tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33033664391243916812024-03-14T01:14:53.217-05:00Modern yet Old-FashionedAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-54824759538966753552012-07-05T10:00:00.000-05:002012-07-05T10:00:00.530-05:00Before and After . . . hairdoos!<div style="text-align: center;">
My daughter and I have been growing our hair, for what seems like <em>FOREVER</em> (about two years) so that we could donate it! I kept telling her that when summer comes, we will chop it off and find a great place to send it that will make it into wigs for people in need. So, it was time. </div>
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We were so excited about going to the salon...just the two of us! </div>
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There are so many wonderful places that accept hair donations to make wigs and give them to men, women and children in need for free or minimal cost to them! We struggled with which organization we were going to send it to. We ended up choosing <a href="http://www.wigs4kids.org/" target="_blank">Wigs 4 Kids</a>; it is a non-profit organization that creates wigs for every child and young adult in the state of Michigan suffering with hair loss.</div>
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I love these kinds of things that I can share with my daughter, and the boys too! It is fun and meaningful, with a great lesson behind it. They, I pray, will remember these things for the rest of their lives.</div>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-71649476410516920502012-07-03T10:00:00.000-05:002012-07-03T13:34:13.410-05:00DIY Bird Nest Necklace<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally got some down time (with the kids on summer break, it doesn't happen that much!) and got to work on a project that has been on my to-do list for months! </div>
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Sarah at <a href="http://sarahortega.com/">sarahortega.com</a>, an awesome blog that I adore, has a <a href="http://www.sarahortega.com/2011/05/diy-bird-nest-necklace.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> on making bird nest necklaces that are just adorable! This is one of many tutorials on her blog; she has lots of fantastic information and craft inspirations! Head on over and check it out!</div>
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I love the bird nest necklace because it tugs at my heart strings a little...thinking of my own family, my home as my nest and children as "eggs". Well...it sounds better in my head, but you know what I mean! </div>
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I love how it turned out, too!</div>
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Enjoy your day!</div>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-52267764650653669212012-06-25T07:06:00.001-05:002012-06-25T07:06:56.011-05:00Unparalleled Mac & Cheese<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been almost a month since the kids have been out of school for the summer and it has been that long since I have even looked at this blog, my favorite blogs, pinterest, and anything else online. Can you believe it?!?!</div>
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We have been so busy running around and mostly enjoying each other that I just haven't had a lot of extra time. I really think it's the longest I have ever gone without being "hooked". I do miss connecting and getting inspiration, and sharing it with you. So, here I am...I'm back!</div>
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Are you and your family lovers of pasta, particularly the childhood favorite, Macaroni and Cheese? I am, it's comfort food to me, and of course, my kiddos love it too. However, they have complained in past if it doesn't come out of a box. Imagine! It's goodbye to those days and hello to this unparalleled mac & cheese recipe. It's the best I have ever made, according to all that have tried it, including my kiddos! Seriously good, super easy, and quick! It doesn't get much better than that.</div>
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UNPARALLELED Mac & Cheese</h3>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.macaroniandcheesecake.com/2011/09/revolutionary-mac-cheese.html" target="_blank">Macaroni and Cheesecake</a></div>
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<strong>Ingredients: </strong><br />
2 cups dried organic pasta<br />
2 ¼-2 ½ cups milk <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used organic raw whole milk)</span></em> <br />
6 oz. organic cream cheese<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>4-6
oz. organic cheese of your choice, shredded by hand <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(I usually use white
cheddar, but change it up based on your family’s liking)</em></span> <br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1-1 ¼ tsp organic Dijon mustard</div>
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<strong>Directions:</strong></div>
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In a small saucepan, add pasta and milk. Bring to simmer, and then reduce
heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until pasta is al dente or soft,
stirring frequently and ensuring milk does not boil.</div>
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Turn heat off; add cheeses, salt and mustard, and stir to combine. If not
creamy enough, add milk a little at a time, and stir.</div>
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As a side dish this makes enough for 4-6 people with no leftovers.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOTE:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<em>Our family prefers to use elbows for this; we have used other shapes of
pasta such as shells, and we thought the consistency of the elbows was much
better.</em></div>
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<em>We try to use mostly organic foods at our home, feel free to use what you’ve got
around the house!</em></div>
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I hope you try it out for yourself! It's a super versatile recipe that can be changed to your liking. The idea of cooking pasta in milk had never before occurred to me and it has fantastic results even when making a non-cheese dish with a creamy sauce. It just seems to richen the dish a bit.</div>
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Don't forget to head over to <a href="http://www.macaroniandcheesecake.com/" target="_blank">Macaroni and Cheesecake</a> and check out this adorable blog food blog! She has a ton of wonderful and mouth watering recipes and of course, she was the one that brought me to this fabulous UNPARALLELED Mac and Cheese!</div>
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Happy Monday! Have a great week!</div>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-14387526583732448502012-05-29T14:24:00.001-05:002012-05-29T14:56:09.323-05:00Picture Me Domestic---My Self Portrait<div style="text-align: center;">
I was inspired by this <em>Picture Me Domestic,</em> a self portrait contest that consists of one taking their own picture in their domestic and everyday setting. </div>
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<a href="http://www.familyeverafterblog.com/2012/05/picture-me-domestic-my-sewing-self.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/familyeverafter/Blog%20Design/self-portrait-contest2.jpg" /></a></div>
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There will be three winners, who will each receive a prize from <a href="http://pickyourplum.com/" target="_blank"><em>Pick Your Plum</em></a>! I totally love it!</div>
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I am going to enter, humbly, of course, as I do not consider myself a creative or even competent photographer. </div>
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So, here we go...<br />
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The photo is meant to show how and who you are in your domesticity every day. Being domestic to me is, first, being a Mom, then being a wife, then <u>attempting</u> to be a home keeper, cook, gardener, etc:-) In that order!<br />
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With 3 kiddos running around, it can get pretty chaotic and loud at times! But amongst the chaos, there is always time for a quiet moment...like when someone needs first-aid. Usually a kiss will do the trick, or maybe a colorful band-aid or two or three. <br />
Sometime a little more is needed, as in this case:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">attempting to remove a sliver out of my little guys foot...<br />
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My tweezers came to the rescue and saved the little foot, along with a band-aid, of course! This is just one moment in a crazy day in my life, a life that I look back on at night while the everyone is sleeping and the house is quiet, and thank God for!</div>
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3759967/modern-yet-old-fashioned?claim=z9maz63p7s8">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-70727960875244695882012-05-25T09:49:00.000-05:002012-05-25T14:20:51.347-05:00My New Favorite Photo Editor<div style="text-align: center;">
I am in <em>love </em>with <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a>!</div>
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It's a photo editing website that has completely helped me transform my photos from bland and drab to interesting and eye-catching!</div>
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Here are some examples:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1G2-aDxzHj6A4hPMkkKa8iuwF5KUh39hFytHh8F1EhhJtJMugyVusbqNGUAXIpcxjIhFUq1B0RkdGvm6tpqTY3EvzO0GEmvi0GzlOaG9A4emxkR9czMAGbsOlCdndi0LJvFTNPN7INo/s1600/picture+me+domestic+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1G2-aDxzHj6A4hPMkkKa8iuwF5KUh39hFytHh8F1EhhJtJMugyVusbqNGUAXIpcxjIhFUq1B0RkdGvm6tpqTY3EvzO0GEmvi0GzlOaG9A4emxkR9czMAGbsOlCdndi0LJvFTNPN7INo/s400/picture+me+domestic+pic.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ORIGINAL PHOTO</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYSJGVmHSLtRB-3HxkBIaa05xHNIYD53zYDzRGQ149VPUCXQ7XtC7orrUS1tiBtVnuZL34iQng1lj_KW0goKahtAx6ekXRR0js9BxpjIiEDBHOJtno8FTPov9MAzO8K-gE1h_K2ba9SM/s1600/picture+me+domestic+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYSJGVmHSLtRB-3HxkBIaa05xHNIYD53zYDzRGQ149VPUCXQ7XtC7orrUS1tiBtVnuZL34iQng1lj_KW0goKahtAx6ekXRR0js9BxpjIiEDBHOJtno8FTPov9MAzO8K-gE1h_K2ba9SM/s400/picture+me+domestic+pic+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9pJm94_-N7EJs2TfPzYJJHYD1vsoGBHsvq9mFzIbnh58Qb3xasaP11Hf-wStp2slPSYjaqWQSkkvfh_hvlMfdbJzzfp0QNexVVEkGnB9zaBwwArTSKICwWyubUvJ2SrQ1Xfz91kBOvk/s1600/On-The-Go+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9pJm94_-N7EJs2TfPzYJJHYD1vsoGBHsvq9mFzIbnh58Qb3xasaP11Hf-wStp2slPSYjaqWQSkkvfh_hvlMfdbJzzfp0QNexVVEkGnB9zaBwwArTSKICwWyubUvJ2SrQ1Xfz91kBOvk/s400/On-The-Go+Giveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIak3V3TjjwjfRJ5hRxD5rN08A9_XgYcA-pWaM-flqd9M1BVXcnGnn9LGfYAlH_mDCOfXafi3EWq74T8yMn1PGoLqaXYhrytzpXjpXsw6JWBAGZozxBeEhp9aZPGyC612fYOsosFW9_ss/s1600/carter+and+I+with+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIak3V3TjjwjfRJ5hRxD5rN08A9_XgYcA-pWaM-flqd9M1BVXcnGnn9LGfYAlH_mDCOfXafi3EWq74T8yMn1PGoLqaXYhrytzpXjpXsw6JWBAGZozxBeEhp9aZPGyC612fYOsosFW9_ss/s400/carter+and+I+with+flat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ORIGINAL</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAWfMARyBd9ARrd04n4Q93Xqg35djbkzgkWKPORay01KCjT8ceWAJ2ZCPxD3EXPbFbGYeMYkp8pXjW0sGSjGyg8ej2xoZSoxQM0wmHQ_HXL1ZmRlxULtMYEl1KLy_TS_irCMxPvX4jnU/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAWfMARyBd9ARrd04n4Q93Xqg35djbkzgkWKPORay01KCjT8ceWAJ2ZCPxD3EXPbFbGYeMYkp8pXjW0sGSjGyg8ej2xoZSoxQM0wmHQ_HXL1ZmRlxULtMYEl1KLy_TS_irCMxPvX4jnU/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It may not be how you would have edited them, but there are endless possibilities! <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a> is super easy to use and the best part is...it's FREE!!!</div>
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Go edit a photo or two of your own and see what you think!</div>
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Have a fabulous Friday and a delightful Memorial Day weekend!</div>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-54534802435505722432012-05-22T14:23:00.001-05:002012-05-22T16:18:25.494-05:00Pallet Garden<div style="text-align: center;">
I adore flowers. </div>
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The problem is that I do NOT have a green thumb, as I think I may have mentioned before. Not only that, I am forgetful, and I forget to water the poor things. By the time I realize it, the neglected flowers are usually dried up and dead.</div>
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Every year I say it's going to be different...but this year I really mean it!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRL3oG7AvH11xkZEvWgN-ixd1wRAhk6gbZ_Si0MeNpCSRhXO6F21G6y_mxjN1tp7ygcOBE4BXdpUpjNfnX3dc_eoqYmpzNQk8xhb62q1Ys2uCQrEjflvz1WJzqpEG_cVjiBjUrn7n17c/s1600/pallet+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRL3oG7AvH11xkZEvWgN-ixd1wRAhk6gbZ_Si0MeNpCSRhXO6F21G6y_mxjN1tp7ygcOBE4BXdpUpjNfnX3dc_eoqYmpzNQk8xhb62q1Ys2uCQrEjflvz1WJzqpEG_cVjiBjUrn7n17c/s640/pallet+garden.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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My Mom brought in a pallet and dirt when she was visiting, and then took my kids to pick out flowers. They planted a pallet flower garden! It is beautiful and so much love went into it. My Mom and my kids had SO MUCH FUN! I was surprised that my Big Guy, being 9 and all, really loved picking out the flowers and planting them.</div>
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Here are some photos of the process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78ugucR_V2qCln4OTKCM7MzYKPpvhsshyphenhyphen4_ex0D0aCMshaIv5c4wdaogxjNViqk0zODrLg12ZhXb-fH1HCeZtpkz4dIke57xchfS6n9vFwgEh5FtKKB9IUpBcC1IGS65XGacf2E078Ss/s1600/Carter+and+I+picking+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78ugucR_V2qCln4OTKCM7MzYKPpvhsshyphenhyphen4_ex0D0aCMshaIv5c4wdaogxjNViqk0zODrLg12ZhXb-fH1HCeZtpkz4dIke57xchfS6n9vFwgEh5FtKKB9IUpBcC1IGS65XGacf2E078Ss/s400/Carter+and+I+picking+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwl0sL3SU8iwbJmCjYlbgwwDma6qwmBBynpT6YD682nvbs1NjGzoHwGQodvE248kIAtYPjHnDr2JsqHIfP4wqCf69nf86SUbnMdyAAlx_f77VlvsWoiCmG9jkaUPBvWjnJYVr6Ztud0I/s1600/Carter+picking+flower.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwl0sL3SU8iwbJmCjYlbgwwDma6qwmBBynpT6YD682nvbs1NjGzoHwGQodvE248kIAtYPjHnDr2JsqHIfP4wqCf69nf86SUbnMdyAAlx_f77VlvsWoiCmG9jkaUPBvWjnJYVr6Ztud0I/s1600/Carter+picking+flower.jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGI3IP_IQDhBdhl9mw8DNj82F0OZIx7q5VxmVANP71nIlGEWYJElXay3Q7w_cCNj3ISFG1exYLhOAqTM6rmqkVvMbu1berygSH0SpdENFN1qru1a3edf7IedNPVKniHwFx9AK6S7aLj4/s1600/carter+and+I+with+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGI3IP_IQDhBdhl9mw8DNj82F0OZIx7q5VxmVANP71nIlGEWYJElXay3Q7w_cCNj3ISFG1exYLhOAqTM6rmqkVvMbu1berygSH0SpdENFN1qru1a3edf7IedNPVKniHwFx9AK6S7aLj4/s400/carter+and+I+with+flat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTm7xdsZQzVy6qXMHV7ncJ1ORzTg3U6WNXVNIr4Hnkyk1TLH1ajmX-eRoaeFzeKIXMLRJkFJr2r5TKZx2xyFm7jWdDdOVdMOhgxswEM84_13Zdj1CdU8nfpXfLmcJ3bOjWsm0c2P4y3E/s1600/Pierce+with+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTm7xdsZQzVy6qXMHV7ncJ1ORzTg3U6WNXVNIr4Hnkyk1TLH1ajmX-eRoaeFzeKIXMLRJkFJr2r5TKZx2xyFm7jWdDdOVdMOhgxswEM84_13Zdj1CdU8nfpXfLmcJ3bOjWsm0c2P4y3E/s400/Pierce+with+flat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwFVl65__Rfn1Z6gtsW_24r5TRYy9bhGbnApz8S0fJd8DO8zRFqWWFUESHKAwHVhMhaYXJEyqKgsV2qSIgsnfgLF8DPebgsYXoQGmRHLMoM8TP7uPjrJs-lqRqeSIjzNDbX-thQFNXg0/s1600/Amelia+picking+flowers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwFVl65__Rfn1Z6gtsW_24r5TRYy9bhGbnApz8S0fJd8DO8zRFqWWFUESHKAwHVhMhaYXJEyqKgsV2qSIgsnfgLF8DPebgsYXoQGmRHLMoM8TP7uPjrJs-lqRqeSIjzNDbX-thQFNXg0/s400/Amelia+picking+flowers+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LFOgLNAVc0819Waeye0PgPAIHVnYyIqMFFCKvh3Tiebd1wC-AN-vnLD2GHt0jW1G2fNCLo_aVRT4oXvd2r7Ir7UsaEhFO87hyv8SGZU_kDp3DJg6F-0UYMoCZ9sxhfylFR2bbI5OLQg/s1600/Planting+pallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LFOgLNAVc0819Waeye0PgPAIHVnYyIqMFFCKvh3Tiebd1wC-AN-vnLD2GHt0jW1G2fNCLo_aVRT4oXvd2r7Ir7UsaEhFO87hyv8SGZU_kDp3DJg6F-0UYMoCZ9sxhfylFR2bbI5OLQg/s400/Planting+pallet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have to let the pallet lay flat as pictured for 2 weeks, then we can stand it up. It is adorable already, standing up it will look amazing! I can't wait!</div>
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I will update you with a picture when we stand it up, and also for proof that I am, in fact, watering my flowers:-)</div>
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Have you ever planted a pallet garden? Let me know...I would love to see some pictures!</div>
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<br /></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-85730752416720744252012-04-10T13:20:00.001-05:002012-04-17T22:48:29.305-05:00Vegan Cookie Dough and a Frugal Food Tip<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have ranted before and I will rant again...this time about canned foods. Cans contain the harsh chemical <strong>BPA (aka Bisphenol A</strong>), a known hormone disruptor, as cans are lined with a plastic coating containing this harmful and disgusting chemical that seeps into the food they hold. BPA has been linked to many illnesses and diseases, including but not limited to infertility and sexual dysfunction, neurological issues, and breast cancer! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: There are a few organic brands out there that don't use a BPA lined can, including Eden Foods; these cans will be labeled "BPA FREE".</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is definitely not on my list of things that I would feel good about serving to my family. So, canned goods are absolutely a NO at our house. Which leaves me in a predicament when we want certain foods, such as beans. Canned is just so much more convenient! I found a solution for my family that I would like to pass on to you. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><h4>FRUGAL FOOD TIP:</h4><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Buy organic dry beans! It's easy, start with a pound of dry beans and soak/cook them according to the package. When they are done, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or you can separate them into 1-1/2 cup portions and freeze them until you need them. VOILA! Easy, less expensive and much healthier! </div><br />
I just made garbanzo beans and here is the financially breakdown:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">$3.99 for 1 pound organic garbanzo beans (equal to approximately 5 cans)</div>$13.45 for 5 cans of organic garbanzo beans without BPA lining<br />
<em>PRICELESS</em> is the cost of feeding my family healthy foods without harsh chemicals!!! <br />
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<h3> </h3><h3> </h3><h3>Vegan Cookie Dough {RECIPE}</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxw8ZQTCdmm2-4pjEd5BpK3B35fVQ6Y9KDe8GWLZA2a45DmhLOGKiR1pN2J1mTNlYkGPS7aPcvP_1ewvbdmrOZAaZcXz6TaBCg1ZvJi2zOk9Nyqu_tOVwCulCcRNunOQOsQm5r3jHnvw/s1600/vegan+cookie+dough+1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxw8ZQTCdmm2-4pjEd5BpK3B35fVQ6Y9KDe8GWLZA2a45DmhLOGKiR1pN2J1mTNlYkGPS7aPcvP_1ewvbdmrOZAaZcXz6TaBCg1ZvJi2zOk9Nyqu_tOVwCulCcRNunOQOsQm5r3jHnvw/s1600/vegan+cookie+dough+1.jpg.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Adapted from<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/479706570331/" target="_blank"> <em>Let's Share Lenten Recipes</em></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3 cups cooked Garbanzo Beans (or 2 cans)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 cup <a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/11/pb-j.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 cup Brown Sugar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup Old-Fashioned Oats</div>1 1/2 Tbls Real Vanilla<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup Coconut or Almond Milk (I used water)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pinch of Sea Salt</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Vegan Chocolate Chips (I used Ghirardelli)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Add rinsed garbanzo beans with all ingredients except for the chocolate chips to the food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and serve. </div><br />
My family and I, kids included, eat this by the spoonful and we LOVE it! It sounds so strange, but it really is excellent and you can't even taste the beans at all! <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Have a fabulous day!</em></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA1UoHOlvhDIBH4teKcoot4LYFaWODwKaz_suyGmR0k_u2NQWWaTPKcKMeaFjc4NtGms7mpmdLTjrvfYfxaQqJrrQiKsiQohXIjnVSc5nLlnj8-wOZ97pu_BDtkaeBQJ0GmRPo1vQMXo/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA1UoHOlvhDIBH4teKcoot4LYFaWODwKaz_suyGmR0k_u2NQWWaTPKcKMeaFjc4NtGms7mpmdLTjrvfYfxaQqJrrQiKsiQohXIjnVSc5nLlnj8-wOZ97pu_BDtkaeBQJ0GmRPo1vQMXo/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-76167839211987474222012-04-08T22:17:00.000-05:002012-04-08T22:17:54.455-05:00Cherished Family TimeHappy Easter to those of you who celebrate today! Today is what we call "American Easter", this is because we are Orthodox Christians and in the Orthodox faith, we celebrate Easter the first Sunday after Passover. This means that sometimes our Easters are the same and sometimes they aren't. This year we are a week apart, so us Orthodox are celebrating Easter next weekend.<br />
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Nevertheless, it made me reflect upon family time as some of our family does celebrate today. On our last visit with my family, my Princess Cupcake begged us gals to play the game Jenga with her. We really didn't want to but we did anyway so as not to disappoint her. It turned out to be super fun, actually, I think us ladies had more fun that she did! There were four generations playing: my Grandma, my Mom, my Sister, me, and my daughter. I am so thankful to have this time to spend with them and I know it won't be this way forever, so I cherish it so, so much!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my Princess in the background! LOL!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5dWIahwBjxuEO_EJGqXuhnr5i4d1kLhuMlF3UN1oFHAPgtymrqGKPhDNiQXMHJgWiI9YnFVt1ye5A74GvWhjJjS4XkiJ5eqPFAObMeYUXn0mQzwpyw1WYrqWV34pEWwOPBDn4GW3KKw/s1600/IMG_2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5dWIahwBjxuEO_EJGqXuhnr5i4d1kLhuMlF3UN1oFHAPgtymrqGKPhDNiQXMHJgWiI9YnFVt1ye5A74GvWhjJjS4XkiJ5eqPFAObMeYUXn0mQzwpyw1WYrqWV34pEWwOPBDn4GW3KKw/s320/IMG_2062.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she is still very worried here!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl8f-SbWFk7f4dJddFy4jGGsErTA5NmgiJ2vORX7aF2j_Ci5wUx2tQR_HZsb1YvSjJKF5PEoE6tQpdGR9sP-s9uc3RXvo8m2cfc1pW3jhDDu1Juktb1K1sgqV0pgXjNu9vtiQs69VYhw/s1600/IMG_2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl8f-SbWFk7f4dJddFy4jGGsErTA5NmgiJ2vORX7aF2j_Ci5wUx2tQR_HZsb1YvSjJKF5PEoE6tQpdGR9sP-s9uc3RXvo8m2cfc1pW3jhDDu1Juktb1K1sgqV0pgXjNu9vtiQs69VYhw/s320/IMG_2081.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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I had to share this because of the funny pictures!<br />
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Have a great week and don't forget to enter to win a some cute hair accessories from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Emmaleesboutique" target="_blank"><em>Emma Lee's Boutique</em></a>, I am hosting it <a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2012/04/emma-lees-boutique-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a>!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWiUndDRZp8p4llbBFJmf8f5D4bxNlIANy4YWWJ1Qo25dnvc5dJ27A1ohqzV9YULEu9ZHNx6yYbs2xZc-sX33t1Xdxl5W6P9pCOGSP0gR4u__gC3SO2uFcPGQbHKaOX7vNSKqLtiENv4/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWiUndDRZp8p4llbBFJmf8f5D4bxNlIANy4YWWJ1Qo25dnvc5dJ27A1ohqzV9YULEu9ZHNx6yYbs2xZc-sX33t1Xdxl5W6P9pCOGSP0gR4u__gC3SO2uFcPGQbHKaOX7vNSKqLtiENv4/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-70041572221707263772012-04-05T13:16:00.005-05:002012-04-10T17:44:21.840-05:00Emma Lee's Boutique GIVEAWAY!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitflcsO2wyyH2rqeAGov58VkE8ocy0cFYkVuwqPj5ebuh2cT50fM-p_q13YLT2D6ADYkTIMn0Qmg8aGHN76EQQ5ZcEJGNp9TkDB94E5bm6kAWL530canGS8HT5Jz8LrIzZAqL4gpuzLCI/s1600/IMG_1749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitflcsO2wyyH2rqeAGov58VkE8ocy0cFYkVuwqPj5ebuh2cT50fM-p_q13YLT2D6ADYkTIMn0Qmg8aGHN76EQQ5ZcEJGNp9TkDB94E5bm6kAWL530canGS8HT5Jz8LrIzZAqL4gpuzLCI/s320/IMG_1749.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I love hair accessories for my Princess Cupcake! She's growing up now, and doesn't like all of them as much as I do for her. After all, she <em>is</em> 7 now! Back in December, I won a headband set with a flower clip for her from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Emmaleesboutique" target="_blank"><em>Emma Lee's Boutique</em></a>. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail and when she saw it, she was even more thrilled than I was. It is definitely the most loved hair thing in the house! I have actually had to tell her not to wear it because she had worn it for 4 or 5 days straight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_njQlHtmm288B2BZ2J9ukqtfliIE-Y8JDAfeWv5O6I0vAkuq39gEru6ep93C4Bi0DW7ySvAwMzJ_jI1h7yOPnU2fW8JJt2bTt-R1CQhVF7T-CX-1mdXq5lIOBDnEZ3p3_Tblzd-D6nk/s1600/IMG_1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_njQlHtmm288B2BZ2J9ukqtfliIE-Y8JDAfeWv5O6I0vAkuq39gEru6ep93C4Bi0DW7ySvAwMzJ_jI1h7yOPnU2fW8JJt2bTt-R1CQhVF7T-CX-1mdXq5lIOBDnEZ3p3_Tblzd-D6nk/s200/IMG_1743.jpg" width="133" /></a>Derinda is the owner of<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Emmaleesboutique" target="_blank"> <em>Emma Lee's Boutique</em></a> as well as the writer of the blog, <a href="http://dabblebyderinda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em>DabblebyDerinda</em></a>. She is a super sweet and creative gal! I love her boutique because not only are the items darling, they are also very reasonably priced, which means you can get more!!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8N72I2d1bAjDbyHAG2HrEzoifiHImDJ1Epa1W7LE43mGUcLqBQOIzk9MF_vrzi0CCmzN0eCGCXpXTUaaD7O52WVqL3b7HglIlnoTpXM9fHD7ae2oYxT4l-hqe4Yz1K5E2Seqw8kJcSo/s1600/IMG_1745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8N72I2d1bAjDbyHAG2HrEzoifiHImDJ1Epa1W7LE43mGUcLqBQOIzk9MF_vrzi0CCmzN0eCGCXpXTUaaD7O52WVqL3b7HglIlnoTpXM9fHD7ae2oYxT4l-hqe4Yz1K5E2Seqw8kJcSo/s320/IMG_1745.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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There is nothing that I like more than getting a good deal, as far as shopping goes. To me, getting a few (or more) hair clips for my sweet girl that she loves and that hold up to her very busy hands, is just that! Plus I always love that she has something unique and different than the average hair clip.<br />
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Go on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Emmaleesboutique" target="_blank"><em>Emma Lee's Boutique</em></a> and check it out! <br />
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Because I won the headband and flower set, and I<em> LOVE</em> giveaways, Derinda and I having a giveaway here on Modern yet Old-Fashioned! There will be two lucky winners that can win one of these beautiful sets.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxUM-5aTIEmU1y-wzRDpkylqneT7Fw2A6YFqIuwiT7x-ND9-H0GKFSlCx99DR9ioUOXwKbjXKUw2HX6icXkdGrRHHCsLrtll28r8XILnX_C4B3rgmCayKSvzr66cLekZNANYvEdKNuvo/s1600/Emma+Lee's+Boutique+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxUM-5aTIEmU1y-wzRDpkylqneT7Fw2A6YFqIuwiT7x-ND9-H0GKFSlCx99DR9ioUOXwKbjXKUw2HX6icXkdGrRHHCsLrtll28r8XILnX_C4B3rgmCayKSvzr66cLekZNANYvEdKNuvo/s320/Emma+Lee's+Boutique+1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Glitter Interchangeable headband estimated to fit girls 4 and over. Each Silk Puff measures around 2.5" and are each attached to a 1.75" partially lined alligator clip that fit in the interchangeable headband or can be worn separately. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnUfJzBQC2EWk7tqPZbclnaxz0b1a5VnSAcOPRrBGld6gx2jHh-Lh79o0RMfTxD5-DJOZ8koN8tWe_GjzBTPISxCcyVbi1BilfUwnZ7Wpkq59GjZVJmh7ImqxcYbPEzSZqTL7I7kMCAk/s1600/Emma+Lee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnUfJzBQC2EWk7tqPZbclnaxz0b1a5VnSAcOPRrBGld6gx2jHh-Lh79o0RMfTxD5-DJOZ8koN8tWe_GjzBTPISxCcyVbi1BilfUwnZ7Wpkq59GjZVJmh7ImqxcYbPEzSZqTL7I7kMCAk/s320/Emma+Lee.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt Flower Elastic Headbands estimated to fit babies to adults. Very stretchy and comfortable. The felt flowers (embellished with sewn pearls) measure around 3" and are permanently attached to a thin elastic headband...that are very comfortable to wear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: center;">Here is how you can win:</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(make sure to leave a separate comment for each one)</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1- Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emmaleesboutique" target="_blank"><em>Emma Lee's Boutique on Facebook</em></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2- Follow <a href="http://dabblebyderinda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em>DabblebyDerinda</em></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3- <em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Emmaleesboutique" target="_blank">Visit Emma Lee's Boutique</a></em> and tell me your favorite item</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4- Follow Modern Yet Old-Fashioned </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5- Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Modern-Yet-Old-Fashioned/304428919571605?sk=wall" target="_blank">Modern Yet Old-Fashioned on Facebook</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6- Follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Modernyet" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7- Share this post on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I will use random.org to determine the winners on Tuesday, April 10th at 5PM central.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: red;">UPDATE:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the winners are...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#15 Kari</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#5 Carlos, Elizabeth and Addison</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">True Random Number Generator </span><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Result:</span><span style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">15<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">True Random Number Generator </span><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Result:</span><span style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">5</span><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 6pt; line-height: 115%;">Powered by <a href="http://www.random.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #777777;">RANDOM.ORG</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Congratulations!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EI_9PhWYTecUipI4SqbynbuMMGIH61rOfvExb_K6TBz_pgKuvJpe9dK21qnuugpla6is8eL6amnKzWCb-p4d5G3mt3y0soytebVcRKh_fQFF_TIK9TuzSEv9AsX7D8DVVqDq98NSNBM/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EI_9PhWYTecUipI4SqbynbuMMGIH61rOfvExb_K6TBz_pgKuvJpe9dK21qnuugpla6is8eL6amnKzWCb-p4d5G3mt3y0soytebVcRKh_fQFF_TIK9TuzSEv9AsX7D8DVVqDq98NSNBM/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-13064474428851997422012-04-04T14:30:00.000-05:002012-04-04T14:30:19.965-05:00The Current State of My Favorite WindowsillEvery year we plant a pretty large garden in our backyard. We are always thrilled to see it grow and to be able to feed our family (and sometimes neighbors) from it. It is so satisfying to walk out and pick a tomato or cucumber whenever we want to! Having said that, let me tell you a little secret...I am <em>NOT</em> Mrs. Greenthumb!!!<br />
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Last year I tried to start my plants from seeds (organic) for the first time and it didn't go well for me. Actually, it totally flopped and they all died after I planted them outside. We then went out to a local farm and purchased some plants. After much research, I am going to try my hand at starting my garden from seeds again this year. I planned on starting them mid-February, but ended up planting them mid-March. My kiddos helped out, which I think is so beneficial for them to feel some ownership. Every day we see if anything new has sprouted and how much the other seedlings have grown.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixzdMOXawYvKyjk2cFZ8eNfIsTqRkWLzAxABU6K6VcKkNaKoY3ht1Yjh4-o3lSHJ-R6gJtfQptsaZjKtfclJt5sg9i6Ed7SYKd2SUVceCHIawpDhMk9LMfJXjSEUUm52WMnKRNwTz9Fs/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixzdMOXawYvKyjk2cFZ8eNfIsTqRkWLzAxABU6K6VcKkNaKoY3ht1Yjh4-o3lSHJ-R6gJtfQptsaZjKtfclJt5sg9i6Ed7SYKd2SUVceCHIawpDhMk9LMfJXjSEUUm52WMnKRNwTz9Fs/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My corner windowsill is a perfect place to grow anything because it gets a lot of sun. And its right behind the kitchen sink, so I never forget to tend to them. This, of course, is <em>NEVER</em> a problem for me {sarcasm}!!!<br />
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Not the prettiest window sill decor, but by mid May, I hope it will be worth it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG28CKyIx-Q96dSM5ehSVSd2b42Myoh4mkALPDMizxPTk3xmtu9XpuUvCDT0TSvJd_FUPGWQCE_-AQnrOZGFp12B-o-vQtAzE2b862jw3buOJgwsC8HusZEgyhATKbAuJCcB_tdBL8RM/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG28CKyIx-Q96dSM5ehSVSd2b42Myoh4mkALPDMizxPTk3xmtu9XpuUvCDT0TSvJd_FUPGWQCE_-AQnrOZGFp12B-o-vQtAzE2b862jw3buOJgwsC8HusZEgyhATKbAuJCcB_tdBL8RM/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Details on what I am planting this year. All are organic, non-GMO vegetables and fruits.<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Lake Green Beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beef Steak Tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rutgers Tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ashley Cucumbers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">MM Cucumbers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jalapeno</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cheyenne</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brussel Sprouts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zucchini</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pumpkin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watermelon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">CA Wonder Green Pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eggplant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Strawberries (come up every year)</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was also thinking about trying out some onions and lettuces in a different part of the yard. I always start out so ambitious and then fizzle out or run out of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Any planting tips for me that have worked for you? </span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqafGffHKiZTLztjddQnLKkvapsgyYBdt1EwLpoySVGXVpW3CLTsMcJIgZAX_ejmaReU6OvAccyGT3x-IVqMW19mkjyR2bAFvY3VX9zuAQTLR3Cpq3iEislzGjRP6gfYmXkNj402HLeLI/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqafGffHKiZTLztjddQnLKkvapsgyYBdt1EwLpoySVGXVpW3CLTsMcJIgZAX_ejmaReU6OvAccyGT3x-IVqMW19mkjyR2bAFvY3VX9zuAQTLR3Cpq3iEislzGjRP6gfYmXkNj402HLeLI/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><br />
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<ul></ul>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-70759103045731697022012-04-02T08:04:00.002-05:002012-04-06T09:06:10.803-05:00Dollar Store Spring Wreath -tutorial-<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfPdV2BPQkq_NheA2naD3kw-GWYXf9FgsHVwwkeIudbQd7QJp-E9FjD9nQXPJcYUpTQvdVp7E1AyQWFUdi77ErnlH-s5K3JfYsL9jaxCqaiwImDfcBV4wppy0AfiE7MOZHyB6-CHlcEo/s1600/Spring+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfPdV2BPQkq_NheA2naD3kw-GWYXf9FgsHVwwkeIudbQd7QJp-E9FjD9nQXPJcYUpTQvdVp7E1AyQWFUdi77ErnlH-s5K3JfYsL9jaxCqaiwImDfcBV4wppy0AfiE7MOZHyB6-CHlcEo/s640/Spring+Wreath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When I was at our local dollar store last week, I spotted some pool noodles. I was totally giddy because I had wanted to make a wreath out of one. So, I snatched it up and shopped around for something to wrap it. I found some adorable cord, well actually clothes line. <br />
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I threw it in the car and away we went...but wait...my little guy liked the noodle too! As I was driving, he was playing with it and out it flew through the open window. HA! I had to go back and get it. I was wondering if people thought I was crazy.<br />
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<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>Spring Wreath Tutorial</u></h3><h4>Supplies Needed:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zqNAtkAyyv_c_yRuFVQCbkmejTwu7geaXVXt8vTHVnggOchKkcnAg-uA-_-b4TIakxQ-sawUstUAwLHtRX9oIOlSQUfO3x8CblnHs6YaQTctXe-4hbCDxFR6tR0NETxkS9nvXn_9bKQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zqNAtkAyyv_c_yRuFVQCbkmejTwu7geaXVXt8vTHVnggOchKkcnAg-uA-_-b4TIakxQ-sawUstUAwLHtRX9oIOlSQUfO3x8CblnHs6YaQTctXe-4hbCDxFR6tR0NETxkS9nvXn_9bKQ/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><ul><li> 1 pool noodle</li>
<li> 3 inch piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe (optional)</li>
<li> Duct Tape</li>
<li> 4 (70 Ft) pack of cord</li>
</ul><br />
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<h4> Step One:</h4>Cut about 7 inches off of the noodle.<br />
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<h4>Step Two:</h4>Insert half of the PVC pipe into the noodle. Bring other end around and insert remaining PVC pipe into that end. Duct tape together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtR2k8E3ALjBA9PLe8nfxcJFhRB0hkjIk-VpfeA9NzqAijB44Gp5NGhE1BSGBg90X5p0vCFaXbCuXb_FvodCMfXV9AbrdAxVeTskJnm4Hz76oAvxmRuW_VX8qmLtoEmjV-qP3bUBewEE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtR2k8E3ALjBA9PLe8nfxcJFhRB0hkjIk-VpfeA9NzqAijB44Gp5NGhE1BSGBg90X5p0vCFaXbCuXb_FvodCMfXV9AbrdAxVeTskJnm4Hz76oAvxmRuW_VX8qmLtoEmjV-qP3bUBewEE/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd2X9RorRfZa1m-eVrHSdAnxY78wJg6G_Qux5i3vTWYdVwlPjpOA4xQAM18z834V4AF2HmCsn6FTURijGnylz9hgfQgv60eM6JLmlurevwvTCjIReiRE57Vkn9VRYWFrT-p7ltkO3iOA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd2X9RorRfZa1m-eVrHSdAnxY78wJg6G_Qux5i3vTWYdVwlPjpOA4xQAM18z834V4AF2HmCsn6FTURijGnylz9hgfQgv60eM6JLmlurevwvTCjIReiRE57Vkn9VRYWFrT-p7ltkO3iOA/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RsXE7yEHdykrvxV5QJv_EixF6ZCB9LVA1owlbWHVXLWLs67LHolsERfD9tO5zUQcPciF-0RtxxyeH1H04yHxA5OIXwGBGfh_a8qy4UzQOOWJFJpIXbbccg2F2ZL5lDp4iN3rHv0pONA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RsXE7yEHdykrvxV5QJv_EixF6ZCB9LVA1owlbWHVXLWLs67LHolsERfD9tO5zUQcPciF-0RtxxyeH1H04yHxA5OIXwGBGfh_a8qy4UzQOOWJFJpIXbbccg2F2ZL5lDp4iN3rHv0pONA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>NOTE: My husband thought of the pipe for security. It worked out awesome and was much easier to tape with just one person. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUES6UF5SQAHJWD02Kirt6tbVSSTJcMNOJPInStw6zMxLxADhSQrNkVJE2Oju036Ole_kiPlOEWiN8qpKlIjPj9TJGPFBAagU3lC6kxcYfBTc2w83LXscqbRHArSt-7ga9Pw9UAatiD3Y/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUES6UF5SQAHJWD02Kirt6tbVSSTJcMNOJPInStw6zMxLxADhSQrNkVJE2Oju036Ole_kiPlOEWiN8qpKlIjPj9TJGPFBAagU3lC6kxcYfBTc2w83LXscqbRHArSt-7ga9Pw9UAatiD3Y/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is the finished wreath before being "dressed"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h4> Step Three:</h4><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv9ZDWr74GA5JId6imyae79sAQ-GQc-sdxjzltaRoj6-T2S7Uo3gxivMMeTti1XXURIQg3Cdn_LPeJC-E_Dq2sZb3HR4iRXEQSUbXBts_pBzlug8IGT52dgdwLMGVGSoTvSyO7fShk2Q/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlv9ZDWr74GA5JId6imyae79sAQ-GQc-sdxjzltaRoj6-T2S7Uo3gxivMMeTti1XXURIQg3Cdn_LPeJC-E_Dq2sZb3HR4iRXEQSUbXBts_pBzlug8IGT52dgdwLMGVGSoTvSyO7fShk2Q/s200/011.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> Wrap your noodle wreath with whatever your creative heart desires, in my case; it was this green and white cord. It did take a while as it needed a few layers, but I think it was worth it because I love the way it turned out!<br />
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<h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLuLDbmwC6wPQjZ_XsdrVYq8Xc84dMMEh6JVzJubLNDRbty850gjVMv25pG7elLZQCRgPqF-t5rWwHi18QMRO5uGsNschcZlWqEq1Oz-JsNAskB_4M9cNqpijqUt9bn6Ik7garLvOdxM/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLuLDbmwC6wPQjZ_XsdrVYq8Xc84dMMEh6JVzJubLNDRbty850gjVMv25pG7elLZQCRgPqF-t5rWwHi18QMRO5uGsNschcZlWqEq1Oz-JsNAskB_4M9cNqpijqUt9bn6Ik7garLvOdxM/s200/021.JPG" width="150" /></a> Step Five:</h4>DECORATE!<br />
I actually had a hard time with this. I just was so indecisive about "the look" I wanted. So a tried a few things and I was just OK with it. I decided to sleep on it and I am glad I did! When my sister and I came across chip board letters, I knew I found my final embellishment for this wreath.<br />
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I used things I had on hand...get creative with it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-4FsRxuf2igThc1NgXPIJLjGKYFLQ8fNQMej8nVh2_aIJfbnEztlaU3MgqLh-252dNhTX3HNiycdBJoL35c5aSJGzBw6YrQ8HeN74HJVv5BJUkjitPyOMT5Pi44jrDvDRaG-ZJ-vriI/s1600/Spring+Wreath+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-4FsRxuf2igThc1NgXPIJLjGKYFLQ8fNQMej8nVh2_aIJfbnEztlaU3MgqLh-252dNhTX3HNiycdBJoL35c5aSJGzBw6YrQ8HeN74HJVv5BJUkjitPyOMT5Pi44jrDvDRaG-ZJ-vriI/s400/Spring+Wreath+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On our visit to Iowa over Spring break, my Mom and Sister liked it so much that they went out and bought the supplies and made one too! It was certainly fun crafting all together, and it got the creative juices flowing a little bit more than usual.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MDUCd8C4uuT6l94XaSTP2abMB-MOL61_eF9zBks3tWvLSJqqBJ9oYd5pge9gvhA6rS0kFpX-VGWYRVWSru6Z8AhksSRZ36B8IJDd0lNQgtELcEAks0SY2OV6qpujE0lLHRf6im0Kc-g/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MDUCd8C4uuT6l94XaSTP2abMB-MOL61_eF9zBks3tWvLSJqqBJ9oYd5pge9gvhA6rS0kFpX-VGWYRVWSru6Z8AhksSRZ36B8IJDd0lNQgtELcEAks0SY2OV6qpujE0lLHRf6im0Kc-g/s320/IMG_2087.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom chose a moss green and white cord</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbiatljXl5n-vzEfusM9Ql9E0YUDL2wFk3lOGhk453e2E8rrj2396VFrC_-ZyFn8ZT50ETmRRboIFlQ8JXiaN0fNUezyegiIOhnUu-FsOCBNvGC91PGJYaS3Ycd9gl0gVpmoZv5XSRaM/s1600/IMG_2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbiatljXl5n-vzEfusM9Ql9E0YUDL2wFk3lOGhk453e2E8rrj2396VFrC_-ZyFn8ZT50ETmRRboIFlQ8JXiaN0fNUezyegiIOhnUu-FsOCBNvGC91PGJYaS3Ycd9gl0gVpmoZv5XSRaM/s320/IMG_2091.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sister chose this beautiful royal blue and white</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHwUNFn-psoeNvjq9rv6LIUe3QqhITOIP5ZZnjIrgZIzFfQrd0HFvgKqT-yt-31HKEh2EmQOmc3jZM4h1O0oymsRLDrP4m4AfrUz2on2CdJaAy5oaAa2tZ8OulKpN8Fq4rZ3MJGm9krY/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHwUNFn-psoeNvjq9rv6LIUe3QqhITOIP5ZZnjIrgZIzFfQrd0HFvgKqT-yt-31HKEh2EmQOmc3jZM4h1O0oymsRLDrP4m4AfrUz2on2CdJaAy5oaAa2tZ8OulKpN8Fq4rZ3MJGm9krY/s320/IMG_2094.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly Girl:-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAWP27llEkcLcn1ZS4YQSZQ7Ix6P0YCqCKbTeav_WmhaaWbnXJ-OWf5pyHKoq4TqVpmINfSqdcLLXAim4jABimiayHSP1K0btohPXcBtqIZCEw5wXkCZr2ZMt9VGifi2MHz_IwHdewEM/s1600/IMG_2097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAWP27llEkcLcn1ZS4YQSZQ7Ix6P0YCqCKbTeav_WmhaaWbnXJ-OWf5pyHKoq4TqVpmINfSqdcLLXAim4jABimiayHSP1K0btohPXcBtqIZCEw5wXkCZr2ZMt9VGifi2MHz_IwHdewEM/s320/IMG_2097.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPThFViG5IOfM5kZYrwVZqwErTNIXskemfN1lnaQsvEF31lDx_SvkdM91Dfv5tT9i1kvBSSAt2MqpXkLTPrnPa1JpZdemmgivtbsmzClQcgOSiw-tT8DXjbasSuyvqhZUIau8hE6Zvf2c/s1600/IMG_2098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPThFViG5IOfM5kZYrwVZqwErTNIXskemfN1lnaQsvEF31lDx_SvkdM91Dfv5tT9i1kvBSSAt2MqpXkLTPrnPa1JpZdemmgivtbsmzClQcgOSiw-tT8DXjbasSuyvqhZUIau8hE6Zvf2c/s320/IMG_2098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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In the end, they finished the wreaths but not the decorating as we all got the nasty stomach bug that I mentioned <a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2012/04/we-got-it.html" target="_blank">here</a>. When they finish, I will update with pictures.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red;">UPDATE:</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuGLnYWagwLDW58BIM6YjCpaMcKjImyBc0gNgqkktw9XEcf6UyloJcansOt-uoHVDdzwbBTEfNPDsbZByQcXwp6oC_8lu3KhkPe3P6XHo4wqqZJXkMynL2hn4LKaoqUnJbnUqp0dx0ig/s1600/IMAG0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuGLnYWagwLDW58BIM6YjCpaMcKjImyBc0gNgqkktw9XEcf6UyloJcansOt-uoHVDdzwbBTEfNPDsbZByQcXwp6oC_8lu3KhkPe3P6XHo4wqqZJXkMynL2hn4LKaoqUnJbnUqp0dx0ig/s320/IMAG0132.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my sister's finished wreath!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a4vEljyq9zT0yx-ZGbi-qxP0x-hgk9QioJ-cQJp9JR7hNrRWDdnORtjTPjjqU4-TfDSVCR-UGlY9YshdisFfMpVzF0wvzDmEszNg7UrWCm3WkDYFlQyjuZE7s5b3_ImucCmn2qn80Zk/s1600/moms+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a4vEljyq9zT0yx-ZGbi-qxP0x-hgk9QioJ-cQJp9JR7hNrRWDdnORtjTPjjqU4-TfDSVCR-UGlY9YshdisFfMpVzF0wvzDmEszNg7UrWCm3WkDYFlQyjuZE7s5b3_ImucCmn2qn80Zk/s320/moms+wreath.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another version by my Mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
If you feel so inspired to make one of these fantastic wreaths, please leave me a comment! I would <em>LOVE</em> to see pictures of yours!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Have a great week!</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmTTKMm4V6UbDaSrW-rVlqu0AcCyI2y2ckdgoOyoueBwuef6S-dVuSeyg-rtcPOl220GIUzfaAVswyjSL6xhZ0sY4yFuAJI5iic49iqAeLFIZ6pwGK_b9DXkT5L1jsgR-BXEHMprJYIk/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmTTKMm4V6UbDaSrW-rVlqu0AcCyI2y2ckdgoOyoueBwuef6S-dVuSeyg-rtcPOl220GIUzfaAVswyjSL6xhZ0sY4yFuAJI5iic49iqAeLFIZ6pwGK_b9DXkT5L1jsgR-BXEHMprJYIk/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-56871690433810138282012-04-01T10:36:00.000-05:002012-04-01T10:36:34.274-05:00We Got It!The kids and I took a little trip over Spring Break to Iowa to visit my family. The first 24 hours was pretty good until....my princess cupcake got sick. I was praying it was a fluke; that is was something that just didn't agree with her little tummy. A couple of hours later I was sick, then shortly following that my little dude. It moved to my sister, who came in to see us from Minneapolis, and then to my big dude. <br />
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However horrible I felt being sick there and exposing them to our germs; I have to admit that it was quite nice that my Mom was there to help me! Just like old times...Mom swoops in to the rescue. She waited on us, kept the others quiet while some of us slept. She even cleaned up after us!<br />
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When we finally made it home, weak and weary, I got a call that my niece was now sick. UGH! <br />
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So, needless to say, this Spring break trip was not was I had planned.<br />
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I hope your Spring has been much better than mine, thus far!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcOqrhulnA26bDLJ8QtQqIi7BQ_XooN3YaKrNxZCZSIjZQMR0cm8dvvDjQOc0CQivW4XhXoVlILWydlxYPo_CbWG1RqCWJQRqAPeDZzcqvdE0M4OAqTPNV8rqxDeWLKb7za6EjSPdBhQ/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcOqrhulnA26bDLJ8QtQqIi7BQ_XooN3YaKrNxZCZSIjZQMR0cm8dvvDjQOc0CQivW4XhXoVlILWydlxYPo_CbWG1RqCWJQRqAPeDZzcqvdE0M4OAqTPNV8rqxDeWLKb7za6EjSPdBhQ/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-57553663808557772472012-03-19T14:38:00.000-05:002012-03-19T14:38:18.101-05:00Mug CakeThe weather has been absolutely gorgeous here for almost a week now! It is just what I needed to get in gear and start some over-due Spring cleaning.<br />
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Today, though, it is rainy. Clouds and rain make me a little less energetic, as well as a little bit hungry. I know...RIDICULOUS! So, I had a hankering for something sweet and unhealthy, but our oven broke. UGH! So, my solution: MUG CAKE!<br />
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And seriously, doesn't a great book and a mug cake sound great on a rainy day?<br />
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A mug cake is exactly that. Cake made in a mug and cooked in the microwave. It's easy peasy and quite yummy, not to mention quick. This mug cake is super versatile as you can add what you like to yours. I made my favorite chocolate coconut cake and a mint chocolate chip cake to share with the kiddos when they get home. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHOYJ0LmquHTBAZrRbAuiW1ycG3ftRo1A-4RL2om9IFY2ts_7HX6ZK45UsPIXB7KicGwGj8xM3vsk2vLJ4DIBh08HiqL9PxyldRwr-WcFcSJDcU4D8R_utA0YiDvFhDN_CudQRjpwR3o/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHOYJ0LmquHTBAZrRbAuiW1ycG3ftRo1A-4RL2om9IFY2ts_7HX6ZK45UsPIXB7KicGwGj8xM3vsk2vLJ4DIBh08HiqL9PxyldRwr-WcFcSJDcU4D8R_utA0YiDvFhDN_CudQRjpwR3o/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE {recipe}</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 Tbls Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Tbls Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tbls Cocoa Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pinch of Sea Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tbls Coconut Oil (or Olive)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tbls Cream or Milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tbls (chocolate chips, coconut or whatever your heart desires)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2-3 drops of Real Vanilla or Mint Extract (OPTIONAL)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Combine in mug. Microwave for 1 minute. Add 15 seconds if not cooked through.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1qXla0Q_6tnPE2Mxkoja-s3J0G6GOn1TFSHDATyXBhlheMxAf3wmW0G6HYZttjOY9iCFKEmzn445Suf_N6xbbjkNn0BRRXEu7w_TYlo8q6VG_C9IS7Xobd1vUcaY_g0kfM4psZzdo9M/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1qXla0Q_6tnPE2Mxkoja-s3J0G6GOn1TFSHDATyXBhlheMxAf3wmW0G6HYZttjOY9iCFKEmzn445Suf_N6xbbjkNn0BRRXEu7w_TYlo8q6VG_C9IS7Xobd1vUcaY_g0kfM4psZzdo9M/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, so they aren't that pretty. Maybe if you made them in little tea cups?</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Have a wonderful week!!!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcOqrhulnA26bDLJ8QtQqIi7BQ_XooN3YaKrNxZCZSIjZQMR0cm8dvvDjQOc0CQivW4XhXoVlILWydlxYPo_CbWG1RqCWJQRqAPeDZzcqvdE0M4OAqTPNV8rqxDeWLKb7za6EjSPdBhQ/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcOqrhulnA26bDLJ8QtQqIi7BQ_XooN3YaKrNxZCZSIjZQMR0cm8dvvDjQOc0CQivW4XhXoVlILWydlxYPo_CbWG1RqCWJQRqAPeDZzcqvdE0M4OAqTPNV8rqxDeWLKb7za6EjSPdBhQ/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-73427937463430488902012-03-12T10:34:00.000-05:002012-03-12T10:34:17.384-05:00Teacher Appreciation CompilationIt's that time of year again, when our school has "Teacher Appreciation" to give thanks and celebrate the teachers.<br />
Check out the awesome idea's below from fellow bloggers that are super talented and amazing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://domesticatedlady.com/2011/teacher-appreciation-day-4-candy-bar-box/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-635" height="400" src="http://domesticatedlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/candybar1.jpg" title="candybar1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a candy bar inside:-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/04/quick-cheesy-teacher-appreciation-gifts.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_43l8sc="4" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UEuAUwsv2hKFXEHqMfOxSmlwCXXSYSi1BjCsSK7rsc89mzQMkRxP1FZxjLTVVzQ3wBJa4oz0NLYLrqhuTqcmYc3I9Bmetxxbx2nKFsDuc8FqwqbT5nnEO65DdH_PIyy0HnRpvgUdG-I/s400/IMG_5072_webcopy.jpg" width="325" wt="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made these for the "specials" teachers last year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lisastorms.typepad.com/lisa-storms/2011/05/teacher-appreciation-week-part-3.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Blog_teachercups" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0134882a3940970c0154321d3136970c" height="400" src="http://lisastorms.typepad.com/.a/6a0134882a3940970c0154321d3136970c-800wi" title="Blog_teachercups" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute and bright!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://befickle.blogspot.com/2010/05/teacher-appreciation-gifts.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_9qqo7x="4" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqpHLy6yQtcGEI1JXyOo1BC96qM-Y7WhMGVHkyam4N0pdDghvCoWySTPUm47EUZ3yp0Zj_U_sHO10F1ASwrRgbE7JQh39bdUdlU8E69g6NPNFHT_0cAxrTbw_bkVK6SCQbi9y6-aZIuw/s400/DSC00950_edited-1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made this last year...SO CUTE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/04/25/embellished-scissors-teacher-appreciation/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_0224" border="0" height="241" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_APIzELg524s/TbBWzIdat3I/AAAAAAAAMb8/OITs5TzQ9RI/DSC_0224_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0224" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These adorable scissors are on my list this year!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/04/12/printable-gift-bag-topper-teacher-appreciation/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1995" height="400" src="http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/teachergift5.png" title="teachergift5" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made this last year, but we put the highlighters in a clear bag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2009/05/teacher-appreciation-gifts.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="320" src="http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll45/huntleygang/teacherwaterbottle-1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these because they are so cute but also inexpensive!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/04/23/whimsical-totebag-teacher-appreciation/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="teacher appreciation totes two" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNB0blaGF3pgP7eOkO-Uv_NRHBl-kgdwVQQVnAWotlkEqf5DxeAOTOffXZLVPIHpyXd8KJKVCJyaB_OsTMg3jqE7jOVhsYQHITzDSsFbIaPbIq2gJW6kh_druQa6CU5UItzsvz96pQRpc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="teacher appreciation totes two" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE these!!!</td></tr>
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There are so many cute ideas out there, and of course, stuck in my brain just waiting to get out!<br />
One of my favorite blogs, <em><a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>eighteen 25</strong></a>,</em> has a plethora of fantastic teacher appreciation gifts. Check them out <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/search/label/teacher%20appreciation" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.<br />
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I have made some of the cute gifts pictured above, but since I wasn't blogging at the time, I didn't take any pictures. In the past, we have brought a few gifts for each teacher during the week of Teacher Appreciation. It doesn't have to be something extravagant each time, it could be something as simple as an apple with a cute tag. It is fun and the kids <em>love</em> taking gifts to their teachers!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOVGG7_brSyGEDg1Xp4WlnZn5Ddd2r98qjDtxr6k7pcJAGG9IIAAKW6p3ttApsI5qdGJm0sauGxtc1ZfZdKRvIEewhKmmuXjaOjl5R5DpHrLxkGHSfjAl2IAaKFby3fkMWtXlcX9M8vc/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOVGG7_brSyGEDg1Xp4WlnZn5Ddd2r98qjDtxr6k7pcJAGG9IIAAKW6p3ttApsI5qdGJm0sauGxtc1ZfZdKRvIEewhKmmuXjaOjl5R5DpHrLxkGHSfjAl2IAaKFby3fkMWtXlcX9M8vc/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-37938839632087849842012-03-07T15:33:00.002-06:002012-03-07T15:38:58.431-06:00Shamrock Hair Clip -Tutorial-<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs44Cam1PDgDZpXyTTTLfHmCZHZWfoL0fZv0IPRuswwfs9OxiMTktNxhOX9gEBltOM4sbaGg-8VvbDYyTDHLBvx110Z8eIkWcOKFhivKTn0ThxViwbJvM11FO-OGUPnGO_y7_y0Ojak3E/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs44Cam1PDgDZpXyTTTLfHmCZHZWfoL0fZv0IPRuswwfs9OxiMTktNxhOX9gEBltOM4sbaGg-8VvbDYyTDHLBvx110Z8eIkWcOKFhivKTn0ThxViwbJvM11FO-OGUPnGO_y7_y0Ojak3E/s200/067.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and I always like to be festive! A couple of years ago I made this adorable shamrock hair clip. I don't remember where I saw it, but I couldn't find it again when I looked...so I thought this would be a great tutorial....<em>my FIRST one</em>! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">First of all, it is really easy. Secondly, it's really inexpensive! What more can you ask for?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><u>Shamrock Hair Clip</u></em></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Items needed:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Green 3/8" ribbon (I used Grosgrain)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alligator Hair Clip</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lighter or Candle</div><div style="text-align: center;">Glue Gun</div><div style="text-align: center;">E-6000 Glue (Optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step One:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvyS8qdqp8Tju4Hw7bOr3mGoWqLHtU6raI4oPmSPZDv6TG2UzQG1Kx33ytG_YMpFfpJvIOIGyw3U964dB-H07kOXUyTguh-rRmMHld4mxKqaU8ilDFvZgHbhSSG9Q17bh-WCoZYLJHAU/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvyS8qdqp8Tju4Hw7bOr3mGoWqLHtU6raI4oPmSPZDv6TG2UzQG1Kx33ytG_YMpFfpJvIOIGyw3U964dB-H07kOXUyTguh-rRmMHld4mxKqaU8ilDFvZgHbhSSG9Q17bh-WCoZYLJHAU/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut 6 3-inch pieces of ribbon. Singe each end by carefully and quickly passing it through the flame of a lighter or candle. This will prevent the ribbon from fraying.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Two:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruwau3Am2Zpv6fkr-UgDxQg4-40-cuj2mNvU3PwAOkbCmul0RrJLPRnJtYUsO-4eYArOR8N9DfSqB_Hyj_LJoqg6VNHa0KoWxRWY4w-hgmQ5gTGPbYwnPYrsVtgf8nqu0qPKwni1_0Zc/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruwau3Am2Zpv6fkr-UgDxQg4-40-cuj2mNvU3PwAOkbCmul0RrJLPRnJtYUsO-4eYArOR8N9DfSqB_Hyj_LJoqg6VNHa0KoWxRWY4w-hgmQ5gTGPbYwnPYrsVtgf8nqu0qPKwni1_0Zc/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Using a glue gun, glue the ends of two pieces of ribbon together making a right angle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Three:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqJlB-3oxraNLRoRC8-Jc-Y6xtpP_12Rl6-9oV2HgNAwEH3VaR254JwERNRpomI3CiGIfUfpmmvsoCnoZJJSmGZG6BWbAnpfjMg2_YggTCKAHmzvj3TmH-IuKYr3x2rSJNiQ6UpM9DRs/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqJlB-3oxraNLRoRC8-Jc-Y6xtpP_12Rl6-9oV2HgNAwEH3VaR254JwERNRpomI3CiGIfUfpmmvsoCnoZJJSmGZG6BWbAnpfjMg2_YggTCKAHmzvj3TmH-IuKYr3x2rSJNiQ6UpM9DRs/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take the bottom piece and glue it to the top piece, evenly above where the two pieces meet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Four:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0dMkDyAT922NUv3DRsLwbg0jCVEgJcgmaDlKRov4BN4ilCcHXnRf9HNU3OI83sMibbGrXONRRTfni4Gk3GR5IDlGvGFIjOHcb8QjNV4_4375Mz98OWTnDU7NwpPwQxDpUP6Wsx-NZwY/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0dMkDyAT922NUv3DRsLwbg0jCVEgJcgmaDlKRov4BN4ilCcHXnRf9HNU3OI83sMibbGrXONRRTfni4Gk3GR5IDlGvGFIjOHcb8QjNV4_4375Mz98OWTnDU7NwpPwQxDpUP6Wsx-NZwY/s320/034.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take the unfinished side and put it over-then-under, making a "weaved" look and secure it with glue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Five:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGeWRQLEsoaNHv9twIS5DhFNN6WAN7H_1b45hpqViNgFVhphlHaI-hHSILECTcnncRwSYHSFGabnd3vkbf9AcNajqp-Cb4nRzCy6KUZUnSqDLbgzqn9QlwYvDaE1IPCz7sGozr-V89WU/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGeWRQLEsoaNHv9twIS5DhFNN6WAN7H_1b45hpqViNgFVhphlHaI-hHSILECTcnncRwSYHSFGabnd3vkbf9AcNajqp-Cb4nRzCy6KUZUnSqDLbgzqn9QlwYvDaE1IPCz7sGozr-V89WU/s320/036.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Repeat steps two, three and four until you have made 3 pieces.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Six:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSFfO_d2_UgerRnBU4FPTYp_WfabcMAai2ZWSq7d9dEQE4zcNqJ3G4LWtdZlOlvNPA4MFMqieDFXVmHexbZCRgzt7jXR4afN6N_jxgdGGR2NGbvKYRXyN0AIMqmH1owoy5O7KOfaRvz0/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSFfO_d2_UgerRnBU4FPTYp_WfabcMAai2ZWSq7d9dEQE4zcNqJ3G4LWtdZlOlvNPA4MFMqieDFXVmHexbZCRgzt7jXR4afN6N_jxgdGGR2NGbvKYRXyN0AIMqmH1owoy5O7KOfaRvz0/s320/040.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IWA259ptYdd39Dz-fsaX6IWdYCqm7z5UULNSWyXU3U0hfc0jZK56mtcAV6cdD14seLqfL3_rTQ1peDL54zgUq3dQozW20wXW9zzK0GCYtBw_055-VCP8CxFxpt45AWmFVF63iJOXF3k/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IWA259ptYdd39Dz-fsaX6IWdYCqm7z5UULNSWyXU3U0hfc0jZK56mtcAV6cdD14seLqfL3_rTQ1peDL54zgUq3dQozW20wXW9zzK0GCYtBw_055-VCP8CxFxpt45AWmFVF63iJOXF3k/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_RQF-mWTDqBYV-VrPy6804pQlQWRRQvjA4k1RIm0fvAz4IO_dUa6pFyqx5lK1GsRTPyBTCBY0vy16SAaDsCubglsfnNyq_39n6Iq5jWOBltOY_QYfyo-hop5V8_AIfEK1zq1bkhdfFo/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_RQF-mWTDqBYV-VrPy6804pQlQWRRQvjA4k1RIm0fvAz4IO_dUa6pFyqx5lK1GsRTPyBTCBY0vy16SAaDsCubglsfnNyq_39n6Iq5jWOBltOY_QYfyo-hop5V8_AIfEK1zq1bkhdfFo/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6U3qqxT8_vEfrZEBExXSxGsbit53PG9GhDkrEFz8vdb2AGUWO1trwvZ832pHoqmZsw9t6nFjxpKLwstUmT2rBV9eCkNxNdC43lbEBpUI_Fzv9oUbEEuClNPyv68BotrN7ssMa5LYTsQ/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6U3qqxT8_vEfrZEBExXSxGsbit53PG9GhDkrEFz8vdb2AGUWO1trwvZ832pHoqmZsw9t6nFjxpKLwstUmT2rBV9eCkNxNdC43lbEBpUI_Fzv9oUbEEuClNPyv68BotrN7ssMa5LYTsQ/s320/045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7YgIVpV0L7hdQybmjq_WxC5vxQaspzAeonHcQiesnjk0miKcQcvlVX9gPbn5tW8Uc6DVEfTUSnXa1FNpyePOsPQ8QsHNO0jvHYYwU7IWIbS53nf2BcWjAHUpoC64Xbs3f9eOMxvsCzE/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7YgIVpV0L7hdQybmjq_WxC5vxQaspzAeonHcQiesnjk0miKcQcvlVX9gPbn5tW8Uc6DVEfTUSnXa1FNpyePOsPQ8QsHNO0jvHYYwU7IWIbS53nf2BcWjAHUpoC64Xbs3f9eOMxvsCzE/s320/046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Set the pieces together to look like a shamrock. Attach them together by hot gluing them to a small green piece of felt. Another way, as I did here, is cut 2 1-inch pieces of green ribbon and attach it to that as shown. These photos are showing the back of the shamrock.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGvw3pIt3IpmvB98zHxDbH7xFjagstwaFavl-eravcxG0hKW01QS6QDt2Yyi5x5w5iAAS0KocfwgUcFegm4TuIDsS5L51WOq47GxGo9xuNnDBKrvxZJnO5omNGnGDkW_2AFcCIchUSdw/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGvw3pIt3IpmvB98zHxDbH7xFjagstwaFavl-eravcxG0hKW01QS6QDt2Yyi5x5w5iAAS0KocfwgUcFegm4TuIDsS5L51WOq47GxGo9xuNnDBKrvxZJnO5omNGnGDkW_2AFcCIchUSdw/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the front of the shamrock after glued together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Seven:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYmQGVHzyn0GQT_VZPkgmlHPJazq6qaZy8uwFxTaBzzC948lzC-zR8YmccFky9Ux5gemIx_PsFs_p_vgl5WLkiq83Nko3N9glFHK8dFac0iubafklfDSWC9wgPrtv2LE8CUZnqUX9pkk/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYmQGVHzyn0GQT_VZPkgmlHPJazq6qaZy8uwFxTaBzzC948lzC-zR8YmccFky9Ux5gemIx_PsFs_p_vgl5WLkiq83Nko3N9glFHK8dFac0iubafklfDSWC9wgPrtv2LE8CUZnqUX9pkk/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQshCNsbUS9MtzelE7wfxnRcRgnCHwe3tsilD-Bb4uGd5uGgP5K5eaFDwZd9V6WkGogy4v9k2eGFxmCswNqd7jC9eX6EkQ03E7hmRxGpLRFHxz4xOCWJoWy3QFQEg4oRxlXZ8DxJGEDk/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQshCNsbUS9MtzelE7wfxnRcRgnCHwe3tsilD-Bb4uGd5uGgP5K5eaFDwZd9V6WkGogy4v9k2eGFxmCswNqd7jC9eX6EkQ03E7hmRxGpLRFHxz4xOCWJoWy3QFQEg4oRxlXZ8DxJGEDk/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to cover the clip. Singe the ends and attach to the clip using E-6000 glue or hot glue. I prefer using the E-6000 glue for this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Step Eight:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3iKRlpEud-5j52qk_s-KNTmLYBNVuy__4Ee9s93qUEO6Is75g-WFHyGYwfA8YgrUBjVqaBJdFUuLNehaMAD402qV-2dLaJjXJlRGmwrYEcK4eyvbDAccVlcz_25Dj2J3mxtpiuBWx4Y/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3iKRlpEud-5j52qk_s-KNTmLYBNVuy__4Ee9s93qUEO6Is75g-WFHyGYwfA8YgrUBjVqaBJdFUuLNehaMAD402qV-2dLaJjXJlRGmwrYEcK4eyvbDAccVlcz_25Dj2J3mxtpiuBWx4Y/s320/049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Attached finished shamrock to ribbon covered clip using hot glue. I added a little bling to spice it up a bit. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I made 2 different sizes, in the shamrock on the top I used 4-inch pieces instead of 3-inch. I prefer the bottom shamrock, using 3-inch pieces.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqczAWkMEerLzL4QMSzUkFWs7vtIoCQ34goQZ_yKXhQKYG4eEgEkoqxSDEu9woxQIgWBA73Z0YCDdEwhnTMcSbGEgN64qIW4aedydPbaS_kiARO484dlvT5mn8sxE82keBiegOypOTjGE/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqczAWkMEerLzL4QMSzUkFWs7vtIoCQ34goQZ_yKXhQKYG4eEgEkoqxSDEu9woxQIgWBA73Z0YCDdEwhnTMcSbGEgN64qIW4aedydPbaS_kiARO484dlvT5mn8sxE82keBiegOypOTjGE/s320/061.JPG" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRAgKWgOm5R1drYQAYC0eOSOH01mguWHUnkz-G2rcTlkT_HowKqv7Nqq_93fvwunVch9Ycm8fQiEBRB5kKM60smq1sOe6uVLg3232_1NGXaCM-Mon217fgXTZWZDDmdg5mTk5KJyOfcc/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRAgKWgOm5R1drYQAYC0eOSOH01mguWHUnkz-G2rcTlkT_HowKqv7Nqq_93fvwunVch9Ycm8fQiEBRB5kKM60smq1sOe6uVLg3232_1NGXaCM-Mon217fgXTZWZDDmdg5mTk5KJyOfcc/s400/063.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We went outside to take some pictures because it was an unusually beautiful day here, but it was super windy! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This clip is very easy to make and it really took me less than 20 minutes!</div><div align="center"><em>I hope you will give it a try!</em></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU82M3k2M8ougBVsdn2hiagrd3_dXmDU8tsiTtsDoTCv9tjcbmyY_kAcgPWEkbv0bGJRfg2DymzBdvBMVjNzep1EsXlEFmdrORCMjSmcKWh7A4SCn6mZHyNqbCLZ60T88925Z7raETDA/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNU82M3k2M8ougBVsdn2hiagrd3_dXmDU8tsiTtsDoTCv9tjcbmyY_kAcgPWEkbv0bGJRfg2DymzBdvBMVjNzep1EsXlEFmdrORCMjSmcKWh7A4SCn6mZHyNqbCLZ60T88925Z7raETDA/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
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</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-60770072982519655162012-03-05T13:23:00.001-06:002012-03-05T15:55:52.413-06:00Evil AspartameI used to be a Diet Coke addict. Not just a little; I was totally and completely hooked, couldn't live without it! I knew it wasn't good for me, but I didn't care. It wasn't until I was pregnant with my 3rd child that I quit...cold turkey. I was reading the book <a href="http://www.skinnybitch.net/bun/index.html" target="_blank">Skinny Bitch <em>Bun in the Oven</em></a>, which is a book that outs the food industry, the FDA, and really just puts everything out there bluntly. I was disgusted and honestly furious at some of the topics and that these things could be happening in America! <br />
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Aspartame was a topic in the book that really hit home because of all of the Diet Coke I was consuming. I started looking into it more personally and realized that I was feeding my family foods with containing aspartame, such as chewing gum. <br />
Now we are an aspartame-free household. NOTHING will go into my family's mouths that contain this harsh chemical!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-satsr6b0L0-0jSAa0lQ16dDcupve_xxqf09MWkA-d2SamQ_uCNhpb5s_1LmYbVI17H31GZx7S4dm2yXbx1nJWF0wm6h5GFIjiqoLdSL7gzZ8XCypv9FTfBcnq3eBI0YwVbxMXpeZ7qo/s1600/no+aspartame.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-satsr6b0L0-0jSAa0lQ16dDcupve_xxqf09MWkA-d2SamQ_uCNhpb5s_1LmYbVI17H31GZx7S4dm2yXbx1nJWF0wm6h5GFIjiqoLdSL7gzZ8XCypv9FTfBcnq3eBI0YwVbxMXpeZ7qo/s1600/no+aspartame.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Check out this recent article containing the <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/035141_aspartame_worst_sources_products.html" target="_blank">TOP 10 WORST SOURCES OF ASPARTAME</a>. <br />
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Do some research to become more familiar with the side effects and the obvious possible links that aspartame has to migraines, seizures, brain tumors and breast cancer (just to name a few).<br />
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It is a serious start to the week, but I feel like I need to put it out there. Another one of my friends was just diagnosed with breast cancer last week. If I share some of my personal beliefs about health with you, then I feel like I did my part it spreading the word about some of these unhealthy additives that are prevalent in many of the foods Americans consume today.<br />
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I have written several posts about our personal healthy living practices:<br />
<a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/10/nitty-gritty.html" target="_blank">The Nitty Gritty: Chemicals and Additives we Avoid</a><br />
<a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/10/fluoridemost-tap-water-has-it.html" target="_blank">Tap Water Containing Fluoride</a><br />
<a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/10/id-like-order-of-genetically-modified.html" target="_blank">Genetically Modified Foods</a><br />
<a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/10/we-get-our-milk-from.html" target="_blank">Raw Milk</a><br />
<a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/11/raw-milk-again.html" target="_blank">Raw Milk Again</a><br />
<a href="http://modernyetoldfashioned.blogspot.com/2011/12/fluoride-warning-at-local-grocery-store.html" target="_blank">Fluoride Warning at Local Store</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Have a great week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGLJbeqhyphenhypheniJkFs6Kg2-cSP6_hKAZxHKLXuWWR7y2qIB0IegsRyuf57GCyJXpSBw7EOgyoUW0czyT4KloSdbCFtb6kzO-fJV3QnDflvTeQFRZz1GQ2DHFHXEZBoqtufv8Tr8uTEsU-ULU/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGLJbeqhyphenhypheniJkFs6Kg2-cSP6_hKAZxHKLXuWWR7y2qIB0IegsRyuf57GCyJXpSBw7EOgyoUW0czyT4KloSdbCFtb6kzO-fJV3QnDflvTeQFRZz1GQ2DHFHXEZBoqtufv8Tr8uTEsU-ULU/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-75296589712994878072012-02-27T10:02:00.000-06:002012-02-27T10:02:39.888-06:00The NIGHT OWL Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd9LAqz0d0W6Crb_meh1kEjGZ8DWei_EpIPgBctym3T5RmQSorQORpJxhWkr3CmQNY-HXMMp-8KBA2N-0XtX9ufSBNH5s5eeQO0f5yXdGioOYImYGxlz0lhDhxzDPDodC0GSJvuX2URw/s1600/birthday+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd9LAqz0d0W6Crb_meh1kEjGZ8DWei_EpIPgBctym3T5RmQSorQORpJxhWkr3CmQNY-HXMMp-8KBA2N-0XtX9ufSBNH5s5eeQO0f5yXdGioOYImYGxlz0lhDhxzDPDodC0GSJvuX2URw/s320/birthday+girl.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There she is! Owl P.J's and all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last week was my Princess Cupcake's 7th birthday party, "Night-Owl" themed! It was so much fun! There were 16 girls in their pajama's running around here; what more can a 7-year old princess ask for?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
I love working with themes! When it all comes together, after a few bumps in the road, I am giddy and filled with excitement.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>The Details</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Theme:</strong> <em>Night Owl Pajama</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Color Scheme:</strong> <em><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">Pink </span>and <span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Blue</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Activities:</strong> -<em>Decorate and embellish Clipboard</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>-Pizza and Izze's</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>-Watch movie (<u>Another Cinderella Story</u>) & Popcorn</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>-Cake and Gift Opening</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Favors:</strong> <em>Clipboard, Owl Calendar & </em><em>Felt Owl Clip</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Here are some great photos that my Mom took for me...thanks Mom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPV2XTQ-R2HCoD-mWISnGLhOP7hlW5aZlGIDp_XHP4NDX9XoIKSHfn26x38bD0JsujmGVWqOAUkoGS-Fxh4V_Qv9VTmtd-Q-zgk-vpTkgd1vJ27S79Lm5h_DuqCC9LHjNmD1XLE6IUws/s1600/Owl+invite+fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPV2XTQ-R2HCoD-mWISnGLhOP7hlW5aZlGIDp_XHP4NDX9XoIKSHfn26x38bD0JsujmGVWqOAUkoGS-Fxh4V_Qv9VTmtd-Q-zgk-vpTkgd1vJ27S79Lm5h_DuqCC9LHjNmD1XLE6IUws/s320/Owl+invite+fixed.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink and Blue Owl Invites</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnAsmm-NdPPa1BGNz849eFYg2gT1vBSpUOpN7IID_Fl60hLOg1UrH72S1yLZfwI8f2csV_UIP334qBDHOjCvuT_jpa8zSBq9eJN8go6sneVUUm5cerO6u0LUCD3en7Ht9YCrsbMOzRs0/s1600/Birthday+party+Entry+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnAsmm-NdPPa1BGNz849eFYg2gT1vBSpUOpN7IID_Fl60hLOg1UrH72S1yLZfwI8f2csV_UIP334qBDHOjCvuT_jpa8zSBq9eJN8go6sneVUUm5cerO6u0LUCD3en7Ht9YCrsbMOzRs0/s320/Birthday+party+Entry+way.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry Way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeOtQUKZd0pffXzmvrArwD7_lQzRmKwkT3KTvRr65LH9DSyoIGt3R_O4zlx53WROEgWUKUEBsjK71dXWl2vPixe5Z-vU0L67-iazBDfP8w9Luw41NERnrEavwsAk6pURSSkIgzokXAwA/s1600/Birthday+party+owl+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeOtQUKZd0pffXzmvrArwD7_lQzRmKwkT3KTvRr65LH9DSyoIGt3R_O4zlx53WROEgWUKUEBsjK71dXWl2vPixe5Z-vU0L67-iazBDfP8w9Luw41NERnrEavwsAk6pURSSkIgzokXAwA/s320/Birthday+party+owl+tree.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree with Owl Clip Favors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BTGanEXjnrJQQr5wMpi8I4oCq_pZIVPWaHWcezsBCSi54chb2f6FdyHlUE2fgtY3uY6Fyjw6N6reErH8AX4YkCLI8MO7ppqyob8B85-3T1ei947NrRBwsZ4aZt-BsJnDBL3T3tkzhaM/s1600/Birthday+Girl+Pic+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BTGanEXjnrJQQr5wMpi8I4oCq_pZIVPWaHWcezsBCSi54chb2f6FdyHlUE2fgtY3uY6Fyjw6N6reErH8AX4YkCLI8MO7ppqyob8B85-3T1ei947NrRBwsZ4aZt-BsJnDBL3T3tkzhaM/s320/Birthday+Girl+Pic+frame.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute Owl frame displaying picture the Birthday Girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRi-4qRGIKtTr81NANnqryIHO5fDtCb5KecdEIZpTRW1uPxfJk72q6dbp-v2qvU3BfmYOdfZjfjgHoOK_TrD7iZZvATk0Ml-t4fsNiwsHuToSjsQh_qZO7Xc628FOMR68eylDeEyCwJs/s1600/Birthday+party+owl+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRi-4qRGIKtTr81NANnqryIHO5fDtCb5KecdEIZpTRW1uPxfJk72q6dbp-v2qvU3BfmYOdfZjfjgHoOK_TrD7iZZvATk0Ml-t4fsNiwsHuToSjsQh_qZO7Xc628FOMR68eylDeEyCwJs/s320/Birthday+party+owl+sign.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl Printable from <a href="http://crystalscraftspot.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-owl-printables.html" target="_blank">Crystal's Craft Spot</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRdYoSnZrgQGeaVA_eEmcpgtW6vfnhQyVcZH9FfOvnkLeV_7Qs7cNLyPqFjV-6CIEi4z3xdo13ZHWDOFs9aKo0yZXFLv-pBv3M238Uj7XGB1EW18rutjTLy91xgl6Vn1T8SMHFTlBBDo/s1600/Birthday+party+tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRdYoSnZrgQGeaVA_eEmcpgtW6vfnhQyVcZH9FfOvnkLeV_7Qs7cNLyPqFjV-6CIEi4z3xdo13ZHWDOFs9aKo0yZXFLv-pBv3M238Uj7XGB1EW18rutjTLy91xgl6Vn1T8SMHFTlBBDo/s320/Birthday+party+tables.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room turned craft room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVhfm96SeDsaBfDA__EovRV-0wWfs5xPnxO6Fu4f6OiMH1c8m9RpQiBB2ZKopvzu_sl9r1jhP59l0uBJ1Agn4_CDMT2fOYMR9jQ5tU9E8DUWvjBQ_b6WX0VZlkDuH4jMYIOI4s5u-3Hk/s1600/Birthday+party+tables+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVhfm96SeDsaBfDA__EovRV-0wWfs5xPnxO6Fu4f6OiMH1c8m9RpQiBB2ZKopvzu_sl9r1jhP59l0uBJ1Agn4_CDMT2fOYMR9jQ5tU9E8DUWvjBQ_b6WX0VZlkDuH4jMYIOI4s5u-3Hk/s320/Birthday+party+tables+blue.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set and ready to decorate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw2x0fVKiuQxZ0BWLB7-hGhmsh-SC-vGr3XaQe-SROOeN3mu505ZeHbZcCl7ObRGbhKKY8O2EwRv6c7aE6ux7ly3ZrAhMkcxQmsRokHzRCaY9zMxS-y5jgUKHSSDMZSTkTmr4nzXYOzE/s1600/birthday+party+funny+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw2x0fVKiuQxZ0BWLB7-hGhmsh-SC-vGr3XaQe-SROOeN3mu505ZeHbZcCl7ObRGbhKKY8O2EwRv6c7aE6ux7ly3ZrAhMkcxQmsRokHzRCaY9zMxS-y5jgUKHSSDMZSTkTmr4nzXYOzE/s320/birthday+party+funny+owl.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So-Ugly-It's-Cute owl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR9aTMORazIK1MwOT28aDCYJG_Qqf8Qfb8h-cVGOHzRl8gi01WTYUDnjTTtJpslKA-gJzxaPS6y2ej-AvC09TRLzAUnbqXWIPMgagEd5VGw7w0hLE7YdLnHW29mhxRJ76p4cg0Gfelkc/s1600/Birthday+party+jeweled+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR9aTMORazIK1MwOT28aDCYJG_Qqf8Qfb8h-cVGOHzRl8gi01WTYUDnjTTtJpslKA-gJzxaPS6y2ej-AvC09TRLzAUnbqXWIPMgagEd5VGw7w0hLE7YdLnHW29mhxRJ76p4cg0Gfelkc/s320/Birthday+party+jeweled+owl.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fell in love with this owl at first sight!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0XICPOSiUtP81Y8pjT21nnbu_-e-KDxk6U-B9mwFFWhyvm3kzKS3dW7X6eHQW9DJQ5aMkvyj2K2Gpui4FjzlPtT6bwxJela6lfof61A2cwpwV73pBb-_uTM9DsXPFIe1V0I2cX18JiA/s1600/birthday+girl+ice+breaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0XICPOSiUtP81Y8pjT21nnbu_-e-KDxk6U-B9mwFFWhyvm3kzKS3dW7X6eHQW9DJQ5aMkvyj2K2Gpui4FjzlPtT6bwxJela6lfof61A2cwpwV73pBb-_uTM9DsXPFIe1V0I2cX18JiA/s320/birthday+girl+ice+breaker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice breaker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wmqFMI8J5TgqCLpX-0CiROMkhp0qOx7XT8Ru0xgmQvuroZEXOHh70ATS14-Qv6UHOJgNBcnpSGZcVHowCHT3_PfrJiFAojyTltrXi8dZl9up5nEHPev7aZWwpmfKzuXcK0h4UCi_prA/s1600/Birthday+party+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wmqFMI8J5TgqCLpX-0CiROMkhp0qOx7XT8Ru0xgmQvuroZEXOHh70ATS14-Qv6UHOJgNBcnpSGZcVHowCHT3_PfrJiFAojyTltrXi8dZl9up5nEHPev7aZWwpmfKzuXcK0h4UCi_prA/s320/Birthday+party+eating.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clip boards done, onto pizza</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vm0-3yI3HckAtQlGJu1QuqzRHgp60VpDzC1KlknhYT3C5FEzb7mktO0V72dVRaJIN6r-plKfszXCe21mUn4TLo0OFkI7L3aBCg-CcyCuyMWwVrnHHItIh33uZGYdlaqUNa4Pf1hOaA0/s1600/Birthday+party+clipboard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vm0-3yI3HckAtQlGJu1QuqzRHgp60VpDzC1KlknhYT3C5FEzb7mktO0V72dVRaJIN6r-plKfszXCe21mUn4TLo0OFkI7L3aBCg-CcyCuyMWwVrnHHItIh33uZGYdlaqUNa4Pf1hOaA0/s1600/Birthday+party+clipboard+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our guests clipboards</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMv-acNbXkceWjdYbaizUpDfQO079FkeXAM2c3Fg9pcvmU04w9BQ8wwYJjEQOMUpEeuOzvEXYsBNSdwLI0Sxd3RBOZi1dthve2y7psBa9X0-RjNQISrnCI0ecgUqkHDYs7-5myl3lnYQ/s1600/bithday+party+clipboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMv-acNbXkceWjdYbaizUpDfQO079FkeXAM2c3Fg9pcvmU04w9BQ8wwYJjEQOMUpEeuOzvEXYsBNSdwLI0Sxd3RBOZi1dthve2y7psBa9X0-RjNQISrnCI0ecgUqkHDYs7-5myl3lnYQ/s320/bithday+party+clipboard.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another cute clipboard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL8lsX4Pqv9wEfBzRbLhVOXiYHutjwWiVDODr4bf1YPSA9Fv91sd2f0jjsp14bxg-faKtfAdey5R3xtL8Rn5SxlTzOn7VNrUxIppdTm4xzROiYBwPm5c1t_EWiVw-NB3AM6GlTGjGayc/s1600/birthday+party+movie+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL8lsX4Pqv9wEfBzRbLhVOXiYHutjwWiVDODr4bf1YPSA9Fv91sd2f0jjsp14bxg-faKtfAdey5R3xtL8Rn5SxlTzOn7VNrUxIppdTm4xzROiYBwPm5c1t_EWiVw-NB3AM6GlTGjGayc/s320/birthday+party+movie+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOVIE TIME!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8oidPC6Hqj5vZ-x_1UzZ9G9SYSr6aCN20WtXHZd03mrbQhQQJicDCfbkzUX80CuxvekoeaV1VXQ3pWRyue3uhYTInPnFUClHII6Kf5iuImHyG5Gy-kojdZgVBhmL_PdX_8_5VYoc6ok/s1600/owl+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8oidPC6Hqj5vZ-x_1UzZ9G9SYSr6aCN20WtXHZd03mrbQhQQJicDCfbkzUX80CuxvekoeaV1VXQ3pWRyue3uhYTInPnFUClHII6Kf5iuImHyG5Gy-kojdZgVBhmL_PdX_8_5VYoc6ok/s200/owl+bags.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owls just waiting to be filled with popcorn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bKMWap-djg4wjLctl33bgQHmJyVFrpMD7ErscJzSp1Sl_ix5SZo5gFEpLsQ0zqvqRGe7el3qcRIJxY6jt5yTOSD6bN7UNzDUYAeOAkIhU7zK9kbGxyicCTFdOshHvf50MhoRsPMiC7M/s1600/Owl+bags+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bKMWap-djg4wjLctl33bgQHmJyVFrpMD7ErscJzSp1Sl_ix5SZo5gFEpLsQ0zqvqRGe7el3qcRIJxY6jt5yTOSD6bN7UNzDUYAeOAkIhU7zK9kbGxyicCTFdOshHvf50MhoRsPMiC7M/s320/Owl+bags+close-up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl Popcorn Bags</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xqo00I__vhqnRfxIVmM4Usg6rfz-mmNDql__7sc1yOO_vPMTt0lgSSGF0vRg0KfNzmLChX3ib2EvkTqqY0nhuq05VtTJo9PIYNknPbgpzCUTFNyjPmlhNyc2c9EvpZpFXLXGKY0RtyE/s1600/birthday+girl+and+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xqo00I__vhqnRfxIVmM4Usg6rfz-mmNDql__7sc1yOO_vPMTt0lgSSGF0vRg0KfNzmLChX3ib2EvkTqqY0nhuq05VtTJo9PIYNknPbgpzCUTFNyjPmlhNyc2c9EvpZpFXLXGKY0RtyE/s320/birthday+girl+and+cake.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
The embellished clipboard and owl calendar was inspired when I saw <a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/p/owl-lover-2012-calendar.html" target="_blank"><em>this</em></a> free printable owl calendar. I loved it but didn't want to print it out here at home, so I sent the file to my local printer and they took care of it for me. The clipboards we found at the Dollar Tree. The girls loved the whole craftiness to making their clipboards their own and they turned out so cute!<br />
<br />
The felt owl clips I made after I saw <a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school-owl-hair-clips.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> over at <a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em>Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss.</em></a><em> </em>They took me a lot longer than I had planned, but in the end I think it was totally worth it! They turned out so amazing and the girls LOVED them! <br />
<br />
The owl popcorn bags were quick and easy to make. I just cut the top off the brown paper bag, added circles for eyes that I cut out with my Cricket, and a triangle for the nose. They were definitely worth making! <br />
<br />
The owl cake turned out...well let's just say it didn't really turn out as well as I had hoped for. It made me wish I would have made my own, but I was running short on time. The guests didn't seem to mind, they ate them anyway:-)<br />
<br />
I had my Mom, my daughter's God Mother and her daughter, and a family friend to help me during party. I was thrilled to have them and they were so much help!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4GgI-oOFJoQT4-pCY7JgfI4n7yAFQ92lEz9CoidZvvU9yEUm7OBSV77eZLKf0s_FRw6jb2AtxhkSOUuoTEh7-aqQqcuEHnmjkx184kny3ug-aGwHiCujbaSE8HhcqxAt90vIx-R5AOk/s1600/Me+and+Allie+in+footies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4GgI-oOFJoQT4-pCY7JgfI4n7yAFQ92lEz9CoidZvvU9yEUm7OBSV77eZLKf0s_FRw6jb2AtxhkSOUuoTEh7-aqQqcuEHnmjkx184kny3ug-aGwHiCujbaSE8HhcqxAt90vIx-R5AOk/s320/Me+and+Allie+in+footies.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my 16-year old helper in our footie P.J.'s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At the end of the night, I was happy with the way everything had turned out and the Birthday Girl was all smiles. A SUCCESS! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Have a wonderful week!</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuY-l-vdeEe8rPbOZc-hkfKaDf04VI-CxREET0J3Xtjx2BXqkESvS6SWuh5USYg-fpP5AlWn9H1ioORWmaDCECPQzCtgYwLfq3V1ToQd_4NO2Dxrxs7c7SxrL-aIFL8x9EdjvQ4k2eeY/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuY-l-vdeEe8rPbOZc-hkfKaDf04VI-CxREET0J3Xtjx2BXqkESvS6SWuh5USYg-fpP5AlWn9H1ioORWmaDCECPQzCtgYwLfq3V1ToQd_4NO2Dxrxs7c7SxrL-aIFL8x9EdjvQ4k2eeY/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-81214005773171507872012-02-22T08:12:00.000-06:002012-02-22T08:12:55.244-06:00Giant Chocolate Chip CookieI have my go-to recipe for chocolate chip cookies; the one's I usually make because no other recipe compares. That is still true; however, I have always wanted to make a really big cookie. I never thought I could make a cookie like the giant cookies you see in the mall cookie kiosk. My first thought is that they won't cook through to the middle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcvk9ObtcbVkpSZR1DmBfpBjsPJFFymvgzPjzi7d-5xFnlo2_L2Qc9McaS1TJIl2AoFGnPYMigCWtBEhBVX_xmS4R3RZ5QwhFKif2rmI6Pqo6w6Ah-xcdz2BklnzWQ6eNO4L3SqezzXY/s1600/Giant+Cookie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcvk9ObtcbVkpSZR1DmBfpBjsPJFFymvgzPjzi7d-5xFnlo2_L2Qc9McaS1TJIl2AoFGnPYMigCWtBEhBVX_xmS4R3RZ5QwhFKif2rmI6Pqo6w6Ah-xcdz2BklnzWQ6eNO4L3SqezzXY/s400/Giant+Cookie+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>All of my worries were put to rest when I found and made this recipe. This cookie comes out perfect every time! My hubby is a huge chocolate chip cookie <strike>addict</strike> lover, and he even makes them perfectly. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie {Recipe}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adapted from </span><a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/05/giant-cookie.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mel's Kitchen Cafe</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Sugar (granulated)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Dark Brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp Real Vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp Baking soda (without aluminum)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (I use Ghirardelli semi-sweet or dark)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and press the cookie dough into a 9-inch circle (approximately). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This spreads into about 11-inch cookie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the cookie is golden yet still slightly puffy in the middle. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack. Once the cookie is mostly cool, cut cookie into 16 slices with a pizza cutter. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-2GsK415WsnCavgHmtZCTqr-4b06AZuUfMNaduOS_Fg4ulXntYPlR6CC0H3fAHfbeLcv4gHT7AtGC0BLWaI06X8CnqpJE6vepVSsULEpW0KxWY94qGqWgBheU2VUPMafF3QG5JLRB-c/s1600/Giant+Cookie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-2GsK415WsnCavgHmtZCTqr-4b06AZuUfMNaduOS_Fg4ulXntYPlR6CC0H3fAHfbeLcv4gHT7AtGC0BLWaI06X8CnqpJE6vepVSsULEpW0KxWY94qGqWgBheU2VUPMafF3QG5JLRB-c/s320/Giant+Cookie+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bdLCscWQOTLRAdXBmjyyHtSHZE7VfQOxfHPCWlFlYm79VfESFPpDtK-AMf_i3xnwnHCPbdq9R4hxm9Ih_ej5a_1x7UrgQNxytpwaHCY9UBRMeKiqHINf1RdgvxCG6wydfH9mAK_WOD8/s1600/Giant+Cookie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bdLCscWQOTLRAdXBmjyyHtSHZE7VfQOxfHPCWlFlYm79VfESFPpDtK-AMf_i3xnwnHCPbdq9R4hxm9Ih_ej5a_1x7UrgQNxytpwaHCY9UBRMeKiqHINf1RdgvxCG6wydfH9mAK_WOD8/s320/Giant+Cookie+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXYqenCUCL7LxPO2-dJcRvtWhvmnt884-BAYBpo7eBx2jMY59vFhRNf_jUaCqXtbba_Sv9gsfkfWw8-yYf2V8-a_T4fEsV1G-pLtV2SWekv3LrGufwVdqnvxLib4OQdJztBz5jBg2X0I/s1600/Giant+Cookie+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXYqenCUCL7LxPO2-dJcRvtWhvmnt884-BAYBpo7eBx2jMY59vFhRNf_jUaCqXtbba_Sv9gsfkfWw8-yYf2V8-a_T4fEsV1G-pLtV2SWekv3LrGufwVdqnvxLib4OQdJztBz5jBg2X0I/s320/Giant+Cookie+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrHePqvF8RLhUY29PuUK_4ue35P7gtUD3X-yHhTlOJ_K6ToPGovI8wChY2zPExQsAtL0eCcM4X1VS8-5_XPexNpCKEm3H894LhSclQ0h4ngGPpV0Eq2Kb42vuNx4KPhsZ-vshIo9Q-eM/s1600/Giant+Cookie+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrHePqvF8RLhUY29PuUK_4ue35P7gtUD3X-yHhTlOJ_K6ToPGovI8wChY2zPExQsAtL0eCcM4X1VS8-5_XPexNpCKEm3H894LhSclQ0h4ngGPpV0Eq2Kb42vuNx4KPhsZ-vshIo9Q-eM/s320/Giant+Cookie+5.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, you can decorate it or add colorful candies if you'd like! It is, however, perfectly delicious just like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSq-hM7vAMKxTPA7oDlDO8NYPmt8JEFDG2wubcLsnabevOj6qgQnr5SuanQa0uRvcHv0jYX0JPiVZmMN9a2sKl1Rx8NvuCnB9g4qod52VIt9dndOGU5ZSJB_YEALvK-m60qm23dx7nGY/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSq-hM7vAMKxTPA7oDlDO8NYPmt8JEFDG2wubcLsnabevOj6qgQnr5SuanQa0uRvcHv0jYX0JPiVZmMN9a2sKl1Rx8NvuCnB9g4qod52VIt9dndOGU5ZSJB_YEALvK-m60qm23dx7nGY/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-26600990792026535652012-02-21T15:36:00.000-06:002012-02-21T15:36:51.857-06:00Liquid Soap made from Bar SoapGetting my daughter to use a "pea-size" amount of soap is a constant challenge. She just keeps pumping until her little hands can't hold anymore. Then she washes...if that is what it's called, because at this point the sink in starting to overflow with bubbles and she starts to play. SIGH! Needless to say, we go through hand soap (and body soap) like crazy. It really adds up, cost wise! I also like to buy the healthier soap, without all of the added chemicals and etc., so it is even more expensive!<br />
<br />
When I saw that Robyn over at <a href="http://www.thefarmersnest.com/" target="_blank">The Farmer's Nest</a> had made a gallon of liquid soap from one bar of soap, I was sold. I went out the very next day and bought a bar of soap. I did it and it didn't work! AHHH! What did I do wrong? I don't know! But I wasn't discouraged; I tried again with a different kind of soap. I used the bar soaps from the same line as our favorite liquid soap,<a href="http://www.lifefuelsupplements.com/kids-whale-of-a-soap-orange-u-smart-2-35-oz-p-620.html" target="_blank"> Kiss my Face Kids.</a> When all was said and done, I was surprised that this time it worked! YEAH! I can't believe it, actually. I am more than thrilled!<br />
<br />
Here is the recipe and what I did:<br />
Grate 7oz. of Bar Soap (<a href="http://www.lifefuelsupplements.com/kids-whale-of-a-soap-orange-u-smart-2-35-oz-p-620.html" target="_blank">I used this one</a>), add to large pot with 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Glycerine (<a href="http://www.lifefuelsupplements.com/vegetable-glycerine-4-fl-oz-p-546.html" target="_blank">I used NOW</a>) and 1 Gallon of water. Warm it up on medium heat and stir until soap is dissolved in water. Turn off heat and leave pan to cool and rest for 12 hours. After 12 hours you should stir and pour into storage container and/or soap dispensers.<br />
Note: This time my soap was a little on the thick side, so I added warm water and blended with the hand mixer. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWYn4uqNA4aKfJXMvvzvE_lbkd902bPCkm4h_onCZ8DOt8eGGfz1m9Vvb-8jpDiXfQhYQDE9E-4YdG2L9FCruYWvtTlBVRQhfIDCon9jxaMGSU-Cbnhekhbap4n1tuXo8LenFus7VLnE/s1600/soap+grating+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWYn4uqNA4aKfJXMvvzvE_lbkd902bPCkm4h_onCZ8DOt8eGGfz1m9Vvb-8jpDiXfQhYQDE9E-4YdG2L9FCruYWvtTlBVRQhfIDCon9jxaMGSU-Cbnhekhbap4n1tuXo8LenFus7VLnE/s320/soap+grating+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7yjbUDY5cGCuXQudEyxYWrKIhIksGBtqjaO8eK2ahf-pDW_Q_J83yH26QOeI6Q7iKbQfqI0AUIofz6DbNTmJSOVzatmhQq5kkxgYMMuXlN5fwiAQQznzhQ_1qM7AVhciXjTH18QwReE/s1600/soap+grating+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7yjbUDY5cGCuXQudEyxYWrKIhIksGBtqjaO8eK2ahf-pDW_Q_J83yH26QOeI6Q7iKbQfqI0AUIofz6DbNTmJSOVzatmhQq5kkxgYMMuXlN5fwiAQQznzhQ_1qM7AVhciXjTH18QwReE/s320/soap+grating+3.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It turned into a family project!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat3T_cff7YMK04KIXT0xdNyJXmcvdLdzSRcSxgAa1P6dpDHH-5MPohNxR1FdTCZrtsMgTiTEBeQP38ZwoOHC2PqhrDptFCAc0Duaqfg-edN5DJrLjFHAqnx1IGjOOH8UvokymBrMjtQo/s1600/Soap+Grating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat3T_cff7YMK04KIXT0xdNyJXmcvdLdzSRcSxgAa1P6dpDHH-5MPohNxR1FdTCZrtsMgTiTEBeQP38ZwoOHC2PqhrDptFCAc0Duaqfg-edN5DJrLjFHAqnx1IGjOOH8UvokymBrMjtQo/s320/Soap+Grating.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Also, since the hand soap that my kids are currently using (<a href="http://www.lifefuelsupplements.com/kids-foaming-hand-wash-orange-u-smart-8-fl-oz-p-619.html" target="_blank">this one</a>) is a "foaming" one, I did some experimenting to get the perfect ratio of this homemade liquid soap for use with the foaming pump. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here it is:</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tablespoons liquid soap</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Cup warm water</div><div style="text-align: center;">STIR to combine (don't shake!). Add to bottle and there you have it, foaming hand soap at a fraction of the cost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1vNkZzrn1-0_W-hLz1lwuRepL4IbVN69zAyiMeJEsI2XqfIH0v7Mi2MBmKgB7uvWlWmXwcQa5b-zSgDJAeuaiWfprgCxuGynaE5DkVkcpJimttJJ-v-j4Y6HyJcW9xBFzqqdo2rgyS0/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1vNkZzrn1-0_W-hLz1lwuRepL4IbVN69zAyiMeJEsI2XqfIH0v7Mi2MBmKgB7uvWlWmXwcQa5b-zSgDJAeuaiWfprgCxuGynaE5DkVkcpJimttJJ-v-j4Y6HyJcW9xBFzqqdo2rgyS0/s200/063.JPG" width="150" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At least this way I will not have to peek in at the kids and keep repeating, "YOU ONLY NEED A SMALL AMOUNT OF SOAP!!"<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NINjM21WLubSsH5DVo30EH4kA55UtB4EezM2TAHVI6z62bUNj8AMiBPNeaaI5Mc1iIK46AR4NEPVX6JOEF9ENWZOvzJdY1o6wnA2NyBadzCJhsJdLXHiibo5vO-iShjyrBmI8kRPZsI/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NINjM21WLubSsH5DVo30EH4kA55UtB4EezM2TAHVI6z62bUNj8AMiBPNeaaI5Mc1iIK46AR4NEPVX6JOEF9ENWZOvzJdY1o6wnA2NyBadzCJhsJdLXHiibo5vO-iShjyrBmI8kRPZsI/s320/066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished and ready to use. 1 gallon and almost a whole quart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> That is more than a gallon of liquid soap for less than $7!!! If you use it with the foaming pump, it's 150 8-oz. bottles of foaming soap. <em>I am doing the happy dance!</em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB50h8LxTkTEcKXDnwfQyfhyutlLmHFtwXvCx9Ilo8MdGs3KQkvjVgbw9Fw_MsJDd3UmyYsiBBHdotnuCsLwCWwlHlB9WgAtUNT3PAKDmglL4Jgogh993JiI0YtexAZEEOoIfWzfys6L8/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB50h8LxTkTEcKXDnwfQyfhyutlLmHFtwXvCx9Ilo8MdGs3KQkvjVgbw9Fw_MsJDd3UmyYsiBBHdotnuCsLwCWwlHlB9WgAtUNT3PAKDmglL4Jgogh993JiI0YtexAZEEOoIfWzfys6L8/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-6764050473698704632012-02-09T00:14:00.000-06:002012-02-09T00:14:06.096-06:00Valentine's Day Project<div style="text-align: center;">With the Valentine's day quickly approaching, there are a huge amount of items in my "projects/crafts to-make" file, on my mind, and filling my to-do lists. I have spent hours surfing <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> to find the perfect Valentine's for my kids to take to their classmates, to their teachers and coaches. I have found crafts for them to do to fill some of the downtime that they have. I was excited about so many awesome ideas that I found, but I was ecstatic when I found this <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/02/love-is-in-air-with-uncommon-free.html" target="_blank">Peg Family</a> from <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" target="_blank">UNCOMMON</a>.</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj276zHZ3YLrcK_K8OrVoUHoPXxHrlmOYNvpWM1hUSIcUcGZZwVSB09gUIrVD0HXxIQaXCd7-9tWQv4meYrzCUrRBI7wm2JNZl_K0fiB0rj0ya2dgX1rbLfYBgalMiLoWJW_nfScF3aKB7h/s1600/peg+People+Family+uncommon2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_7i9y8j="4" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj276zHZ3YLrcK_K8OrVoUHoPXxHrlmOYNvpWM1hUSIcUcGZZwVSB09gUIrVD0HXxIQaXCd7-9tWQv4meYrzCUrRBI7wm2JNZl_K0fiB0rj0ya2dgX1rbLfYBgalMiLoWJW_nfScF3aKB7h/s400/peg+People+Family+uncommon2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">As if that is not enough, <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/" target="_blank">UNCOMMON</a> provides this fabulous printable Bible Verse that makes it all come together. This would be really charming and stylish on my entry way table!</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/AVvXsEhHn3KgnMVTRbElJq79_tnrK4JpeuavBmlNcf9I_PWF-fD6Kx58EtcDuzXSIF9XqANAIy9_Bg-2EgeOIK9MGYvFpwHu_Y6Y4Fs-8_sjw-hS90sFaRc-yRaij5kVp7c9lZX6ary2j_T2fPDf/s1600/Standing+clipboard+uncommon+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_7i9y8j="3" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn3KgnMVTRbElJq79_tnrK4JpeuavBmlNcf9I_PWF-fD6Kx58EtcDuzXSIF9XqANAIy9_Bg-2EgeOIK9MGYvFpwHu_Y6Y4Fs-8_sjw-hS90sFaRc-yRaij5kVp7c9lZX6ary2j_T2fPDf/s400/Standing+clipboard+uncommon+.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love doing crafts with and for my kids, of course, but sometimes it's really nice to have a "mommy-only" craft. A glass of wine and crafting into the wee hours of the night...sounds almost like paradise. Almost. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's crafting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1unClQYcW-Pkn68ta1BfSSnx6Ndu3Eyja1MBug4zamBUrmNqwSU2y2t6RgVJx00bBQIFvsXChrxC3q8ln6qsdct0x2xSKp_ZuLJiTFrwStqqOiwpaFBmIZpFD0WOpR5JUR_voXe00Dqw/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1unClQYcW-Pkn68ta1BfSSnx6Ndu3Eyja1MBug4zamBUrmNqwSU2y2t6RgVJx00bBQIFvsXChrxC3q8ln6qsdct0x2xSKp_ZuLJiTFrwStqqOiwpaFBmIZpFD0WOpR5JUR_voXe00Dqw/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-41936729736649868062012-01-11T14:30:00.002-06:002012-01-11T14:44:02.595-06:00Craving ChocolateI know that I am not the only woman who craves chocolate when the hormones are running high! Well, let's be honest, the hormones don't have to be out of whack to crave the chocolate, they just have to be present...and that is always with me! I have had a huge hankering for chocolate cake, and not just any cake...Beatty's Chocolate Cake!<br />
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Several months ago, I was looking for a chocolate cake recipe and found, what has become my go-to chocolate cake recipe. It is super moist and chocolaty, plus with the frosting...oh, the combination is explosive!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNLTkEzev5FHN47eOr5NJWWaCh-Ugx6zw2ha94CTI4tbXgOhjDa_szHclRkTK1LL0SZ5wc6-AKHms5fEc44LqVODncehgZTyM7Dq6LhglbghwI1gm2Gyq9XPWfYU0prTB7DF1fEdc5_4/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNLTkEzev5FHN47eOr5NJWWaCh-Ugx6zw2ha94CTI4tbXgOhjDa_szHclRkTK1LL0SZ5wc6-AKHms5fEc44LqVODncehgZTyM7Dq6LhglbghwI1gm2Gyq9XPWfYU0prTB7DF1fEdc5_4/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just looking at this picture makes me salivate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It's what I am craving RIGHT NOW! I am going to share the recipe with you and go make it for dessert tonight. I am planning on eating a slice before then, though. Ha!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>Beatty's Chocolate Cake w/ Chocolate Buttercream {Recipe}</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beattys-chocolate-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Ina Garten</a></span></div><br />
<div class="body-text" jquery1326312082966="36"><h2 class="kv-ingred"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h2><ul class="kv-ingred-list1"><li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Butter, for greasing the pans</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cups good cocoa powder </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons baking soda</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon kosher salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup buttermilk, shaken (I use cream)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup oil (I use a combination of olive and coconut)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chocolate Buttercream, recipe follows</span></li>
</ul><h2><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Directions</span></h2><div class="instructions"><div class="instruction"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch x 2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake. </span></div><h2><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Chocolate Frosting</span></h2><ul class="kv-ingred-list3"><li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 ounces good semisweet chocolate</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon instant coffee powder</span></li>
</ul><div class="instructions"><div class="instruction"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue beating for 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water. On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don't whip! Spread immediately on the cooled cake. </span></div></div><br />
<strong>NOTE:</strong> Last time I made this cake recipe into cupcakes and didn't need as much frosting, so I cut the buttercream recipe in half, didn't add the yolk or the instant coffee and it was still fabulous!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This cake is actually easy to make and the frosting is also a cinch! Now I can hardly stand to wait another second to make it. It just goes to show you I have absolutely ZERO will-power!</span><br />
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Do you need something to make you feel a little bit better about giving into your craving and consuming chocolate? There are studies that have shown that eating chocolate <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_867770295"></span>reduces risk of stroke in women<span id="goog_867770296"></span></a>, <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/030679_chocolate_heart_disease.html" target="_blank">prevents heart disease</a>, <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/021272.html" target="_blank">lowers risk of miscarriage</a> and <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/GoogleSearchResults.html?q=women+chocolate&cx=010579349100583850635%3Aw_kzwe9_yca&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">more</a>! So no more feeling guilty; indulging a little can be a good thing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1unClQYcW-Pkn68ta1BfSSnx6Ndu3Eyja1MBug4zamBUrmNqwSU2y2t6RgVJx00bBQIFvsXChrxC3q8ln6qsdct0x2xSKp_ZuLJiTFrwStqqOiwpaFBmIZpFD0WOpR5JUR_voXe00Dqw/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1unClQYcW-Pkn68ta1BfSSnx6Ndu3Eyja1MBug4zamBUrmNqwSU2y2t6RgVJx00bBQIFvsXChrxC3q8ln6qsdct0x2xSKp_ZuLJiTFrwStqqOiwpaFBmIZpFD0WOpR5JUR_voXe00Dqw/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-70220854753841122272012-01-07T10:11:00.000-06:002012-01-07T10:11:37.338-06:00Rainbow Party Theme done . . . New Party Theme Found!My Princess Cupcake is going to be 7 years old in a month. I try to pick a theme for her party early, so that I can keep an eye out for decor, favors, ideas, etc. I find that I save a lot of money when I have longer to <strike>plan a party</strike> shop for the party, if it's last minute I don't have a choice. However, here we are with just over a month and so much to do! I do have to admit, though, that I work better under pressure.<br />
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Last year we had a "Rainbow" theme...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJz_rLr4-9Pg-Rt2-cGM_dipwpWbjk7IYY1m7Kzf8l72Dq7OWL4Kdw8GvGnGnAHAvEtX7LOEsDICWWCx1ZC8_6cUxUQfEIj6YapGQkSJMS8XjP_HXu5SokwUHuQEZltWTJn9FRhyphenhyphengKds/s1600/IMG_9610+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJz_rLr4-9Pg-Rt2-cGM_dipwpWbjk7IYY1m7Kzf8l72Dq7OWL4Kdw8GvGnGnAHAvEtX7LOEsDICWWCx1ZC8_6cUxUQfEIj6YapGQkSJMS8XjP_HXu5SokwUHuQEZltWTJn9FRhyphenhyphengKds/s320/IMG_9610+cropped.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl...with lipstick, which is prohibiting a "real" smile!<br />
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</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFLhEWynAAERm0dRyaePkWj1YqbNYjFftDfDJHJ-jUTdZ2gVIIgE66-_vb3hySmwHczcws24n3NafTLoLIcz1TohMKRQvPVClB_SG-QVq39JwbthuIq3QWMFezf0leIYIeWrHb9I_G_o/s1600/IMG_9619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFLhEWynAAERm0dRyaePkWj1YqbNYjFftDfDJHJ-jUTdZ2gVIIgE66-_vb3hySmwHczcws24n3NafTLoLIcz1TohMKRQvPVClB_SG-QVq39JwbthuIq3QWMFezf0leIYIeWrHb9I_G_o/s320/IMG_9619.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colored water for decoration...really cost effective!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7sSQ0GrtTq_zYTfbzgkTCc9YMLLhePkLBvYCaSKW0NQZ5sC6LGP7ZJm_r8Bnq6D0xjlGNt0r7QwcgUNxUjxO3sbQwdgtaEAv-oRpr7SA8AEtZIZZn4L7p2KncwaLRq28pFEhV_CjBHc/s1600/IMG_9621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7sSQ0GrtTq_zYTfbzgkTCc9YMLLhePkLBvYCaSKW0NQZ5sC6LGP7ZJm_r8Bnq6D0xjlGNt0r7QwcgUNxUjxO3sbQwdgtaEAv-oRpr7SA8AEtZIZZn4L7p2KncwaLRq28pFEhV_CjBHc/s320/IMG_9621.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKpS1WrepbcHVPrI4eajmKJdF0TdXRGKsvZXGNwoOeoEyHyt2mjSgDyk2lB4W_WPMkkK7YDbz2Bmt36ZcavtA7DCzbHNm7gOBdwlRgyIeONafuOYljYzdmgyn1574ZCx3Xi2MkDFXrJE/s1600/IMG_9625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKpS1WrepbcHVPrI4eajmKJdF0TdXRGKsvZXGNwoOeoEyHyt2mjSgDyk2lB4W_WPMkkK7YDbz2Bmt36ZcavtA7DCzbHNm7gOBdwlRgyIeONafuOYljYzdmgyn1574ZCx3Xi2MkDFXrJE/s320/IMG_9625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCoFjj3VgQaE1LnMufb5u8bmcnakMFciN0JAqesLEry8mERO52L8YBA71cLErv00Smh5OkVjD9V4AE2zT7I146pSHa6lK83nvcIfnERORRJrdxsxWwgHiynd5wIRSZBt3AsUUdmb2eHc/s1600/IMG_9626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCoFjj3VgQaE1LnMufb5u8bmcnakMFciN0JAqesLEry8mERO52L8YBA71cLErv00Smh5OkVjD9V4AE2zT7I146pSHa6lK83nvcIfnERORRJrdxsxWwgHiynd5wIRSZBt3AsUUdmb2eHc/s320/IMG_9626.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow fruit tray</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wn2VhKnNREfkXanaI1GM4PT3HVE9Xg_eNg7Q9cs2ZmEFhcITOS66T_AZG39hlDiCZ9Cl4J4EUnGomhPTbhJVp2tePrbat3WCG8UGqeWW70MZwsTYlEr8eJdOSGykGxn1cW-plGDqXps/s1600/IMG_9627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wn2VhKnNREfkXanaI1GM4PT3HVE9Xg_eNg7Q9cs2ZmEFhcITOS66T_AZG39hlDiCZ9Cl4J4EUnGomhPTbhJVp2tePrbat3WCG8UGqeWW70MZwsTYlEr8eJdOSGykGxn1cW-plGDqXps/s320/IMG_9627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9UH4dzMTfVv1uK9xH_1svLsS2W-u4H-bp5YAOxQGLGKlDZXQfo2aJFGutLSyWjCgcApjygp48W6VtsOPyG4pxUIidTVLeIaQZpl2zgVfdC5rxFmbFlTECsENibMB6s1X18R92AQ4XM/s1600/IMG_9675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9UH4dzMTfVv1uK9xH_1svLsS2W-u4H-bp5YAOxQGLGKlDZXQfo2aJFGutLSyWjCgcApjygp48W6VtsOPyG4pxUIidTVLeIaQZpl2zgVfdC5rxFmbFlTECsENibMB6s1X18R92AQ4XM/s320/IMG_9675.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Jello Cups</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ_vBNX8LTMlO2i9pYh5x9fGIzyy_QbojpG-M1D4l4V7hZRr6mCXkMJepSXlxzx_EINyerWW0Z-dNim21r8NPbfygk4SqruTCt0V2ukBrrBGT0aIbev8EBdiPtix5_uoGseW6TN4HF8o/s1600/IMG_9645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ_vBNX8LTMlO2i9pYh5x9fGIzyy_QbojpG-M1D4l4V7hZRr6mCXkMJepSXlxzx_EINyerWW0Z-dNim21r8NPbfygk4SqruTCt0V2ukBrrBGT0aIbev8EBdiPtix5_uoGseW6TN4HF8o/s320/IMG_9645.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e1EQdjEAk7I1hhmHQTvH5h9ToHXTXKWPWVSMFG8u5zETx31HVqLPef_HBDKCSswOAM6dH_2ewrrDUleP7XGSAD0WG959AjUh1joYl_YXqJepsC2s2kbWf-FV0hh0zQKjURi3Q5Wp-qM/s1600/IMG_9622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e1EQdjEAk7I1hhmHQTvH5h9ToHXTXKWPWVSMFG8u5zETx31HVqLPef_HBDKCSswOAM6dH_2ewrrDUleP7XGSAD0WG959AjUh1joYl_YXqJepsC2s2kbWf-FV0hh0zQKjURi3Q5Wp-qM/s320/IMG_9622.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Colored Beads</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl_OWDCotBqLxs00QNfRNJOxkUZPSK9yXPYDCK4eVzPKPvE8X9d1E3bd6yiykHFXS3suQ_diMUk6EEmURIrGLnwQ1DRcVmVX0L_EP1PRpvc0SeJSeI2uZ_YSribZlA9oruCXblxeyAKU/s1600/IMG_9659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl_OWDCotBqLxs00QNfRNJOxkUZPSK9yXPYDCK4eVzPKPvE8X9d1E3bd6yiykHFXS3suQ_diMUk6EEmURIrGLnwQ1DRcVmVX0L_EP1PRpvc0SeJSeI2uZ_YSribZlA9oruCXblxeyAKU/s320/IMG_9659.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K2zrd8-7l7Jt_ggYDWl5o_VFTjDr1MA3x5AOBAKH4WsB_EWIHWZR2s0dZynW2FxT20Ai0CF9ZAdbAScSRXyc9ffLagynAuz9HvkyAxdRNXOxfl7pLYnfoeuP0vtOPXE44fY1LtIfjCw/s1600/IMG_9668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6K2zrd8-7l7Jt_ggYDWl5o_VFTjDr1MA3x5AOBAKH4WsB_EWIHWZR2s0dZynW2FxT20Ai0CF9ZAdbAScSRXyc9ffLagynAuz9HvkyAxdRNXOxfl7pLYnfoeuP0vtOPXE44fY1LtIfjCw/s320/IMG_9668.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42ARku5JOwxLz2EbXBSB5ZpsYOwMjABX5kj34B3ustCAVkn0TUf9HRDiCXEGzVdYkwzEMGF4NZ2gOID0TPzrGszQ4HpJoMlfNgBPCBuEhknIc1B5v4q7YBIQUV7y5vXIaV_7pf7SmfDo/s1600/IMG_9674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42ARku5JOwxLz2EbXBSB5ZpsYOwMjABX5kj34B3ustCAVkn0TUf9HRDiCXEGzVdYkwzEMGF4NZ2gOID0TPzrGszQ4HpJoMlfNgBPCBuEhknIc1B5v4q7YBIQUV7y5vXIaV_7pf7SmfDo/s320/IMG_9674.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was awesome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW9LMoVaoC6rW1er-ENgT9nkry4lEZF9xLdQeuvJN1DiSaeQSFaN7Tw8TD_UkPRahP3gCMYq8SkycIVDS7qQ0nImZ0AEX15Y-onvpcraF9QBmdn92zpzZm66ss7Sk9WKbD3ap78Q8TBE/s1600/IMG_9672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW9LMoVaoC6rW1er-ENgT9nkry4lEZF9xLdQeuvJN1DiSaeQSFaN7Tw8TD_UkPRahP3gCMYq8SkycIVDS7qQ0nImZ0AEX15Y-onvpcraF9QBmdn92zpzZm66ss7Sk9WKbD3ap78Q8TBE/s320/IMG_9672.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuK0cZEdvC7bLkGm8tt0g97a5PSgwlxPODK-K9MbLh2hnkpZ1ePh4ohKLJYbr6qqwyKvmDUcC2h1Q8WmPb5V8khx2fvPyW-MAvKnI6P8SmuWNSfG5Q_PDcxUK39BTJlq0EerhSt76ciAM/s1600/IMG_9618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuK0cZEdvC7bLkGm8tt0g97a5PSgwlxPODK-K9MbLh2hnkpZ1ePh4ohKLJYbr6qqwyKvmDUcC2h1Q8WmPb5V8khx2fvPyW-MAvKnI6P8SmuWNSfG5Q_PDcxUK39BTJlq0EerhSt76ciAM/s320/IMG_9618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favors! Rainbow Clippie attached to a bag of Rainbow Cookies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xP1P6SNPi-d7QPph-RYrTnNlIqqsHYfx_bCgKGUOciMxKX2EXW1kNYjWSTYPnYSjkeadM0rqcZIG7ZbmuFjxYPHmVUcKdU8lnxTtml-WbnzU20ao_UqHLVcvFXWFuT3zwjnrJ7fYTc4/s1600/IMG_9694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xP1P6SNPi-d7QPph-RYrTnNlIqqsHYfx_bCgKGUOciMxKX2EXW1kNYjWSTYPnYSjkeadM0rqcZIG7ZbmuFjxYPHmVUcKdU8lnxTtml-WbnzU20ao_UqHLVcvFXWFuT3zwjnrJ7fYTc4/s320/IMG_9694.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bigger kids put the tutu on my little guy! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> We have had so many fun themed parties for the kids and I enjoy every minute of searching and planning for them...well, most of the time:-)<br />
<br />
This year we have officially found a theme! And it is (drum roll, please)...OWLS!<br />
<br />
I think this theme will be so adorable and fitting as we are going to do a "Night Owl" pajama party, and my princess cupcake is most definitely a night owl like her mama!<br />
<br />
Check out some of the links I found for ideas below. Prepare yourself to be wowed!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2011/02/night-owl-party.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_wmlinp="7" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf5sgBrULqhL0Q3Kx1v3q_jDxAuxlldX0Q4YtEK3Rz7k0bXfue2m7L1QxI0MdM0GFY1ni3pQTDwytZOez_CdoHzz88ybeULNal40M8xYYejNL9UK9_nWYHrBOqcrawfOF7yoyUn46LEA/s400/Owl-decor-bed-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love everything about this Night-Owl party from <a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SnowyBliss</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2011/02/night-owl-party.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_uid_wmlinp="5" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LoqKvmNU_tOkSr0wDqE9n-gcPk6MfaIPFPPzk2Jhy_Q5s84yaWb-9VNESRW2JvEzNugbKu7Qz7L4n7SAXhkmX_6bOYdGb4IXpRMHf_jf2cHizgIdDjoevJvfNpKNj3-Bj96E882YxhU/s400/owl-invitation-2.jpg" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The invitation from <a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SnowyBliss</a>...you really have to go check out the whole party!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mygoodgreetings.com/blog/post/2011/04/06/What-a-Hoot!-Little-Owls-Birthday-Party.aspx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank" title="Cute Little Owls Birthday Invitation"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://www.mygoodgreetings.com/blog/image.axd?picture=2011%2f4%2fLittleOwlsBirthday_Palatte.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this adorable compilation from m<a href="http://www.mygoodgreetings.com/" target="_blank">ygoodgreetings</a><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pin the tail on the donkey, E-Mealz, birthday party ideas" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-200" height="400" src="http://blog.e-mealz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_0139-e1286160465583.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0139" width="267" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute game idea from <a href="http://blog.e-mealz.com/2010/10/whoooos-turning-one-party-theme-idea/" target="_blank">Make Time for Family</a> for her "Whoooo's Turning One?" Party</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://buttonbirddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/your-football-food-is-gonna-to-have-to.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_dj1qf9="9" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654612607835639714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oqh-xGinFHWpY2vi31KNXxUAfCiw73lqervktHK9bsN8G6kA2B0hBGyBZLlwF03Yg9EFnbmD-0KPLTSH97vO-E3jxH0BcVRPE7-cN6YqEpNKnypb4-2CntJl1Xahl4WhTdNGeMl4aPs3/s640/owl+pillows+%252815%2529.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little guy is fabulous! Head over to <a href="http://buttonbirddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/your-football-food-is-gonna-to-have-to.html" target="_blank">Button Bird Designs</a> for the tutorial!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I sit here writing this post, I can hardly contain my excitement! Now I must set off to work...I will definitely be dreaming of owls for the next 4 to 6 weeks! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIggei6ZRDAPTkShNx6hGoxhXDY2VgcVj4VMTr9yKU0qTmYA57LOrdRnJgNcyf6HoP0m2ynCMO4a7PfQXNikBAqS9QiRBAoXek1NlZDf2slPpZltNnp1QwfNp1KKHrSEZFef64CUSKwRU/s1600/Signature.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIggei6ZRDAPTkShNx6hGoxhXDY2VgcVj4VMTr9yKU0qTmYA57LOrdRnJgNcyf6HoP0m2ynCMO4a7PfQXNikBAqS9QiRBAoXek1NlZDf2slPpZltNnp1QwfNp1KKHrSEZFef64CUSKwRU/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-6610066763498605682012-01-05T18:13:00.000-06:002012-01-05T18:13:19.914-06:00Pecan Cream Scones with Raspberry ButterI hosted coffee this morning for three of my friends. I love hosting it and I love being able to catch up with them! Even though we all have very different personalities and views, we all seem to mesh well together and I love them. We all have kids the same age; we actually met because of that at pre-school and play groups, and have kept in touch since. We get together monthly, at least we try, for coffee or lunch or even a rare girl's night out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWAbO_DadFcFf5yUNOYD_10yZ01UOu2UZPoRHuTYj3nFT73KUVqAVW6yAonuISIRNKe809mazB3JcLsEX6aPV-bZ9AvlO2An8ly_Iuol47EsO3awUpXiRtd-44pCbD0_Ot3Fz2Pi4Gq8/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWAbO_DadFcFf5yUNOYD_10yZ01UOu2UZPoRHuTYj3nFT73KUVqAVW6yAonuISIRNKe809mazB3JcLsEX6aPV-bZ9AvlO2An8ly_Iuol47EsO3awUpXiRtd-44pCbD0_Ot3Fz2Pi4Gq8/s320/053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Today I made Pecan Cream Scones and Raspberry Butter for the occasion. The scone recipe I use often, but the butter was new today. It was a great combination and turned out to be super yummy!<br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Pecan Cream Scones {Recipe}</span></strong></em><br />
<em>Adapted from my Mom's friend, Nina</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>2 1/4 cups Flour</em><br />
<em>1 Tbls Baking powder</em><br />
<em>1 tsp Salt</em><br />
<em>1/2 cup Sugar</em><br />
<em>1/2 cup Ground pecans, toasted</em><br />
<em>1 1/2 cups Heavy whipping cream</em><br />
<br />
<em>Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Stir in cream with wooden spoon. Turn out onto floured surface and knead slightly until it forms a firm dough ball. Divide dough in half equally and then flatten each half into a round disc that is about 1-inch thick. Transfer discs to a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cut each disc into 8 pieces (like a pizza...I actually use a pizza cutter to do it and it works awesome!) but do not separate the pieces. Brush with heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with course sugar. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until slightly golden brown on the edges and bottom. Cool on a cooling rack, serve and enjoy!</em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Raspberry Butter {Recipe}</em></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>1/2 cup Butter (1 stick), softened</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>1/2 cup Raspberries</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>2 Tbls + 1 tsp Sugar</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>1 tsp Vanilla</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>In blender or food processor, add berries, sugar and vanilla to mix. Add butter and mix until smooth. </em></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaZ24XTV2CxPb-AXPzhszQzeNvzNxxd5B3dbsk-OcbUBzmiti54ROCE2B1nOPuAM1TPlm955p_vEF3h7p3E2gyAQwjkpkZfgBpS52rMgn9UjCt4JDkYVF5Qmf23fU3-0m9i9bAzEzPhc/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaZ24XTV2CxPb-AXPzhszQzeNvzNxxd5B3dbsk-OcbUBzmiti54ROCE2B1nOPuAM1TPlm955p_vEF3h7p3E2gyAQwjkpkZfgBpS52rMgn9UjCt4JDkYVF5Qmf23fU3-0m9i9bAzEzPhc/s400/058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I added a name tag. I'm just cool like that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I hope that this post and recipe inspires you to invite some of your girls over for coffee and scones. After all, we all need friends to chat with and vent to...it makes up better people. Well, it does for me anyway!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsPx1cSwrrSmaOJPDihGETnrXvT5qKbe1klvRsd0XbCz8NfWxq_KXh8UuX6ndxnp8CPL9UNNkQWB5hYYpHwZSYKne5_kLyJTfrMWun5a5LdGc1Zu9lspnXbtYXlxrpVWTIL-KkR2_sjE/s1600/Signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsPx1cSwrrSmaOJPDihGETnrXvT5qKbe1klvRsd0XbCz8NfWxq_KXh8UuX6ndxnp8CPL9UNNkQWB5hYYpHwZSYKne5_kLyJTfrMWun5a5LdGc1Zu9lspnXbtYXlxrpVWTIL-KkR2_sjE/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-20526044272847569582012-01-04T23:58:00.000-06:002012-01-04T23:58:43.208-06:00Happy New Year! Resolutions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's 2012! Happy New Year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you have a resolution? Or a long list of resolutions? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/272960427384636358_NLVuYg74_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="358" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://maryruffle.tumblr.com/post/1591481217" jquery162034783642203977866="51" target="_blank">maryruffle.tumblr.com</a> via Pinterest</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the past few years I have come to realize that if you're not serious about resolutions, nothing is going to change. I quit making resolutions when I noticed that I continue to resolve to do the same things each year, usually with no avail. As I was considering dropping the whole resolution thing, I took a hard look and concluded that I need to work on being the best me I can be, always. So, it's official that I am back on the wagon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's to you and your resolutions!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIggei6ZRDAPTkShNx6hGoxhXDY2VgcVj4VMTr9yKU0qTmYA57LOrdRnJgNcyf6HoP0m2ynCMO4a7PfQXNikBAqS9QiRBAoXek1NlZDf2slPpZltNnp1QwfNp1KKHrSEZFef64CUSKwRU/s1600/Signature.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIggei6ZRDAPTkShNx6hGoxhXDY2VgcVj4VMTr9yKU0qTmYA57LOrdRnJgNcyf6HoP0m2ynCMO4a7PfQXNikBAqS9QiRBAoXek1NlZDf2slPpZltNnp1QwfNp1KKHrSEZFef64CUSKwRU/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3303366439124391681.post-50764875206315138572011-12-25T08:24:00.000-06:002011-12-25T08:24:18.024-06:00<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Merry Christmas!!!</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">In the Orthodox Church we say, "Christ is Born!" and then the response is "Glorify Him!"</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Priest at the church we were visiting last night told the following story in his sermon. I was inspired and enjoyed it, so I will share it with you here.</span></div><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and the metaphysical meaning of Jesus The Christ, despite her husband's disparaging comments. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">One snowy Christmas Eve, the wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth through a man called Jesus who became the Christ? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?" He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">"If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn and one by one the other geese followed it to safety. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to lower Himself to be like us? That's ridiculous!" </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and enlighten us. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized. As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and he pondered this wonderful thought. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Jesus who became the Christ had come, so that we could become the sons and daughters of the Living Christ. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: "Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!" </span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">May your Christmas be filled with love, family and</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"> happiness.</span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIggei6ZRDAPTkShNx6hGoxhXDY2VgcVj4VMTr9yKU0qTmYA57LOrdRnJgNcyf6HoP0m2ynCMO4a7PfQXNikBAqS9QiRBAoXek1NlZDf2slPpZltNnp1QwfNp1KKHrSEZFef64CUSKwRU/s1600/Signature.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIggei6ZRDAPTkShNx6hGoxhXDY2VgcVj4VMTr9yKU0qTmYA57LOrdRnJgNcyf6HoP0m2ynCMO4a7PfQXNikBAqS9QiRBAoXek1NlZDf2slPpZltNnp1QwfNp1KKHrSEZFef64CUSKwRU/s1600/Signature.bmp" /></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159620722135132301noreply@blogger.com1