs to get done - and something I really need to work on}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>86. Get up at least 3 times per week after hitting the snooze button only once {set alarm for the time I want to get out of bed instead of 45 minutes early}</strike> {I feel physically ill if I don't hit the snooze buttons a couple of times...I tried it, I'd rather just wake up at my own pace}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>87. Become more active in an attempt to be healthier {and lose weight in the process}</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>88. Purchase a pair of dress shoes that are cute and do not hurt my feet</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>89. Send at least 1 “thinking of you” card to someone for no particular reason</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>90. Make and display an advent calendar</strike> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>91. Organize my pantry </strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>92. Don’t give up on taking photographs daily if I happen to miss one day</strong> {I missed a couple days and came up with a solution that works for me...that's why I'm calling it a win. I didn't give up just because I missed, I revised my plan instead.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>93. Don’t complain about anything for a week</strike> {I forgot this was on here. I know it never happened}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>94. Watch a movie I’ve always wanted to see but have never made time to watch</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>95. Make a custom recipe book</em> {or find my favorite online recipes and pin them onto my Food board on Pinterest} {I started this on Pinterest, but didn't get them in order the way I wanted...so that's why it's still in progress}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">96. Eat 3 things I’ve never tried before {I honestly can't remember if I did or not}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>97. Learn to knit or crochet</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>98. Make Cold Cookies for Grandma {and Mike & me}</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>99. Make my own cleaning product rather than buying something</strong> {laundry detergent is for sale at Gather, if you're interested}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>100. Go to the county fair</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>101. Go to Groundhog Days</strike> {We got snowed in sadly...heard it was a blast. Next year!}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>102. Don’t swear for a week</strike> {I also forgot this was on here...I'm also sure it didn't happen}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">103. Identify 25 things that make me happy and find a way to incorporate those things into Project Life {I may still do this as I'm wrapping up Project Life...but I didn't do it during 2012}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>104. Journal in Project Life as I take pictures - complete journaling for the previous month at the start of a month</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>105. Visit at least 1 photo booth </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>106. Take vitamins daily </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>107. Organize the photos on my computer</strike> {i got my work computer organized, but not my home ones}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>108. Clean out refrigerator weekly </strike></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>109. Send thank you notes in a timely manner</em> {I'm hit or miss. I don't like that.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strike>110. Donate expired coupons for military use</strike></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">111. Create/purchase a family calendar to be used by both Mike & me {my iPhone calendar seems to work better than this would have...we just check in with each other about things that are going on and I keep track of it.}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>112. Say no to things when I don’t have time or am feeling overwhelmed</em> {I'm calling this in progress. When I started Gather, I readjusted my priorities, and made sure I was taking time to make my dream come true. Sometimes, that means saying no to things, even when it's something I want to do. I'm working to feel okay with that, because I'm often disappointed, and even more often, worrying that I'm disappointing someone else. I have to move past that.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew. To best honest, I stopped looking at this list halfway through 2012 {when I wrote my last post about it.} I knew it was there, but I didn't prioritize some of these items like I should have. It became a really overwhelming list for me, because our lives changed so much this last year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I first posted this list, someone made a comment that there was so much on my list, and my response was, well, if I even get a few of them completed, then my life will be that much better. I really believed that going in, and if I'm counting correctly, I completed 28 of the items on my list. Another 19 are in progress. So, that's pretty awesome when you think about it. Some of the fails were due to outside circumstances, some were because I just decided they weren't important, and some genuinely were fails. Maybe I readjusted my priorities, maybe I just didn't have the time or money, or maybe I just plain failed. Whatever the reason, I feel like the accomplishments on this list are pretty significant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Okay, on to 2013. No, I won't be doing a 113 in 2013. It was just too much trying to do this list in 2012, even when I was paying attention to it. And clearly it fizzled out. I obviously will have some goals for next year, and I'm brainstorming some ways to keep me on track with them. Once I'm finished with the list, I'll be sharing it here like I did this year. I'd love to see your years in review, or your goals for 2013. Leave me a comment with blog posts on these topics so I can share in your challenges as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope everyone has a safe & happy New Year's Eve, and I wish you all the best in 2013. I'm looking forward to a great year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-20569609911042894622012-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-28T08:00:02.457-06:0030 Bags in 30 Days<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you read <a href="http://vogtstories.blogspot.com/2012/12/right-now.html">yesterday's "right now" post</a>, then you saw that I'm on an organizational kick. This actually started about a month ago or so, but since moving is on the horizon, it's kicked into high gear now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In an example of perfect timing, my friend <a href="http://www.beckynovacekphotography.com/">Becky</a> blogged about her 30 Bags in 30 Day project that she undertakes every year. You can read her post <a href="http://www.beckynovacekphotography.com/blog/30-days30-bags-beckynovacekphotography/">here</a>. She decided to create the Instagram tag #30bags30days for those of us participating in the project to share our pictures. {I'm @gatherboutique on Instagram if you want to follow me.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, yesterday, I took on my first project: organizing my one personal drawer in my office. Here's the before: </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9pvK7s71U/UNx4btr8mVI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/hkB1NLNa8l0/s1600/Desk+Drawer+Before.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9pvK7s71U/UNx4btr8mVI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/hkB1NLNa8l0/s400/Desk+Drawer+Before.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, I know you can't see a whole lot in here, but that's a drawer that's about 12 inches deep filled to the brim with all sorts of things. And that's exactly what I see every time I open it up, so I have to dig to find out what I'm after. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I started by cleaning everything out to see what I even had. I threw away anything that was expired {which was only a couple things}. I put a couple of things where they actually belong instead of in this drawer. This is what I ended up with after that process:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwBA-_6gxuk/UNx44J3ZMxI/AAAAAAAAB9g/FcVA2-DjfD0/s1600/Desk+Drawer+During.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwBA-_6gxuk/UNx44J3ZMxI/AAAAAAAAB9g/FcVA2-DjfD0/s400/Desk+Drawer+During.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The two binders in the back of the drawer are actually work related, but I only access them every year or two. I have to keep them on hand somewhere, but I don't need to worry about how easy it is to get to them since I don't use them often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I started putting things back in the drawer in a way that made sense and I thought I could keep organized. I used a small cardboard box from the recycling pile to help corral some smaller items, and some zipper bags for others. Here's how it ended up:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oK13UFV0mxU/UNx5N46eBqI/AAAAAAAAB9o/BpAzdcNbpHE/s1600/Desk+Drawer+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oK13UFV0mxU/UNx5N46eBqI/AAAAAAAAB9o/BpAzdcNbpHE/s400/Desk+Drawer+After.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From the top left, moving clockwise, I have some extra plastic bags I keep on hand in case I need to take things home with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next I have some food in larger packages. We live about an hour and a half away from work, and I tend to eat most of my meals either at work or on the way to or from work. So, I keep an extra box of cereal on hand in case I happen to forget breakfast or am running late, and some chips for the occasional snack {rather than spending too much from the vending machine.} </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then I have condiments, just in case I need them for lunches. Saves on having to pack them from home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The drink mixes are in individual form to be used with water bottles or tumblers {I have 3 or 4 different kinds there so I don't get too bored with them.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have some granola and snack food on hand. Or, if I don't eat all of the food I've packed for the day and it won't go bad, I normally just stick it in my drawer to be eaten later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I keep some cold medicine, cold-eze, and whatnot on hand. Again, it's not like I can run home over lunch and get some, and I hate spending money on something that I already have on hand. In an emergency, our company has a pharmacy on site so I can just walk down the hall to get what I need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I keep a candy jar on my desk for the employees and vendors who come to visit me. There's a bag of extras to refill. I normally don't buy candy, but find that I get gifted bags of candy for my jar from vendors or for holidays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And finally, my zipper bag of utensils and napkins. I bring these items from home to keep on hand so I don't have to remember to pack them with my breakfast & lunch at home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Everything is much more accessible now, the smaller items {especially the condiments} are corralled, and it's much easier to find what I'm looking for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also wanted to share with you my list for this project. I can cross the first item off! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYpY8VTC5BI/UNyCoVzKjYI/AAAAAAAAB-4/VElnK4D-MvY/s1600/30bags30dayslist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYpY8VTC5BI/UNyCoVzKjYI/AAAAAAAAB-4/VElnK4D-MvY/s400/30bags30dayslist.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although it's called 30 Bags in 30 Days, I sincerely doubt I will get all of this accomplished in 30 days, especially with moving and butchering and Gather and everything else we have going on. And some of these things are things that can only be done at the new house because they're already packed up from this house {for example, the craft stuff, the games, dvds, etc.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Like I said above, I'll be taking photos with Instagram, so look for updates there. I'll probably do an update to the project when it's done to let you know what I got accomplished. I hope you'll join in with us by using the tag #30bags30days. Leave a comment here or on Instagram and let me know you're joining in. Good luck! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-26933426587523225142012-12-27T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-27T10:03:01.824-06:00Right Now<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First off, a belated Happy Holidays to you all! I hope no matter what holidays you celebrate at this time of year, they were wonderful and filled with lots of fun, family & friends, laughter and blessings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've been a horrible blogger these last few months, and I haven't talked about much of anything except Gather. While it's a huge part of our lives, it's not all we do, and I feel like I haven't talked a lot about my life outside of it lately. I wanted to do a little "right now" post with you, and hopefully before the end of the year, I'll be able to see how my 112 in 2012 went, share some year in review type stuff, and who knows what else. That only gives me 6 or so days, so we'll see, but I'm going to try!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Right now</em> I'm loving these post-Christmas sales. I adore Christmas...it's easily my favorite holiday by leaps and bounds, and I am always looking for things to add to my holiday collections. The day after Christmas is like a holiday in itself for me...I love hunting for great clearance finds, or seeing what stores have items I've really wanted this season still in stock. After I buy them, I store them away for next year and then it's like opening presents when I decorate for the holidays! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Right now</em> I'm starting to feel some hope about moving. If you've been reading my blog at all over the last 15 months or so, you know that Mike & I have been planning a move. We made an offer on a house that was accepted, and then we had to back out of the deal because we agreed to move to Mike's parents farm. Long story short, that process has taken longer than any of us had ever wanted. It's been a roller coaster of a year with regard to that change in our lives, but it looks like we will be making the move sometime in early 2013, and then listing our beloved house for sale. I'll talk more about that when the time comes, but I'm excited to be getting on with this new chapter in our lives and all the things that it will bring for us. I'm also thrilled to see light at the end of the tunnel with regard to living out of boxes! Our house is nowhere near packed up, but we did start packing some things that weren't critical, every day items a LONG time ago. Even though we don't use them every day, we do access them more than once every 15 months. I'm loving that I won't have to unpack and repack these items every time we want to use them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Right now</em> I'm trying to live in the moment and enjoy everything about this upcoming week. It's always my week to take a break, relax from the holiday craziness, not think too much about the future, and just enjoy. It's difficult for me to live in the moment...it's something I've always struggled with. I'm a planner by nature, and I look toward the future 99% of the time as a result of that. I give myself this week every year to really just spend time loving the slower pace of my life for 7 days, and not think about all the things I have to get done or want to get done in the next year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Right now</em> I'm on an organizational kick. Maybe it's because we're moving. Maybe it's because I see how inefficiently we're using space in our current house and I know we're going to be in a smaller house soon. Maybe it's because I'm just tired of not having a place for everything. I don't know, but I'm really glad it's happening. I decided that I'm going to organize as I pack so that when I unpack, I don't have any excuses. I've been finding tons of great inspiration through blogs, YouTube & Pinterest {which, to be honest, is all a little overwhelming}. I'm so looking forward to getting everything in order and having a system that works for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Right now</em> I'm figuring out if I can catch up and finish my 2012 Project Life before the end of the year. I'm sure I can, because the system is that awesome. I just have to tell myself to do it. Maybe I'll be able to get everything done this weekend and do a video to flip through the album with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">{Speaking of which} <em>Right now</em> I'm loving the idea of taking videos of things rather than trying to take pictures. I'm still not comfortable seeing myself on camera, so I don't know that I'll ever be in front of the camera, but I love watching videos on YouTube of different things and think I want to include more of that into my memory keeping, blogging, and Gather promotion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Right now </em>I'm so grateful for everyone in my life, both family & friends. This Christmas was honestly one of the best I remember in a long time, not because of the gifts {although, I got some cool stuff!}, but because of all the people I was able to be with. I'm so truly blessed to have such an awesome group of people around me. I'm also extremely lucky to have the community of people that I've met through this blog, Facebook, and other social media outlets. I would have never guessed how many awesome friendships I would have made in these ways, but I'm so glad for them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll probably be adding my <em>right now</em> type posts to my Project Life album at some point, and when I eventually do go over my album with you, I'll show you how I incorporate those. I hope you're having an amazing week and I'll check in with you soon! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-79346285066098582992012-12-19T10:53:00.001-06:002012-12-26T16:09:28.638-06:00Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint is Here!! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday was a great day at Gather, our first shipment of Miss Mustard Seek Milk Paint arrived!! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kaC4igRihw0/UNHwbv05A0I/AAAAAAAAB7s/Y_eNTeCgn60/s1600/DSC_3620-530x800-Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kaC4igRihw0/UNHwbv05A0I/AAAAAAAAB7s/Y_eNTeCgn60/s400/DSC_3620-530x800-Copy.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you're not familiar with milk paint, check out <a href="http://www.missmustardseedmilkpaint.com/">www.missmustardseedmilkpaint.com</a> for more information and some tutorials on how to use the product. The reason I'm interested and wanted to sell it at Gather is because I think it offers so many painting options, between the different finishes that can be achieved, the ability to mix colors, and so on. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IUrjAikMvE/UNHwgumoDfI/AAAAAAAAB70/uCjxMqh2wEs/s1600/DSC_2479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IUrjAikMvE/UNHwgumoDfI/AAAAAAAAB70/uCjxMqh2wEs/s400/DSC_2479.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I thought it would be fun for you to go through all the product I received. I took a quick video on my iPhone in the store last night, so it's not the best quality, but you'll get the idea! </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wPD1J6lUXfE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint is now available at Gather - and we also happen to be open on Saturday from 10-3! This is a great chance for you to come in and check out the paint for yourselves. It's also plenty of time for you to finish that last minute Christmas shopping if you're not done by then! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YkRPXqOVJk/UNHwwy0L6zI/AAAAAAAAB78/efUMQpbl80E/s1600/DSC_3611-530x800-Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YkRPXqOVJk/UNHwwy0L6zI/AAAAAAAAB78/efUMQpbl80E/s400/DSC_3611-530x800-Copy.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I'm sure you can tell on the video, I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work with a great product, and I can't wait to experiment with it in the next few weeks! I have a ton of great pieces in the store that are just waiting to be painted, so I know Mike and I will be having a lot of painting parties over Christmas break. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For those of you who are new to my blog, Facebook, or Gather Boutique, we are located in Elmwood, Nebraska, which is between Lincoln and Omaha. We'd love to have you stop by and check out what we offer, from vintage finds, to gifts, to painted furniture...and now, Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've also just set our hours for the first half of 2013! For the most part, we'll be open the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of every month from 10am until 3pm. As I mentioned in the video, we want to start offering some classes in 2013 as well and those will be outside of our regular store hours. If there's a class you'd like to see us offer, please let me know by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook page! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you'd like to follow us on Facebook, the address is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gatherboutique">www.facebook.com/gatherboutique</a>. I also Instagram a lot of photos and store updates, so follow me there if you're an Instagram user! My username is Gatherboutique.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please let me know if you have any questions about Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. I look forward to seeing you soon at Gather!</span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-11309474236477981552012-11-26T12:52:00.000-06:002012-12-26T16:09:37.887-06:00Gift Certificate Sale! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Cyber Monday to you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, I just have to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to support us this weekend for Small Business Saturday and our Holiday Open House! It was one of our busiest weekends yet, and I loved every second of it! If you follow me on Instagram (@gatherboutique), then you probably saw a photo I posted of the front of our store on Saturday. In the description, I wrote that when I used to dream about this store, I always imagine it at Christmastime. I could just see the store decorated for my favorite time of year. This is a Christmas season I will never forget, and I feel like Saturday, one of my dreams finally came true. Thank you to those of you who were a part of it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Okay, now on to the sale...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Gather is offering a $25 gift certificate for only $20!!</strong> Not bad, right? You can make your own sale with this offer, or save a little money on a gift for a friend. Here's how to purchase:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. E-mail your name and e-mail address to <a href="mailto:gatherboutique@gmail.com">gatherboutique@gmail.com</a> and let me know you want to purchase a gift certificate (only 1 per customer allowed, sorry!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. I'll send you a Paypal invoice for your payment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Make your payment by 11:59pm on November 30th and I'll e-mail you the gift certificate and the terms for use (see below).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Print it off and bring it to Gather next time you shop! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, because everything has terms, here are mine (they're not too bad!):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Pay $20 for a gift certificate valued at $25. The gift certificate may be used by you or given as a gift. Only one offer per customer, please! The gift certificate will expire 1 year from the date of purchase (expiration date will be listed on certificate). Certificates may only be used on products for sale in Gather Boutique, not for online purchases or custom orders. If the full amount of the gift certificate is not used on a purchase, a new gift certificate for the remaining amount will be issued at the time of purchase. Gift certificates that do not have valid promotional codes issued by Gather Boutique will not be accepted. The value of the gift certificate will not be replaced if the card is lost, stolen, destroyed, altered without permission or used without your permission.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you have any questions, please let me know, I'm happy to answer them for you. I'm not limiting the amount of gift certificates that can be purchased, so be sure to tell your friends about this offer! I'm really excited about it...it's our first "sale" at Gather...and I can tell you, they won't happen that often, so take advantage of this one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We'll also be offering gift certificates for purchase in the store where you can determine the gift amount. They won't be part of this special promotion, but if you're looking for a gift idea for someone and have no clue what to buy them, this is a great option! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A couple of other Gather announcements:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. If you didn't see it on Facebook, (you should follow us if you're not already...www.facebook.com/gatherboutique), we're thrilled to announce that we've been accepted as a seller of Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint! We expect to see our order in the next few weeks, and I'm hoping to offer some classes in 2013 showing you how to use this awesome product! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Our holiday celebration continues throughout the rest of December. We're open for Gatherings on the following dates:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, December 8th 10a-3p</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, December 9th 12p-4p</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, December 22nd 10a-5p</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope to be popping in to the blog more often during the month of December with photos of our Holiday Open House, new products for sale, info about Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint, and some updates about what's going on in our life. This is a busy time of year for everyone, so once again, I want to thank you for all your support! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have a great day, friends! </span></div>
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Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-44263990946388929052012-11-09T15:37:00.002-06:002012-11-09T15:37:29.932-06:00Holiday Open House<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First up, a reminder that Gather will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 9a-3p and Sunday from 12p-4p! This is our last Gathering before we turn the shop into a winter wonderland!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Speaking of which...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark you calendars for our Holiday Open House! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you can't make it on the 24th, come see us any of the rest of these dates before Christmas:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Sunday, November 25th 12p-4p</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Saturday, December 8 10a-3p</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Sunday, December 9 12p-4p</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial;">Saturday, December 22 10a-3p</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope to see you soon! </span></div>
Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-4162565664001570502012-10-31T12:09:00.000-05:002012-10-31T12:09:17.951-05:00Happy Halloween! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you all a fun, safe, mischievous, spooky, & happy Halloween!</span></div>
Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-26690077453949101792012-10-11T11:49:00.001-05:002012-10-11T11:49:15.625-05:00October Gathering! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just a quick post to let you know that Gather will be CLOSED this weekend. I hate to change my schedule, but Mike & I are still recovering from the accident and working constantly probably isn't the best idea for us. We just want to make sure we're taking care of ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gather will be open this month on October 27th, from 10-4, so I hope you'll come see us then. There's also plenty of junking to be done this weekend if you're looking - Junkstock is Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and Junk Jaunt is also this weekend in central Nebraska.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks for all your support & see you on the 27th!!</span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-19700172217148565592012-10-03T11:00:00.000-05:002012-10-03T11:00:04.469-05:00We Are Lucky<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wanted to share a photo from this weekend:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRYLe0_Vd8s/UGxWsqsPkfI/AAAAAAAAB20/EHHgNVg_BLM/s1600/September+30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRYLe0_Vd8s/UGxWsqsPkfI/AAAAAAAAB20/EHHgNVg_BLM/s400/September+30.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our truck is the silver one. We both loved that truck. Mike picked me for our first few dates in that truck, he hid my engagement ring in it the night before he proposed, and he drove to our wedding in it. It was part of a lot of great memories, and it will be missed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't want to write the story of the accident. It was horrible, but everyone walked away with only minor injuries {including the horse that was in the trailer on the right side of the picture}. What I do want to write about is how extremely lucky we are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mike & I have been in a couple of scary situations in our time together, and we've gotten through them with only minor injuries and thoughts of what could have been. This accident wasn't like I thought it would be...I didn't panic, I didn't tell Mike I loved him just in case, and unlike most ridiculous chick flicks, my life didn't flash before my eyes. I was scared. I still am scared. But I also knew then and know now how lucky we are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> that something worse didn't happen. Thanks to my husband's quick thinking, he was able to steer our truck for the least amount of damage and chance for injury. I took the bulk of the impact, and as I've said about a hundred times in the last few days, I am fine. Bruised, cut, and emotionally shaken up, but I'm fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> to be able to laugh in times of stress. It wasn't more than a couple minutes after I realized I wasn't seriously hurt that I was making jokes and trying to lighten the mood. Yes, it's a serious situation, but I was so thankful to be able to laugh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> our sweet Molly Monster wasn't with us. We often let her ride along when we go to visit family. She normally has a spot on my lap. The most horrific moment of the whole day for me was thinking of what could have been if she was with us. It still makes me cry uncontrollably. I love that little pooch. {On a similar note, we are also lucky the horse in the other vehicle wasn't hurt. I have a soft spot for animals, and I'm not sure I could have handled it if she had been hurt.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> to live in a small community with amazing volunteers. All the firefighters and paramedics that day were from our village's volunteer department. They were amazing. Our community {and so many other small towns like ours} are so blessed by these people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> that we were together. I was waffling on not going with Mike that morning, and I'm so glad I did. If we had to be in an accident, I'm glad we were in it together. I was so scared to let him drive to work by himself yesterday while I rested at home for one more day. We lean on each other in bad times, and celebrate together in good. Now, Mike might have wished he'd gone alone so I wouldn't have to hurt. And I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be in that truck by myself...I'm not as quick on my feet as he is. But it's nice to have someone who can understand how I'm feeling, both emotionally and physically. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> that this {hopefully} won't affect our lives all that much. We're fortunate to have other vehicles to rely on. We didn't have to spend any time in the hospital, and all of our injuries will heal. It sounds like insurance should do what it's supposed to do and help out with the financial piece of things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> to have supportive employers. None of our injuries were so serious that we absolutely needed to take time off work. Monday would have been an exhausting and painful day if we'd gone in to our offices, but we could have done it if we were forced to. Fortunately, we were able to take the opportunity to rest. Gather, on the other hand, is a demanding workplace! More about that in a minute... :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>We are lucky</em> to have amazing family and friends. We didn't tell a lot of people what happened. I didn't share the story on Facebook or post pictures to Instagram {though, my first thought when I was climbing out of the ambulance was that I wanted a photo for our PL album. Yes, I'm weird.} This may be the first time you're hearing about it. It's difficult for me to talk about. Writing this post is hard, but I want to remember the things I'm thinking about. Those friends and family who did know, though...you are awesome! We knew you were great before, but it's so comforting to know we have people we can lean on if we should ever need help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's so easy to focus on the negative aspect of this. It would be really easy to say, "Why us?" And let me just say, I haven't been all sunshine and roses these last few days. Sometimes though, I appreciate the opportunities {though I don't care to repeat them!} that remind me to count my blessings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said I'd get back to Gather in a minute. For those that don't really understand how product gets to Gather, it isn't a matter of simply ordering from a catalog, or visiting a warehouse to fill my store. Searching for junky treasure is a physically demanding job. That being said, I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to be able to do my job for the next couple of weeks. We'll still be open 3 days this month {October 13, 14 & 27}, but I'm not sure how much <em>new</em> inventory you'll be seeing if you come in the next time we're open. I'm trying, and I'm committed to getting as much new stuff out as possible, but I'm also trying to listen to my body and know my limitations. I know many of my loyal customers travel a long way to see us, and I wanted to make sure to give you all a head's up before you make the trip. I'll be updating more as the time gets closer about what you can expect from October's Gatherings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, I really challenge you to think about all the ways in your life that you're lucky. And, if you want to leave me a comment and tell me about them, I'll help celebrate with you! </span><br />
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Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-79964978118820041712012-09-28T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-28T12:00:01.976-05:00Missing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wanted to pop in quickly and share some thoughts. No store updates today. Not much of anything actually. Just some things I've been missing lately...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I miss</em> blogging. It sometimes feels like a chore, and rarely do I have ideas for what to write about, but I actually miss doing it on a semi-regular basis. I feel like all I talk about anymore is Gather. I love Gather. But this blog was started to tell stories about our lives, not just our store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I miss</em> time for fun. Someone called me a workaholic the other day. I consider myself a fairly lazy person, so I got a good giggle out of that. And then I realized that it's sort of true. All I do is work. And the times I stop working are generally because I'm too tired to keep working. I'm trying to make myself carve out some time for fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I miss</em> Project Life. I haven't put pictures in my album since March. I have around a hundred printed off and ready to be put in, but haven't made the time. I just picked up my real camera last week for the first time in months. It felt good. I signed up for Becky Higgins' Project Real Life class at Big Picture Classes...hope it motivates me to get back into the swing of memory keeping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I miss <em>cooking dinner</em>. Fall is my favorite time of the year, and I usually feel the urge to start cooking again when the weather cools off and I don't dread using my oven. I start craving soups. Mike & I have always said that when we have kids, we'll make time to sit down at the dinner table as a family every night. I think we need to make the same commitment to each other, now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I miss <em>my mom</em>. This isn't new...a day doesn't go by that I don't miss her. But, now especially, I just wish she was still here. I have so many questions for her. I want to learn things from her. I want to go junking with her. My heart aches to talk with her almost every time I'm looking through awesome old stuff. When I was a kid, she used to drag me to antique stores and garage sales with her, and I hated it. But, I learned from her. I learned how to spot treasures and see value in things that were seemingly trash. I just wish I would have appreciated that time with her. And I so wish she could be my partner at Gather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I miss <em>feeling rested</em>. There's not much else to that story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gosh, I sound depressing. I promise, I'm not sad. I'm happy and excited and normally very thrilled with how my life looks right now. I've always thrived having a very full calendar. I almost feel like I'm back in college, with full days and a packed schedule, and always looking two steps ahead because there was undoubtedly something else I had to do. I loved that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope to have a lot of fun this weekend. My schedule is fairly light for a change, and I plan to sleep in, get some work done packing up the house, spend time with family, and put in some quality time at Gather. Sounds like the perfect weekend to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have a great one, all!! </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-8240394517700509162012-09-11T11:00:00.001-05:002012-09-11T11:00:04.168-05:00September at Gather Boutique<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks to those of you who came to visit us at Gather on Saturday! We had a great crowd, met lots of new people, and saw some familiar faces as well! Some of my favorite pieces left the store on Saturday {early too!}, but I love that they're going to new homes where they will be loved as much as they were by me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This post is very photo heavy, but I want you to come on a little tour of Gather with me...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUhK_3JeCm8/UE9XZgKO-BI/AAAAAAAAB0w/bxRFLXw2s9I/s1600/Window+Display.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUhK_3JeCm8/UE9XZgKO-BI/AAAAAAAAB0w/bxRFLXw2s9I/s400/Window+Display.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It was time for a change in my window. I love fall, it's my favorite season, and regardless of the weather, I'm ready to decorate for it beginning on September 1st! </span></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="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkeYFGbOA-Q/UE9Xfwp20WI/AAAAAAAAB04/_ehKr6OG_sc/s1600/Entry+Door+and+Gate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkeYFGbOA-Q/UE9Xfwp20WI/AAAAAAAAB04/_ehKr6OG_sc/s400/Entry+Door+and+Gate.JPG" width="377" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stepping inside Gather's door, this is the first thing you'd see. My favorite found door, a gate from the garden of the house I grew up in, and the wreath I made for the church doors the day of my wedding. {The wreath isn't for sale, but I'd be happy to try to replicate it for someone if they wanted}</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2Qvup-2pmI/UE9XmM840jI/AAAAAAAAB1A/4jFDI9J1lfw/s1600/Happy+Hour+Set.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2Qvup-2pmI/UE9XmM840jI/AAAAAAAAB1A/4jFDI9J1lfw/s400/Happy+Hour+Set.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Can I offer you a drink?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZksHi-DYW0/UE9XrXGsx9I/AAAAAAAAB1I/M5mR9y2EnfA/s1600/Fall+Display.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZksHi-DYW0/UE9XrXGsx9I/AAAAAAAAB1I/M5mR9y2EnfA/s400/Fall+Display.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My front table always stays in the same spot, and it always features some seasonal or holiday specific theme. If I have a new party collection in a month, this is where it is displayed. I don't have an autumn collection {athough my harvest collection probably could have worked here...I'm not sure I've showed you that one though...anyway...}, so I decided to focus on the colors of fall instead. This "Home" monogram is a replica of one that's been in my living room for the past couple of years. I think it would be very cute as a family name monogram as well...for example, a large V with the name "Vogt" under the line for my family. All of my prints are able to be customized, so if you ever see anything you want personalized for you and your family, just let me know! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_ZA0GRXo0/UE9Ypm0vlkI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/RplBRj6Z5Xk/s1600/Shop+Cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_ZA0GRXo0/UE9Ypm0vlkI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/RplBRj6Z5Xk/s400/Shop+Cabinet.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This little green shop cabinet is my favorite find for the month. {Sorry for the blurry picture.} It sold quickly, and I'll miss it terribly, but I know it's going to be loved by its new owners. I have big plans to make that rake into a display piece, and who knows...that lovely tool box may hold something fun in future months!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPAHFnCDcQY/UE9Y9qvx09I/AAAAAAAAB1o/x2g-3FmbCBw/s1600/Bed+Frame+and+Night+Stand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPAHFnCDcQY/UE9Y9qvx09I/AAAAAAAAB1o/x2g-3FmbCBw/s400/Bed+Frame+and+Night+Stand.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This bed frame and night stand were new finds this month as well. The bed frame would look so sweet in a child's room. It's got a great shape and I love the chippy white paint. The little green night stand sold quickly too. It was hand made and had been well-loved for many years.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LogrCfCyiM/UE9Y8XobToI/AAAAAAAAB1g/e8kyv46j-vY/s1600/Chest+of+Drawers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LogrCfCyiM/UE9Y8XobToI/AAAAAAAAB1g/e8kyv46j-vY/s400/Chest+of+Drawers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">This chest of drawers doesn't actually match the bed frame, but you'd never know it! It is such a sturdy piece, and has a ton of storage space. Since this picture was taken, we gave her a little makeover with some new hardware.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROl4l3dMjmc/UE9Zxdzw_SI/AAAAAAAAB18/gK007tBomMg/s1600/Vintage+School+Desk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROl4l3dMjmc/UE9Zxdzw_SI/AAAAAAAAB18/gK007tBomMg/s320/Vintage+School+Desk.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Last month, we celebrated back to school at Gather. This month, we have a cute vintage desk that definitely would have made my school days more fun {or at least a lot prettier!} I also have a cool globe in muted tones...I keep trying to form a collection of globes, and they keep selling out from under me! I still have this one though. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmoJumVQh-c/UE9Zv263ilI/AAAAAAAAB10/Re8wTnjU1LE/s1600/Fall+Centerpiece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmoJumVQh-c/UE9Zv263ilI/AAAAAAAAB10/Re8wTnjU1LE/s400/Fall+Centerpiece.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">One last fall centerpiece. I found this wash basin and pitcher just after last month's gathering, and immediately pictured it full of fall flowers. I'm very tempted to take this home and put it on my dining room table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've already found a couple of great pieces for October's gatherings, and it's only 3 days past the last one! We have a back room full of furniture waiting to be painted. So much that it's actually overflowing into the store {you can see the stack of tables in one of the photos above, just waiting for a little love}. You'll know where to find me the next month or so! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have a great day everyone!</span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-40224994443257668462012-09-06T15:30:00.001-05:002012-09-06T15:30:01.803-05:00Oops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQEZh7IXtrU/UEkFxkG6pZI/AAAAAAAABz8/STCpcLtBvI0/s1600/2012+152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQEZh7IXtrU/UEkFxkG6pZI/AAAAAAAABz8/STCpcLtBvI0/s400/2012+152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">{Story of my life - work, work, work! Might be more fun if I was working at this adorable desk...for sale at Gather this weekend!}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Somehow, a month went by without me knowing it! Seriously, I had posts planned in my head, previews of some things in the store, and even some updates on the other stuff going on in my life...and then it's a month later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The good news is that we've found some really awesome things for Gather this month. I can't wait for you to see them...we'll be open on Saturday {10a-5p}! I'll be at Gather all day tomorrow getting ready for Saturday, so check out the Gather facebook page {www.facebook.com/gatherboutique} or my Instagram feed for a preview. You can follow me on Instagram @gatherboutique.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One other thing I'm excited about is my awesome husband's birthday, also on Saturday! I won't get to post before then, so a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Alrighty, back to getting ready for our Gathering on Saturday. Stop by and see us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have a great weekend everyone! </span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-91658590899470657802012-08-07T08:59:00.000-05:002012-08-07T08:59:48.331-05:00Currently...<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loving...</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My sweet husband. I love how he's always on my side, sticks up for me all the time, and wants the best for me, no matter what. I know that I can count on him to celebrate with me and hold me up when I need to cry or scream or possibly both {not that that <em>ever </em>happens...}</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reading...</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I normally put my books down the week before we have a Gathering so I can focus on getting the store ready to be open. I've still be reading blogs like crazy, and I'm looking forward to a few magazines I have stacked up and waiting for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Waiting for...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fall. We've finally had a break in the ridiculous weather, and this last weekend was beautiful! I can't wait to spend some time outdoors in the next couple of months, soaking it all up before that awful white stuff flies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Excited about...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">County fairs! The Cass County Fair starts today and goes through Saturday, and the Otoe County Fair picks up on Sunday and goes through Wednesday. Looking forward to hanging out with friends and family, and seeing one of my favorite groups, Tonic Sol-Fa, at the OCF on Monday. {They're a super fun a Capella group I met in college after seeing them in concert for a leadership thing I was part of...I've been catching their shows whenever they're close by. Great guys, fun times!} </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Missing...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sleep. I haven't slept well at all the last few weeks. Stress and exhaustion are the big factors. Do you ever get so tired it gets hard to sleep? That's where I am right now. I'm happy to get just a couple hours a night, but I can really feel myself dragging. I'm hoping after I catch up on some projects this week and the store opens on Saturday, I'll be able to get back into a normal pattern. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Trying to...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be realistic about my limitations. I guess I'm not sure what I was thinking, opening a business when I already had one going online, plus working a full time job. I just thought it would magically come together and my life wouldn't be that much different. Truth is, I'm not adjusting very well, and I need to make some cuts. I'm going to be adjusting some of the things I offer in my Etsy store, and making it more focused on the same types of items I sell in Gather. I'd like them to compliment each other, not be two entirely different things. I'll write more about that when I've finalized my decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Working on...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My party theme for the August Gathering. It's Back to School time, so why not throw a bash to celebrate it {or, at least to distract the kids about going back to school!} We're featuring all sorts of party decor and some fun vintage accessories. I'm also super excited about my August treat from Drizzles...Apple Cake Pops! {If for no other reason, come visit us for free desserts!}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Enjoying...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Olympic games! I forget every couple of years how much I love watching them, and then I get sucked back in every time. I've been DVRing a lot of coverage because I'm not home much, but I've especially been loving the gymnastics, swimming, & volleyball coverage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Using...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My iPhone. It's glued to my hand most of the time. I don't know how I got along without it. Other than at my "real" job, I almost never do work on my computer. I much prefer the convenience of checking e-mail, Etsy, Facebook, etc. on my phone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Watching...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Other than the Olympics, I'm watching all sorts of summer reality TV. And yes, most of it is stupid, which is why I love it! Scheduled on my DVR this summer: Tia & Tamera, Storage Wars, Trust Us With Your Life {Wayne Brady, swoon}, Dance Moms, So You Think You Can Dance, On the Fly, & Big Brother. I think I really only record 2 or 3 shows that aren't reality TV. Scary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Wearing...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My new <a href="http://www.halftee.com/">halftee</a>! I got one to try it on the recommendation of Shelley from <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">The House of Smiths</a>, and I love it. I'll be buying a LOT more to get me through fall and winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Planning...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mostly things for Gather for the rest of the year. I got some new advertising pieces printed yesterday, and went ahead and set my schedule of open dates for the rest of 2012 to print on them. We've had the goal of being open at least a couple more days per month, and starting in October, we will be! Here's the rundown:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, August 11 {10a-5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, September 8 {10a - 5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, October 13 {10a - 5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday, October 14 {12p - 4p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, October 27 {12p - 5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, November 10 {10a - 5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday, November 11 {12p -4p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, November 24 {8a -5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday, November 25 {12p - 4p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, December 8 {10a - 5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday, December 9 {12p-4p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, December 22nd {9a-5p}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">Halloween is probably tied with Christmas for my favorite holiday, so I'm thrilled that we're able to be open so close to the 31st! I'm already itching to get my hands on the store and spooky it up for one of my favorite days! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm also thrilled that we're going to be open 5...yes, 5!...times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm a firm believer that Christmas decor shouldn't come out before Thanksgiving, so Gather will be completely transformed before we open on November 24th. Elmwood has a huge Holiday Extravaganza on the 24th, so we're opening extra early {8am!} so everyone will have plenty of time to shop and explore the town. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Singing...</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whatever's on the radio on the way home from work. Must have it cranked, must be upbeat! Thank goodness no one has to hear my awful voice {I quit when I pick Mike up from work since we carpool...no one deserves that kind of torture.}</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Needing...</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">To pack. We'd like to get our house as packed up as possible before we list it, so we can store our abundance of stuff. I'll miss my house terribly, which may be why I'm delaying a little {aside from the fact that I'm not sure how we're going to add one more thing to our to-do list}.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Wishing...</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Things were a little more settled for us. I'm a bundle of anxiety right now and I really hate feeling like that. I need some consistency in my life, and a lot of calm. I'm the exact opposite of calm by nature, so if my surroundings aren't calm, it sends me into a tropical storm of emotions {good and bad}. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Praying for...</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our marriage. I think that as things get crazy in life, it's easy to take what you have for granted in all relationships, but especially the ones that feel the most comfortable. Mike & I are so secure with each other, I think it would be easy to put our marriage on the back burner and focus on it later on. I think that's a really dangerous habit to start, and we're intentionally putting our marriage on our priority list - blocking out time to be together, making sure we have time to rest together and plan for our future, and always making sure we're supporting one another. With everything else that's up in the air right now, I know we have to make sure our marriage is solid. Nothing even comes to being as important to us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Dreaming of...</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">All the things we'll do to our new house. I'm just itching to get started on making changes, decorating, really making plans. The more abstract the timeline for anything we do, the more out of control my dreams get. Once we get started in a plan though, I'm fairly grounded and don't make too many changes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back this week for some more Gather updates! </div></span>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246834286257779469.post-37661155805705131822012-07-31T11:26:00.000-05:002012-07-31T11:26:28.544-05:00July Recap {Gather Boutique}<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A warning to start with, this post is very photo heavy. I'm busily getting ready for the August Gathering already {mark your calendars now - August 11, 10am-5pm} and completing a bunch of Etsy orders in the meantime. I'm a few days behind, but I wanted to show you some pictures I took at Gather in July with Instagram. You can see these in real time by following me on Instagram at gatherboutique or by "liking" our Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gatherboutique">www.facebook.com/gatherboutique</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks for stopping by! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_4-OC30qPg/UBgGzuw1YHI/AAAAAAAABzI/9cPvVsy-G88/s1600/428942_252054791578732_454746247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_4-OC30qPg/UBgGzuw1YHI/AAAAAAAABzI/9cPvVsy-G88/s400/428942_252054791578732_454746247_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jen Vogthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16842476568024811122noreply@blogger.com0