tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17245940582098992582024-03-18T01:42:30.989-04:00EPBOTGeekery, Girliness, & Goofing OffJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger1862125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-49072030002394044732023-01-20T15:45:00.001-05:002023-01-20T15:45:40.769-05:00Epbot Is Changing: It's Time To PIVOT<div><p style="text-align: center;">Hi, friends! Happy Friday!<br /><br />You probably noticed I've been doing more video content lately, mostly to stay afloat on social media. It's been a hard adjustment, and I've grumbled the whole way, but it's also kind of exciting to create in a new format and see Epbot numbers actually <i>grow </i>again. <br /><br />Meanwhile, readership here on the blog continues to dwindle. And hey, I get it, <b>most people don't read blogs anymore.</b> The fact that <i>you're</i> still here is incredible, and your support means everything to me, but the online world has moved on. Unfortunately all I can do from here is continue to lose readers.<br /><br />Also at stake are my mental health and stress levels, as I juggle what is in essence a second full-time job creating and promoting videos and social media posts, all to push people towards this blog, when most are happy with just the videos and posts! John and I've been running full speed since October, giving it our all, but our all isn't working, and something's gotta give.<br /><i></i><i><br /></i>So starting today, Epbot the blog is going on the back burner. It will still be here - for all of us - but I don't plan to post here again anytime soon. Instead, I'll be doing three things:<br /><br /><b>First</b> I'm going to rest, because I can't remember the last time I was bored. I can't remember
the last time I felt like I'd done enough to take the night off. I've made my living online for 15 years. Fifteen years! The increasing
demand to do more, to be more, to craft an update so
compelling the algorithm might show it to even a <i>fraction</i> of you... it's a lot. So I'm going to breathe, be still, reset my brain, and let myself dream big dreams again. <br /><br /><b>Second</b>, John and I are going to spend more time offline, helping people in real life. Our greatest passion has always been serving others, and we already have a list of projects scheduled to get us started. Over the next few months we'll be painting, organizing, decorating, and offering home repairs around Orlando again, all for free. Y'all. <i>I can't wait to work a job that gives me confidence again, </i>without the second-guessing. I can't wait to measure the value of my day by more than post reach, and feel that bone-deep satisfaction of leaving something better than we found it. I want to make helping others in a tangible way my priority, and give Epbot the extras - not the other way around. <br /><br /><b>And third</b>, I'll continue posting on social media as usual, plus experimenting with longer videos for YouTube later on. Yep, don't worry, I'm not really going anywhere! I'll still be sharing fun builds, events, and
silly life stuff. So if you already follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/epbot/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Epbot" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@EpbotVideo" target="_blank">Youtube</a>, not much will change. In fact you may see me more! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I can't promise much as I figure out what this next chapter looks like, so I understand if this change leaves you sad or disappointed. I love and appreciate every one of you, and your friendship has given me life, joy, and purpose for the last 12 years. For those of you who've supported John and I financially - well first, <i>thank you</i> - and also please know we won't be hurt or offended at all if you step away after this. Truly. It's ok. John and I have game-ified being frugal to the point that it's second
nature, and we're fortunate to have enough little irons in the fire -
online and off - that we'll be fine. If you do want to keep supporting us, then know your money will go towards our work for others. (Work I hope to share more of!) <br /><br />Like I said, this site isn't going anywhere: it will still be my home base of archives, templates, FAQs, etc. The Squeegineer give-aways will also continue every month. Community wise, both <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152281891494764" target="_blank">Fans of Epbot</a> on Facebook and the <a href="https://discord.gg/Bvuhf95TVF" target="_blank">Epbot Discord</a> are going strong, and are independently run by <i>amazing</i> Epbot volunteers so we have a place to hang out together. Plus who knows, I may post here again! I just know for now, for this season, I'm ready to spend more time offline, get my hands dirty, and find fresh ways to share my joys and passions with you.<br /><br />This decision has been YEARS in the making, but I don't mind telling you I'm scared spit-less. I don't like change. I'm even more terrified of failure. But I also believe we should make decisions based on hope, not fear, and <i>this decision gives me so much hope. </i><br /><br />I can't wait to see what happens next.<br /><br />See you out there, friends and FoE.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQSj2EPQcOHQt4Iv5TjggRyabPu_xGZcPsO4SeoSvvKkFF2FJcSng3SG5A5DQOwb3NhOuxe51eTLJYsK0I7vAUxtUAaW75k3mB6ao2DsuffClzyvPCogYwbHpZ34B_rZx7AdDGpnqgdlsXSZC8vj0qKIMdtgQhZZquK-AVI-zYzteW7tQ8xd8RjHr/s1500/IMG_9519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1500" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQSj2EPQcOHQt4Iv5TjggRyabPu_xGZcPsO4SeoSvvKkFF2FJcSng3SG5A5DQOwb3NhOuxe51eTLJYsK0I7vAUxtUAaW75k3mB6ao2DsuffClzyvPCogYwbHpZ34B_rZx7AdDGpnqgdlsXSZC8vj0qKIMdtgQhZZquK-AVI-zYzteW7tQ8xd8RjHr/w640-h526/IMG_9519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-34886672338382994542023-01-17T14:30:00.050-05:002023-01-17T14:30:00.267-05:00DIY Hobbit Party Games! The White Oliphaunt, Tiny Tator Challenge, & Mount Doom Ring Toss<div>
<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
John & I made three themed games for our Hobbit party last week, and they were
SO FUN I thought I'd give y'all the rundown.<br><br>
First, the Mount Doom Ring Toss:<br><br><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1163" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfIzyXX4vX-eb9uEi1w4OXDvO_im_ZcIz_Ueuq0yiba3S1TUvmgIkB0TkhQlnK_dlYIpz8OefKyO2DHgrg_Fj2GB6ws7nS_WfPvxORK39M77h4WSKivzfugRn1A1W0kgFmjVIlWyNehn5-TvRwXikf2haGLqSjDsl676V33zPyeQyzGKcF7DVtdaW/w496-h640/2AFD321B-92FF-407F-976E-8494B418FD2F_1_105_c.jpg" width="496"><br><br>Admit it, you'd watch this crossover.<br><br><br><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="814" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g5jOzaRPnKU" title="DIY Mount Doom Ring Toss! (Perfect for a Lord of the Rings/Hobbit party)" width="458"></iframe><br><br>The rings were pretty hard to land, but
dang this looked amazing on our back deck:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8R9sD5dO3IpcgBwlGEBqrcLAFvcQJ_ogrLio1ItvSSfHUg7AhKJ8eXxI6yw8a71OK33_U6c9J1PcJDz7oOD_HwLxv2IjtiZvHXR_cOM1zWtgLF_eBzDkEC_PPew7RK4Esu-cAw_WwvZS8VXP7cQkyyKZA8JUDPZIt8uo-kTsUhOk96lOM6sarfzi/s1500/B1822597-4606-42FC-97A3-8842C53FB2A6_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8R9sD5dO3IpcgBwlGEBqrcLAFvcQJ_ogrLio1ItvSSfHUg7AhKJ8eXxI6yw8a71OK33_U6c9J1PcJDz7oOD_HwLxv2IjtiZvHXR_cOM1zWtgLF_eBzDkEC_PPew7RK4Esu-cAw_WwvZS8VXP7cQkyyKZA8JUDPZIt8uo-kTsUhOk96lOM6sarfzi/w456-h640/B1822597-4606-42FC-97A3-8842C53FB2A6_1_201_a.jpg" width="456"></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
John carved the mountain from pink foam scraps, then placed it on a table
covered with stiff canvas to give it more height. (<a href="https://www.epbot.com/2023/01/hobbit-party-progress-our-diy-doors-of.html" target="_blank">Build photos here, if you're curious.</a>) He added flame lights inside, piped in "smoke" from our fog machine,
and finally aimed a black light at the whole scene from the roof:<br>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NAVfQClIyYVhwIGtK1TJnyhKpJpsa6BbazQxD-1E4lV8kYFItEJB-drwse2fH-M875I-iK_9BZ-eNEwnhQbskjO4LogLdmLu3yLffsgjBfOvTrcqEl2gTpPVn00vl94As6xoKzzzdvpBossLRREWE8Zqa_3y27wFhWVBqJ7_W0gBpJJxRgC-xE5r/w480-h640/A13B9330-2763-4105-B3CA-E215E865011C%202.jpg" width="480"><br><br>Our Rings have invisible script that glows when taken closer
to the mountain:<br>
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<span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2023/01/diy-hobbit-party-games-white-oliphaunt.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-1849680169428010752023-01-13T14:30:00.007-05:002023-01-14T00:00:11.894-05:00WDW's Dapper Day 2022: Fun With Kevin At Animal Kingdom!<div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have more Hobbit party coverage for you, but for now let's take a little break and time
travel back A WHOLE YEAR to WDW's <a href="https://dapperday.com/" target="_blank">Dapper Days</a> last month. ;) John and I spent
our Saturday at Hollywood Studios filming all the dappers, so if you missed
that post and video,
<a href="https://www.epbot.com/2022/12/lets-visit-wdws-dapper-day-fall-2022.html" target="_blank">definitely go see. </a><i><a href="https://www.epbot.com/2022/12/lets-visit-wdws-dapper-day-fall-2022.html" target="_blank">SO FUN</a>.</i><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEsZUFe0aLc7iONYge3tclGeKGN1RaooaqyzL5oMRsatdfGVxVluxxdxCAWAF8hzZ6xyRwJrk_PtafDJwH22OUpOLynPaAqjNI06khoPFZ4fCHX07RmKREOUFGHjo2q7TE15b67xLUnjPr9vlRJZK53RNMjCNcZdKs1V_XvWDWc7zN90Lu17Ie_DR/s1500/IMG_2954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1115" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEsZUFe0aLc7iONYge3tclGeKGN1RaooaqyzL5oMRsatdfGVxVluxxdxCAWAF8hzZ6xyRwJrk_PtafDJwH22OUpOLynPaAqjNI06khoPFZ4fCHX07RmKREOUFGHjo2q7TE15b67xLUnjPr9vlRJZK53RNMjCNcZdKs1V_XvWDWc7zN90Lu17Ie_DR/w476-h640/IMG_2954.jpg" width="476"></a><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday at Animal Kingdom was our bonus day, and thanks to some amazing friends
we were able to surprise my parents by bringing them along, too. Considering
we only gave them about 15 hours notice, they pulled off "safari dapper" quite
spiffingly:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0FOYRON14rEXmupbUnhtrwcd-gvXZWhj5rB04_b1xaBHiIxOZz_us9-4WM5kgQ0jjqoeUcLx9yHOtv_oPlULzImJuMuqJw7o4SgBWf79LY8PoJmNX8oH-6X_2YzT-H4vQwtFufg1B6KYLZ4upKtplHYldGidAUCqxS2OiyYXadu4IOeN-yr05SWJ/s1500/IMG_3117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0FOYRON14rEXmupbUnhtrwcd-gvXZWhj5rB04_b1xaBHiIxOZz_us9-4WM5kgQ0jjqoeUcLx9yHOtv_oPlULzImJuMuqJw7o4SgBWf79LY8PoJmNX8oH-6X_2YzT-H4vQwtFufg1B6KYLZ4upKtplHYldGidAUCqxS2OiyYXadu4IOeN-yr05SWJ/w460-h640/IMG_3117.jpg" width="460"></a><br><br>You can see my Dad <i>spared no expens</i>e.<br><br>Yep,
Dad's wearing a <b>completely unintentional</b> John Hammond 'bound, something
I didn't realize 'til the<i> Jurassic Park </i>references started flooding my
inbox. Y'ALL ARE MY PEOPLE. <br><br>John and I threw together
last-minute <i>intentional</i> 'bounds to make the day more colorful:<br>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi2bG8dSYLEGu-ihDfb9_s3Z79GxahjJGIRKTDDwn8McEi4DLN1bXtRTnDsZPfZhdrYgecWh4twChxmw6cdtu97NlTNGR1TVAQoVNmmaRJEdoWjj60fC6UEvCBeH_q9Di8oV9BWDTZspOD-pom10jxyKvGRzQutt3LMZ0QbK3_Fr_6tQkodSvKvR2/s1500/DF478303-01EF-44A7-8AEF-CBA7AC98EFEC_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi2bG8dSYLEGu-ihDfb9_s3Z79GxahjJGIRKTDDwn8McEi4DLN1bXtRTnDsZPfZhdrYgecWh4twChxmw6cdtu97NlTNGR1TVAQoVNmmaRJEdoWjj60fC6UEvCBeH_q9Di8oV9BWDTZspOD-pom10jxyKvGRzQutt3LMZ0QbK3_Fr_6tQkodSvKvR2/w480-h640/DF478303-01EF-44A7-8AEF-CBA7AC98EFEC_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br>
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<div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kevin & Russel from <i>Up</i>!<br>
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<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got to see Kevin herself three times that day, and each time received a
hilarious or adorable response. HIGHLY recommend bounding as Kevin to meet
Kevin, I think I made some core memories.<br><br>Here's one of my
favorites:<br><br><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="734" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QFe76uFeiZk" title="POV: When Kevin Spots Your Disneybound Of Her At Disney’s Animal Kingdom ☺️" width="413"></iframe><br><br>Kevin strode over, spun
around, and kind of shimmied into place beside me in the crowd. I was
laughing my fool head off, but still managed a selfie:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK213Bk2ALx-p9q-g1SMtJ-WkN5Ganhj1rUnIjm177dML-xk5COeMOUAzw_dNLVYw3lMATo4r11fEwFD51xiqpec__tt9_2YKbzG1cCexQXQxyNnyYS9jDMU94ZACnXCnrEB0KJwddBgkzAoz2NUIT6Vnt1_x7LY90KvcX7MikMmzxruuKemFTj3l/s1500/IMG_3114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1127" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK213Bk2ALx-p9q-g1SMtJ-WkN5Ganhj1rUnIjm177dML-xk5COeMOUAzw_dNLVYw3lMATo4r11fEwFD51xiqpec__tt9_2YKbzG1cCexQXQxyNnyYS9jDMU94ZACnXCnrEB0KJwddBgkzAoz2NUIT6Vnt1_x7LY90KvcX7MikMmzxruuKemFTj3l/w480-h640/IMG_3114.jpg" width="480"></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">... with her butt. :D<br></div>
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<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Later we got a proper portrait:<br><br>
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<span></span></div></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2023/01/wdws-dapper-day-2022-fun-with-kevin-at.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-61576398149992407082023-01-10T14:50:00.000-05:002023-01-10T14:50:40.059-05:00Hobbit Party Aftermath: Invaded By Hobbits & The Swedish Chef?!<div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy post-party Tuesday, potato friends! Last weekend was our big
<i>Hobbit Holiday: Second Christmas</i> party, and it was everything John
and I hoped for and more. EEEEEE so incredible. I'll get to some fun pics
in a sec, but first, the "more" part:<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We were heading for bed around 3AM the night before when our kitty Suki had
some, shall we say, <i>poop issues</i>. Stuck poop issues. Which quickly
required a 4AM emergency vet visit. <br>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWuixQ0rY76cibeGBOGYgf-Gd_5RhCiGkPq4hevJa9hhLtpSkOV8r0PBxdEWZeAbT_Ijs_hfg3CZN36GEM6vBOVEyrfbQ2byKv-IZc-6CN11cqTjhti2ZuZ4f_1Pz2gg-F7F_IiZiN2qLN9GtfzFl-Fyz3h92Tr7_ztYoHtb8GGnAcG39IrCSA8Bq/s1500/473A1E6B-1315-432B-905D-086B92936661_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1287" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWuixQ0rY76cibeGBOGYgf-Gd_5RhCiGkPq4hevJa9hhLtpSkOV8r0PBxdEWZeAbT_Ijs_hfg3CZN36GEM6vBOVEyrfbQ2byKv-IZc-6CN11cqTjhti2ZuZ4f_1Pz2gg-F7F_IiZiN2qLN9GtfzFl-Fyz3h92Tr7_ztYoHtb8GGnAcG39IrCSA8Bq/w550-h640/473A1E6B-1315-432B-905D-086B92936661_1_105_c.jpg" width="550"></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
::<i>Jack Nicholson Joker voice:</i>: "THIS CAT NEEDS AN ENEMA."<br><br>Still
cute even with stuck poop. <i>That's my girl.</i><br>
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<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were already exhausted and stressed, so this wasn't the <i>best</i> way
to start Party Day, but it all came out OK in the end. (Eh? EH?) The
hardest part was waiting a couple hours at the ER, then dealing with our
other cat, Eva, hissing and running from Suki for the last 3 days. Suki
herself is happy as a poop-free clam, though, and has been vigorously
head-butting everything and everyone like a big cuddly floofball.<br><br>K,
enough cat poop talk. Here comes the poop on the party!<br><br>I will
never miss a chance to fangirl over my amazing friends, so let's start
with a Hobbit fashion show. (The official House Tour & games report
will be later.)<br><br>Starting with a bang:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINrP7-bI9z4TlHuStiF-5f4l618UbcFcy3g8Pyslr1BORhhsiuF-NoTxgGxggTuThVGNuYUbXDD10NRZjsG5PjP5KBZrvA0Ymvxj_YESdqbnr-dMArL20hMwaxTaw5uzZKit1b65I35D3SQYjUQMRvvFFJFgpn_VZhzVP8_VmOOUTypGIoeEq7LtG/s1500/4D488970-729E-4729-9786-19BF50AD046A_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1189" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINrP7-bI9z4TlHuStiF-5f4l618UbcFcy3g8Pyslr1BORhhsiuF-NoTxgGxggTuThVGNuYUbXDD10NRZjsG5PjP5KBZrvA0Ymvxj_YESdqbnr-dMArL20hMwaxTaw5uzZKit1b65I35D3SQYjUQMRvvFFJFgpn_VZhzVP8_VmOOUTypGIoeEq7LtG/w508-h640/4D488970-729E-4729-9786-19BF50AD046A_1_201_a.jpg" width="508"></a><br>Gand-ALF, y'all. <br><br>Gand-ALF WAS HERE. (The feet!
Aaaa!)<br><br>Not many would bring TWO costumes to a party, but
Richard went that extra mile. Here he is in comfier costume #2 with his
date Autumn:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjBr3FX-o1PPBXNaUkBm_wemxzuh1Fq7vGnKuqlqOi8jutos_5e9-F2cBGJqQcJM-Adp-4Tu1LjTptwGu1gLtPXHZOB0H0POzCvo_pSLoAwWEoCRzyo_XWRhlOFWkQdyY7OnxDpNgJ2nPIcXKNRiFfygLI8x7cyi84G6HpGyyAhGI_1dZMa_km6hL/s1500/A624627E-70F9-4538-B97D-C7797E9D8FB2_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1006" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjBr3FX-o1PPBXNaUkBm_wemxzuh1Fq7vGnKuqlqOi8jutos_5e9-F2cBGJqQcJM-Adp-4Tu1LjTptwGu1gLtPXHZOB0H0POzCvo_pSLoAwWEoCRzyo_XWRhlOFWkQdyY7OnxDpNgJ2nPIcXKNRiFfygLI8x7cyi84G6HpGyyAhGI_1dZMa_km6hL/w430-h640/A624627E-70F9-4538-B97D-C7797E9D8FB2_1_105_c.jpg" width="430"></a><br>(<a href="https://www.instagram.com/grinninggeeks/" target="_blank">@GrinningGeeks</a>)<br><br>I've been featuring Autumn & Richard's cosplays for
YEARS here on Epbot, btw. I finally stalked them long enough that they
agreed to be our friends, so<i> score one for internet stalking. </i><br><br>"Best Entrance Award" goes to our friend John, who put
<i>his own daughters in chains</i> to be a (surprisingly festive) Black
Rider, bahaha:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmeM7ghK897avKY7FQ1Wv95JsR1M1zGCFkjJBnGZtvsMFi-doReMG3_9H_RDnnmUyci_aDHIpM96HPgX2RR-FMbN0HC1mBIHX1omb8msVSg6N5PDmwCO5vvLi1SH2yb8iZPOs8TXJNj7lgEP0K6YWMRLZ1vNldO09d09v7Cwz0Fc_2TjV39G4jfSg/s1500/B5A79AF1-16E5-4CA3-B0E9-1711D0232577_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1500" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmeM7ghK897avKY7FQ1Wv95JsR1M1zGCFkjJBnGZtvsMFi-doReMG3_9H_RDnnmUyci_aDHIpM96HPgX2RR-FMbN0HC1mBIHX1omb8msVSg6N5PDmwCO5vvLi1SH2yb8iZPOs8TXJNj7lgEP0K6YWMRLZ1vNldO09d09v7Cwz0Fc_2TjV39G4jfSg/w640-h504/B5A79AF1-16E5-4CA3-B0E9-1711D0232577_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br><br>I took maybe 5 pictures all night, and this was one of them.
I believe I chose <i>wisely</i>.<br><br>John also brought this:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8byCrL_ClN5e77K5zQxHt1FCbQmubtIWleJcFrncIn-UoQglYecJfbDglCk-oOkY7e0-D-xW0meTHydaf3kIt0Teb25OM51QzkW0T3PgJR6bLwk1mucetx250m8k9Xci-am2qRbu2uDEcvq7JFqfC2aNSzh0g5cuotEZ9WHvHt9VQ84m_S9vrQcx-/s1500/31A20632-7149-4D18-871D-84CF612E1A9B_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1178" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8byCrL_ClN5e77K5zQxHt1FCbQmubtIWleJcFrncIn-UoQglYecJfbDglCk-oOkY7e0-D-xW0meTHydaf3kIt0Teb25OM51QzkW0T3PgJR6bLwk1mucetx250m8k9Xci-am2qRbu2uDEcvq7JFqfC2aNSzh0g5cuotEZ9WHvHt9VQ84m_S9vrQcx-/w502-h640/31A20632-7149-4D18-871D-84CF612E1A9B_1_201_a.jpg" width="502"></a><br><br>Spoiler: <i>it was mead.</i><br><br>This is (most of) our
found family, btw, who we spend every major holiday with:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r7wyOfeXQmuS28R44EiNusKOeN3htLnDbf1Dl7-mEoeP9rxqGgLudtNJ1sdepiO7609_3jK16Kmjxb93NNLUdBs96QJdY9EVg7WeIIIp34L_OKoKgUbkUWc_0RdhywNBxnozdSGR_AXuD3avB3oEhSSbyn_DEDfnmkvX01uXY-54HEw6qlCVNPRC/s1500/7B2923C5-9A7E-4C7F-8996-428B204C0658_1_105_c%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6r7wyOfeXQmuS28R44EiNusKOeN3htLnDbf1Dl7-mEoeP9rxqGgLudtNJ1sdepiO7609_3jK16Kmjxb93NNLUdBs96QJdY9EVg7WeIIIp34L_OKoKgUbkUWc_0RdhywNBxnozdSGR_AXuD3avB3oEhSSbyn_DEDfnmkvX01uXY-54HEw6qlCVNPRC/w640-h480/7B2923C5-9A7E-4C7F-8996-428B204C0658_1_105_c%202.jpg" width="640"></a><br>That's Anna and John in the back, Robyn & Christie in front.
It's wild to me that we met because I took a photo of the sisters in MLP
cosplay back in 2011. Just... wild.<br><br>Right, on with the fashion
show!<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1cB_uI_ruZLhsymIk-XeyXZGERs_Q8rNphEfSgBF7kItFlmwssTM7UZ8G-uLze9BzBsuWAKXTPYeLpqzzUcCDkR8QvvCY_Gbi8k-a42t1vXO1QkZBJqYnvmwHyTjQNdPb1QQzJUBFOYykqBB-EthzM_D2X8jFiVA1UjeiP97Q4yA42kSxEnsVBI5/s1500/A4CE4EBD-8613-41B1-A372-69527D74FF23_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1493" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1cB_uI_ruZLhsymIk-XeyXZGERs_Q8rNphEfSgBF7kItFlmwssTM7UZ8G-uLze9BzBsuWAKXTPYeLpqzzUcCDkR8QvvCY_Gbi8k-a42t1vXO1QkZBJqYnvmwHyTjQNdPb1QQzJUBFOYykqBB-EthzM_D2X8jFiVA1UjeiP97Q4yA42kSxEnsVBI5/w638-h640/A4CE4EBD-8613-41B1-A372-69527D74FF23_1_105_c.jpg" width="638"></a><br>(<a href="https://www.instagram.com/meridaann/" target="_blank">@MeridaAnn</a>)<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o511kpeZJvu_Yt5vqgUQvTFoMnAQerOTrvCCoBgWm0aO8SYLlcBBpl-R_13Hl23R523lO9Kge5sNj8ussecl04g1ro2aO21VFDU8gIaWNR1sSWMKCosT5xXuXIzAiPMclNE2ckSTMQCPTrY1Mb6vD1FxrcLLbsPInCelckPMONI5TXpp-Ik6cp9M/s1500/F9BDCBCB-F10E-4022-83FB-84FBA82DEC25_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o511kpeZJvu_Yt5vqgUQvTFoMnAQerOTrvCCoBgWm0aO8SYLlcBBpl-R_13Hl23R523lO9Kge5sNj8ussecl04g1ro2aO21VFDU8gIaWNR1sSWMKCosT5xXuXIzAiPMclNE2ckSTMQCPTrY1Mb6vD1FxrcLLbsPInCelckPMONI5TXpp-Ik6cp9M/w512-h640/F9BDCBCB-F10E-4022-83FB-84FBA82DEC25_1_105_c.jpg" width="512"></a><br>(<a href="https://www.instagram.com/onebradylady/" target="_blank">@OneBradyLady</a>)<br>
</div>
<span></span></div></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2023/01/hobbit-party-aftermath-invaded-by.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-17058708178785753912023-01-06T14:30:00.013-05:002023-01-06T16:12:59.607-05:00We Made A Punny "Mines Of Moria" Bathroom, And We're FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS<div style="text-align: center;">Y'all knocked it out
of the park with your suggestions for our Doors of Durin, so I thought I'd
show you the winning phrase, plus take a tour of our finished guest bath.
<br><br>The runners up were "Wipe, you fools!" - one of mine - and Julie's
actual Gandalf quote, "Have patience. Go where you must go, and hope." Which
is <i>hysterical</i> as a bathroom quote, but a bit too long for our door.<br><br>Kathy
D was the winner with her "excrete, friend, & flush," which made us
cackle. We swapped in "exit," though, to better match the original "Speak,
friend, and enter."<br><br>So yeah, our phrase that pays is "Excrete,
friend, and exit."<br><br>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGuhwuafnzH86hShDx-Hh9VXHte4vQ0fQj-cPllvGfOZSff5vju7Tbv-LxwqJfVIfKauIx--PohU23LqwAlvVqgssBgLDIDvNWlf8u2ClYFGxZEV3WEDGVD9AgNj3NQ-Z18D9VqcxgqJDelVvQsG5NX5L0cVtRy9vqSGbz81zvW94KS-P9zEQ7jsU/s1500/10973C2D-C09D-4AEB-8043-9FB70DEA54A3_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGuhwuafnzH86hShDx-Hh9VXHte4vQ0fQj-cPllvGfOZSff5vju7Tbv-LxwqJfVIfKauIx--PohU23LqwAlvVqgssBgLDIDvNWlf8u2ClYFGxZEV3WEDGVD9AgNj3NQ-Z18D9VqcxgqJDelVvQsG5NX5L0cVtRy9vqSGbz81zvW94KS-P9zEQ7jsU/w480-h640/10973C2D-C09D-4AEB-8043-9FB70DEA54A3_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm adding the invisible black light paint here.<br><br>And here are
our Doors of Durin, all finished!<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1f_dym4i-3194TaoMaCPN3RCBBhNX4fud8t11tut80yod1fd2T5f0ZM5_6smBRP_grLEDz4w0E6OnyVueEI5DXGG8Ee5b04GEiyYw9b637_fgR-_kXa3Y5Hl6MwCk6muKo4yNhO_V_tbPteLSBuWNFUP9SA3eEgENj3df7Z1rtJQLvg1UiNCeu0B/s1500/IMG_4244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1f_dym4i-3194TaoMaCPN3RCBBhNX4fud8t11tut80yod1fd2T5f0ZM5_6smBRP_grLEDz4w0E6OnyVueEI5DXGG8Ee5b04GEiyYw9b637_fgR-_kXa3Y5Hl6MwCk6muKo4yNhO_V_tbPteLSBuWNFUP9SA3eEgENj3df7Z1rtJQLvg1UiNCeu0B/w480-h640/IMG_4244.jpg" width="480"></a>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br>John and I did one final push to finish the bathroom this week, and we
are WIPED, lemme tell ya.<br><br>:D<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">So how 'bout a tour? <br></div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" bathroom="" frameborder="0" height="734" mines="" moria="" of="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DLPx5Ilo76s" themed="" title="Lord of the Rings " width="413"></iframe><br></div>
<div><br><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now some photos, to show off the details. We went SUPER dramatic and dim
with the lighting, so getting these was a challenge. <br></div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2023/01/we-made-punny-mines-of-moria-bathroom.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-5029514348844709992023-01-03T14:30:00.032-05:002023-01-03T17:27:28.031-05:00Hobbit Party Progress: Our DIY Doors Of Durin & Mount Doom Ring Toss<div>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hallo, friends! I've missed you! How'd the last week and a half go? Unfortunately I
was on the couch with a sinus-y head-cold thing for most of it, including Christmas, so John and I had to spend the day alone. That's ok, though, because
in true Hobbit style we have SECOND Christmas to look forward to.
<br><br>Yep, while everyone is posting recaps and resolutions, John
and I are still merrily decorating, wrapping gifts, and working on our costumes.
<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5nvAvb-ZBwq6aVzmfhb_nP5viSotKRQ3kuxrYOpcQ1w3dIwoM-OC0rnnEihIKk6mMz-ssMmNBb8it8aF1ftPQr9NGLKgrwYM3Q3Z5PG7aCU6iEK57xRIZJ2nDoyDo5Yoc_VIlTTrARP3NOIRoOZSEZcWkZ3LxqCNk0keNAab1fzH76RL2i59welx/s1500/C8DC98CF-5220-439F-8C89-3179F58DBE36_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="997" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5nvAvb-ZBwq6aVzmfhb_nP5viSotKRQ3kuxrYOpcQ1w3dIwoM-OC0rnnEihIKk6mMz-ssMmNBb8it8aF1ftPQr9NGLKgrwYM3Q3Z5PG7aCU6iEK57xRIZJ2nDoyDo5Yoc_VIlTTrARP3NOIRoOZSEZcWkZ3LxqCNk0keNAab1fzH76RL2i59welx/w426-h640/C8DC98CF-5220-439F-8C89-3179F58DBE36_1_201_a.jpg" width="426"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LOOK HOW CUTE JOHN IS AS A HOBBIT<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br>He's been growing out his hair, and thrifted everything except the
cloak, which is just some pinned green fabric.<br><br>While I was down John made all SORTS of Hobbit party things, which I'm about to show you. My only contribution today is the bathroom sign, but at least it's some of my finest work:<br>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkQMiPhGVMsJHuoMPdj1S3m2BhPDRXYEcxlCtt7xDED-M_me7zNhTa8ybbxX-alDY_uZxzoDsuXf1KSYdSCAHAqJbL9uXT7OKqoDJjVstnx0GPlvBpytzUGYhQ0BCV3j1pYLg3ihxxmf7Ynpx6PK_BwzRSvx4mnaldwLQyo8pcwKbalMeVSSZFdJy/s1500/D3526094-B58A-465D-BC80-4F84977BBBBB_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1500" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkQMiPhGVMsJHuoMPdj1S3m2BhPDRXYEcxlCtt7xDED-M_me7zNhTa8ybbxX-alDY_uZxzoDsuXf1KSYdSCAHAqJbL9uXT7OKqoDJjVstnx0GPlvBpytzUGYhQ0BCV3j1pYLg3ihxxmf7Ynpx6PK_BwzRSvx4mnaldwLQyo8pcwKbalMeVSSZFdJy/w640-h586/D3526094-B58A-465D-BC80-4F84977BBBBB_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i>MY FINEST. :D<br><br>[<b>Update</b>: by popular request, here's my image file. Feel free to download & print your own!]<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdarGe3lwLG7ShOx2-hYuI2UuINfyU_7NvXvQBY_BulXCkNbGx1LvFNweAb2KQKj4TqkEbi6ZdKqDqB2KcRVtMeRLzO3o6EUUF3MZ8mADsW65Edl6B0JSg9FIZu93J3D27djAzONSKyJ0qgjWehu4bCFfbp_sj0HX9uGuHHkSdFtGXW2nQHeyF0fAr/s3000/PottyBusiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdarGe3lwLG7ShOx2-hYuI2UuINfyU_7NvXvQBY_BulXCkNbGx1LvFNweAb2KQKj4TqkEbi6ZdKqDqB2KcRVtMeRLzO3o6EUUF3MZ8mADsW65Edl6B0JSg9FIZu93J3D27djAzONSKyJ0qgjWehu4bCFfbp_sj0HX9uGuHHkSdFtGXW2nQHeyF0fAr/w400-h320/PottyBusiness.jpg" width="400"></a></div><br>
<div>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also planned and wrapped a bunch of things for a "White Oliphaunt" dice game, since the
<i>Critical Role</i> gang made it look so fun on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H1_s8eTi6M&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQyUQ7J7Bg_OY6AFybns1pIk&index=9" target="_blank">4-Sided Dive</a>.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> Meanwhile, John's <i>smallest</i> project last week was an 8-foot tree of Gondor for the back yard:<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8L-NflNlD0IJpSQGb5M39wo_szA1-Kow6wG46Z1H9Tv0gFveJd5jrGPprmHpZv7Mz-K4-AbPzpXtgVEH2QqcEX-ILlcIri-DHNMaQ1kwgZLnC03lyjkzRn1CfARvTQkOS0wFdXl7E_6Nivl_-yiOPJJqpGD6sZi_gcG_1hHHFgPZUQw6ebC5lv3O/s1500/F49E08DA-ABC5-4B1E-8FD6-F35BC7DE0018_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8L-NflNlD0IJpSQGb5M39wo_szA1-Kow6wG46Z1H9Tv0gFveJd5jrGPprmHpZv7Mz-K4-AbPzpXtgVEH2QqcEX-ILlcIri-DHNMaQ1kwgZLnC03lyjkzRn1CfARvTQkOS0wFdXl7E_6Nivl_-yiOPJJqpGD6sZi_gcG_1hHHFgPZUQw6ebC5lv3O/w480-h640/F49E08DA-ABC5-4B1E-8FD6-F35BC7DE0018_1_201_a.jpg" width="480"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi768H93GO9aZ4UzOip6PKfxceLtJG93APWnefJHMmij_n5d_Btrw0hwedOKzEFILv1rHV7OirgyJmqllphGzWiF5PgB99P7KH9RBDeCnclUwBUHecCeIzyMYPJLh_8Z-SovoW7u-JMfliQAhrmSkynyf4RRGmvNHpFlcKbSOkRlHB6cDErLCpMhoGM/s1500/CD082EDF-7405-4158-ADD5-7A39AFE1E250_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1195" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi768H93GO9aZ4UzOip6PKfxceLtJG93APWnefJHMmij_n5d_Btrw0hwedOKzEFILv1rHV7OirgyJmqllphGzWiF5PgB99P7KH9RBDeCnclUwBUHecCeIzyMYPJLh_8Z-SovoW7u-JMfliQAhrmSkynyf4RRGmvNHpFlcKbSOkRlHB6cDErLCpMhoGM/w510-h640/CD082EDF-7405-4158-ADD5-7A39AFE1E250_1_201_a.jpg" width="510"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's plywood covered in glitter, and we have a bunch of lights around it, so it's
all sparkly at night. <br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John's favorite build is <i>completely</i> over-the-top ridiculous, and all his idea, ha. <br><br>First he hand-painted a block wall onto pink foam:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWQNuuQhycD1flPtCicAc6YK6lOFHUZEFWbWaCzl87syR6nMmcbXRDDyiyU62TgocObfmolUjc1emSCH7iCj_h3s_dxSVxM2zbXKkTNxnDCt1d-UA0FvMtFRiIAhsoDSy4DlMoh-SWtMfyNrPunEe2MBOx_41CY394YtqU5W1zzQ2f2ioWOXV-Ves/s1500/88C3DE70-3AFA-4DD0-B2AA-D9588007F66C_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWQNuuQhycD1flPtCicAc6YK6lOFHUZEFWbWaCzl87syR6nMmcbXRDDyiyU62TgocObfmolUjc1emSCH7iCj_h3s_dxSVxM2zbXKkTNxnDCt1d-UA0FvMtFRiIAhsoDSy4DlMoh-SWtMfyNrPunEe2MBOx_41CY394YtqU5W1zzQ2f2ioWOXV-Ves/w480-h640/88C3DE70-3AFA-4DD0-B2AA-D9588007F66C_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... which looks like this:<br></div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2023/01/hobbit-party-progress-our-diy-doors-of.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-64707043411563532122022-12-23T11:26:00.001-05:002022-12-23T11:26:59.196-05:00Wishing You A Happy Hobbit Holiday!<div style="text-align: center;"><br>Happy Friday, friends! It's almost
Christmas, WE MADE IT. I do hope you get some time off this weekend and/or
next week to recharge and hang with loved ones. I know I'm looking
forward to some much-needed down time. And pie. <i>(Mmmm</i>, pie.)<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I won't keep you long today; I just have to show you our decorated Hobbit
Door!
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwrNkNJPqnhqZyuhx9JDwOS9CKOy88nLPTTNmIMgjDwq8J3VBDjuTCtE2tmy3wggbFZSM_yBEt2rEycoL7-rzKeX-mMgOghtmse4roFIW88PBdAVqBO8uh-RC9rKgAjO3m4dBLu465c8-1YbZgVIVQ9o7rJYeHvBOb5Xr4nILkOzTuF2tAcRSr7S7/s1500/IMG_3717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1500" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwrNkNJPqnhqZyuhx9JDwOS9CKOy88nLPTTNmIMgjDwq8J3VBDjuTCtE2tmy3wggbFZSM_yBEt2rEycoL7-rzKeX-mMgOghtmse4roFIW88PBdAVqBO8uh-RC9rKgAjO3m4dBLu465c8-1YbZgVIVQ9o7rJYeHvBOb5Xr4nILkOzTuF2tAcRSr7S7/w640-h550/IMG_3717.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AAAAAA LOOK HOW PRETTY AND FESTIVE<br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a point of pride with me that we didn't buy anything new for this, other
than a bag of cotton batting for "snow." The wreath is scrap Pex tubing from
the garage, then two different garland remnants I painstakingly disassembled
and zip-tied in place.<br><br>Speaking of wreaths, here's another pretty
one:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QTUQY5hnQYQev3ezYfjj10rJFWLdvP16Z33NZ1O5m3OAzJmq4UtzyXHRdbxhPr-E9LRifjnzPjlp4pQnxovua1Hef4qif7ZaWumPM4mne29nLYPbEueGtD8TUOqBY7Mpnqbh5Gyoe7KEc3D7JDN8-slkQMAt-I6r086xy_b9C_5MpF2-cHudKmOu/s1500/IMG_3640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QTUQY5hnQYQev3ezYfjj10rJFWLdvP16Z33NZ1O5m3OAzJmq4UtzyXHRdbxhPr-E9LRifjnzPjlp4pQnxovua1Hef4qif7ZaWumPM4mne29nLYPbEueGtD8TUOqBY7Mpnqbh5Gyoe7KEc3D7JDN8-slkQMAt-I6r086xy_b9C_5MpF2-cHudKmOu/w500-h640/IMG_3640.jpg" width="500"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made the Hobbiton sign for craft night several months ago. It's made of foam
with googly eyes for rivets. <br><br>K, back to the door:<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI18JBewEWpM3P5LWa63AWJG7mzMKy2cmOQDyomTEWubkZmGO0KqsurSR29rC0cC_qvywIk0tVx3K66WjRMyy2GR92flfQfOh9MxoXG_SupycyFTJLM2se0LzWzogIu-7XqOcmmS8AKG-WIL3pXG9xYxJcmO5o8GTt6S6I5Mp4InuM9JdFKAKz_efn/s1500/IMG_3704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1335" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI18JBewEWpM3P5LWa63AWJG7mzMKy2cmOQDyomTEWubkZmGO0KqsurSR29rC0cC_qvywIk0tVx3K66WjRMyy2GR92flfQfOh9MxoXG_SupycyFTJLM2se0LzWzogIu-7XqOcmmS8AKG-WIL3pXG9xYxJcmO5o8GTt6S6I5Mp4InuM9JdFKAKz_efn/w570-h640/IMG_3704.jpg" width="570"></a>
</div>
<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The garland is the one we use almost every year over this doorway. It
has sparkly fruit in it, perfect for Hobbitses.<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFDWqLHeO7w2Bq7E3nZ1php1vMHEtqyjWXXLL3uNCZi53Lknf7msZ_78mgbcJPgJEq5qcAw_87ivxSU5GS6FSKBXVRRiHxb3N4M-HN7KxNtV2VrFrqAF44e8l7eTSwcxRe3NwkqEP2SUJS91dXqoOCccDAH3qW4C4vXVF-kkZs77noCNil038iV_t/s1500/IMG_3706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFDWqLHeO7w2Bq7E3nZ1php1vMHEtqyjWXXLL3uNCZi53Lknf7msZ_78mgbcJPgJEq5qcAw_87ivxSU5GS6FSKBXVRRiHxb3N4M-HN7KxNtV2VrFrqAF44e8l7eTSwcxRe3NwkqEP2SUJS91dXqoOCccDAH3qW4C4vXVF-kkZs77noCNil038iV_t/w480-h640/IMG_3706.jpg" width="480"></a>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">
I spent so long trying to get the "snow" to look right.<br></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhdHcTDNjPjNEyDD7s31_rzt2VM3CsHveEczZZJdpEwfwCW4e3VsEkBtadeRFKpIBjtGG244jByY9KxDgItSl7rJskorh2dCXYkmM159Oo1xbe9IM62ZlAq5-fbIYFr39KoMOPSrBXVvw89FgXnObpjda1_WKxuw_K8Fv_z3ENOAbRnJkrfmlXxX9/s1500/IMG_3712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhdHcTDNjPjNEyDD7s31_rzt2VM3CsHveEczZZJdpEwfwCW4e3VsEkBtadeRFKpIBjtGG244jByY9KxDgItSl7rJskorh2dCXYkmM159Oo1xbe9IM62ZlAq5-fbIYFr39KoMOPSrBXVvw89FgXnObpjda1_WKxuw_K8Fv_z3ENOAbRnJkrfmlXxX9/w480-h640/IMG_3712.jpg" width="480"></a>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">
The snow in the bottom of the wreath hides the battery pack for the lights. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">So hey, ready to go inside?<br></div>
<span></span><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/wishing-you-happy-hobbit-holiday.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-50938746405878231402022-12-20T14:30:00.015-05:002022-12-21T00:24:39.216-05:00 "The Beacons Are Lit!" Our DIY Tree of Gondor Menorah<div style="text-align: center;"><br>Happy Tuesday and Happy Hanukkah, hobbits and
friends! Whether you celebrate or not, I think you'll appreciate this quick
Middle Earth DIY:<br>
</div>
<div>
<br><span class="fullpost"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwdlUhozewepK8m4PPZivrQZ6kzodeQ4i4FFkyofJeyZNuox_YtbY8G-8X8aL8wSth0dy5vi-j8_vmzCMVMmvuy_QKbAGIumCe-GXOK5KpjgzfuTT4gccR6zc7RZnKBy-dZi-abdOws4xWKbFEST68IMCtehf9PL84WDKzYGEIGTzyo0ro25lz27-/s1500/IMG_3528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1500" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwdlUhozewepK8m4PPZivrQZ6kzodeQ4i4FFkyofJeyZNuox_YtbY8G-8X8aL8wSth0dy5vi-j8_vmzCMVMmvuy_QKbAGIumCe-GXOK5KpjgzfuTT4gccR6zc7RZnKBy-dZi-abdOws4xWKbFEST68IMCtehf9PL84WDKzYGEIGTzyo0ro25lz27-/w640-h460/IMG_3528.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A White Tree of Gondor Menorah! (Gondorah? :D)<br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="734" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kn70zuRGHLc" title="Our White Tree of Gondor Menorah" width="413"></iframe></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br>I originally had grand plans of sculpting the tree, but the menorah part
stumped me. (<i>Ooooh, unintentional pun!</i> Best kind!) So instead I
layered a paper tree over our existing menorah, which is MUCH easier and
also turned out rather lovely.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEajiAHFQOH-nP3wSRghOAGFAf5CmoH0gXbFNGgFPuhLkiW5D7CV6TOnYbS3z3o3Lz3iI5teJboXwwBjnP-N0f6mLNjZVqXFmBuYUvWNzP3UJu1VPiiRnbI3AKNkJFqAfw_safSZSlnvqkjGs8rGjeg435g1jxvCdjRkvv9gPwN5pcetDAfg0Yoix/s1500/IMG_3562%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1483" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEajiAHFQOH-nP3wSRghOAGFAf5CmoH0gXbFNGgFPuhLkiW5D7CV6TOnYbS3z3o3Lz3iI5teJboXwwBjnP-N0f6mLNjZVqXFmBuYUvWNzP3UJu1VPiiRnbI3AKNkJFqAfw_safSZSlnvqkjGs8rGjeg435g1jxvCdjRkvv9gPwN5pcetDAfg0Yoix/w632-h640/IMG_3562%202.jpg" width="632"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The contrast of the shiny silver and chunky white glitter looks super cool
in the light, and I like that the tree is a little more subtle.<br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SO HEY. Want to make your own? <br><br>All you'll need is some white poster board, glitter,
and this menorah:<br></div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/the-beacons-are-lit-our-diy-tree-of.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-51917232096702913272022-12-16T14:30:00.004-05:002022-12-17T14:04:10.843-05:00Let's Visit WDW's Dapper Day, Fall 2022<div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Friday, my friend! You made it through another week, and get bonus points
because it's a <i>week in December</i>. Those go twice as fast but take twice
the effort, so, YAY YOU.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No stress here; today we're gonna travel back to last weekend, virtually don
our FINEST frock coats (<i>note to self</i>: google "frock coats"), and take a
leisurely promenade down main street gawking at all the dapper lovelies.<br><br>Shall
we start with a little video?<br><br><i>I think we shall. </i><br><br>HIT IT,
JOHN.<br><br><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gGhIt41Ckns" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br><br>I hope you can see (and hear!) what
a fun day this was, despite the heat. You know two of my great loves are
cosplay and Christmas, so throw <i>Disney</i> in the mix and I'm just about in
heaven.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyCDe3ygpfgLguItxlR2tlFCQ1lKyMC035mrO7MKNc7DwFTw654V17TOb4r2xoxqHzlbta94ThdmcXbWso_Fb-8bVNJ1xp13T4fxgLVd71slX-0mZFHjwIAdAaNG_NG-4VGnCrB5w0S1uahr5M1qA8Mo6z6CM3S_sLnL6_IUkn7cSnmFzGs34QXI_/s1500/IMG_2803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyCDe3ygpfgLguItxlR2tlFCQ1lKyMC035mrO7MKNc7DwFTw654V17TOb4r2xoxqHzlbta94ThdmcXbWso_Fb-8bVNJ1xp13T4fxgLVd71slX-0mZFHjwIAdAaNG_NG-4VGnCrB5w0S1uahr5M1qA8Mo6z6CM3S_sLnL6_IUkn7cSnmFzGs34QXI_/w534-h640/IMG_2803.jpg" width="534"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course people will be quick to point out Dapper Day is about
<i>fashion, </i>not costumes, but the vintage styles, Christmas theme, and
Disney Bounds are more than enough for me.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIt9eWdZamnlXjwkhJ958X4FsSmuuM93nHpVgp0Z036Fke9Drw0TCN9wnUJWyNMHOosQgpCPXKExUm5bBb-lmEggsXcL3InyjitP9wS0GLtkvnOpHJSA7-mIBi0kZiaWtFADbZ3OGjivbLmcsD-jQmkNJ886EEc5EORWEqFvgzG7yaJraDmz17tgd/s1500/IMG_2771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIt9eWdZamnlXjwkhJ958X4FsSmuuM93nHpVgp0Z036Fke9Drw0TCN9wnUJWyNMHOosQgpCPXKExUm5bBb-lmEggsXcL3InyjitP9wS0GLtkvnOpHJSA7-mIBi0kZiaWtFADbZ3OGjivbLmcsD-jQmkNJ886EEc5EORWEqFvgzG7yaJraDmz17tgd/w454-h640/IMG_2771.jpg" width="454"></a><br><i>Yesssss</i>.<br><br>
</div>
<div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plus the Dapper crowd is so friendly they'll spoil other Disney trips for you;
you can't go more than 50 feet without someone smiling at you, complimenting
your outfit, and/or wishing you a happy Dapper Day. It's
<i>wonderful</i>.<br>
</div>
<div>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdeNlk8O1ZTLZjD5iDhHeutd32iuBWMwjEDuqc_2apycDjD1YunmjbVskjxnL5rduwhW5ytWRPC0MoKRPACiTi7du5g8qYvhHqO1o5kXv5iut5K8QeDLY9BxtxnT2zeylI8iePVugdPXMJ5yefsUyl1qKvqU0LSV4GwkQyubxxgxv91iuK_xv3Wlt/s1500/IMG_2729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="991" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdeNlk8O1ZTLZjD5iDhHeutd32iuBWMwjEDuqc_2apycDjD1YunmjbVskjxnL5rduwhW5ytWRPC0MoKRPACiTi7du5g8qYvhHqO1o5kXv5iut5K8QeDLY9BxtxnT2zeylI8iePVugdPXMJ5yefsUyl1qKvqU0LSV4GwkQyubxxgxv91iuK_xv3Wlt/w422-h640/IMG_2729.jpg" width="422"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gertie18/" target="_blank">@gertie18</a>)<br></i><br></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there are all the bounds! That's a Christmas twist on Mary Poppins
& Bert, aren't they practically perfect? <br><br>Check out this 40s
style Sorcerer Mickey on the right:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i4FN55TCI_ivNtcrEltja0D8_vrqVSR3IY7wIJwlbB-hOUWmOQGzf3-HNydiJMVq0hsiXh8aFKh91ew_k4YgfrPOmsA7wYt_RtbQA3A5bb_aVWppRiSBzhY1C9hr1N3K2XXzqDqw_tF61QYMtKDt9YrWZyNFPE9aE8cPgxEcwslwlBVgXiUUZ7ld/s1500/IMG_2669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1019" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i4FN55TCI_ivNtcrEltja0D8_vrqVSR3IY7wIJwlbB-hOUWmOQGzf3-HNydiJMVq0hsiXh8aFKh91ew_k4YgfrPOmsA7wYt_RtbQA3A5bb_aVWppRiSBzhY1C9hr1N3K2XXzqDqw_tF61QYMtKDt9YrWZyNFPE9aE8cPgxEcwslwlBVgXiUUZ7ld/w434-h640/IMG_2669.jpg" width="434"></a><br><i>(<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thejamie_lynn/" target="_blank">@thejamie_lynn</a>)</i><br><br>Her headpieces was full of silver stars, so pretty. Also loving the
peppermint Christmas goodness beside her!<br><br>A few Dappers do frown
on Disneybounding because it's "costume-y," but I say FOOEY to them. 'Bounds
are like visual riddles you get to find and solve, they add so much fun to
the weekend.
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9Fijz5LGMcZMnV3-nfQOa8NB-iHN7ufLVcBBk_FjcmFXjSLjs6RAV89ccvptzwcl9NAVmJysT_ymQA0XsnJNzBVM6IlHny3dN1deSz5kTRGOqsGRl64lOCJHNIgrH_bAmxn7CghlpRPM_2UYOhhShixq-d4Ut9HJHDcOI39REFFt5MGE2dzCyLhw/s1500/IMG_2650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1435" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9Fijz5LGMcZMnV3-nfQOa8NB-iHN7ufLVcBBk_FjcmFXjSLjs6RAV89ccvptzwcl9NAVmJysT_ymQA0XsnJNzBVM6IlHny3dN1deSz5kTRGOqsGRl64lOCJHNIgrH_bAmxn7CghlpRPM_2UYOhhShixq-d4Ut9HJHDcOI39REFFt5MGE2dzCyLhw/w612-h640/IMG_2650.jpg" width="612"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The two on the right are bounding as Grinch & Martha May! Aaaa! Made me
regret not wearing my own
<a href="https://www.epbot.com/2022/12/i-went-as-grinch-to-dress-as-your.html" target="_blank">Grinchy lederhosen</a>.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I told Jessica her Dapper "Darlin" pin matched John's outfit, she
immediately plucked it off and put it on his lapel:<br>
</div>
<span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/lets-visit-wdws-dapper-day-fall-2022.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-9026235527709356512022-12-13T15:30:00.009-05:002022-12-13T20:47:24.659-05:00Our DIY Dragon Hoard Christmas Tree<div>
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John and I had such an amazing Dapper Day Saturday that we went back for
<i>more</i> on Sunday. Which means I'm a day behind and have twice the
content, oops. So I'll bring you those photos and fun stories on Friday,
k?<br>
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In the meantime, here comes another Hobbit Holiday build: our Dragon
Hoard Christmas tree!<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LbB1HhayDrU2n7Iwga3FD7UsU_TSDk3LVSwTsZsSdHnkGRskQPVZSMPktlxDg4S53AA77bYZ-yuW8CPR1MnFwws8DfAKEJIlb_BpQQNRiUoi-zd6c2feSaVe3iWel74DKp2BCh681byKslkOQjJXK-997WdI4T_2EbQLOlAnko41QcPcwlgSp5AJ/s1500/IMG_3225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1102" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LbB1HhayDrU2n7Iwga3FD7UsU_TSDk3LVSwTsZsSdHnkGRskQPVZSMPktlxDg4S53AA77bYZ-yuW8CPR1MnFwws8DfAKEJIlb_BpQQNRiUoi-zd6c2feSaVe3iWel74DKp2BCh681byKslkOQjJXK-997WdI4T_2EbQLOlAnko41QcPcwlgSp5AJ/w470-h640/IMG_3225.jpg" width="470"></a><br>
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Yes, our mini Smaug has amassed his own treasure pile in our this corner
tree, and is fiercely protecting it from the cats.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UAclLVA6nQoyPbFPrTRyIZaAivaFqV057hM_pz5oxs7hBylQQpbdM7WEgGQ-g-3rnx3JC5b97gL5_MfD_0KmlhVyBRpnlRZrS14IpykguO-NfbcMFC6UnI7xjHBq8qBYLsGmv39cl_986Zv6NSrmPmAbNYdmz6mzEhQNBX_kvYJKbAK2LEfTpMgC/s1500/IMG_3284.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UAclLVA6nQoyPbFPrTRyIZaAivaFqV057hM_pz5oxs7hBylQQpbdM7WEgGQ-g-3rnx3JC5b97gL5_MfD_0KmlhVyBRpnlRZrS14IpykguO-NfbcMFC6UnI7xjHBq8qBYLsGmv39cl_986Zv6NSrmPmAbNYdmz6mzEhQNBX_kvYJKbAK2LEfTpMgC/w480-h640/IMG_3284.jpg" width="480"></a>
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<i><b>"MINE."<br></b></i>
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The tree is full of giant gems, strands of pearls, medallions, mirrors -
basically every gold and/or sparkly thing our house had to offer, plus
gold Christmas balls for fill.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu9nQFbWjoiIJHaKWJ6ouhxPXWDHNRNmMq3tZrPChAvOSicQitXYE39X3mhwg7NUXrrjq6al2pejy--kPb_o4Ry5amEKDXMDwirVPtUtMyaXXvUMnNHn0KXRZI_JNAriv5q4fLy7xVlTpELCu9ryS2JF0mdaPVMXbdnWQMv-hA6Gq-jGnGUSrFAyp/s1500/IMG_3285.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu9nQFbWjoiIJHaKWJ6ouhxPXWDHNRNmMq3tZrPChAvOSicQitXYE39X3mhwg7NUXrrjq6al2pejy--kPb_o4Ry5amEKDXMDwirVPtUtMyaXXvUMnNHn0KXRZI_JNAriv5q4fLy7xVlTpELCu9ryS2JF0mdaPVMXbdnWQMv-hA6Gq-jGnGUSrFAyp/w480-h640/IMG_3285.jpg" width="480"></a>
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I re-painted a plastic Tangled goblet to make that fancy chalice, and I
think the gold box held candy?<br><br>I also hit up my friend
Traci's cosplay closet for some foam swords and a bunch of sparkly
tiaras, which make a fantastic tree topper:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEufoKf7n7y6Tf1KsqVY4Jwlruarz3gQXMwN0wYJ46j3pZiJlPn1LMD3OPz1r9PCIbUjDxGlARBrTAN7IW5UqLD1TIZR7LV7ucAmecLyhWLwicP5so5zQWENZ7uYHPfVeFNFb5vbzwRmlHcorfknry4g06zcXSxYsE8UBwdPZr8MSdQFhkWb-RbRjm/s1500/IMG_3313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEufoKf7n7y6Tf1KsqVY4Jwlruarz3gQXMwN0wYJ46j3pZiJlPn1LMD3OPz1r9PCIbUjDxGlARBrTAN7IW5UqLD1TIZR7LV7ucAmecLyhWLwicP5so5zQWENZ7uYHPfVeFNFb5vbzwRmlHcorfknry4g06zcXSxYsE8UBwdPZr8MSdQFhkWb-RbRjm/w480-h640/IMG_3313.jpg" width="480"></a>
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I plan to keep adding "treasures" as I either find or make them, so the
hoard should grow by party time.<br><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY7JTW17Azlzy9AfJp3iUYjalqXZ9Ytm_nqT3Zsgft1DUtCoxaRQE9R409smmQnLbtxbz5XTT2Ti0whGkLFMwGmAVR0SWurQ048Fhitdb0A_IEIe5ILM4LpP8GFwj4ISFMKAyFobYhhZJ2VNxnEdxWxCrSAixmMwc6oNq15nY6W9PdpuiW4X-xYtw/s1500/IMG_3307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY7JTW17Azlzy9AfJp3iUYjalqXZ9Ytm_nqT3Zsgft1DUtCoxaRQE9R409smmQnLbtxbz5XTT2Ti0whGkLFMwGmAVR0SWurQ048Fhitdb0A_IEIe5ILM4LpP8GFwj4ISFMKAyFobYhhZJ2VNxnEdxWxCrSAixmMwc6oNq15nY6W9PdpuiW4X-xYtw/w492-h640/IMG_3307.jpg" width="492"></a>
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In fact this would be a great thrift store project! Paint lightweight
tchochkes gold, maybe bedazzle them with plastic rhinestones, and
boom: <i>instant treasure</i>.<br><br><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFAI0j7_yd6Kk8wCvCMxANtWOl0CDobMqTqLhwKPUt6pFkte4ODXrYVUL1Z0nrGYehYG1nw478lLHKL-GgrCE5upefDQsg0rzbV4thG5EB-o6FgPEC6160s1nF4B8s7UKUDMKkkdyWwoThTc6YPJ0c72NtF3V696kwWoexqt6oUZXVfCr2lYU1RUn/s1500/IMG_3308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFAI0j7_yd6Kk8wCvCMxANtWOl0CDobMqTqLhwKPUt6pFkte4ODXrYVUL1Z0nrGYehYG1nw478lLHKL-GgrCE5upefDQsg0rzbV4thG5EB-o6FgPEC6160s1nF4B8s7UKUDMKkkdyWwoThTc6YPJ0c72NtF3V696kwWoexqt6oUZXVfCr2lYU1RUn/w480-h640/IMG_3308.jpg" width="480"></a>
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These are parts of a Christmas sprig I glued to a broken chain belt.
:D<br>
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A Dollar Tree mirror from my stash. I had to get creative since we
haven't had time for a thrift run.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60RlS2_RRckzZvQEBSc8RLEg96w5PRPEFXoD7BeCctHtgkclXYQbJ9KkPS2iZJtejRuQJcus3pn7rcEuyu-ITeujtKXvlWo0it7f6GkVfDWVULOHl2zO_aMv52yij2gQrISYrkT7C3mfR5J6MSB5UZc7ir54rNCignavkeBs1wqaJDjhQyL7vV8Ct/s1500/IMG_3312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60RlS2_RRckzZvQEBSc8RLEg96w5PRPEFXoD7BeCctHtgkclXYQbJ9KkPS2iZJtejRuQJcus3pn7rcEuyu-ITeujtKXvlWo0it7f6GkVfDWVULOHl2zO_aMv52yij2gQrISYrkT7C3mfR5J6MSB5UZc7ir54rNCignavkeBs1wqaJDjhQyL7vV8Ct/w480-h640/IMG_3312.jpg" width="480"></a>
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"Ok, Jen," I can hear you saying, "That's great. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE
DRAGON?"<br>
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<br>
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<div>Ahhh, that's the best part!<br></div>
<span></span></div></div></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/our-diy-dragon-hoard-christmas-tree.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-29898597117956338332022-12-09T14:30:00.027-05:002022-12-09T17:20:24.698-05:00We Made A Life-Sized Hobbit Door For Our House!<div><br></div>
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Happy Friday, po-tay-toes & hobbitses! Remember when we made these?<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiSYrGMUsj0Gw-Qul8vvbUwSs7B4UR4O1_jxNHMh-ZEu6lVf4oUz343ecCB7Ys1pxKAcH2BHilrbuvbB4oxTs7Xmfej-l4T9lIbOC3_xZK-GH1xFqFpF5-oz_ngPvCUF3vdMcKBtk6bf9RQQyUTEjxMR6Zfd3ymg0Z_dNyE3f4vDlbgGO23WN716D/s9879/Hobbit%20doors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6143" data-original-width="9879" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiSYrGMUsj0Gw-Qul8vvbUwSs7B4UR4O1_jxNHMh-ZEu6lVf4oUz343ecCB7Ys1pxKAcH2BHilrbuvbB4oxTs7Xmfej-l4T9lIbOC3_xZK-GH1xFqFpF5-oz_ngPvCUF3vdMcKBtk6bf9RQQyUTEjxMR6Zfd3ymg0Z_dNyE3f4vDlbgGO23WN716D/w640-h398/Hobbit%20doors.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.epbot.com/2021/07/new-dollar-tree-diy-hobbit-door-wreaths.html" target="_blank"><i>Hobbit Door Wreath DIY</i></a><br></div>
<br>
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What do you say we make a <i>life-sized</i> one? With a functioning door? For
a Hobbit party?<br><br>I'm getting strong "yes" vibes over here, so I'll assume those are from you.<br><br>LET US PROCEED.<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
John and I turned once again to our trusty not-sponsor -
<i>but we're open, Pink Panther, just sayin'</i> - pink insulation foam.
<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAew6nP6yukcI_qCLqGJbq9fej9lolbOvoQ32iIQ5zaFg3koRA-YGZ2pLWbKRYKQJDzOww8LBjZGFMnl9BnkviSGdoQz0z9jW6OzHyl_0FA7Pm4b_MciGkRWUjTuSUm3MaGS6Z-ZnJ7isRrwDr8GTlxc4oTvpaAC_Fo7yvWxDdTnj-1WQB5x2KiYBA/s1500/9EEF63FB-803E-499D-80D6-AB58A031364E_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAew6nP6yukcI_qCLqGJbq9fej9lolbOvoQ32iIQ5zaFg3koRA-YGZ2pLWbKRYKQJDzOww8LBjZGFMnl9BnkviSGdoQz0z9jW6OzHyl_0FA7Pm4b_MciGkRWUjTuSUm3MaGS6Z-ZnJ7isRrwDr8GTlxc4oTvpaAC_Fo7yvWxDdTnj-1WQB5x2KiYBA/w608-h640/9EEF63FB-803E-499D-80D6-AB58A031364E_1_105_c.jpg" width="608"></a><br>
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Blocking out the basic shapes - and quickly discovering that threshold
was a face-plant waiting to happen, ha. That'll get lowered later.<br><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This will <i>not</i> be Bilbo's iconic door, because we wanted something less
character-specific. And red, to be more festive. Our
inspiration was this <i>other</i> Hobbit hole in New Zealand:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaxMQMnTyq6cnHaY9OrSbL7QmDWkaLPq7zrwvi2AkqY6x7jGtnsovqPdP_0UXMpNnodux31xT1WG7Sqh-XImcIFbqA6kGbrTgjCuHPc7F4lID8FE0JMg19J2FsAzF-AP35w_Chv4gn2jMieiOeNEnEbDCui32oNxh8Ry-VoFEdMhc5IC1qVgmIf7J/s1008/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-08%20at%205.39.46%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1008" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaxMQMnTyq6cnHaY9OrSbL7QmDWkaLPq7zrwvi2AkqY6x7jGtnsovqPdP_0UXMpNnodux31xT1WG7Sqh-XImcIFbqA6kGbrTgjCuHPc7F4lID8FE0JMg19J2FsAzF-AP35w_Chv4gn2jMieiOeNEnEbDCui32oNxh8Ry-VoFEdMhc5IC1qVgmIf7J/w640-h416/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-08%20at%205.39.46%20PM.png" width="640"></a><br><i><a href="https://fineartamerica.com/featured/hobbit-house-red-door-racheal-christian.html" target="_blank">via Rachael Christian</a></i><br><br>So pretty, right? Just imagine it all decked out with lights and snow
for Christmas! <br><br>Once we had all the pieces we starting adding
wood grain texture:<br><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkorouXvtn-k6HRALVOA9TDH9leI9FfLlpcKVQi7q4k4AxAYVucTFDC5aB96QOxPMNWKkhxDIpxFBRQgHH9eyQ6SaMHzHz9kJah_lVt61QDLV2JWLtRWorW4Q36m_TmB9IXZX2G8Wdru5So8FXbVkxfz86y00o6Hp-6zwEQN92Pt4XxTK6HIPHIiJw/s1500/CFBF1D45-CB6C-4FBD-9D9B-3FDB61764181_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkorouXvtn-k6HRALVOA9TDH9leI9FfLlpcKVQi7q4k4AxAYVucTFDC5aB96QOxPMNWKkhxDIpxFBRQgHH9eyQ6SaMHzHz9kJah_lVt61QDLV2JWLtRWorW4Q36m_TmB9IXZX2G8Wdru5So8FXbVkxfz86y00o6Hp-6zwEQN92Pt4XxTK6HIPHIiJw/w486-h640/CFBF1D45-CB6C-4FBD-9D9B-3FDB61764181_1_201_a.jpg" width="486"></a>
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I used an awl for the lighter grain and knots, then John sliced V grooves with a craft blade for the deeper cracks.<br><br>Four pieces of foam stacked & glued to
make these honkin' corbels:<br><br>
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My wood grain's not great on this side, <i>shhhh</i>.<br><br><br>
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<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once we painted everything brown it really started coming together:<br></div><span></span><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/we-made-life-sized-hobbit-door-for-our.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-27588561410797179872022-12-06T14:30:00.013-05:002022-12-06T14:30:00.305-05:00I Went As The Grinch To A "Dress As Your Favorite Christmas Movie" Party<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Hallooo, early December survivors! Have you
watched your favorite Christmas movie yet this year? <br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many of you know <i>my</i> somewhat-controversial favorite...<br>
</div>
<div>
<br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvECLk96ROWTQHSMgEDq81LD3IOKZKPjs_M7oYR8qa0I9Dip5Fc-1N76PIRivbQOXTg8c55O9BZ_Z6CJnfZX7ZAF4FXPz3eef5cU2aPJO5s8AyyFnPZNZTnLpmwVpXmXyINAJTl0R9wtpLSwLka2LTsxkUE17esy4V9ElOM4uOIrs1JoVwawfTw82E/s480/grinch%20audacity.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="480" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvECLk96ROWTQHSMgEDq81LD3IOKZKPjs_M7oYR8qa0I9Dip5Fc-1N76PIRivbQOXTg8c55O9BZ_Z6CJnfZX7ZAF4FXPz3eef5cU2aPJO5s8AyyFnPZNZTnLpmwVpXmXyINAJTl0R9wtpLSwLka2LTsxkUE17esy4V9ElOM4uOIrs1JoVwawfTw82E/w640-h344/grinch%20audacity.gif" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE UNMITIGATED GALL<br></b>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... so when our friend (and FoE) Arielle invited us to a "Dress As Your
Favorite Christmas Movie" party...<br><br>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1gvS7yK4fmHBXI8P8vST13jrzjJLfjQgwQtcBp5bmC2-qa6iBOTvdfLQ8Bb-Ht9S4hm9sVhue5aar6UG7XzlZ6Ua0lS_E7P3qr5Xrtt1-sWWNCiTnQ1wQRvJGpgr2kij19tVxu3UscV1cYePH_WPTpYPQn46JghKtpsjJ15ZwFzUmF4xWUbHIkEk/s200/what%20would%20I%20wear.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1gvS7yK4fmHBXI8P8vST13jrzjJLfjQgwQtcBp5bmC2-qa6iBOTvdfLQ8Bb-Ht9S4hm9sVhue5aar6UG7XzlZ6Ua0lS_E7P3qr5Xrtt1-sWWNCiTnQ1wQRvJGpgr2kij19tVxu3UscV1cYePH_WPTpYPQn46JghKtpsjJ15ZwFzUmF4xWUbHIkEk/w400-h400/what%20would%20I%20wear.gif" width="400"></a>
</div>
<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... there was only one clear choice.<br><br>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsy0k6xv-hkFSxmNc-PhJrltvJpVyYAuGqTLx16O77X2SfQNXifbkp5ftGQ90BvFTRfkuilJh7G7r2NimOXDP8bV43DZyiZqtNrsQJH4_F8N2-ayDBNwvQvZht46mqLMZNhgUKJJyRQcqQiy0PJrXBSuMpbxtxRkzMOPY8zXBbOhybr2YbkJ0teIg/s220/grinch-sassy.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="220" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsy0k6xv-hkFSxmNc-PhJrltvJpVyYAuGqTLx16O77X2SfQNXifbkp5ftGQ90BvFTRfkuilJh7G7r2NimOXDP8bV43DZyiZqtNrsQJH4_F8N2-ayDBNwvQvZht46mqLMZNhgUKJJyRQcqQiy0PJrXBSuMpbxtxRkzMOPY8zXBbOhybr2YbkJ0teIg/w640-h523/grinch-sassy.gif" width="640"></a>
</div>
<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GRINCH IN LEDERHOSEN.</b> <br>This look is so hot this season.<br><br>Which
is why I can't wear <i>fur</i> in this 85 degree heat, and decided on more of
a Grinchy cos-bound.<br><br>This took more work than I expected, so I'll
link you everything I used at the end of the post. Also keep scrolling,
because I have LOTS more party costumes coming up!<br><br>Here's a better
reference for the embroidery I tried to match:<br><br>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWof3RNCdvtosxxyVmzYdX0ZcWNO0heYZcCtbaQnONbXJSoDtUjzwkAuOKfzaGEZCnxrEjGJnZVEeUVNHM236ygs4xC4V_H1HrbD_TAQNYfw0U50LC_9XIh6ExgTtaPTlHmC5_Wl6aKI-HL1R74YV5RdqvOZo7LWzcAM0odEcchSuWUs75B_7_nHKb/s450/MV5BMTcyODEzODQ3MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTM5MDA3._V1_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="450" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWof3RNCdvtosxxyVmzYdX0ZcWNO0heYZcCtbaQnONbXJSoDtUjzwkAuOKfzaGEZCnxrEjGJnZVEeUVNHM236ygs4xC4V_H1HrbD_TAQNYfw0U50LC_9XIh6ExgTtaPTlHmC5_Wl6aKI-HL1R74YV5RdqvOZo7LWzcAM0odEcchSuWUs75B_7_nHKb/w640-h634/MV5BMTcyODEzODQ3MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTM5MDA3._V1_.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br>Aaaaand here's my finished look!<br>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UBfbqELaNTLlT2pwGgir8FTY9SklZLV6VBbKdBx6TvwjytBSi7JhZSrlADcGBumyADqBpFzI02vUTqJPuCCOcDJ9FoLnQbyqmH8S3W2McBNhEd6nItE_17WCUqUiYjUDSVHHp8KyIa8dq85ayc7cNbDmyIHtet9XHGpTbDbZW3JLN98XZBFA3dM4/s1500/IMG_2291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1002" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UBfbqELaNTLlT2pwGgir8FTY9SklZLV6VBbKdBx6TvwjytBSi7JhZSrlADcGBumyADqBpFzI02vUTqJPuCCOcDJ9FoLnQbyqmH8S3W2McBNhEd6nItE_17WCUqUiYjUDSVHHp8KyIa8dq85ayc7cNbDmyIHtet9XHGpTbDbZW3JLN98XZBFA3dM4/w428-h640/IMG_2291.jpg" width="428"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The "extra large" heart is a purse I clipped to my belt, and it's so
chinchilla-soft I couldn't stop petting it. <i>Ahhhh</i>.<br><br>I'm
also wearing paper earrings made on our Cricut:<br>
</div>
<span></span></div></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/i-went-as-grinch-to-dress-as-your.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-56761591078156474512022-12-02T14:30:00.082-05:002022-12-03T16:20:16.982-05:00Turning Our Friends' Place Into A Life-Sized Gingerbread House, Final Reveal!<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday, my festive Festers! Ready to
get your gingerbread house on?<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This project has had a lot of ups and downs since we last spoke. Or downs and
ups, as things kept falling off, hehehe. <br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's the slightly unhinged chuckle of a woman who is one more mishap away
from renting a flamethrower, btw. BUT WE MADE IT. And so far, knock on
gingerbread, the Gingerbread House <b>still stands. <br></b>
</div>
<div>
<b><br></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsE7r2go6bv0z-VR4IZdp1y35WOzndMTCJ-ImeQ98JL2Ce6c8sAJFAyH4P5IQos197vZrtCTt_fOJkjgRl90ApKskTXeWAMlNCS3it1l39rj7bfuZGZSpzOwHjTUM47a5VySun7HiPFNpMkWif42dUuNJrywcpBatgUWGx98kOK1MpnbmxqzoFAzE/s1500/IMG_0783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1500" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsE7r2go6bv0z-VR4IZdp1y35WOzndMTCJ-ImeQ98JL2Ce6c8sAJFAyH4P5IQos197vZrtCTt_fOJkjgRl90ApKskTXeWAMlNCS3it1l39rj7bfuZGZSpzOwHjTUM47a5VySun7HiPFNpMkWif42dUuNJrywcpBatgUWGx98kOK1MpnbmxqzoFAzE/w640-h566/IMG_0783.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our battlefield of candy carnage.</i><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now that we've learned absolutely <i>everything</i> the hard way, let me
show you all the things we did wrong last time, and our fixes that seem to be
working.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Btw, to the person who so sweetly commented last time that we "make it look so
easy!" - this is for you:<br>
</div>
<div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSUUS8w70QrPvw7p1CuuV6t75cAZz20Iu-WIdVXe86uDr7C0t2bZE-KjeJeqHSYJZrJ9rxrXOsf4WPADV7nJbzEZuhyIXSKSn9Mi2u_CJ2TcGr-i_8dCA_5iZKxMUCJG_eb_n_Z4iUHn57kJ46ruLUWiOee0TryyK6fGCjeLNY4x1cXXl9BvuZ7Pg/s480/chandler.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSUUS8w70QrPvw7p1CuuV6t75cAZz20Iu-WIdVXe86uDr7C0t2bZE-KjeJeqHSYJZrJ9rxrXOsf4WPADV7nJbzEZuhyIXSKSn9Mi2u_CJ2TcGr-i_8dCA_5iZKxMUCJG_eb_n_Z4iUHn57kJ46ruLUWiOee0TryyK6fGCjeLNY4x1cXXl9BvuZ7Pg/s16000/chandler.gif"></a>
</div>
<br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First let's jump in with some beauty shots, because I'm a desserts-first kinda
gal:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjloUmVYftWNucXE3x2EWrg4An69WwXdxcs-j6tVXJ6aHHkQDNYrzXiCji6RcfSPUe-zait42eENO2_JT0gV07waZpyIGvVd_x5EKDw6OUV_xjKTS7-Caax2Hb0p3FM6itMgwyygYhcnb_BP0gbuTRR2liA3b4Fq9wfyAQ_2xLDJf1JIxNhmummbl1/s1500/IMG_2029-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1500" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjloUmVYftWNucXE3x2EWrg4An69WwXdxcs-j6tVXJ6aHHkQDNYrzXiCji6RcfSPUe-zait42eENO2_JT0gV07waZpyIGvVd_x5EKDw6OUV_xjKTS7-Caax2Hb0p3FM6itMgwyygYhcnb_BP0gbuTRR2liA3b4Fq9wfyAQ_2xLDJf1JIxNhmummbl1/w640-h334/IMG_2029-2.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">::trumpet fanfare::<br></div>
<div>
<br><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV4Y-Go5w5o1JAMVVPB7d5qRk66LU-9ZQJbP_rWmqZryIOQ9cnDSOLohmLD8eEna17gEJX2xjvkHMGlvDyZQEqCsY67AXk9vLROHw551_X-e-NMYXeGKURlaZfMOtpL2MlJ7AcFMuqOfey_mRJSSL_ZCVpYX8nn8wJlTAcp747Gezuj1cFRzBBY0a/s1500/IMG_1556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV4Y-Go5w5o1JAMVVPB7d5qRk66LU-9ZQJbP_rWmqZryIOQ9cnDSOLohmLD8eEna17gEJX2xjvkHMGlvDyZQEqCsY67AXk9vLROHw551_X-e-NMYXeGKURlaZfMOtpL2MlJ7AcFMuqOfey_mRJSSL_ZCVpYX8nn8wJlTAcp747Gezuj1cFRzBBY0a/w640-h426/IMG_1556.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eagle-eyed readers will spot the difference in these shots, but <i>shhhh</i>.
We'll get to that.<br>
</div>
<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVg_nsWM28tLJ1SnLP5TzFpFDUPQ9JfS_2vE4z5DF_H7YWrSoZq4Cn1Pp39Va52Zp8YCZKY3s2QvaJ9eSFMX3LJpIgFQgYCs9BBkOHvo7k4oxpJLL_C11380b-eFtzezWMFMuePCh7-cc2dk996wQauPJOCoV8OaEAo-Es7rH4VPIfFSz1AuKB10W/s1500/IMG_2044-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1500" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVg_nsWM28tLJ1SnLP5TzFpFDUPQ9JfS_2vE4z5DF_H7YWrSoZq4Cn1Pp39Va52Zp8YCZKY3s2QvaJ9eSFMX3LJpIgFQgYCs9BBkOHvo7k4oxpJLL_C11380b-eFtzezWMFMuePCh7-cc2dk996wQauPJOCoV8OaEAo-Es7rH4VPIfFSz1AuKB10W/w640-h390/IMG_2044-2.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The house doesn't <i>look</i> too different from my last sneak peeks, but the
icing trim on the roof line got a major upgrade.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oTFXnKf9FuBK-504Fyrp38AOMhVsmaLWaM7V6RiqI-VW3P9h27rnSZEATB76XHaJwJjIk-1P8Q7IzPDBf9rqN0sIle5yR97Y9V-HKyBK0s0s77cv6KcBHr0jA54N7bX_mQmiNojN7oc-flXpLFU3Y_oN0y9s-u-QrQ0njS-kzzYlNgrJT7vxgbLu/s1500/IMG_1567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oTFXnKf9FuBK-504Fyrp38AOMhVsmaLWaM7V6RiqI-VW3P9h27rnSZEATB76XHaJwJjIk-1P8Q7IzPDBf9rqN0sIle5yR97Y9V-HKyBK0s0s77cv6KcBHr0jA54N7bX_mQmiNojN7oc-flXpLFU3Y_oN0y9s-u-QrQ0njS-kzzYlNgrJT7vxgbLu/w640-h480/IMG_1567.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Originally we made the icing from plastic tablecloths, which was thinner, more
translucent, and VERY wind-catchy:<br>
</div><span></span><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/12/turning-our-friends-place-into-life.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-28907070451765439852022-11-29T14:30:00.006-05:002022-11-29T14:30:00.279-05:00Orlando's Festival Of Trees 2022, Part 2<div><p style="text-align: center;">Happy
post-Thanksgiving work week, gang, how ya hanging in? <br>
</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
John and I just sat down to go through all our planned December activities
and posts, so I already need a nap, heh. The month fills up fast when you
want to do ALL THE THINGS, right?<br>
</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
First things first, though, let's get our holiday sparkle on with the rest
of my favorites from Festival of Trees! (<i><a href="https://www.epbot.com/2022/11/orlandos-festival-of-trees-2022-part-1.html" target="_blank">Click here if you missed Part 1</a>.</i>) <br><br>Beginning with the <i>last</i> thing I expected at this
swanky Festival: <i><b>a Dollar Tree DIY.</b></i><br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuLQhF9Cqre1V0z8r3jjyU1FfJJu-zFpy77k8q0rKkiImGiL4Sa_vC6qRwI9BbdUT8xBAkMn82c30ZorRIEJLzBBv3aYNOpfDBH--P3AmbCFK64pUSXpXXBOaXjrGMvN68lJ1_CxbIitxdTvEuBXzz7EI654lwWv9APwsSBki1aU7JwPsLLjuy0op/s1500/IMG_0918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1500" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuLQhF9Cqre1V0z8r3jjyU1FfJJu-zFpy77k8q0rKkiImGiL4Sa_vC6qRwI9BbdUT8xBAkMn82c30ZorRIEJLzBBv3aYNOpfDBH--P3AmbCFK64pUSXpXXBOaXjrGMvN68lJ1_CxbIitxdTvEuBXzz7EI654lwWv9APwsSBki1aU7JwPsLLjuy0op/w640-h422/IMG_0918.jpg" width="640"></a><br>A really GOOD Dollar Tree DIY, though.<br><br>Look closely; those
are all DT plastic bowls stacked and glued together, with fairy lights
tucked inside. <br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vtx-cL04noWHaQKHY1X2IJVpa8WprXil86SVdyltdpwDt_LmPuvOs0nSfVlqjFhqAfa7XbiVMx0T4vHzzXTrTTQTKZifc5lLelEq6QaKlIMff1galjjhhL3RI9qR_gQNhv6DsYAED9c3DwxRuh8YQQCNddOQq37fH6nU_IFeTwFUaBHi8JgDZYqX/s1500/9DF9D088-760D-4198-BA46-1FBFB5268785_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vtx-cL04noWHaQKHY1X2IJVpa8WprXil86SVdyltdpwDt_LmPuvOs0nSfVlqjFhqAfa7XbiVMx0T4vHzzXTrTTQTKZifc5lLelEq6QaKlIMff1galjjhhL3RI9qR_gQNhv6DsYAED9c3DwxRuh8YQQCNddOQq37fH6nU_IFeTwFUaBHi8JgDZYqX/w640-h480/9DF9D088-760D-4198-BA46-1FBFB5268785_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a><br>SO COOL. They made different designs by switching up the combinations
of bowls!<br><br>The only parts not from DT are the trees on top, but
maybe we could make a cone from clear DT cutting mats? <i>Hmmm</i>. Or
really, some of these would made great stands without the tree: you could
put candles or greenery on top instead.<br>
<br>Moving on to the slightly more realistic trees with a deliciously
over-the-top Elvis theme:<br>
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOkvAjY-U1wv_uN83UtZRs4S3VCkJuq1Pl2n3uViU0TFfWjTj3_c_Mz2trCwJM23qgTNNnRC1-TiYf2PVxem6cN9lggQJ6nNvr5kj13kXxB1SCfwiLww4JvlJNfDgmMfs784BQ4rkslpCLdFGVjhw4QQZkAuz99I4xnzkOVhZIOlQXIExHuwILSm1/s1500/IMG_1211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1114" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOkvAjY-U1wv_uN83UtZRs4S3VCkJuq1Pl2n3uViU0TFfWjTj3_c_Mz2trCwJM23qgTNNnRC1-TiYf2PVxem6cN9lggQJ6nNvr5kj13kXxB1SCfwiLww4JvlJNfDgmMfs784BQ4rkslpCLdFGVjhw4QQZkAuz99I4xnzkOVhZIOlQXIExHuwILSm1/w476-h640/IMG_1211.jpg" width="476"></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The action figure topper wouldn't be my choice (too small!) but the rest of
this "Blue Christmas" is perfection:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUE427pqD296IM53rnkZAGzBgH4hAzH1yrXgQeqh5XZjsjfXX7iRIompAha9KDQFAuwApSTPPNCA0eB5L2fyu_kiFrnnbWtYEk8VZ-HCe-JeLDKpoHACS6BxckkcDbSbp6UjFVPRpUpSzNtrtj0WwD32NO3Xx212udAkI3VeLoFJVZRoWbFM4jAtJ/s1500/IMG_1218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUE427pqD296IM53rnkZAGzBgH4hAzH1yrXgQeqh5XZjsjfXX7iRIompAha9KDQFAuwApSTPPNCA0eB5L2fyu_kiFrnnbWtYEk8VZ-HCe-JeLDKpoHACS6BxckkcDbSbp6UjFVPRpUpSzNtrtj0WwD32NO3Xx212udAkI3VeLoFJVZRoWbFM4jAtJ/w480-h640/IMG_1218.jpg" width="480"></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Toy guitars, records, gold sunglasses, and even tiny blue suede shoes:<br>
</div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibaLyq8MpODdZIa11yM6Db9lGPMjfBt78jFfPDDGLB7qeT7qSheKZLeTm32o5sAsJd7uBnbz3Mtp641rH1eDY3KxT-H-flzySqCgBZEDPnfQzsmIFXZuCTeDiVJD40vpXcYqWxf1UVMoOmbU3n6pTW_kSIURyrvAXgRlW7q-iOVk5bXGI0VNB6sCh/s1500/IMG_1220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibaLyq8MpODdZIa11yM6Db9lGPMjfBt78jFfPDDGLB7qeT7qSheKZLeTm32o5sAsJd7uBnbz3Mtp641rH1eDY3KxT-H-flzySqCgBZEDPnfQzsmIFXZuCTeDiVJD40vpXcYqWxf1UVMoOmbU3n6pTW_kSIURyrvAXgRlW7q-iOVk5bXGI0VNB6sCh/w640-h480/IMG_1220.jpg" width="640"></a>
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<p style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yesss</i>. I'm not the biggest Elvis fan, but I'm all about
<i>committing to a theme.<br><br></i>Which brings me to my favorite
Festival tree this year. That's right, you're getting it early this post, no
need to scroll to the end!<br><br>Now at first glance, this tree isn't
the <i>most</i> spectacular... but wait for it.<br>
</p>
<span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/orlandos-festival-of-trees-2022-part-2.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-46100806445584167442022-11-25T14:30:00.008-05:002022-11-27T18:55:36.159-05:00Orlando's Festival Of Trees 2022, Part 1<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Twinkle Light Season, friends! It's time for the Festival of Trees, my
annual tradition of taking WAY too many Christmas tree photos, and then
foisting them all on you so we can nerd out over design trends together.<br><br><a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQzdmRAOU_So5IZPOXnIZ4hZlQKURDoifLa6VI_iyO2G46uslC4wJHo2SHB0q3tPgU88RCBzy4AmQVhANaBUFqSmdkClBzg-aBhgh0eMBaxBWUpD_Mqibo5cj5TZUsPJAyFgQvsrawK5lQgE_oHjak7Rq9ov9EvYhCxHvdz_TzbFiPgFKt7TCLOlO/s1500/IMG_1254.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
> width="480"></a
><br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Festival is held in the
<a href="https://omart.org/" target="_blank">Orlando Museum of Art</a>, and
for the first time in YEARS (even pre-Covid) I'm thrilled to report the
Festival has actually <i>grown</i>. I've been bemoaning the dwindling tree
numbers for a good 4-5 years now, but this year they turned it around and
filled nearly the entire museum! YASSSS.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needless to say I have lots to share, so let's dive in.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KDp7eRLEebETy1Qm0CV9ybJuWHgGaZ_axuULQq5L0xBQqdYp38EoiJ2BgFUAIkoQTNY9HzqyM8K3lHaqEhUOazjMWwntajc-O_n1WA1Niql7HX13E94paO5mQTsMIDe9Pi52ee4WrOxzd-C7f-c3esIANK8fThf5KF5FiQM0I8F-Pd6iUqKqS_7J/s1500/IMG_0852.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
> width="412"></a
><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year's entry tree had flying cherubs over top, and was filled with iced
berries and fluffy white birds:<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkg0aQXg4vy6idNJrGmyQD1-GwJb3SO13p3lACDtoyKub6Au_FSdrjxPFxowlBwp6yPpoAQPixsg3SSDLscsYdbBC_ThlC8274p1aIgSkdwCN1JfcsVqJ6kGTBwWntK_OCfRpF3BUeUUEiV2_WRonsPTOyv-KcRznNTPaYjhjFPqvaJzlx49q3DMx/s1500/1DF9A6D1-8901-400A-8296-E1F425084FE8_1_105_c.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
> width="480"></a
><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that the tree sits on a giant mirror; reflects all the sparkles! I
bet we could get the same look with a little mirrored foil/mylar wrapped
around a foam board base. Eh? <br><br>See, the brain-storming has
already begun.<br><br>The main hub has a few larger room vignettes:<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPk7KKrzSAOwf8A8L_swUujrOfWmrB4Isv1wTLGWn2HekIaottjgCkpW6Yk0IIe81ePVjR6K-R9Mb6e7jY3gDJBw9X_0A2vZel8bwdHWkIth1ZEEGczPKZqm3MYmaoJaDROkziDXaXxmoDh7tJODgGQVraYyUP9vN7OTSDsKb08ddY6uef74qLdhn/s1500/IMG_0883.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
> width="640"></a>
</div>
<br>I like all the extras like the swagged garland with those firework
lights - which I reeeelly want for our Hobbit party. (Plus they make a cool
tree topper!)<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PNS2jPje2fF8YuI5UeynsGqutXJijd52sxldAcp553hNUg95Nb0N6GNn4oqBHscDLSCyYvnq5p_B9E-9m28zu7kCUyfMLFTE5_HriDbmpgh3424Ekyhws5FmD5XTrAqrqYPbt968RR5JdlXyXAKwoNA6qY2kSNzVIpwrAfMgqP5Z50ZbrH6loptu/s1500/IMG_0900.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
> width="498"></a>
</div>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a pretty woodlands theme, although the top looks a little bare:<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39exOqJKXBXzzwoKwZqv38cH9CfFCDPmCikNhFvMauS1r0FVGx5349q5tb3TzmPI-y6QxY8Bq29wnrRmSirkn4nhHuujynNohaebL4vsSjW0HgPz1A4RSJ5l2iKyWnj76AqZVzaRFbd_79Hcj0luljrgDa5hq-yPtJJmd3yvn7JB7FCibwoP6KuKJ/s1500/IMG_0864.jpg"
style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"
> width="474"></a
><br>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8-Xu0kvZPRG0_2X5ziIbJvWz5lm0bBgeaW6xkqubX_5_O5BALNFTX3WXeKtcOHXZ8uzTMWLERrAjKWo3_O-sQkf8L1eAtErgDafb4fEupVpnrOznaKj9z3pUTB-lf-iwajTdpTduKNz1IX2qM4uFV7hywSAi3H_uiTZBCo1iO7JS5wgzmjIVwxKk/s1500/IMG_0865.jpg"
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> width="480"></a>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbnB16Qv3osnWOzGQsf96r2n6_1lw1oxiQ8-wEGqWZNsW7F4sGqCrDPEf5_oOCbsNd7qGp8YsPiSTE9YIO_WPVrA5QIiElO7iTT6XxIwyPaeGDXeipx2PgPBVSryYerHza9D8ILO4YL9NWSsMye-_aXH0jVYUtBgIYARyDwEvb_3VYr_fZAFuO15b/s1500/IMG_0870.jpg"
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> width="480"></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Heart eyes for this owl ornament!<br>
</div>
</div>
<div><br><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This flocked tree would look <i>amazing</i> against a darker wall:<br><br>
</div>
<span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/orlandos-festival-of-trees-2022-part-1.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-55183372847231845802022-11-22T12:30:00.001-05:002022-11-22T14:01:32.358-05:00Turning A Friend's Home Into A Giant Gingerbread House, Part 2<div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Our last-minute gingerbread house project got a <i>little</i> out of hand; now I want to make ALL the cute giant sweets!<br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">We're nearly done, though, so let me show you some fun DIYs:<br></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1) Giant Wrapped Candies:<br></b></p><p><b></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSprmubc2reWyHO_CwJXO80NQK-o7VyZUfGFljotVsbljc0mbvq6GYQVi8MDCd_el_hot2X3MvhWZsV799CS7JR5ZJhbLGSaIta2UY5gripKb2zT3blbgZRT_XmklfcUi_-EDhuiLbAS9I-rz_7n0IQfiFBR_topxIvLKk-ZXSQ04n2qDRYakJEdr/s1500/18AFC5FF-7614-4741-B7E6-5987EA4A6426_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSprmubc2reWyHO_CwJXO80NQK-o7VyZUfGFljotVsbljc0mbvq6GYQVi8MDCd_el_hot2X3MvhWZsV799CS7JR5ZJhbLGSaIta2UY5gripKb2zT3blbgZRT_XmklfcUi_-EDhuiLbAS9I-rz_7n0IQfiFBR_topxIvLKk-ZXSQ04n2qDRYakJEdr/w640-h480/18AFC5FF-7614-4741-B7E6-5987EA4A6426_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">These are cheap and easy to make, but pack a HUGE punch.<i> I love them so much.</i><br></p><p style="text-align: center;">Everything you need is at Dollar Tree: foil wrapping paper (1 roll = 2 candies), small zip ties, and these plastic containers:<br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpwi5ItZuXxsuAJlvZZJWK-vGNLs80Xs8qhb3-i10qRYaUJ4PAz5bKwsbqKHnMj1v3Yiprd5-JQoSCemKXfeS7F94y37RZxobrflqkwB05RTIXS6djYxF3mWRRwy--4ByDfJ2eN-XkQytCU9RssmMEIZCkra_OT2RkKwguZlcAYDmLRqgapO-GWZV/s1500/40D06A66-033C-44A9-ACF4-9DCAAF146451_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpwi5ItZuXxsuAJlvZZJWK-vGNLs80Xs8qhb3-i10qRYaUJ4PAz5bKwsbqKHnMj1v3Yiprd5-JQoSCemKXfeS7F94y37RZxobrflqkwB05RTIXS6djYxF3mWRRwy--4ByDfJ2eN-XkQytCU9RssmMEIZCkra_OT2RkKwguZlcAYDmLRqgapO-GWZV/w640-h480/40D06A66-033C-44A9-ACF4-9DCAAF146451_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Put the lids aside, you won't need them.<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUVUuMpolQ8uUjyudkjSqa_kdQLk0o_1L7_eikWQUh0TbSC5cqSA422rV_E2-9aPbEVLf6548OB4m2F9okcWIjXBoovyfXM4iULdpsepGwZjVz5Sn--bXpdpSZzZKCADHRgYLpCyAj8qrfFs7-gB1Qdy1aw46EafVKQs1VfkjEs5LHKogie_BH5r4/s1500/94600589-C9E0-4136-ABEA-4AACAE935FA7_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUVUuMpolQ8uUjyudkjSqa_kdQLk0o_1L7_eikWQUh0TbSC5cqSA422rV_E2-9aPbEVLf6548OB4m2F9okcWIjXBoovyfXM4iULdpsepGwZjVz5Sn--bXpdpSZzZKCADHRgYLpCyAj8qrfFs7-gB1Qdy1aw46EafVKQs1VfkjEs5LHKogie_BH5r4/w480-h640/94600589-C9E0-4136-ABEA-4AACAE935FA7_1_201_a.jpg" width="480"></a><br><br>Wrap your container lengthwise with the foil... <br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEbRA7HrG7DqUDEjjq4EMA2Cqs2aOctGaoFdDePIZok1TvI1oW45_zXT0XsEMble4YcalGxMUmNRSOspKvQb949rsCJWDEMuioSa0bMSGCoMqfuuSsqitStNR5bpjylYQYSZ7vtdp-aweUK48H7sgFFHYVYuuCPGDOsVXVx-N8D7iitIk9-sxgVL_/s1500/20D36FCE-55CF-4E1B-A00B-D44407FEF3B5_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEbRA7HrG7DqUDEjjq4EMA2Cqs2aOctGaoFdDePIZok1TvI1oW45_zXT0XsEMble4YcalGxMUmNRSOspKvQb949rsCJWDEMuioSa0bMSGCoMqfuuSsqitStNR5bpjylYQYSZ7vtdp-aweUK48H7sgFFHYVYuuCPGDOsVXVx-N8D7iitIk9-sxgVL_/w640-h480/20D36FCE-55CF-4E1B-A00B-D44407FEF3B5_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br>...then gather up each end and zip-tie them tightly for that wrapped candy look.<br><br>I also wrapped two Dollar Tree plastic punch bowls:<br><br><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9UoBA4FvwOQNpd2qixCg1-VL3shvWV24Vmeq0TzgjFO6ONH4TAPBa2EdmwhR-Zk73NW5wHirzSkLnJ2nxbWFozbgzUMwsga0gf_aYdvv0SfkByOi8CE13idnM3iYMjxP7EAPEw8tzzU-44OHExIuxeXjH909QVeSTdl3OpQu1kxKcEuF6Fo33cxC/w640-h480/B191DEFE-AE30-46D8-B804-8A07328E6641_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The foil won't reach all the way around, but that's ok; just tape it inside the bowl in back:<br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2vawobDm47XRYTSjpjIlVQe21wA27DY6XuYVhOR_bU-3t1eL5rlsC5Mt5gtN2sFYjpbJSgC52FBQFxOJfg1rcFht6h6Bd9JdIaAxvYgNg0Y7BkO_O_Zq6W8z4-DAynJR9a1D8I8zgDXGWMjIiapdo69FqC2R2wCF45T4yFAEs0OWqk6YCXMC8xvb/s1500/0496E86F-E4AB-4997-9EDB-662D47968F9C_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2vawobDm47XRYTSjpjIlVQe21wA27DY6XuYVhOR_bU-3t1eL5rlsC5Mt5gtN2sFYjpbJSgC52FBQFxOJfg1rcFht6h6Bd9JdIaAxvYgNg0Y7BkO_O_Zq6W8z4-DAynJR9a1D8I8zgDXGWMjIiapdo69FqC2R2wCF45T4yFAEs0OWqk6YCXMC8xvb/w640-h480/0496E86F-E4AB-4997-9EDB-662D47968F9C_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then gather the ends and zip-tie.<br></div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Each candy only costs about $2 each, so like I said, HUGE bang for your buck with this one.<br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL0WiuK3DAodFqZREenznJ8H8_nXauOpBFOxSOWcLN36AQ6l4s8v0DEPK8by9LmqT9ClC1NnBmSyHZtdxVxuxnLrhw_auQRXkQMZzhN8GmLI1xg6-RPbK5qPGtbfGVJ792AvDess89VP4QXteEUOpEAG70iHf71pfGMXrAIeVSD-dhtEvp9kT3l0T/s1500/3C60ACD3-2817-4CC3-B04E-A4F38D1CCAAC_1_201_a%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL0WiuK3DAodFqZREenznJ8H8_nXauOpBFOxSOWcLN36AQ6l4s8v0DEPK8by9LmqT9ClC1NnBmSyHZtdxVxuxnLrhw_auQRXkQMZzhN8GmLI1xg6-RPbK5qPGtbfGVJ792AvDess89VP4QXteEUOpEAG70iHf71pfGMXrAIeVSD-dhtEvp9kT3l0T/w480-h640/3C60ACD3-2817-4CC3-B04E-A4F38D1CCAAC_1_201_a%202.jpg" width="480"></a></div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plus so fun! Dangerously so. I want to make moooore. <br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used more zip-ties to hang our big candies in this tree:<br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jw7AwWH90WWXRynzOZs5eKgIf0oNPRCYKww6zeNSLctGPHh9IMY9PSt9AyplgHjRDAvXR4d0Q7GlFqA51Xy6mft6zlIdqdGNvObAtkjQnvhGR0_evFo7MS8TsgCagARo6Jl0FGEfUMeKTEFa1OltJxtQl4g008cqjyNLwXp-Um3UwkFjHeLAFNm9/s1500/8F559BDA-43BE-4511-8CF3-69E5D4C93AC3_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jw7AwWH90WWXRynzOZs5eKgIf0oNPRCYKww6zeNSLctGPHh9IMY9PSt9AyplgHjRDAvXR4d0Q7GlFqA51Xy6mft6zlIdqdGNvObAtkjQnvhGR0_evFo7MS8TsgCagARo6Jl0FGEfUMeKTEFa1OltJxtQl4g008cqjyNLwXp-Um3UwkFjHeLAFNm9/w480-h640/8F559BDA-43BE-4511-8CF3-69E5D4C93AC3_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">The branches are rather bendy, but still, turned out pretty cute! These would also look great on exterior walls, trimming a doorway, in a giant garland, or even dangling down from taller trees.<br></p><p style="text-align: center;">Next!<br></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2) Giant Gingerbread Man Cookie:</b><br></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvjTn_5xYj84HDHVj7m6MDhIsasrlM_6js2dKF2NkHIryPxOjbapWWbTgTRCTbW-NaGs33uUdqQTWO2QUILKvC9zGFsCuWNKoG4qlcx4X-Q8WEAmq_VkDINoq2bIjFh9xzHJ8jIwa8nCfRM7uJjxyIRebygtc38B-PAG0ALO_qRAGtJNGjTRn8ede/s1500/C932CE1D-3B06-4782-9B02-8743A44396A2_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvjTn_5xYj84HDHVj7m6MDhIsasrlM_6js2dKF2NkHIryPxOjbapWWbTgTRCTbW-NaGs33uUdqQTWO2QUILKvC9zGFsCuWNKoG4qlcx4X-Q8WEAmq_VkDINoq2bIjFh9xzHJ8jIwa8nCfRM7uJjxyIRebygtc38B-PAG0ALO_qRAGtJNGjTRn8ede/w490-h640/C932CE1D-3B06-4782-9B02-8743A44396A2_1_201_a.jpg" width="490"></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">This sweetie is made with our trusty favorite, pink insulation foam. I found a cookie I liked online to project and trace, but really this is a simple enough shape that you could freehand it.<br></p><p style="text-align: center;">John cut out the cookie by hand with a craft blade, then routed the edges to round them. While the router is faster, you can easily sand pink foam to round the edges that way.<br></p><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/turning-friends-home-into-giant_01874020391.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-20038325024699648972022-11-15T13:30:00.001-05:002022-11-15T13:30:56.583-05:00Turning A Friend's Home Into A Giant Gingerbread House, Part 1<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">
This never made it to the blog last year - think I had too many other festive
things going on - but last November we surprised our friend Ken by
decorating the outside of his house for Christmas. We conspired with his wife
Sue, then designed, purchased, and installed a full yard makeover on Ken's birthday:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZzowUAcr9cz12Oznjz-1ptLvJPfWDkdxGDwxRyX4IEEqZm3cNxzVW6qDHGXc1b8hvuWwn6aXtJPLa03X4sYz8K3j5ybasQ_xNyxs1kntLvF78n1n4ehA5iOBICgX8CgHEkNr1ZZK035Ml_E5xwF2cxoqYvGi6VqmBqV2KNBOXq8rrjY0IJl0bj3E/s1500/AD4460A7-D9E5-4AE7-943E-BE8B7D7DBFB9_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1500" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZzowUAcr9cz12Oznjz-1ptLvJPfWDkdxGDwxRyX4IEEqZm3cNxzVW6qDHGXc1b8hvuWwn6aXtJPLa03X4sYz8K3j5ybasQ_xNyxs1kntLvF78n1n4ehA5iOBICgX8CgHEkNr1ZZK035Ml_E5xwF2cxoqYvGi6VqmBqV2KNBOXq8rrjY0IJl0bj3E/w640-h482/AD4460A7-D9E5-4AE7-943E-BE8B7D7DBFB9_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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We had a snowflake projector, motion lights, and color-changing trim on the
eaves and pathway. (Sue likes colored lights and Ken likes white, so <a href="https://amzn.to/3WUwLAi" target="_blank">we got these remote-controlled sets that do both</a>!)<br>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ken & Sue love Christmas, and have lots of decor inside, but neither are physically able to decorate <i>outside</i>. The most they've ever had was a wreath on the door, so this was really a treat for both of them.<br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
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I made simple swags for the exterior lights by turning a Dollar Tree dollar
tree (snerk) upside down, adding two plastic bells, and a mesh bow. Again, all
from Dollar Tree:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThVgYBmB0tfnqWizufj4HeZe9lqInffuodzLyCEPmpWBsUhO3bj_6cgxJTYoMsLeivg1GjWedLqr2fI02ZTVqrlCAHj9-xcs2BmdvhH2hAIAHetziGodY8xc8wpb3h1j4odH-I_emROMNOznhc1imgzZ9FJ-QdDOHnhzhdZXzWRbZPq4b2GdqwG9R/s1500/430AF4F9-82D5-40C9-88D3-1E0DC36FFC02_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThVgYBmB0tfnqWizufj4HeZe9lqInffuodzLyCEPmpWBsUhO3bj_6cgxJTYoMsLeivg1GjWedLqr2fI02ZTVqrlCAHj9-xcs2BmdvhH2hAIAHetziGodY8xc8wpb3h1j4odH-I_emROMNOznhc1imgzZ9FJ-QdDOHnhzhdZXzWRbZPq4b2GdqwG9R/w480-h640/430AF4F9-82D5-40C9-88D3-1E0DC36FFC02_1_201_a.jpg" width="480"></a><br>
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<br>Unfortunately the garage lights were the type that hang down, so the swags didn't work. After a little brainstorming we
zip-tied them back-to-back and hung the swags from the porch light instead.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_mF5T73rylXxjrGsEtahOFDae6FzEoD7BEuWAhUmhjDLFlGJO7BXCRr9qhxkB0x1Jf41X2AE4-LvPosEPT50TSdHkTlWFCcJield0o6MCvwOoiMFPUsButwkA29szp8xBn4gWUxPjZOjRUnaboTDqEsZ63v4c4Wwf-8jzglwNtADOdSXxSZHmWoy/s1500/70A3148B-5592-4BCD-82AC-9C36D8FA8FC6_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_mF5T73rylXxjrGsEtahOFDae6FzEoD7BEuWAhUmhjDLFlGJO7BXCRr9qhxkB0x1Jf41X2AE4-LvPosEPT50TSdHkTlWFCcJield0o6MCvwOoiMFPUsButwkA29szp8xBn4gWUxPjZOjRUnaboTDqEsZ63v4c4Wwf-8jzglwNtADOdSXxSZHmWoy/w500-h640/70A3148B-5592-4BCD-82AC-9C36D8FA8FC6_1_105_c.jpg" width="500"></a><br>
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Which turned out pretty cute! Then Sue supplied the banners and door
wreath.<br>
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To give the yard a focal point we made a light tree around this <i>real</i> tree:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfvlZACJkPGbdMhRaKDRpYnHDlBD6RIlmYiLwP3etIdvoDzwKS2HyvF0yfvyZkbpWaHZJsO5kGd9GaXkE4vonSwmhb9cZYMqijMNPsxXWax8U-lodnEEL--K4By6D3KFHl6dA-ve3tFkyuxLXkNgFZxw_7dRt-xZbXR1IUumxoOya2ZAI2pRy1KOc/s1500/A975CA1A-0047-4FCC-B68C-15068F619C8A_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfvlZACJkPGbdMhRaKDRpYnHDlBD6RIlmYiLwP3etIdvoDzwKS2HyvF0yfvyZkbpWaHZJsO5kGd9GaXkE4vonSwmhb9cZYMqijMNPsxXWax8U-lodnEEL--K4By6D3KFHl6dA-ve3tFkyuxLXkNgFZxw_7dRt-xZbXR1IUumxoOya2ZAI2pRy1KOc/w640-h480/A975CA1A-0047-4FCC-B68C-15068F619C8A_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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We used zip ties around the trunk to hold the lights up, then plastic yard
stakes to anchor them to the ground.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I2iJYXKEs-kcC3NXUk4x1JMyeWYZesJBqWrySFdgv6GpNtXNaYrQziL8qQBVtLs2cqHbW73QFwRYjLQmXSjmgH6Q3paDLp60bZ6P5iyzWkN09CE0fI1mF6hdtfOuAcv-XfVZDtyKXLf3lq2LCblRe-yQYFegRVeUFVPfOf-_wN-1f6HZNHcU078T/s1500/BD6D1420-D4AC-4DCA-A4C2-ACF828595052_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1230" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I2iJYXKEs-kcC3NXUk4x1JMyeWYZesJBqWrySFdgv6GpNtXNaYrQziL8qQBVtLs2cqHbW73QFwRYjLQmXSjmgH6Q3paDLp60bZ6P5iyzWkN09CE0fI1mF6hdtfOuAcv-XfVZDtyKXLf3lq2LCblRe-yQYFegRVeUFVPfOf-_wN-1f6HZNHcU078T/w524-h640/BD6D1420-D4AC-4DCA-A4C2-ACF828595052_1_105_c.jpg" width="524"></a>
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The deer is my favorite, because I it gave a
serious glow-up.<br><br>Here's the Before:<br></div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/turning-friends-home-into-giant.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-62047220895805325122022-11-11T15:47:00.029-05:002022-11-11T19:02:57.344-05:00What Do You Do With Fall Clearance? Make A Pumpkin Christmas Tree!<div><p style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend John and I spent a fun afternoon shopping for our local <a href="https://thesharingcenter.org/" target="_blank">homeless resource center.</a> Walmart has better prices than Dollar Tree on things like
individually packed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and certain shampoos, so while
we were there stocking up we of <i>course</i> detoured through the Halloween
Clearance. We are only human, after all. ;)
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
Y'all. <b>Y'ALL.</b> Not only was all the Halloween stuff 75% off,
<i>so was all the Fall decor. <br></i></p><p><i></i></p><p style="text-align: center;">We were like kids in a candy
store, with John whisper-screaming "GET MORE PUMPKINS THEY'RE ONLY $2" and me shoving lanterns at him to scan and cackling gleefully at the prices. We definitely drew a few concerned looks, ha.
<br></p><p style="text-align: center;">Even exercising <i>extreme</i> constraint, we came home with 9 pumpkins, 6 lanterns of varying styles, 4 boxes of string lights, and a handful of cute woodland ornaments.<br></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkzO5w0pXCSucDZBmpMRuOACfGbRC9wBxtEFjYgoh3p2nRFxiQxGbu7lhOVcAZtN52oWxXGcvDZyuN6DoQt4QCTpX0TZ_ebKTrXjyRCZc98fzAYGTy2uupSE4moRT40FWtSOdmOZkFWWKpyj3IymILStmXROeHiXlW6nz1MynI_qANEpjvJo3lc-G/s1500/00CD3D73-BB40-45BB-8B30-7C5C6C063D8C_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1306" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkzO5w0pXCSucDZBmpMRuOACfGbRC9wBxtEFjYgoh3p2nRFxiQxGbu7lhOVcAZtN52oWxXGcvDZyuN6DoQt4QCTpX0TZ_ebKTrXjyRCZc98fzAYGTy2uupSE4moRT40FWtSOdmOZkFWWKpyj3IymILStmXROeHiXlW6nz1MynI_qANEpjvJo3lc-G/w558-h640/00CD3D73-BB40-45BB-8B30-7C5C6C063D8C_1_105_c.jpg" width="558"></a><br>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I don't want to torture you <i>too</i> much much with our good fortune, but this plastic lantern with a battery candle inside <i>was only $4:</i><br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSix4u5ASK25CXQMfecvMKtYY93wgShTBJ0hJJutIzTSkjRBYfdpJtPULuyDNiBYytuBP57ONwub_1r0akMwnnFXgl3pJmAOuRB9dqLyE-aVlRhpsYPb8r_4rV_OkAdCuN4wbVoy1WVcgrXg7Z2oC2v9c1ZyA_IlGF_bj25s2mwmzPuoFzED4h3NvO/s1500/2E9A083E-7C6F-4DF4-BB7E-9E6B5E96ADB1_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1057" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSix4u5ASK25CXQMfecvMKtYY93wgShTBJ0hJJutIzTSkjRBYfdpJtPULuyDNiBYytuBP57ONwub_1r0akMwnnFXgl3pJmAOuRB9dqLyE-aVlRhpsYPb8r_4rV_OkAdCuN4wbVoy1WVcgrXg7Z2oC2v9c1ZyA_IlGF_bj25s2mwmzPuoFzED4h3NvO/w450-h640/2E9A083E-7C6F-4DF4-BB7E-9E6B5E96ADB1_1_105_c.jpg" width="450"></a><br></p><p style="text-align: center;">REJOICE WITH ME, BARGAIN SHOPPERS<br></p><p style="text-align: center;">And this big wooden lantern was $6:<br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho57QwWkvq2fClF_RoRDXX3hXLmUHvKckuGJr4kHJDxK5bw-Nm8DrkO4JWba5zzDczUAjLFZ09jAT8Vr-8SwxrGFfKukzepHDS51XsX1dJ3u2htbS6SpdHrgAgIW4TEDUaj7kxU1Rr593BvgBZxldX_Ag-W3azsW4b2GAibsqvMtK04I2wtsoIiTAH/s1500/78202F08-1CF8-425D-81A5-F45DC264C768_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1011" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho57QwWkvq2fClF_RoRDXX3hXLmUHvKckuGJr4kHJDxK5bw-Nm8DrkO4JWba5zzDczUAjLFZ09jAT8Vr-8SwxrGFfKukzepHDS51XsX1dJ3u2htbS6SpdHrgAgIW4TEDUaj7kxU1Rr593BvgBZxldX_Ag-W3azsW4b2GAibsqvMtK04I2wtsoIiTAH/w432-h640/78202F08-1CF8-425D-81A5-F45DC264C768_1_105_c.jpg" width="432"></a><br></p><p style="text-align: center;">A can of silly string had exploded all over these - probably the reason they were still there - but that scraped off easily.<br><br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Now, want to see what we did with all this? <br><br><br><i>I think you're gonna liiiiike iiiiit.<br><br></i><span></span></p></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/what-do-you-do-with-fall-clearance-make.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-81411858695017407632022-11-08T13:48:00.000-05:002022-11-08T13:48:11.201-05:00What The Art Teacher Wore & For Evermore<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Me now that October is over:</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaro2LZrXMUlIVbLRUJCiM6S8LunuwdtHD-dJkuu3i1yVVZtTtsBRDwmrlD_7EmjRm9vrbmZZ08rIapl2iZmqzVNPhJJ3U52UvXZ7DhTfQePm41BV_LDSJHMPMpW7sJfa-OspJT6AQ0nz2aD-r2NOHbDhiNdYT0iPvOMA2Tv9xdUDX55iX7jiJGMA/s1200/Halloween%20Meme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1200" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaro2LZrXMUlIVbLRUJCiM6S8LunuwdtHD-dJkuu3i1yVVZtTtsBRDwmrlD_7EmjRm9vrbmZZ08rIapl2iZmqzVNPhJJ3U52UvXZ7DhTfQePm41BV_LDSJHMPMpW7sJfa-OspJT6AQ0nz2aD-r2NOHbDhiNdYT0iPvOMA2Tv9xdUDX55iX7jiJGMA/w640-h314/Halloween%20Meme.jpg" width="640"></a><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MY BRAIN:</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6-_gBQYFVq4xcYOfawHwD91D80ctQnLoj9YSCujIJGGwFMK50UkkvdBZmcYz8bb39ZI5sxl8uTMlIilphFDVbXv33J_BDQORhsYXsrM1DEk8MZgDrfCC4c_AqLcEKFpGSjVGVF0S1q9dr0SkF500gPauun61y1zBhJbbvyLDHgbWMkyYQCYGdiee/s1040/PBMeme2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="637" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6-_gBQYFVq4xcYOfawHwD91D80ctQnLoj9YSCujIJGGwFMK50UkkvdBZmcYz8bb39ZI5sxl8uTMlIilphFDVbXv33J_BDQORhsYXsrM1DEk8MZgDrfCC4c_AqLcEKFpGSjVGVF0S1q9dr0SkF500gPauun61y1zBhJbbvyLDHgbWMkyYQCYGdiee/w392-h640/PBMeme2.jpg" width="392"></a><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>::Immediately begins brain-storming
while John stares wide-eyed at the stacks of Halloween bins we're still puting
away:: </i><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, <b>this isn't a Christmas post</b>. Yet. Even John and I need
some down time, so we've been catching up with friends, cleaning house, and in
John's case, practicing Low Fodmap stews. (Y'all have any favorite
recipes? We have both <a href="https://amzn.to/3UAahCD" target="_blank">fake onion</a> & <a href="https://amzn.to/3tdkSYO" target="_blank">fake garlic</a>, so I think we can modify most regular recipes. Help!)<br><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also started watching <i>Rings of Power</i>, and while I'm not usually a drama person and can't handle much violence or darkness, WOW IS IT GOOD. The visuals are so stunning they even surpass the movies(!!) and the cast is <i>phenomenal</i>. <br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8xTKmPqwKk-Koef0Wa8s7O7dxiXkGD_DPXbvHxEnOjp0pOJsIQT_L25NX2wf8_Cxz4KbwCFigdKfkDvQ-iKJ-WzRSE7lQ_agTYxLVOqyWADpZDIXzofP7MjrqIn13B4yFyXx0jWZOXVgcugEuTbLAX2c4gNgYtNdoNVQUfwgnoJzyPoUfprZLLUA/s1400/the-lord-of-the-rings-of-power-fragman-1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8xTKmPqwKk-Koef0Wa8s7O7dxiXkGD_DPXbvHxEnOjp0pOJsIQT_L25NX2wf8_Cxz4KbwCFigdKfkDvQ-iKJ-WzRSE7lQ_agTYxLVOqyWADpZDIXzofP7MjrqIn13B4yFyXx0jWZOXVgcugEuTbLAX2c4gNgYtNdoNVQUfwgnoJzyPoUfprZLLUA/w640-h360/the-lord-of-the-rings-of-power-fragman-1.webp" width="640"></a><br><br>It's definitely gotten more intense by episode 3, though, so we may have to start spacing these out with Disney movies for balance, ha. Can anyone tell me if the violence level gets worse from here?<br></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Right, 'nuff chit chat, lemme bring you some genuine CONTENT.<br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I bring you my latest two obsessions:<br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">First, <b>What the Art Teacher Wore.<br></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cassie is a jolt of joyful caffeine in my feed, and the moment I discovered her through a friend I spent over an hour watching every single one of her outfit posts. Cassie just finished
an entire month of amazeballs Halloween outfits, but lemme start you off with a cheerful rainbow ensemble: <br><br></div><span></span><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/what-art-teacher-wore-for-evermore.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-2364151040820237622022-11-04T14:30:00.001-04:002022-11-04T15:14:42.565-04:00EMBRACE THE SLOTH WITHIN. Or This One Over Here.<div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that the Halloween frenzy if over, I thought
I'd show y'all a fun outing we had a few weeks ago. Our friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gibsongirlk/" target="_blank">Karen</a> <i>luuuurves</i> capybaras, so for her birthday we visited
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amazinganimalsinc/" target="_blank">Amazing Animals Inc</a>, a non-profit exotic animal preserve about an hour outside Orlando.
<br></div><div><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSx0Enm1Y2Nz6Qvhw7Btx_DTdJgQzuNDsCy4XPfgcG3YAmYVHzQJglGEj_RuSfqyPgMnx2NcRJfWIUhX4JMm1FpLU_Kr26kkCveU640OZXPlPhPnMqpls_dG_TkG4ZnWrXZBFDeJyBZ8TZyJq6LRWBxszV-svwzvthXqXpspmaY6Q9wa6x0GTz-Ub/s1500/386BA262-4FEC-4AB2-9EC2-FD5495061BD9_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSx0Enm1Y2Nz6Qvhw7Btx_DTdJgQzuNDsCy4XPfgcG3YAmYVHzQJglGEj_RuSfqyPgMnx2NcRJfWIUhX4JMm1FpLU_Kr26kkCveU640OZXPlPhPnMqpls_dG_TkG4ZnWrXZBFDeJyBZ8TZyJq6LRWBxszV-svwzvthXqXpspmaY6Q9wa6x0GTz-Ub/w480-h640/386BA262-4FEC-4AB2-9EC2-FD5495061BD9_1_201_a.jpg" width="480"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They do educational tours and have capys, sloths, and other fun
creatures. <br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our tour started in the reptile house, where John baby-talked a snake and I maintained a reasonable distance:<br></div><div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wEhBokY980JNjeJr70lwIJkDz-IIxYkU0-oTNQMH1GCcmksaiqoi91gFvy7okdC_u0x4yziMDkjDq4DuR80wMukZ64cInJLv8zGsTg47ZyVzUBgRE5m-a0cc16ABEGgCCHwk0YK3h-gMwUSinSKL79j_JkAjjPyZcifbBWxAd37RoqR8xpFuMmEn/s1500/60ECE690-21D0-4DE5-B9AF-62B79AB78AE0_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wEhBokY980JNjeJr70lwIJkDz-IIxYkU0-oTNQMH1GCcmksaiqoi91gFvy7okdC_u0x4yziMDkjDq4DuR80wMukZ64cInJLv8zGsTg47ZyVzUBgRE5m-a0cc16ABEGgCCHwk0YK3h-gMwUSinSKL79j_JkAjjPyZcifbBWxAd37RoqR8xpFuMmEn/w510-h640/60ECE690-21D0-4DE5-B9AF-62B79AB78AE0_1_201_a.jpg" width="510"></a>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not that I don't <i>like</i> snakes, it's that... oh wait, yes, <b>that's it exactly. <br><br></b><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_DcMWV4Lp0NFYslGIQTk2xvyDuZ8_nQWNHOGBZ_BmoHvWqau9LulxdDekf4NvAb67Ktzps6iZ0Ew5MYL59uB2nohRp79RgKlnb0VbzVXeyE3_IdvMzXkD4Ku9_cgfgl1q2TbHYKR-ZlW2Iw07YgqFxSFoN-GaXHGwdiJBvipw-5iiD6PwPKfSgDu/s1500/9B5C4942-F444-4A3A-8C5F-3C2EE5BFBD0D_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_DcMWV4Lp0NFYslGIQTk2xvyDuZ8_nQWNHOGBZ_BmoHvWqau9LulxdDekf4NvAb67Ktzps6iZ0Ew5MYL59uB2nohRp79RgKlnb0VbzVXeyE3_IdvMzXkD4Ku9_cgfgl1q2TbHYKR-ZlW2Iw07YgqFxSFoN-GaXHGwdiJBvipw-5iiD6PwPKfSgDu/w480-h640/9B5C4942-F444-4A3A-8C5F-3C2EE5BFBD0D_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Big parrots also make me a little nervous, but these stayed in their house.<br></div><span class="fullpost"></span></div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I won't bore you with a slideshow of
animal pics, but suffice to say there are lots: from Fennec foxes to monkeys to fuzzy things
whose names I don't remember. The grounds are lovely, everything looks beautifully lush and well-kept, and the animals clearly adore their caretaker.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">In fact the adorable Geoffroy's cat spent
our educational talk trying to wrap himself completely around his caregiver's
legs:<br><br>
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mx3TG07NFVZoqz5tltJ2k7ZJJMprOdObUdGsv6jdeSSmCdEDKH-sbeg2_RPL2WnNz1UIgitH01EdZk6-cPQlSaZhoirxnldsU7MiHaeGmwmjf7MTjps8EeZfkuS1o7VihMrvjis0OVOJ3egdYTr1KLDng89nTU_lhyTubIla1gMWI4vBlthmQx96/s1500/9838BBBA-2630-43A6-B591-34EA2A8A808C_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1230" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mx3TG07NFVZoqz5tltJ2k7ZJJMprOdObUdGsv6jdeSSmCdEDKH-sbeg2_RPL2WnNz1UIgitH01EdZk6-cPQlSaZhoirxnldsU7MiHaeGmwmjf7MTjps8EeZfkuS1o7VihMrvjis0OVOJ3egdYTr1KLDng89nTU_lhyTubIla1gMWI4vBlthmQx96/w524-h640/9838BBBA-2630-43A6-B591-34EA2A8A808C_1_201_a.jpg" width="524"></a><br>SO CUTE.<br><br>My personal favorite were the lemurs, so it's a
shame my best photo of one has it trying to pee on us:<br></div><div><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbujc1476vZdNtC1-neOWFvz4rpFyu8rnR0HDKEI6cTZIn6MD0QD9S82J0C0VjOG6BdbQkzObecxD6gZ8EDeoPPL4yPTq95LQWPSM-5kDyO_tzJhsiZuDvZGT9tBnKLrSFmRFLOD9Jh536nphU1E_03NW2PKALLzR19YDX31stXTLXuQGJEy35fhV/s1500/BFBF17EA-67EB-4EBD-8F36-54C6E49F74C2_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1162" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbujc1476vZdNtC1-neOWFvz4rpFyu8rnR0HDKEI6cTZIn6MD0QD9S82J0C0VjOG6BdbQkzObecxD6gZ8EDeoPPL4yPTq95LQWPSM-5kDyO_tzJhsiZuDvZGT9tBnKLrSFmRFLOD9Jh536nphU1E_03NW2PKALLzR19YDX31stXTLXuQGJEy35fhV/w496-h640/BFBF17EA-67EB-4EBD-8F36-54C6E49F74C2_1_201_a.jpg" width="496"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were told this matriarch is... kinda pissy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>HEYOOOOO</i><br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The male lemur was
a total sweetheart, though, and cooed at me through the fence and later
reached out and touched my hand while I was taking a video:<br><br></div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/embrace-sloth-within-or-this-one-over.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-85373904996008203642022-11-01T17:31:00.002-04:002022-11-04T18:22:14.830-04:00We Haunted, We Flaunted, We're Ready To Follow You Home<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Tuesday, friends! I hope your Halloween was a treat, and I can't
wait to see any pics you care to share over on the Epbot FB page. (I
want to see ALL the costumes, decor, & carved pumpkins, please!)<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJojbxBkcyVLMfGwynNRmivn3s1XtU3Ry7Y3r4cfRSYs4yfu5-1dnIky_43mq_FYYWk2dvLWL7gqcdphgnf0C1NP1yy7IRw9lJtJcMGagOftChi7DB4mbzr5fILYyjLTh-vAMHbi-9Tn9NXujgSWYhhVz4tLWLdsq4kC8U98MbHxivT9UTfM0sNoj-/s1500/2AEBFC09-3BAA-41BB-86F5-92197F0CE6B2_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1500" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJojbxBkcyVLMfGwynNRmivn3s1XtU3Ry7Y3r4cfRSYs4yfu5-1dnIky_43mq_FYYWk2dvLWL7gqcdphgnf0C1NP1yy7IRw9lJtJcMGagOftChi7DB4mbzr5fILYyjLTh-vAMHbi-9Tn9NXujgSWYhhVz4tLWLdsq4kC8U98MbHxivT9UTfM0sNoj-/w640-h468/2AEBFC09-3BAA-41BB-86F5-92197F0CE6B2_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look how gorgeous <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gibsongirlk/" target="_blank">my friend Karen</a> is as one of the Mansion ballroom dancers. LOOK AT HERRRRR</i><br></div><div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Haunted Mansion Halloween was a smashing success; we had steady waves of
trick-or-treaters, but not so many that we were ever TOO overrun. (And still nowhere
near our<a href="https://www.epbot.com/2019/11/we-came-we-saw-we-ran-out-of-candy.html" target="_blank"> Ghostbusters year numbers</a>, so John says we need another glowing
beacon on the roof to draw them in, lol.) I'd guess we had 150-200
kids? And lots of big families.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH8D3-iC5_gS0ZoFe_YwM9ac39vQwRF0w5FL6jlnrANdKWMNEYfShKyKPhpOw5vossDhXAuAVzPi2rxIs2cq1rUZ-zlQA6Kkglf_-avtLr6S3ituoNphQTGX7SCcEwvRltWikINZ-hbuxSBkdFcHRW2WmAt7Frtl3lQMh_6mT9sBuLr_0hYdYaC-k/s1500/56998A4B-DED4-4134-94FF-94835CC29841_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH8D3-iC5_gS0ZoFe_YwM9ac39vQwRF0w5FL6jlnrANdKWMNEYfShKyKPhpOw5vossDhXAuAVzPi2rxIs2cq1rUZ-zlQA6Kkglf_-avtLr6S3ituoNphQTGX7SCcEwvRltWikINZ-hbuxSBkdFcHRW2WmAt7Frtl3lQMh_6mT9sBuLr_0hYdYaC-k/w640-h480/56998A4B-DED4-4134-94FF-94835CC29841_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My attempt at a crowd shot really captures the chaos of the moment. <br><br></i><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIm_V-4J7_TnSimtjwLGYC-dTWa-BsTTI32xBPlKDxPbEO0K-8_LQHb7KR7y4QqVYFBMNMJqoGPMK20VdYEf36dhT1jsmnMZ4sWfXe0Hmqoiahpuy8JyFombET0SVL2OHUBZyaXI-NIh7deSztE5zWDorl-5mbSSOVAzT9VkWx1m9kCqpIKDLiCxS/s1500/82E0CDEB-BA25-4C39-8DB6-6F58D8D1D0FD_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1500" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIm_V-4J7_TnSimtjwLGYC-dTWa-BsTTI32xBPlKDxPbEO0K-8_LQHb7KR7y4QqVYFBMNMJqoGPMK20VdYEf36dhT1jsmnMZ4sWfXe0Hmqoiahpuy8JyFombET0SVL2OHUBZyaXI-NIh7deSztE5zWDorl-5mbSSOVAzT9VkWx1m9kCqpIKDLiCxS/w640-h584/82E0CDEB-BA25-4C39-8DB6-6F58D8D1D0FD_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
ART
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It also helped that we had 6-10 friends there helping at all times, and three
separate areas to keep the kids moving through the yard.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHrCtOm6JXXTYLcGMuRNZCPZoKBFdFrmTZJz1gTIkzVCgEW4zcMAVwmvuHWtdRlxRnuJ0sndtJjh6Im3i80Z7syBXRupYDd3cOTpIk3c4C3JkfdBGJK65UspHUHkJmpo1iPaK6t7a_kxGdO6_T1Eqw5y1O9dVBIIdX6ARZ5D0jVmUA3VcDRD7L98w/s1500/E9296604-FE66-4884-8E09-F96901865947_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1500" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHrCtOm6JXXTYLcGMuRNZCPZoKBFdFrmTZJz1gTIkzVCgEW4zcMAVwmvuHWtdRlxRnuJ0sndtJjh6Im3i80Z7syBXRupYDd3cOTpIk3c4C3JkfdBGJK65UspHUHkJmpo1iPaK6t7a_kxGdO6_T1Eqw5y1O9dVBIIdX6ARZ5D0jVmUA3VcDRD7L98w/w640-h476/E9296604-FE66-4884-8E09-F96901865947_1_201_a.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We set up an extra table between the candy distribution and the buggy (by the
green lights) where two friends helped apply glow-in-the-dark temporary
tattoos all night - or at least until we ran out. That really helped pull the kids toward the Buggy, which often had a line!<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9W5-HVw8CcJGB2MWX6d5VvyZG0ZVaDTvhCOTV7bOk8KaL2VHI2F4lAVnN__kb8YKRxQVeYLe6Vskx17_D9-ZQJAl_KGAr9uNwt2amirw66ReeLN3qgP15E91a2ydkHbN6Sr6855VnrFtrljaE14sN5wG8s7gHgeqlGG4c-26BMkpRQC1rMaYOfel/s1500/F09DF55E-E0E8-4BBF-B793-E515F9FA55D7_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1016" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9W5-HVw8CcJGB2MWX6d5VvyZG0ZVaDTvhCOTV7bOk8KaL2VHI2F4lAVnN__kb8YKRxQVeYLe6Vskx17_D9-ZQJAl_KGAr9uNwt2amirw66ReeLN3qgP15E91a2ydkHbN6Sr6855VnrFtrljaE14sN5wG8s7gHgeqlGG4c-26BMkpRQC1rMaYOfel/w434-h640/F09DF55E-E0E8-4BBF-B793-E515F9FA55D7_1_201_a.jpg" width="434"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm also grateful for our friends being there and<i>
taking photos & video</i>, since I'm terrible at remembering. Here's a compilation of some of
them:<br><br><iframe width="410" height="729" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S574zlml1xM" title="Haunted Mansion Party Compilation" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br><br>And an amazing Reel by
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkZn4kbjNa8/" target="_blank">Melissa</a>:<br><br></div><span></span><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/11/we-haunted-we-flaunted-were-ready-to.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-26927504854002545932022-10-28T13:48:00.002-04:002022-11-05T19:54:12.108-04:00Our 2022 Haunted Mansion Halloween: FULL WALKTHROUGH REVEAL <div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
Welcome, fooolish mortals! Our Haunted Mansion Halloween is ready for its <b>swinging wake</b>, and <i>there's no turning back now</i>. Ready to see?<br><br>(EEEEEEEEE)<br><br>Our tour begins here, with this video:<br>
</p><p style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3RhNXtJNop8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br><br>What's that? You want a few dozen more pretty
photos from every conceivable angle, both day and night?<br><br>Well, I mean, if you insist...<br><br>Here's the
nighttime panorama from the street, I'm in love with all the colors:<br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP9j2v7v_JHbfoQ-a9G_xKroiC2hg_7Bfk2amfpon5ur5jwbxHtpvYn4z5t2V_7jcw8GSWwkgAT_e13i_gxJNLhCcrW7u-lAVEOHLBinwPkG-SbLy6hTRkzRfOu6-QxU72TsSzY5BCEfY9mhmS123_Fnet63AKosF6mHxFmaBhN7PvELsmZo7cnNs/s1500/IMG_9936-3%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP9j2v7v_JHbfoQ-a9G_xKroiC2hg_7Bfk2amfpon5ur5jwbxHtpvYn4z5t2V_7jcw8GSWwkgAT_e13i_gxJNLhCcrW7u-lAVEOHLBinwPkG-SbLy6hTRkzRfOu6-QxU72TsSzY5BCEfY9mhmS123_Fnet63AKosF6mHxFmaBhN7PvELsmZo7cnNs/w640-h256/IMG_9936-3%202.jpg" width="640"></a><br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">And here's the transformation from day to night:<br>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFec2eGb3W3GheRbjFQsUIdu27E5ieuwCp5Hnl0Ido0P6Tno4dORcczUW58aNVdECJrvht2X2xRlPodwGxLCmNPdg_9f6E3wC75ydz5K-CKT6zllOgXyA5z8sx_3Qe2CQxdaGoyoQviYWgIOkuSFbevH7LRRcItGs_ScS4tlOl0oIuc93TVfixVrxW/s1500/IMG_9891.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1500" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFec2eGb3W3GheRbjFQsUIdu27E5ieuwCp5Hnl0Ido0P6Tno4dORcczUW58aNVdECJrvht2X2xRlPodwGxLCmNPdg_9f6E3wC75ydz5K-CKT6zllOgXyA5z8sx_3Qe2CQxdaGoyoQviYWgIOkuSFbevH7LRRcItGs_ScS4tlOl0oIuc93TVfixVrxW/w640-h314/IMG_9891.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmetqQ1vOfcdyrd1g7ZgBxd3c2EVNA08oJ6oed1xQvAFKH82p8JX_hMi2J-tGqbnBnpRtLTdPIQ4H96dajre4ukiAayBe29Tc6uAs1M5kvnhn8ECVV8l2e47Ff4vrmODpdZvzw4fgdwMxiIjImRnbgutk_OKbH7l6ElX3T14n18r7TOLmJXWCQTV2/s1500/IMG_9899%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1500" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmetqQ1vOfcdyrd1g7ZgBxd3c2EVNA08oJ6oed1xQvAFKH82p8JX_hMi2J-tGqbnBnpRtLTdPIQ4H96dajre4ukiAayBe29Tc6uAs1M5kvnhn8ECVV8l2e47Ff4vrmODpdZvzw4fgdwMxiIjImRnbgutk_OKbH7l6ElX3T14n18r7TOLmJXWCQTV2/w640-h374/IMG_9899%202.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzx3MyluaaQh84QKovIocDRuZwKdNGvGQTEARzYH9DegutRFMyetG8d_tYjL_iQDaqXcSD4kHf9Bf8gkwCDzjN6-0mnkICZ8KetrXi3nTy6lgplh-OaTJ2l4gnF9Srgq_yPOpz_zPRsr_Aeb0aBYiAv1MeQsC0Tb0aGmYrd1ZXpsSA5RH49zuOZhz/s1500/3A82FBA7-90BE-4A87-AD31-93189280BE33_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1500" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzx3MyluaaQh84QKovIocDRuZwKdNGvGQTEARzYH9DegutRFMyetG8d_tYjL_iQDaqXcSD4kHf9Bf8gkwCDzjN6-0mnkICZ8KetrXi3nTy6lgplh-OaTJ2l4gnF9Srgq_yPOpz_zPRsr_Aeb0aBYiAv1MeQsC0Tb0aGmYrd1ZXpsSA5RH49zuOZhz/w640-h332/3A82FBA7-90BE-4A87-AD31-93189280BE33_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>OoooOOOooh</i>.<br><br>To the right we
have the bride and singing busts:<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvxphWBAtAmcQgfoLgfn4LVfH9cCkGNL1hd8eBGYP75D3u5h5ZQrIBbK05CbTFD6Zs-EVpVH1n9eo82H7hV4GomnGbmyKm4qLgxEp7VDa6OQaXazxKXA6CDfEAhYegX0wUzsmSgZrY8s8C-tJAbNB3iyfIwZmjHhHePad4i-XT_1ZbJWosYiPED00/s1500/IMG_9900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1500" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvxphWBAtAmcQgfoLgfn4LVfH9cCkGNL1hd8eBGYP75D3u5h5ZQrIBbK05CbTFD6Zs-EVpVH1n9eo82H7hV4GomnGbmyKm4qLgxEp7VDa6OQaXazxKXA6CDfEAhYegX0wUzsmSgZrY8s8C-tJAbNB3iyfIwZmjHhHePad4i-XT_1ZbJWosYiPED00/w640-h328/IMG_9900.jpg" width="640"></a><br>We added a hat stand by the bride as a nod to her dearly departed
husbands. <br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSqHBsAZyBFyK4fM8hBykvrD8l2nV1-ErcHeguujRON6gs1IuO4FcJmNfk9NeK55ZkRbJF_CPvfA_9_yN-q2PFDTJWPWiC-QiFGGuThC-CdDCXV8vLMo85Sq3MnHtlGoo7uYH8BXw-YTuu7W-AlULYdDnBPSrD6IIFXJX0PIYnSaqwUL1fAw-fmfL/s1500/IMG_9966%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSqHBsAZyBFyK4fM8hBykvrD8l2nV1-ErcHeguujRON6gs1IuO4FcJmNfk9NeK55ZkRbJF_CPvfA_9_yN-q2PFDTJWPWiC-QiFGGuThC-CdDCXV8vLMo85Sq3MnHtlGoo7uYH8BXw-YTuu7W-AlULYdDnBPSrD6IIFXJX0PIYnSaqwUL1fAw-fmfL/w446-h640/IMG_9966%202.jpg" width="446"></a><br>The bride is absolutely stunning at night, especially since we added a small fan to
blow her veil around.<br><br>Amazingly you can see the singing busts even while it's light out:</div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/10/our-2022-haunted-mansion-halloween-full.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-15140489308122043502022-10-25T14:30:00.001-04:002022-10-25T14:30:00.296-04:00Haunted Mansion Halloween: DIY Singing Busts! <div style="text-align: center;">I don't want to alarm anyone, friends, but
<i>Halloween is less than a week away.</i> Have you watched all the spooky
movies? Had enough pumpkin-spiced things? Glittered your bat wings? I'm just
saying, this is the week to EMBRACE YOUR SPOOP. <br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(To that point, I'm currently wearing gold foil stars-and-moons leggings for
the first time ever. John declared them "distracting." MISSION
ACCOMPLISHED.)<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now let's get to my most requested - and ironically, <i>easiest</i> - tutorial
of all our Haunted Mansion builds: the singing busts.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48RUV7P6WjmrbOSygNb1DgcCg4QnaqXMtOfGcSZg2nBMqM4-eO5kwgTZRpZiMKKZ6kfeCxxwOTnGbNJSlBeZ5FSO_-37tLL5tSoyAfVvWW8mgF_Etm4KKYLdNfDGeaWQjq9yXbthyrTxtyLnTYJ6Plu9-Ln-nzHSwuAND9kmF9xbqmAdq-lBEvoO4/s360/busts3.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48RUV7P6WjmrbOSygNb1DgcCg4QnaqXMtOfGcSZg2nBMqM4-eO5kwgTZRpZiMKKZ6kfeCxxwOTnGbNJSlBeZ5FSO_-37tLL5tSoyAfVvWW8mgF_Etm4KKYLdNfDGeaWQjq9yXbthyrTxtyLnTYJ6Plu9-Ln-nzHSwuAND9kmF9xbqmAdq-lBEvoO4/s16000/busts3.gif"></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, this is<i> in our yard</i>. Honest.<br>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This DIY is so simple you're about to call us big ol' cheaters - but
remember, <b>you can cheat, too</b>. I can show you the worrrrrrld... of cheater DIYs. Just
keep scrolling.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the build itself is cheap and easy, you <i>are</i> going to need a digital
projector, which is a definite cost. I'm told you can get holiday window projectors for as little as
$30, but make sure you can plug in a USB to supply your own video.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John and I have a fancier projector that plugs into a laptop, left over from
my book tour days, which gets a <i>lot</i> of crafting use. So if you make a
lot of large signs, props, etc, it's worth the investment.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right, let's get to this oh-so-easy build. Ready?<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) <b>Find a Singing Busts video on Youtube</b>. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXHPIJ2Y6B8" target="_blank">We used this one.</a>) Project it onto a large piece of pink insulation foam, backing up until
they're the size you want.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzznqAAa49DCiKCpGEvFlvvJuWKrgq-r-0AAsjg6jxNAz32GL34h3pDvY4b3ILuoi4eWnNeQRA3b6ne45UQRyb2D7_HEOIss3EqwZmjwij9kirgsvDbruP6g_e6Rw0P1RPI2SWeEXjsTxYraUu9HNfPSUXDNuItSNNG89HMV7WiuZ9Yb6yRP4k6jR/s1500/9851A13C-581E-43DF-938A-8AACD785E80B_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzznqAAa49DCiKCpGEvFlvvJuWKrgq-r-0AAsjg6jxNAz32GL34h3pDvY4b3ILuoi4eWnNeQRA3b6ne45UQRyb2D7_HEOIss3EqwZmjwij9kirgsvDbruP6g_e6Rw0P1RPI2SWeEXjsTxYraUu9HNfPSUXDNuItSNNG89HMV7WiuZ9Yb6yRP4k6jR/w640-h480/9851A13C-581E-43DF-938A-8AACD785E80B_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">2) <b>Trace</b></div>
<div> </div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tOu6MIsoNtTJdguR_OhBD8JZVCF83B9cj9swPofDx1L8g5qNnhoe3h1ha0jjXA2PrcyuypFRPThSxW_kDLatV2afOMSTcEHsDFll0-3QY6tOzxEw1oy0JuYIP5CLmn9DhunLQ2gOS8JoV3GZEF1t5G097p5eyxlZRlJi_sZznUW2zLFRsPqQ7Q5e/s1500/69CD6037-4B1F-4456-9413-19129576C77A_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tOu6MIsoNtTJdguR_OhBD8JZVCF83B9cj9swPofDx1L8g5qNnhoe3h1ha0jjXA2PrcyuypFRPThSxW_kDLatV2afOMSTcEHsDFll0-3QY6tOzxEw1oy0JuYIP5CLmn9DhunLQ2gOS8JoV3GZEF1t5G097p5eyxlZRlJi_sZznUW2zLFRsPqQ7Q5e/w640-h480/69CD6037-4B1F-4456-9413-19129576C77A_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is tricky because so much of the busts are in shadow, but do your best to fill in where the heads *should* be.<br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) <b>Tweak your outlines 'til you're happy:</b><br>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnacAk3ffJh8NZkmYJuBQgPUfZEmFLa7L7ojdEMsnYQaQ-8swjFs6O7n4vPBIw1XDWC_HwB6en7_SbFvzgRtLy0DbkHFRBNBBbBgIXb_EMk4pXdk_a8kUUJzGkTG-bSocJjsqrz0jrvH0meiSAbfrdraueAUouKaXQgUCytPbS5ilZatPLPIC_dtNa/s1500/BC4AF1F7-4CC5-418B-ADA0-A068114323C5_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnacAk3ffJh8NZkmYJuBQgPUfZEmFLa7L7ojdEMsnYQaQ-8swjFs6O7n4vPBIw1XDWC_HwB6en7_SbFvzgRtLy0DbkHFRBNBBbBgIXb_EMk4pXdk_a8kUUJzGkTG-bSocJjsqrz0jrvH0meiSAbfrdraueAUouKaXQgUCytPbS5ilZatPLPIC_dtNa/w576-h640/BC4AF1F7-4CC5-418B-ADA0-A068114323C5_1_201_a.jpg" width="576"></a><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My bases were super wonky, so I went over them with a paper template to make
them more symmetrical.<br>
</div>
<div>
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4) <b>Cut</b> Using A Long Craft Blade<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-BLlx1uhjiCi1Ek7N-i28u-kmDfLec0L0k9ygbMX8DKeXb-Hb0zOENZzBZDkqG_6vUu6Mc8_mYbd4rJRtj1mBWbL1DJlDiKjZ_oOZLJyp2l_A5_04KX5OVLzMHmJamS_1Z0tao5v1QSR6hyXYX5qREFcPKbJYw6zCh2q2t43htzMExVuxm3lsV24/s1500/30B2BD57-EA9D-4835-9AE0-C2FA8EE37797_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-BLlx1uhjiCi1Ek7N-i28u-kmDfLec0L0k9ygbMX8DKeXb-Hb0zOENZzBZDkqG_6vUu6Mc8_mYbd4rJRtj1mBWbL1DJlDiKjZ_oOZLJyp2l_A5_04KX5OVLzMHmJamS_1Z0tao5v1QSR6hyXYX5qREFcPKbJYw6zCh2q2t43htzMExVuxm3lsV24/w480-h640/30B2BD57-EA9D-4835-9AE0-C2FA8EE37797_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br><br><b>Remember to leave the bottom ledge</b>, so the busts are
all connected on one piece of foam! This will keep the spacing right.<br><br>Also
try to cut all the way through with the blade in one go, for smoother
edges.
</div>
<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5) <b>Paint The Fronts White<br></b><span></span></div></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/10/haunted-mansion-halloween-diy-singing.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-61007479069159177552022-10-21T14:30:00.033-04:002022-10-21T14:30:00.267-04:00Ready To Have A Ball? Let's Make A Floating Madam Leota Head For About $20!<div><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday, friends! <i>We made it through another week</i>. And in John's and my case, also another Haunted Mansion build for Halloween! <br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">This one took a lot of trial and error, shopping, and going back to the sketch pad before we landed on something we really like. In the end it's actually a fairly simple build, so I hope our pain is someone's gain out there.<br></p><p style="text-align: center;">First, a peek at the end result:<br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgj6LKIddOhaF5tfYBHB9gtyiyYQsRdJp5nFeSmlNlnVMZ89RCoXEv4swOOIAUPsV0VvHCE8B446HHMCtxzCqK9RzX9FI0dw7mqdHNAZlqaAytFvAFX7ly0RvljFtxLiR3fzBGQ8EIAxCFwsVE3oqiuqLxCouYXfEEbKKy7fFCBgj2hzmsz73wy1U/s1500/IMG_9475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1500" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgj6LKIddOhaF5tfYBHB9gtyiyYQsRdJp5nFeSmlNlnVMZ89RCoXEv4swOOIAUPsV0VvHCE8B446HHMCtxzCqK9RzX9FI0dw7mqdHNAZlqaAytFvAFX7ly0RvljFtxLiR3fzBGQ8EIAxCFwsVE3oqiuqLxCouYXfEEbKKy7fFCBgj2hzmsz73wy1U/w640-h554/IMG_9475.jpg" width="640"></a><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uO3VNk_6JW5Acm3L2wLYsz4I0wFJmCmfawWlFJ9lRieTGWkjg_skUhj-6bWvi3YmnA8MU4s1Hexbm0szMUXhTsfnBS3x2RlIrNwca7nDLwL19cheDGYCX2rbGDnLNZyzTvJ12ZzA8NlU9MQMFmTSKXrqLX1YFPKLdyV3R9Sx45oyEJwyeP62XiS9/s1500/IMG_9492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1500" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uO3VNk_6JW5Acm3L2wLYsz4I0wFJmCmfawWlFJ9lRieTGWkjg_skUhj-6bWvi3YmnA8MU4s1Hexbm0szMUXhTsfnBS3x2RlIrNwca7nDLwL19cheDGYCX2rbGDnLNZyzTvJ12ZzA8NlU9MQMFmTSKXrqLX1YFPKLdyV3R9Sx45oyEJwyeP62XiS9/w640-h530/IMG_9492.jpg" width="640"></a><br><br>Pretty cool, right? This is one of our front windows facing the street, and she looks <i>phenomenal</i> from a distance.<br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">She also only cost us about $14, since we already had the candles and pink foam. Your cost shouldn't be much more than that, especially if you have foam leftover from other projects. (Have I convinced you to buy pink insulation foam yet? It's a crafter's DREAM, y'all.)<br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Besides the pink foam you'll also need a plain white mask, like this:<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeceDYxtuSxqUCfdYBXTIQLeugV-ss7wANr4xDb0gua-ArKtt2wGAJO2p5USUBBDfHxQwZKqQsj8YtCZTsBRYOPOqtpKkPHO5Tle3yVt0K2HuBM6hNUeW0zNn0Do1ZSS91HUbihgXnd8J6V11-_VHJ0fg7ANBiImTrX3vhJBKlwBhhFkKZarcx-bA/s1500/90938FB7-8A3A-4E77-AFFC-F6E05D154BB8_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1155" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeceDYxtuSxqUCfdYBXTIQLeugV-ss7wANr4xDb0gua-ArKtt2wGAJO2p5USUBBDfHxQwZKqQsj8YtCZTsBRYOPOqtpKkPHO5Tle3yVt0K2HuBM6hNUeW0zNn0Do1ZSS91HUbihgXnd8J6V11-_VHJ0fg7ANBiImTrX3vhJBKlwBhhFkKZarcx-bA/w492-h640/90938FB7-8A3A-4E77-AFFC-F6E05D154BB8_1_105_c.jpg" width="492"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This one is $4 at Spirit: Halloween, and the best face shape we could find.</i><br><br></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and a blue wig:<br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQm80hZMWZ5JkzgrRypF06ON7INPNIokprC3d7FJiCvOtkhumyGKxiqG6j0g_oEBbJKFPxql23dCbVYw4iiWjmRjifGx6mebbSwvR521xVJRxJ7OiozIozVoi8czqBQtuM2t8dpfy3p0UktpUv00ZBfNGXkANw4honXwjyiQUdtM9jbtCjDO0GXAZ/s1500/FDB534EA-50E8-4444-9098-FA647604439C_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQm80hZMWZ5JkzgrRypF06ON7INPNIokprC3d7FJiCvOtkhumyGKxiqG6j0g_oEBbJKFPxql23dCbVYw4iiWjmRjifGx6mebbSwvR521xVJRxJ7OiozIozVoi8czqBQtuM2t8dpfy3p0UktpUv00ZBfNGXkANw4honXwjyiQUdtM9jbtCjDO0GXAZ/w480-h640/FDB534EA-50E8-4444-9098-FA647604439C_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one from Walmart is the perfect color, and by far the best price we found.<br><br>Start by backing the mask's eyes (and mouth, if needed) with thin white craft foam:<br></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZbnF713i0XCQmYj0tBTIJDoHKrvFYdp1gZqVxzNOyc5jLx9mFE1E0xV7JgEfZTbQXj6vL9-9XMvRivJScJa3Sm-CbfPkqCf5L2zzrzqjWJyTvcuVHXMRGmUA_jLrCVKfDKXBphbd-Bl_ZEfSZfN1TA9-v3Y3OQUgxvTl8pQYvPQxjgWoO9xYYTWq/s1500/6A94741D-5F02-4AA4-9B17-E4B0FB83BC31_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZbnF713i0XCQmYj0tBTIJDoHKrvFYdp1gZqVxzNOyc5jLx9mFE1E0xV7JgEfZTbQXj6vL9-9XMvRivJScJa3Sm-CbfPkqCf5L2zzrzqjWJyTvcuVHXMRGmUA_jLrCVKfDKXBphbd-Bl_ZEfSZfN1TA9-v3Y3OQUgxvTl8pQYvPQxjgWoO9xYYTWq/w480-h640/6A94741D-5F02-4AA4-9B17-E4B0FB83BC31_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br></p><p style="text-align: center;">Next use craft paints to give her a ghostly teal base and some shading:<br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FMOxVSDB8XOeuCozPFQueObbIukwhgj_pac76XU8FbUZhzmJl0RfTiDMER2pkZVHtt3n7DQusZQEdL2tSbQeQrCQ9_ze5OOjoA42j1BjR-SYRZsXmrrs4SHz2Th4uF3KGGGdkc2WpZgkveyUKuqm_wj_qwFvJmvZFVEsTPSr9dJoS2xIXx8_L16C/s1500/6A5D10B3-76FA-4D78-BF0E-93CF996006F1_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FMOxVSDB8XOeuCozPFQueObbIukwhgj_pac76XU8FbUZhzmJl0RfTiDMER2pkZVHtt3n7DQusZQEdL2tSbQeQrCQ9_ze5OOjoA42j1BjR-SYRZsXmrrs4SHz2Th4uF3KGGGdkc2WpZgkveyUKuqm_wj_qwFvJmvZFVEsTPSr9dJoS2xIXx8_L16C/w436-h640/6A5D10B3-76FA-4D78-BF0E-93CF996006F1_1_201_a.jpg" width="436"></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">That's the hardest part, and I promise it won't matter if it's a bit rough.<br></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Next add her lips, eyes, and brows:<br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZBJwYhBV7VHxEv6L-kjqicmitD0wzecZk_GGmLQIzBh4bcst63zOhUkSFv0d_OsYNnzq-lPzPpTNO39LzUiljNeggions4_xX8hZ9ih_q-n_zSF8-zzAzE5JY_Edel8nrDXR-gokynNhZS9Y5XWOsVIid-j8j3vftlzlsU3lFrl6VZOGiZ2eILDH/s1500/B6471423-BFCF-4A7E-B34A-ECAFBA83DE47_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1113" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZBJwYhBV7VHxEv6L-kjqicmitD0wzecZk_GGmLQIzBh4bcst63zOhUkSFv0d_OsYNnzq-lPzPpTNO39LzUiljNeggions4_xX8hZ9ih_q-n_zSF8-zzAzE5JY_Edel8nrDXR-gokynNhZS9Y5XWOsVIid-j8j3vftlzlsU3lFrl6VZOGiZ2eILDH/w474-h640/B6471423-BFCF-4A7E-B34A-ECAFBA83DE47_1_201_a.jpg" width="474"></a><br></p><p style="text-align: center;">I based my face on the <i>incredible</i> work of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fresh_coast_fandom/?hl=en" target="_blank">Katie at FreshCoastFandom</a>, btw, who is a must follow on Instagram:<br></p><span></span></div><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/10/ready-to-have-ball-lets-make-floating.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-34667079234070290522022-10-18T14:08:00.000-04:002022-10-18T14:08:16.544-04:00New Haunted Mansion DIY: Our Victorian Style Doom Buggy!<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Tuesday, clever mortals! <br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Quick question: <i>where did October go?! EEP.</i><br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">With Halloween coming at us like a dark horse (heheheh foreshadowing humor), John and I have several builds going at once. We hustled to finish our Doom Buggy for y'all yesterday, though, because this beauty <i>needs</i> her own debut post. <br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready?<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd9w-ZpbGdjwaW2NXT0k1i2BK2XO6ezWl7_qBckLoi8M58hvZQ5pSlDow9NP_7o872vG6fjuRncxzOXsGxe47WjxjD7-z2-CRwA7nR4fKUZvbRdXpefCxQpdYzCVzBqgN2Fmke7_GScrzUG-2BSPxIcNo_IaUCfpoI7fb59oOHMhaNYyBEV8UE5yo/s1500/IMG_9323%20Adjusted.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1500" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd9w-ZpbGdjwaW2NXT0k1i2BK2XO6ezWl7_qBckLoi8M58hvZQ5pSlDow9NP_7o872vG6fjuRncxzOXsGxe47WjxjD7-z2-CRwA7nR4fKUZvbRdXpefCxQpdYzCVzBqgN2Fmke7_GScrzUG-2BSPxIcNo_IaUCfpoI7fb59oOHMhaNYyBEV8UE5yo/w640-h472/IMG_9323%20Adjusted.jpg" width="640"></a><br></div><br><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ta-daaa!<br><br>This is before we turned on the fog machine, so keep going for more spook-taculor glamour shots.<br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We modeled our Doom Buggy after a Victorian hansom cab, which looks like this:<br><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BM82bgBHuDJKy9p2KOiOaKt7UrorUVlJiv_sOgvrL7954KiqMPEdtbbYp3c1-rOSCFy-QMCQECo-pCo8VQbA0nuwwDczThI_joXOB60HB8cDUFUHRYKYzGrRUTYqvZ3Nal418zit53P3OadgWA77SBZcNgJRfVcdTyqaNxgJETJWHowUVzuNsI7H/s1326/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-17%20at%2011.30.24%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1326" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BM82bgBHuDJKy9p2KOiOaKt7UrorUVlJiv_sOgvrL7954KiqMPEdtbbYp3c1-rOSCFy-QMCQECo-pCo8VQbA0nuwwDczThI_joXOB60HB8cDUFUHRYKYzGrRUTYqvZ3Nal418zit53P3OadgWA77SBZcNgJRfVcdTyqaNxgJETJWHowUVzuNsI7H/w640-h418/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-17%20at%2011.30.24%20PM.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This let us A) take some artistic license with the ride's design, and B) re-use Tiny Tim, <a href="https://www.epbot.com/2017/12/we-made-life-sized-thestral-for.html" target="_blank">our beloved thestral.</a> (Tim <i>insists</i> on coming out each year to play.) <br><br>Plus I've wanted to make a vehicle photo op for years now, because EVERYONE likes climbing into cool vehicles and pretending to drive. <b>That's just science.</b><br></div> <div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Buggy is our most expensive Mansion build, because the cost of plywood right now is scarier than our <a href="https://www.epbot.com/2022/10/we-made-packing-tape-ghost-bride-from.html" target="_blank">ghost bride</a>. (It was over $100 for the ply and 2X4s.) All told the Buggy was still less than $200 for everything, though, since we already had the horse. And happily John sold a few things to make room in the garage, so it was an even trade.<br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We started with a pencil sketch and <i>lots</i> of conversation, since my brain doesn't work in 3D. This makes it an uphill battle for John every project, but eventually we (usually) get there!<br></div><div><span class="fullpost"></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsnZ3iz12xKg_-cyRvNWgk_rtYRax5pmDRHqjLvuQwQWizIxRKJetrYll_cZvebJcdnzwvAZRvfdQL4oTO6SfxbHHHASY6WavVFTIBRYt5WDIdFzhI_Foszdx2L1CasoCZc7sWf9BHW40y5O_xqOvYbvioIJxluEmueI41GJp42WKARsjyZ5t9BV9/s1500/B2A2118C-798C-45DF-AAD4-65A4DE88AF7C_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1345" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsnZ3iz12xKg_-cyRvNWgk_rtYRax5pmDRHqjLvuQwQWizIxRKJetrYll_cZvebJcdnzwvAZRvfdQL4oTO6SfxbHHHASY6WavVFTIBRYt5WDIdFzhI_Foszdx2L1CasoCZc7sWf9BHW40y5O_xqOvYbvioIJxluEmueI41GJp42WKARsjyZ5t9BV9/w574-h640/B2A2118C-798C-45DF-AAD4-65A4DE88AF7C_1_105_c.jpg" width="574"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br>The lighter lines are my own mods after we talked through things like head space, safety, and lighting.<br><br>What I lack in spatial visualization John has in spades, because that sketch is literally all he used to build the entire Buggy. No measurements, he just... <i>winged it</i>. <b>Boggles my mind</b>, y'all.<br><br>He started with this:<br><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIL0AX_gyx-EqI9GxlmP9IKVPDm2P5D8I9eXOwnY4ODNXw_czsMkNmVitXj_14Z8Bj_eDTGft1-g4f8h8UzgKHppwzbjPcmWRW797vweAKesodhSzgjTFJLRRg_IMXbYv1yqf-WfozlPm4GrFo2333N50zLWpa6geYK1BcxofmZGzRc8hPqJaz2jX/s1500/5156AA3F-9A7B-407C-A367-9DFDA0855665_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1500" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIL0AX_gyx-EqI9GxlmP9IKVPDm2P5D8I9eXOwnY4ODNXw_czsMkNmVitXj_14Z8Bj_eDTGft1-g4f8h8UzgKHppwzbjPcmWRW797vweAKesodhSzgjTFJLRRg_IMXbYv1yqf-WfozlPm4GrFo2333N50zLWpa6geYK1BcxofmZGzRc8hPqJaz2jX/w640-h490/5156AA3F-9A7B-407C-A367-9DFDA0855665_1_105_c.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Which he then doubled, and then connected the two sides together:<br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVia0hWSuVjhPD4DzErWnGfGQOqNz5fZ5HUeoX27QpailkgKQP2oDz6vrA6EZ3N-5W-SazoufVNyzumnbX_Sb1Zbr5ZNdHLxnDlegCNqDxdnpSAL38P6Hoqk-3J7TlQNnzxw4hxK-WKjnzggQRNm_rxtrXldOtjYKH_vKdgLCnKa3Ni0FNUBXO3Ii/s1500/3D54DC87-ACA8-4E15-98D4-54D858871CEB_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVia0hWSuVjhPD4DzErWnGfGQOqNz5fZ5HUeoX27QpailkgKQP2oDz6vrA6EZ3N-5W-SazoufVNyzumnbX_Sb1Zbr5ZNdHLxnDlegCNqDxdnpSAL38P6Hoqk-3J7TlQNnzxw4hxK-WKjnzggQRNm_rxtrXldOtjYKH_vKdgLCnKa3Ni0FNUBXO3Ii/w480-h640/3D54DC87-ACA8-4E15-98D4-54D858871CEB_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're not already impressed with John, please note the TINY SPACE he has to work in.<br><br><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS</b><br><br><i>....iiiittty bitty garage space.<br></i></div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next he clad everything in plywood:<br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlKKVS92C-U9FRO4rNaiw5I2dHD6tji2SsWmqAFj7IJWqF0t_WM-LPRnIZG0GVYqoFQzJeR5btFV_vkojPaIeL385BxPdcVScfKXh5MX7xeqOdf37v0_I5JIx8jDRueCRyl0wIWPASJSJxqRDfz3_E2pG7lgeOXxVOd5frSKHIEQmoTvB7gN-jkln/s1500/5CA56AA8-5FCA-4703-B0B6-47099E436E61_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlKKVS92C-U9FRO4rNaiw5I2dHD6tji2SsWmqAFj7IJWqF0t_WM-LPRnIZG0GVYqoFQzJeR5btFV_vkojPaIeL385BxPdcVScfKXh5MX7xeqOdf37v0_I5JIx8jDRueCRyl0wIWPASJSJxqRDfz3_E2pG7lgeOXxVOd5frSKHIEQmoTvB7gN-jkln/w480-h640/5CA56AA8-5FCA-4703-B0B6-47099E436E61_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a></div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br>And at this point we dragged it outside to assess.<br><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoABe8yrpKm9LjI6opTeH30Tboc_-gt0yQ3Bh16SPljtSRNmDiY3fvHrLH8QOaNaD3dyjf93SDOe6vqy7MT59_5ZUz3UmEm-5IvWA0X2KqKClSMQ7PdxAf7Vwn6OFm0AAC1UnfF5BQMwKRa_-Tjl_2G2_tbKLwYlCXW0XS9-0kxkT9bJyeKuQZHrB/s1500/9BAF320D-9162-4746-8611-2DE4918A0DCE_1_105_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoABe8yrpKm9LjI6opTeH30Tboc_-gt0yQ3Bh16SPljtSRNmDiY3fvHrLH8QOaNaD3dyjf93SDOe6vqy7MT59_5ZUz3UmEm-5IvWA0X2KqKClSMQ7PdxAf7Vwn6OFm0AAC1UnfF5BQMwKRa_-Tjl_2G2_tbKLwYlCXW0XS9-0kxkT9bJyeKuQZHrB/w480-h640/9BAF320D-9162-4746-8611-2DE4918A0DCE_1_105_c.jpg" width="480"></a><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also checked the proportions with Tim and a volunteer driver:<br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip41dWK5q0IZ1a7qHTL3S-Fc_tRY9Oam7uA_B-RckJwpDGZDumBbix4P3mCimybhYEPu8ITL9udOCY5uYruoC6VInUjL2ELaOoEui8ItxEkVRoWtBy5HsYN7SA2l3wkK6D0Xv7_kY8hSD6g5aa56tKqvbSvD3xueY2xpxgsrBB3ToxTXBeO23khxRa/s1500/1356B48F-FF43-4113-A5B5-A7465CA333AB_1_105_c%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip41dWK5q0IZ1a7qHTL3S-Fc_tRY9Oam7uA_B-RckJwpDGZDumBbix4P3mCimybhYEPu8ITL9udOCY5uYruoC6VInUjL2ELaOoEui8ItxEkVRoWtBy5HsYN7SA2l3wkK6D0Xv7_kY8hSD6g5aa56tKqvbSvD3xueY2xpxgsrBB3ToxTXBeO23khxRa/w640-h480/1356B48F-FF43-4113-A5B5-A7465CA333AB_1_105_c%202.jpg" width="640"></a><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wasn't wild about the top curve of the buggy, so we cut that down:<br></div><span></span><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2022/10/new-haunted-mansion-diy-our-victorian.html#more">» Read More</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.com17