tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79831399984707766152024-03-13T08:25:34.504-07:00dandelion lovelyNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-15712037429045672532011-06-04T21:27:00.000-07:002011-06-04T21:31:18.621-07:00The Lilo's BlogSo while I may be a sucky blogger these days, Joey isn't...<br /><br /><a href="http://viceovervirtue.tumblr.com/">Vice Over Virtue</a><br /><br />Quite proud at the moment.<br /><br />His photos have the ability to do great things in this world. <br /><br />Well, not so much the ones of his friends barfing.<br /><br /><br />Love,<br />NatalieNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-69471349919089092422011-02-09T19:51:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:06:40.381-08:00This one time...So I have not posted to my blog in approximately one million years. The reasons are endless and completely irrelevant. The past few months have been nothing short of insanity. One thing that has remained constant, Coral and her amazing face.<br /><br /><center> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view&current=tumblr_lga13zYySA1qdnl7lo1_500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/tumblr_lga13zYySA1qdnl7lo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />Photo stolen from Lilo's blog, <a href="http://viceovervirtue.tumblr.com/page/2">Vice Over Virtue</a><br /><br />I think my life may be to the point where it somewhat resembles that of a normal, functioning human being. Lets see if this lasts and I can find some inspiration again. <br /><br />Wish me luck,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-50248838087823208212010-08-25T12:43:00.000-07:002010-08-25T12:49:18.872-07:00Where did my baby go?!<center><br />Coral is officially too big for her toddler bed. <br />The thought of her growing up practically crushes my soul.<br />Soon she will be in kindergarten, then dating…<br />Getting married… AAHHH!<br />Anyhow, I have been searching high and low for the perfect big girl bed for my perfect little lady. <br />She has a pretty small room and an obscene amount of toys.<br />I think I want a loft bed so that she can still have space below to play. Here is some of my favorites so far:<br /><br />The mattress for this one is in the top cottage part. Fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=Dollhouse-Playarea.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Dollhouse-Playarea.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bunkbedoutlet.com/Doll%20House.htm">from here</a><br /><br />This manufacture lets you build the bed with all the components that you want. It starts with just a twin frame and you choose the legs, shelves, fabric and all accessories. I totally ordered the catalogue.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=bedslide.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/bedslide.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.maxtrixkids.com/girls-furniture.html">from here</a><br /><br />This one has all sorts of fun stuff. I can’t have it though because it is from Europe. Boo.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=cool.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/cool.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/woodland/children-s-loft-bed-9653-20082.html">from here</a><br /><br />My search continues. Wish me luck.<br /></center><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-64594825994684275482010-08-08T20:18:00.000-07:002010-08-08T20:21:10.973-07:00Recluse<center><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=heaven.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/heaven.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So I may have disappeared for a few days…weeks. My sweet little 95-year-old grandma died and it made me really question a lot of things. <br />And therefore, hide. <br /><br />I will start off saying that she died peacefully<br />Just how she wanted it, in her sleep.<br />No suffering or sadness leading up to it.<br />My great grandpa dies when I was about 8 and I don’t know that I really understood what was going on. This grandma is my first relative to die in my adult life. <br />I thought I would be devastated, cry myself to sleep every night. <br />Instead, I feel confused and unsettled. <br />Not about where she went, but by what I am doing. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=mary.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/mary.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />First area of confusion…religion.<br />I was raised Mormon until I was about 12.<br />Then nothing. <br />I have a sense of spirituality and when I am really scared or confused, I pray.<br />I feel comfortable with the idea that there is a God that protects me.<br />For a while, I was doubtful, but not now.<br />I want to believe that this is not it.<br />That this world is not my last chance.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=clouds.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/clouds.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Since my grandma passed, I have been looking very closely to how I spend my time.<br />I have been thinking a lot about what I will leave behind.<br />What will people remember, what will I remember?<br />What moments in my life will I be proud of?<br />I want to be sure that everything that I do is because it will make me or someone that I love happy.<br /><br />I don’t want to waste a minute of my life being idle.<br />I don’t want to function out of habit or just being comfortable.<br />I wonder if I live up to my full potential or if I am wasting myself.<br />All of this spinning around in my head all the time is making me slightly crazy.<br />Just slightly.<br /><br />What do you think heaven is?<br />What makes you feel alive?<br /></center><br /><br />Love,<br />Nat<br /><br />P.S. I know I have lots of letters to write back. I will do it soon, pinky swear.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=alive.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/alive.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /></center>Natalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-66338855937318052632010-07-10T19:51:00.000-07:002010-07-10T20:06:29.527-07:00Home Sweet HomeI am back home now from a week and a half vacation on the beach. We normally go to San Diego this time every year but this year we went to Long Beach instead. San Diego is awesome but it gets so crowded and kind of rowdy for a family vacation with the little one. We had such a blast playing on the beach and walking around the town. I am pretty exhausted because the drive home took much longer than anticipated. It took so long to get out of town because we lagged leaving the beach and ended up getting stuck in rush hour traffic trying to leave California. By rush "hour" I mean rush 3 hours. <br /><br />Here is a few pictures from the trip:<br /><br /><center><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1638.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1638.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1554.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1554.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=37442_417204187995_503927995_442435.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/37442_417204187995_503927995_442435.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1551.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1551.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I also came home to quite a few birthday cards from my new pen pals, which was quite adorable. I went and got some stationary and fun stuff so I am going to get writing.<br /><br /><center><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1550.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1550.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-54361905309115485892010-06-30T21:53:00.000-07:002010-06-30T22:03:35.756-07:00So Much to do, So Little TimeI started day 1 of my own “<a href="http://dandelionlovely.blogspot.com/2010/06/pursuit-of-happiness.html">pursuit of happiness</a>” project. I decided to spend some time getting crafty. It is going to be a headband/belt. Since I have my upcoming beach vacation on my mind I wanted to make a starfish. Since I should be doing homework I did not get too far, it sure takes forever to sew one bead at a time. Sometimes I forget that I work full time, go to school, and have a hubby and three year old to love. Nevertheless, I will do something each day that makes me happy. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=happy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/happy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />I got a list of all the people for a pen pal group that I just signed up for and spent way too much time reading everyone’s blogs. So many fun girls, I can’t wait! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://getthewordsout.blogspot.com/2010/04/may-june-pen-pal-info.html"><img border="0" src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc83/courtney_bruesch/KelliesPenPal.gif" /></a></center><br /><br />I saved the best for last. My very first niece was born on Saturday. <br /><br /><center> Meet Chloe<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=chloe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/chloe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=35427_415461747995_503927995_438469.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/35427_415461747995_503927995_438469.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br />She is to die for. Seriously, what newborn has a face like that? She is so alert and curious for a newborn. I love her so dear. <br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-84810973846366803142010-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:002010-06-28T09:51:01.235-07:00The Pursuit of Happiness<center><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=124443248637044.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/124443248637044.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I have been listening to the song “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi practically on repeat. It makes my heart flutter. I would put all the words on here but there is some slight cursing and I’m not trying to offend. <br /><br />“Imma do just what I want<br />lookin’ ahead no turnin’ back<br />if I fall, if I die, know I lived it to the fullest<br />if I fall, if I die, know I lived and missed some bullets<br />I'm on the pursuit of happiness<br />and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold<br />I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be good”<br /><br />Maybe it is my 28th birthday looming over my head in a couple short weeks but I am feeling quite restless. I have been thinking about my life, my legacy, and if I really am living to my fullest potential. In my heart, I know that the answer is “no”. When I die, will I be satisfied looking back on my choices? I feel like I tend to play it safe; take the responsible route, the one that pleases everyone. Once upon a time I was exploding with creativity. I lived in Los Angeles, went to design school, and had dreams of moving to Paris for an internship. There was a point in my life when I made the decision to play it safe. I made a conscious choice to abandon my dreams. I though that I would end up lonely. I thought that following my dreams was selfish for some reason. Today, I don’t understand my own logic. <br />So here comes my own personal challenge. I am going to do something for myself <br /><br />EVERY DAY<br /><br />The thought sounds absurd, I know.<br /><br />Instead of coming home from work, doing homework for a million hours, and going to bed, I am going to create something. Even if it is small or just a piece of something bigger, I am going to do it. And after I do it, I am going to document it. I will start out with 30 days. <br /><br />It is my own pursuit of happiness, my mission for fulfillment and inspiration. <br />It sounds romantic but I have a feeling I am going to be sleeping less. <br />Probably cranky.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=weheartit_tumblr_kpq49nHhFD1qzuhd2o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/weheartit_tumblr_kpq49nHhFD1qzuhd2o.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /> “It’ll be fun, it’ll be a thrill. Something stupid, something bad for you, just something different. Isn’t this the point of being young? It’s your choice. People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute. You climb up here with me; it’s one less minute you haven’t lived.”<br />-Gilmore Girls<br /><br />Some pictures that make me feel “alive”:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=nightflyrs.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/nightflyrs.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=mexico-pola.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/mexico-pola.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />All photos via weheartit.com<br /><br />P.S. day one starts tomorrow<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=CIMG0120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/CIMG0120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=CIMG0114.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/CIMG0114.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /></center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-70569273489327389542010-06-24T18:24:00.000-07:002010-06-24T18:56:08.072-07:00Happy Mail / California Dreamin'<center> Today started like any other day: <br />-Wake up<br />-Drink five gallons of coffee<br />-Drag my feet for an hour before brushing my teeth<br />-Getting ready for work in approximately 12 minutes<br /><br />Anyhow, Lilo sent me a text while I was at work and it said, “ Hey baby, I think your happy mail came”. And then I said “OMG I want to leave work and come home now”. I did not leave work that minute, but you better believe I skipped the gym after work. My aunt Jenny used to write me letters every week while she was away for college. She would put fun stickers on it, draw me pictures, and cut stuff out of magazines and send it to me. I would get so excited and it reminded me of those days. That’s why I signed up for this Happy Mail stuff. I also just sighed up for another thing called Pen Pal Project. So pumped. <br /><br />When I got home and opened my package I was so excited. My partner this month was Carrie from <a href="http://adventuresofscottandcarrie.blogspot.com/2010/06/thought-id-share.html">Seeker of Happiness Blog</a>. She sent me buttons, jewels, a cupcake notepad, and a sweet picture of Jesus (which I loved Carrie) and a pattern for a weekender bag. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=happymail1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/happymail1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I was so excited about the weekender bag pattern because we are going to California in a week and staying for 9 days. I have bulky luggage but need a weekender bag. So I already started making it.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=fabric-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/fabric-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Note the chicken fabric that I will be cutting it out of. I am obsessed, what the heck?<br /><br />Here is some pictures that Lilo took from Long Beach. His photography is breathtaking. Who knew that a door could be so awe-inspiring? Not me. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=door.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/door.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=yoga.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/yoga.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=sunset.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/sunset.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=starfish.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/starfish.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I convinced Lilo to make a blog about his photography. When he posts it I will share. </center><br /><br />Xoxo,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-49263671877489812482010-06-22T18:35:00.001-07:002010-06-22T18:42:39.095-07:00This Makes Me Laugh<center> I have literally spent the last two to three hours of my life looking at chickens on the internet. I had no idea how in depth and insanely hilarious this task could be. Seriously? I think that fancy chickens could potentially overturn my life. I seriously can't stop laughing at these fluffy chicken faces. Here is a sample of what I have been stating at:<br /><br />My favorite, the Silkie:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=Studio_WSilkie_649_L.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Studio_WSilkie_649_L.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The Polish Fizzle:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=polishfizzle.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/polishfizzle.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And the Helmeted Guineafowl:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=HelmetedGuineafowl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/HelmetedGuineafowl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I hope you are laughing as much as I am right now. </center><br /><br />Love, <br />NatalieNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-64085864773352573882010-06-20T22:00:00.000-07:002010-06-20T22:01:15.256-07:00Daddy<center><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=poplove.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/poplove.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I love fathers. I love my father. I love my daughter’s father. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=liloandcoral.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/liloandcoral.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /></center><br /><br />Today was perfect. Coral and I went to the gym so Lilo could sleep in. Then we went and got stuff to make breakfast and some coffee. Coral and I made enough food for an army. But really it was three of us. I tried something new called an egg nest, or something like that. I saw them make it on the movie Moonstruck. Anyhow, it is a piece of toast and you use a cookie cutter to make a hole in the middle. You put the toast on a skillet and then pour eggs in it. I also put grilled peppers so it was like a tiny omelet in the middle of the toast. Next time I will fill it with more veggies, so pumped. I forgot to take a picture of mine but it looks a little something like this:<br /><br /><center><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=egg-in-a-nest.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/egg-in-a-nest.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> </center><br /><br />I helped Coral make Lilo a stepping-stone and a special mug. We had lots of fun and Lilo was quite impressed with Corals artistry. <br /><br /><br /><center> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=dad.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/dad.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />After our little family morning we went to my daddy’s house. We grilled and swam and watched movies. I love my dad.<br /><br /><center> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=daddy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/daddy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />My dad is the greatest man ever. He has taught me to work hard and play harder. My mission in life is to make this man proud. Here is one special story about my little daddy:<br /><br />I moved to Los Angeles for college and was determined to do everything on my own. My dad decided to come out to LA and visited my little apartment. I had a futon that I slept on and I was fine with it but the daddy was not. He wanted me to have a comfortable bed. He insisted that he had a bed at home that he did not need so he went back to AZ, got the bed, and brought it out to me. Months later I went home to visit and I went to my dad’s room and he had a mattress on the floor. He had given me his bed. Years later I still cry when I think about how selfless he is. He would literally give me the shirt off his back. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude when I think about my special little daddy. <br /><br /><center> <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=rednecks.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/rednecks.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Happy Fathers Day </center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-57281364362063768952010-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:002010-06-18T11:41:44.241-07:00A Week In My Life<center>My last week has gone like this:<br />1) wake up <br />2) Go to work<br />3) Homework for one million hours<br />4) Go to sleep<br />5) Repeat<br />Boring. I am doing finals for a psychology class which thankfully is over. Most of my classes are math, which I am good at. This class is about research writing, which I am just not that into. The main reason that I am just not that in to this psychology class is that doing research on crazy people makes me feel crazy and then gives me anxiety. I have also verified that I am in fact OCD. Great. I am sure that if anyone from work reads this they will just say… “duh Natalie, everyone knows you are OCD as heck”... whatever. I am done with this class and moving on to what I am comfortable with, math. Hopefully my next class does not consume my life so I can get back to enjoying this sweltering hot, ooh so lovely, Arizona summer. <br />I saw this picture in a magazine at the place where I get my oil changed and was so excited by it:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=CIMG0108.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/CIMG0108.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />How much summer love do you feel when you look at that cupcake bouquet? They made it by putting one of those foam balls into the glass container and then using toothpicks to secure the cupcakes. Then they put green cupcake wrappers all around the cupcakes to look like leaves. Now I need to have a summer celebration in my newly fancified backyard porch that I will put more pictures of up in the near future.<br /><br />Another thing I enjoy about summer is the freedom to have unruly hair. I love getting out of the shower, putting on a dab of TIGI curls rock, some macadamia oil, and voila… beach city,USA population, me. <br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=Curls20Rock20Amplifier.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Curls20Rock20Amplifier.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=macadamia_article.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/macadamia_article.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=CIMG0111.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/CIMG0111.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /></center><br />PS. If you have course, slightly troll doll like hair, and have not yet discovered the magic of the macadamia, it will change your life. If you live in AZ, you can get the stuff from Stephie’s salon called <a href="http://www.salonkrush.com/">Salon Krush</a>. You‘re welcome. <br /><br />Xoxo,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-7755673773065971552010-06-13T10:56:00.000-07:002010-06-13T11:03:10.303-07:00Kawaii Nails..?!<center> How is it that I have never owned some fancy<a href="http://kawaiinails.bigcartel.com/"> Kawaii Nails</a> such as these? Now I am not the girl that gets my nails done..ever. But I feel like these little beauties may be the exception. These might just complete my life. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=kawaii1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/kawaii1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Today I slept in until 10:00. That is unheard of. Coral slept at my moms house last night so I seized the opportunity to do all my laundry and then sleep in. Such a party animal, right? I am getting ready to go to the gym right now with my auntie Rhea-Lynn. She is the most amazing person ever to live. I will make a post just about her soon. </center><br /><br />Good day lovelies,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-20365123998157752652010-06-11T22:20:00.000-07:002010-06-11T22:46:48.038-07:00My Adopted ChickenDid I ever mention that I love birds? I love them dearly. Anyhow, we already have three chickens and I adore the heck out of them. Today we get a call from Lilos mama, Bette. She says that she found a lovely little chicken running around at a busy intersection. So she hopped out of her car and called the little lady and she came right to her and hopped her little chicken butt into Bette's car. Now for the bad news (that actually hurts my stomach). This sweet little chicken is all beat up. I think it looks worse than it is because she has some blood dried on her but she has an owie on her head. And her comb (top gobbler thing) is torn and flopped over. Her feathers are all patchy. She is the nicest little darling and she got right in my lap and snuggled up and took a little nap while I loved her. Here she is but as a warning, her owie might hurt your tummy too: <br /><br /><center> <br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=chx-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/chx-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /></center><br /><br />Her name is Pearl and I love her. I hope that she heals up quickly. The other ladies were trying to peck at her so we decided to have her sleep inside tonight since she has had a rough day. <br /><br />On a side nite, Coral and I enjoyed some frozen yogurt before the gym. She wore pig tails and looks so grown up. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=coralcute.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/coralcute.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She is my favorite</center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-30695458874149685972010-06-05T20:19:00.000-07:002010-06-05T20:21:18.676-07:00Little Ladies Tea Party<center> I have officially started the planning for Coral’s fourth birthday party. It is not until November, but that’s how I roll. I decided to put up some from her third party. I think it was my favorite of all of her three thus far. Maybe some day I will get my act together and post some pictures from her first (hello kitty) and second (under the sea) parties. This party was a little ladies tea party. Each year I plan to make her a very special dress and have a very special little party. Lilo helped with the invitations because he is much better at Photoshop than I am. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=invitescopy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/invitescopy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We had lots and lots of treats. I made about one million Tiffany blue cupcakes with fondant flowers and chocolate leaves. They were drenched in pearls and goodness. WE had a candy bar with lots of treats and little goodie bags for the ladies. We also had cute little heart shaped finger sandwiches but I couldn’t find a picture of those. The tea was strawberry milk or some other fancy juices. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=bdaytreats.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/bdaytreats.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The party was such a blast. We got all the girls super foxy and did photo shoots. My sissy and I did all their makeup and my aunts did updo’s. Coral is a tomboy at heart so she did not partake. She was too busy riding the pony over an over. The girls, and one prince charming Cayden, decorated garden hats and painted paper fans. Once they were all dolled up they went to the little photo booth we set up and Lilo took their pictures. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=ladies.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/ladies.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Also note Corals dress in the pony picture. That little ruffle ball was quite the project but isn’t she so damn cute?! Her four-year party is the first one that she has had an opinion about and she says it is going to be a penguin party. I’m pretty excited about it! </center><br /><br />Love, <br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-84706938730429839962010-06-04T20:50:00.000-07:002010-06-04T21:18:55.321-07:00A Walk in the Woods<center><br />I think that I spent most of my time this evening with my head in the clouds. <br />I am definitely thankful that today is Friday. That being said, I should have been doing homework and instead was doing this: <br /><br /><div><div style="position:relative;width:400px;height:400px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/rainy_day_stroll/set?.embedder=1613549&.mid=embed&id=19389463"><img width="400" alt="Rainy Day Stroll" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnBnRGZSbFZ3M3hHRm5rYXcxY1dYLXcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Rainy Day Stroll" height="400" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" style="position:absolute;bottom:4px;right:4px"><img alt="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" src="http://cdn.polyvore.com/rsrc/img/logo_embed_alt_63x21.png" style="border-width:0px;padding:0px;margin:0px" title="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" /></a></div><br/><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/rainy_day_stroll/set?.embedder=1613549&.mid=embed&id=19389463">Rainy Day Stroll</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=1613549&.mid=embed&id=1613549">namaddon</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/1928_jewelry/shop?brand=1928&category_id=60">1928 jewelry</a></small></div><br /><br />I think it is time for me to spend some time on homework and stop dreaming about walking in the rainy woods...<br /> while wearing a dreamy dress<br /> pearls everywhere<br />holding a lace umbrella<br /><br />Lets face it, it is a trillion degrees and dry as a bone in good 'ol Arizona. <br /><br /></center><br /><br />Love,<br /><br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-90909114143101706592010-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:04:08.380-07:00Think Green Thoughts<center><br />The past week has been pure insanity. By pure insanity I don’t necessarily mean that I had tons and tons to do. It was more like… I did not want to get off the couch, think, move, etc. Sometimes I can be one moody little mofo. What the heck? The worst part is when a cranky or sad mood starts to creep up on me, I focus on feeling bad about feeling bad and then it is like a big ugly domino effect. Why it is that feeling bad once in awhile is such a bad thing? <br />I often feel like if I have a bad day that people will see me as a negative person and never want to talk to me again. So then I suck it up and fake it. Well last week I got over faking it. Working full time, being a full time student, and a full time mom sometimes is just way too much “full time” responsibility. I did not do a stitch of homework last week. I turned in all of my assignments yesterday and they were not my best work in addition to being late. It kind of felt good. Maybe I don’t have to get an A in every class that I ever take. Maybe I don’t need to be mother of the year every day of my life. Maybe it is okay if I am too tired to be a good wife once in awhile. And maybe, just maybe, I do not need to be the number one employee all the time. Mid life crisis? I think yes. <br />Anyhow, today I feel back to myself for the most part. I decided to stop focusing on making everyone else happy all the time. I was looking at pictures and decided that at least once a week I am going to make inspiration boards. I get excited by pretty things, go figure. This week I picked a color that makes me happy: green. Green is such an invigorating, alive, and uplifting color. Dear green, I love you. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=green-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/green-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Photo credits: <a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/whimsical-tables-for-your-wedding/">one</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48110939/natural-emerald-green-iridescent-lady?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=emerald+green&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=6&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">two</a>, <a href="http://www.thefashionpolice.net/2008/04/lamb.html">three</a>, <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=8390347">four</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/galleries/bedroom/Natural_green_bedroom_7356.html?subslug=">five</a>, and <a href="http://curiousgirl-lisa.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html">six</a><br /></center><br />Here’s to a happy week,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-38563075853813140532010-05-24T22:46:00.000-07:002010-05-24T23:11:11.766-07:00Find a Happy Place<center> I hope everyone has a happy place.<br />Maybe a comfy place or a quite place.. some place?<br />Anyhow, this weekend I went to my happy place with Coral and Lilo.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1453.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1453.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1462.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1462.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1464.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1464.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It is by the river and it is quite nice there. <br />There is a little hiking trail that is perfect for Coral.<br />Not too hard, not too boring. <br /><br />We brought a lunch to picnic there.<br />We made the mistake of going during the time that Coral generally enjoys her afternoon nap.<br />Clearly, she was not thrilled.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1454.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1454.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She eventually got over her tiredness and gave me a smile. Please note, I have decided to allow Coral to wear whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Hence the silky little strapless number to go to the river. I'm screwed. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1447.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1447.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-40927737621509642802010-05-24T22:28:00.000-07:002010-05-24T22:29:15.592-07:00Bloglovin?Not sure what this bloglovin stuff is all about.. But maybe it is fun?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1724338/dandelion-lovely?claim=3ytrpnm25bg">Follow my blog with bloglovin</a>Natalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-50547629270648999562010-05-20T22:52:00.000-07:002010-05-20T23:01:31.393-07:00Dreamboat<center>I have this friend named Dreamboat. Okay, fine...it is Courtney. <br />I love her lots and I made her wedding dress for her. <br />Mostly because she is pretty, whatever. <br />I will start sharing some more of the wedding stuff I like to make in the near future. <br />For now, lets stare at Dreamboat. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=31968_394555057181_503192181_433529.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/31968_394555057181_503192181_433529.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=31282_402367717995_503927995_404535.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/31282_402367717995_503927995_404535.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=31968_394555067181_503192181_433529.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/31968_394555067181_503192181_433529.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />P.s. She has a cute blog, <a href="http://ourbeautymark.blogspot.com/">The Beauty Mark. </a><br />P.s.s. The photographers are <a href="http://www.kelvinphotographer.com/">Kelvin Leung </a>and <a href="http://larryreeves.info/">Larry Reeves</a>. Good, right? </center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-17189983775839451462010-05-19T12:53:00.000-07:002010-05-19T12:54:43.514-07:00Happy Mail<center> I am so excited right now. I discovered this blog called <a href="http://happymaillove.blogspot.com/">Happy Mail</a>. You sign up and then mail each other cute things each month. Each person fills out a survey about what they love and then they get paired up with someone else or multiple people if you want. How much fun is that?! I know that whenever I get mail that is anything other than junk or bills, I just about jump out of my skin. Right now the most exciting thing I get is a new magazine each month and it feels like Christmas. I found out about this snazzy little mailing community through the blog <a href="http://bearypixie.blogspot.com/">Pixies and Bears</a>. She does lots of super fun stuff with paper. I can’t wait to get paired up with someone to send prizes too. Once I get my person and get busy I will post the exciting array. <br />Here is the picture from the Pixies and Bears blog that sold me on this happy mail stuff (hopefully it is okay I used this picture, punch me if it is naughty to steal it):<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=DSC00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/DSC00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />How pumped would you be to get mail like this? Ready, set…go sign up!!! </center><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-22471221696553287522010-05-18T11:41:00.000-07:002010-05-18T11:45:29.719-07:00My Life Has Been Hijacked!!<center> So, I have literally put my life on hold for the last two weeks. The reason for doing such a thing? Gossip Girls. The high school drama of rich, scantily clad, devious little ladies. Embarrassing and a total waste of my time, but so very satisfying. Their clothes are like a feast for my eyes and the plot is so scandalous it is like watching a train wreck. I can’t stop watching! I have been going to Blockbuster almost every day thinking that I can just watch an episode or two a night. Little did I know that I would be up until all hours of the night and sleeping past my alarm in the morning to go to my big girl job. And mind you that I am normally quite conscious of my appearance and I enjoy getting dressed up for work. Lately though, I am too busy studying Blair’s wardrobe to have any concern for my own. At this very moment I am obsessing over her retro once piece floral swim suit. <br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=005155707f9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/005155707f9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Where did this come from?! Apparently it is the work of Salvatore Ferragamo and costs approximately one million dollars. Bleh! I have searched high and low and found some somewhat comparable and less than a million dollars.<br /><br />So dreamy from <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=053197&catId=CLOTHES-SWIMWEAR-ONEPIECE&pushId=CLOTHES-SWIMWEAR-ONEPIECE&popId=CLOTHES-SWIMWEAR&sortProperties=&navCount=30&navAction=middle&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=069&colorName=RED%20MOTIF&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=">Anthro</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=053197_069_b3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/053197_069_b3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=053061&catId=CLOTHES-SWIMWEAR-ONEPIECE&pushId=CLOTHES-SWIMWEAR-ONEPIECE&popId=CLOTHES-SWIMWEAR&sortProperties=&navCount=40&navAction=middle&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=066&colorName=BLUSH%20LACE&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=">Not so floral</a> but still makes me think about Blair:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=053061_066_b2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/053061_066_b2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Flower bandeau from <a href="http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=53581&outfitID=1507&color=TFL&categoryID=1505&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=">Delias</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=untitled-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/untitled-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />The real reason that I want to be Blair:<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=chuckbass.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/chuckbass.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=chuck-bass.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/chuck-bass.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Ooh to be 17 again.. </center><br />Love, <br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-31890010985502054332010-05-05T13:28:00.000-07:002010-05-05T13:33:03.810-07:00Sweet Home, ArizonaToday is <font color="red"> Cinco de Mayo </font>. On this day in <a href="http://www.mexonline.com/cinco-de-mayo.htm">1862</a> the Mexican Army faced the French headed to attack Mexico City. When the French Army left the port of Vera Cruz, they assumed that the Mexicans would just give in and retreat. But they didn’t loose. In the U.S. we celebrate Mexican culture, food, and music today. Today that is not happening in Arizona. Instead, people are protesting the recent laws past in AZ. I am no politician, I don’t know much about this bill that is causing uproar. What I do know is that I love Arizona the way it is. We are state that I consider to be a “potpourri” of people. I chose my current neighborhood to buy my first home because it is not a street full of cookie cutter homes full of cookie cutter people. My neighbors have a pink, yellow, and green home (no lie) that constantly has some sort of fiesta going on. People set up shop outside the local grocery store selling homage tamales, fruit popsicles, rugs, etc. They wait on the corner for work. The primary race of my area is Mexican and I liked it. They add spice to my life. After this new law passed, there were trucks loading up the contents of many homes as the occupants started leaving. There is nobody outside the grocery store selling tamales. The corner when people sat and waited to be picked up for work is empty. Now I understand the importance of keeping people safe and protecting our economy. I just feel like Arizona has a storm cloud over it now. The air feels thick with tension and fear. Is there not a better way to go about this? Can thousands of people around the United States be protesting this law be in vain? Cinco de Mayo feels sad this year. Like I said, I don’t claim to know the facts. I may be naive. But what I do know is how this is directly affecting my life and my little neighborhood, and I don’t like it one bit. Nobody should be made to feel like less of a person or afraid to leave their house because of the color of their skin. My heart feels heavy for these people. <br /><center><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=ArizonaSunset.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/ArizonaSunset.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /></center><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-42699513002007187182010-05-02T19:26:00.000-07:002010-05-02T19:28:26.479-07:00Re-Fabulous Chairs<center> This weekend I finally had some time to get a little crafty. I searched high and low, all over town from thrift store to thrift store in search of the perfect chairs in need of a little love. And here are the contestants:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1338-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1338-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A bit more shabby than chic, I know.<br />The first thing I did was to remove the seats.<br />Then, I used my handy dandy staple gun to reupholster. Sounds scary, but really it is super easy. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1342.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1342.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1343.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1343.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Reupholstering seats is the quickest and easiest way to re-fab your tired chairs. <br />Next step is to sand away the years and layers of paint. This is kind of my favorite part because you can have a glimpse of your chairs past lives. Don’t feel like it has to be perfectly sanded to the bones. As long as the texture is even and any varnish seal is broken, you’re good. Next is paint. I used high shine Krylon spray paint. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1345.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1345.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Now just screw the seats back on, maybe add a cushion and voila! On mine, I added cushions on top of the one with a wood seat and the one with a wicker seat. Nobody wants to sit on a fabric-covered piece of wood so I just left it.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1351.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1351.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1352.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1352.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=IMG_1350.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/IMG_1350.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />P.S. the curtains in the photo, also a thrift store find this weekend, were the color inspiration. <br /><br />Now, to find a patio table for these little lovely chairs. </center><br /><br />Love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-10976305974193575482010-04-29T08:28:00.000-07:002010-04-29T08:31:11.801-07:00All Day Play<center>I have been stewing over different patio ideas and trying to gather everything together to form some sort of inspiration for how I want to redo my patio. <br />I want it to feel like a little <font color=" #2B547E" face="courier"> wonderland </font>tea party, adventure of a patio. <br /><br />Does this not make you want to have an outdoor tea party?<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/?action=view¤t=bluechairs.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/bluechairs.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/?action=view¤t=checkerpatio.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/checkerpatio.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/?action=view¤t=couch-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/couch-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/?action=view¤t=cozypatio.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/cozypatio.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/?action=view¤t=farmhousetable.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/farmhousetable.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />All of these dreamy little patios have cool vintage finds, which takes so much work to scavanger around for.<br />I wish that all I did in life was <font color=" #2B547E" face="courier"> play </font>. </center><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/?action=view¤t=dreamer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/Patio/dreamer.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />With love,<br />NatNatalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983139998470776615.post-34568242361203620772010-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:002010-04-27T08:09:56.554-07:00My Weekend<center> A small window of relaxation in my crazy weekend.<br />Coral and I enjoy having breakfast together on a blanket in the back yard.<br />We lay and search for airplanes to fly above us.<br />Jump on the trampoline.<br />Make pictures of the clouds.<br />Forget about the homework, laundry, chores, and obligations waiting for me. </center><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/?action=view¤t=picnic.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v392/nat_Toy_01/picnic.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This weekend was literally a mad dash from one place to the next. I have been working on some flower girl dresses for my dear friend Erin. Thureday was the only day to do a fitting because one of the girls lives out of town. So I took Friday off work to sew, sew, and sew. Saturday was the birthday of the lovely Scarlet so we went to that then I came home and finished sewing. I stayed up late getting my make up kit ready to do the makeup for the bridal party on Sunday. Everything was beautiful. I danced my butt off, which is rare for me. The dresses were perfect and theladies looked lovely. Now I need to focus on getting my grade up in the last week of my class. The last few classes are draging; I can’t wait to be done with my degree.Natalie Maddonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18135299684595729055noreply@blogger.com2